Are you looking for a place to enjoy nature, adventure and culture in Kerala? If yes, then you should not miss Mattupetty Dam, a stunning and significant attraction in Munnar, the hill station of God’s own country.
Mattupetty Dam is not just a water storage facility, but a destination that offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Mattupetty Dam, such as its history, features, things to do, best time to visit and how to reach. Read on to find out why Mattupetty Dam should be on your bucket list when you visit Munnar.
Things to Do at Mattupetty Dam
Mattupetty Dam is a place where you can never get bored. Whether you are a nature lover, an adventure seeker, a wildlife enthusiast or a photography buff, you will find something to suit your taste and mood at Mattupetty Dam. Here are some of the activities and attractions that you can enjoy at Mattupetty Dam:
Boating
One of the most popular and fun things to do at Mattupetty Dam is boating on the lake. You can choose from different types of boats, such as ordinary boats, speedboats and big boats, depending on your preference and budget. You can book your tickets in advance online or at the counter near the dam site. The boating timings are from 9:30 AM to 5 PM on all days of the week. The prices vary from INR 300 to INR 700 per boat for 15 to 30 minutes.
Boating on the lake is a great way to enjoy the scenic views of the dam, the hills and the forests. You can also spot some wildlife, such as elephants, bison, deer and birds, near the lake or in the water. Boating on the lake is a relaxing and refreshing experience that you will cherish for a long time.
Trekking
Another exciting and adventurous thing to do at Mattupetty Dam is trekking on the trails and routes around the dam. You can choose from different trekking trails and routes, such as Shola Forests, Kundala Lake and Echo Point, depending on your difficulty level, distance and duration. You can hire a guide or join a group for trekking at Mattupetty Dam.
Trekking at Mattupetty Dam is a great way to explore the natural beauty of the dam, the lake and the surrounding areas. You can discover various flora and fauna, such as orchids, rhododendrons, butterflies and birds, along the way. Trekking at Mattupetty Dam is a challenging and rewarding experience that will test your physical and mental stamina.
Wildlife Spotting
One of the most fascinating and educational things to do at Mattupetty Dam is wildlife spotting near the dam or in the forest. You can see different wildlife species at Mattupetty Dam, such as elephants, bison, deer and birds. You can also visit the nearby Eravikulam National Park or Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary for more wildlife spotting opportunities.
The best time and place to spot wildlife at Mattupetty Dam are early morning or evening near the lake or forest edges. You can use binoculars or cameras to observe and capture the wildlife from a safe distance. Wildlife spotting at Mattupetty Dam is a wonderful way to learn about animal behavior, biodiversity and conservation.
Photography
One of the most creative and enjoyable things to do at Mattupetty Dam is photography at various spots around the dam. You can capture stunning photos of the dam site, the lake view, the rose garden and the tea plantations. You can also take selfies or group photos with your friends or family at these spots.
The best time and angle to capture photos at Mattupetty Dam are sunrise or sunset from a high vantage point or a boat. You can use filters and editing tools to enhance your photos and make them more attractive. Photography at Mattupetty Dam is a fun and memorable way to create memories, express creativity and share with others.
Best Time to Visit Mattupetty Dam
Mattupetty Dam is a year-round destination that can be visited in any season. However, depending on the weather and scenery, some seasons may be more suitable or preferable than others. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of visiting Mattupetty Dam in each season:
Summer
Summer in Mattupetty Dam lasts from March to May. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C, which is pleasant and comfortable. The lake is full and the scenery is green and vibrant. Summer is a good time to visit Mattupetty Dam for boating, trekking and wildlife spotting.
However, summer can also be crowded and expensive, as it is the peak tourist season in Munnar. You may have to face long queues, traffic jams and high prices. You may also have to deal with occasional showers and thunderstorms.
Monsoon
Monsoon in Mattupetty Dam lasts from June to September. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C, which is cool and refreshing. The lake is overflowing and the scenery is lush and beautiful. Monsoon is a good time to visit Mattupetty Dam for photography, wildlife spotting and enjoying the waterfalls.
However, monsoon can also be wet and risky, as it is the rainy season in Munnar. You may have to face heavy rains, landslides and floods. You may also have to avoid some activities, such as boating and trekking, due to safety reasons.
Winter
Winter in Mattupetty Dam lasts from October to February. The temperature ranges from 5°C to 15°C, which is cold and cozy. The lake is calm and the scenery is clear and serene. Winter is a good time to visit Mattupetty Dam for boating, trekking and photography.
However, winter can also be chilly and foggy, as it is the coldest season in Munnar. You may have to carry warm clothes, blankets and heaters. You may also have to deal with low visibility and misty conditions.
Based on your preference and purpose, you can choose the ideal season and month to visit Mattupetty Dam. However, we recommend winter as the best time to visit Mattupetty Dam, as it offers clear skies, pleasant climate and less crowd.
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How to Reach Mattupetty Dam
Mattupetty Dam is located about 13 km away from Munnar town in Idukki district of Kerala. You can reach Mattupetty Dam from Munnar or other nearby places by using different modes of transport, such as bus, taxi or car.
Bus
You can take a bus from Munnar bus stand to Mattupetty Dam. The bus fare is around INR 20 per person. The bus frequency is every 30 minutes. The bus journey takes about 45 minutes.
Taxi
You can hire a taxi from Munnar or other nearby places to Mattupetty Dam. The taxi fare is around INR 500 per trip. The taxi availability is high. The taxi journey takes about 30 minutes.
Car
You can drive your own car or rent a car from Munnar or other nearby places to Mattupetty Dam. The car rental cost is around INR 1000 per day. The car parking fee is around INR 10 per hour. The car journey takes about 25 minutes.
Some directions and landmarks to help you locate Mattupetty Dam easily from Munnar or other nearby places are:
- Follow the Munnar - Top Station Highway (SH18) towards Kundala
- Cross the Pallivasal Power House on your left
- Cross the Pothamedu View Point on your right
- Cross the Kallar Waterfalls on your left
- Cross the Echo Point on your right
- Reach the Mattupetty Junction on your left
- Turn left at the junction and follow the signboards to reach the dam site
Where to Stay Near Mattupetty Dam
Mattupetty Dam is a popular tourist attraction in Munnar, Kerala that attracts many visitors throughout the year. If you are planning to visit Mattupetty Dam, you may want to stay near the dam or in the nearby town of Munnar. There are many hotels and resorts near Mattupetty Dam that offer comfortable and affordable accommodation for all kinds of travelers. Here are some of the best hotels and resorts near Mattupetty Dam that you can choose from:
Munnar Pepper Clouds Resort
Munnar Pepper Clouds Resort is a cozy and charming resort located about 0.6 miles from Mattupetty Dam. It offers spacious and well-furnished rooms with balconies that offer scenic views of the dam, the hills and the forests. The resort also has a restaurant, a garden, a terrace and a 24-hour front desk.
The price for a night at Munnar Pepper Clouds Resort is around $45 per room.
Parakkat Nature Hotel & Resorts
Parakkat Nature Hotel & Resorts is a luxurious and elegant hotel located about 2.7 miles from Mattupetty Dam. It offers modern and stylish rooms with balconies that offer panoramic views of the dam, the lake and the mountains. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a spa, a fitness center and a 24-hour front desk.
The price for a night at Parakkat Nature Resort is around $100 per room.
KTDC Tea County Munnar
KTDC Tea County Munnar is a government-run hotel located about 0.5 miles from Mattupetty Dam. It offers cozy and comfortable rooms with balconies that offer views of the dam, the tea gardens and the town. The hotel also has a restaurant, a coffee shop, a conference hall and a 24-hour front desk.
The price for a night at KTDC Tea County Munnar is around $50 per room. You can book your room online or at the counter near the hotel.
Nearby Attractions of Mattupetty Dam
Mattupetty Dam is not the only attraction in the area. There are many other nearby attractions that you can visit along with Mattupetty Dam, such as:
Kundala Dam Lake
Kundala Dam Lake is another beautiful and serene lake located about 20 km away from Mattupetty Dam. It is the first arch dam in Asia and one of the oldest dams in India. You can enjoy boating, cycling and golfing at Kundala Dam Lake. You can also visit the nearby cherry blossom gardens and tea plantations.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a biodiversity hotspot located about 60 km away from Mattupetty Dam. It is home to various endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna, such as the grizzled giant squirrel, the star tortoise, the sandalwood tree and the neelakurinji flower. You can enjoy wildlife safari, trekking, camping and birdwatching at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Dairy Farm
Dairy Farm is an Indo-Swiss project located near Mattupetty Dam. It is a high-tech dairy farm that breeds high-yielding varieties of cows, such as Jersey and Holstein Friesian. You can visit the dairy farm and learn about the modern methods of dairy farming. You can also buy fresh dairy products from the farm.
Tips for Visiting Mattupetty Dam
Mattupetty Dam is a wonderful place to visit, but you need to follow some tips and precautions to make your trip safe and enjoyable. Here are some tips for visiting Mattupetty Dam:
- Book your tickets and accommodation in advance, especially during peak season
- Carry your identity proof and valid permits, if required
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
- Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and umbrella
- Carry water, snacks and medicines
- Do not litter or pollute the dam or the lake
- Do not feed or disturb the wildlife
- Follow the rules and regulations of the dam authorities
- Respect the local culture and customs
Mattupetty Dam is a scenic and historic attraction in Munnar, Kerala that offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. You can enjoy boating, trekking, wildlife spotting and photography at Mattupetty Dam. You can also visit the nearby attractions such as the dairy farm, the rose garden and the tea plantations.
You can visit Mattupetty Dam in any season, but winter is the best time to enjoy clear skies, pleasant climate and less crowd. Happy Travels!
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