Peechi Dam
Peechi Dam- An Occasional Gateway in Thrissur
Built in the state of Kerala in the city of Thrissur, Peechi Dam offers a source of water to the nearby villages. It has been built across the Manali River and creates many fountains on its way that serves as a great location to tourists. Thrissur has overcome the shortage of water since the dam was constructed, thereby providing water to the paddy fields as well. It is also used for generating hydroelectricity and for domestic purposes. The botanical garden in its surroundings is quite much picturesque creating an attractive tourist destination. The Peechi Dam was established in the year 1958 with an area of 125 square kilometers. There are lots of tourist places in Thrissur and this place too attracts tourists for its amazing picnic spot and wonderful boating facilities in the reservoir. The surrounding vegetation is also a thing to look at and feel its majestic beauty.
Peechi Dam History
Peechi Dam is a masonry dam located in the Thrissur district of Kerala, India. It was built in the year 1959 across the Manali River, a tributary of the Chalakudy River. The primary purpose of the dam is to provide irrigation water to the nearby agricultural lands and also for generating hydroelectric power. The dam is surrounded by lush green forests, which makes it a popular tourist destination for nature lovers and picnickers. The Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to several species of flora and fauna, is located in the vicinity of the dam.
Activity
Peechi Dam offers a range of activities for visitors, including:
- Boating: Visitors can enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the dam’s reservoir and take in the scenic beauty of the surrounding forests.
- Wildlife watching: The Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, located near the dam, is home to several species of animals and birds, including elephants, tigers, deer, and hornbills. Visitors can go for a wildlife safari to spot these animals and birds.
- Picnicking: With its lush green surroundings, Peechi Dam is a popular picnic spot for families and friends. Visitors can spend a day relaxing, enjoying the scenic views and having a picnic.
- Trekking: The forests surrounding the dam are popular for trekking and hiking, offering visitors a chance to explore the scenic beauty and wildlife of the region.
- Photography: With its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife, Peechi Dam is a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. Visitors can capture the beauty of the dam, the reservoir, and the surrounding forests.
Overall, Peechi Dam is a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking for a peaceful getaway.
Travelling there
The 26 feet high dam is located at a distance of 20 km in Thrissur city which is well connected with other cities in the state. State transport buses and private buses are available on regular basis. The nearby railway station is Thrissur railway station which is located 22 km away from the spot. The nearby bus stand is Shaktan Thampuran which stands near the station and from there you can get to the dam within 45 minutes. The nearest airport, Cochin International Airport is at a distance of 68 km from the dam. Being a well-connected region you can opt for any of the options depending upon the place from where you are coming. The dam is open from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and the cost of entering the dam area is free.
Things to know before you go
Summer is not the ideal time to visit there as the time of entering the dam is during the day and your days are very sunny and the heat persists at that time. During the rainy season, it becomes a bit risky to go there as the dam may overflow. So the best time to visit there is in the winter and post-winter months that starts from October to March. It must be kept in mind that as there is no food stalls with decent meals however there are little stalls nearby. You may carry some snacks and necessary drinking water. The other thing to remember is that camera is not allowed to inside.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Peechi Dam is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and the monsoon has just ended, allowing for clear views of the dam and the surrounding landscapes. During this time, the water level in the dam is also high, making it an ideal time for boating and other water-based activities.
Visitors should avoid visiting during the monsoon season from June to September as the heavy rains may make it difficult to access the dam and the surrounding areas.
Things to do Peechi dam
- The Peechi- Vazhani wildlife sanctuary is a nearby attraction to the dam that offers amazing recreating pleasure to the mind of nature lovers. It is not possible to get inside the sanctuary but during the season you may take a boat ride to have a close look at the forest. The watch tower can offer you to view migratory birds.
- There is also a children’s park where they can play and families can spend a good time here. Couples can spend quality time and stroll here in the evening.
- Boating and swimming are additional activities one can enjoy.
- There is a watch tower on the top that provides you an opportunity to have a close view of the natural vegetation as well as the Manali River.
- On the way is the Kerala forest Research Institute with its seed center and nurseries and also the eco shop of the department from where you can forest produce and souvenirs.
- There is also a swimming pool near the dam where visitors can have a bath in the pool.
Additional information on the Peechi dam
This is a serene and well-connected location for those who have finished visiting other attractions and need to get to a quiet location. Parking areas are there for those who are arriving there in their private cars. In previous years the Peechi dam shutters used to be opened during the festival of Onam but for a few years it is not raining much and there is a shortage of water so the shutter has been kept closed. Boating has also been on hold but very soon everything would be in motion and the place would be a genuine tourist destination.
