Tourists capturing pictures of Idukki Dam and Cheruthoni from Idukki Hill View Park | Photo credit: JOMON PAMPAVALLEY
Tourism bodies have welcomed the government’s decision to lift tourism restrictions at the Idukki Dam.
According to Water Resources Minister Rosha Augustine, the decision was taken at a recent meeting in Thiruvananthapuram with Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty.
Mr. Augustine said that an expert team recently visited Idukki Assembly constituency to find the possibility of Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) implementing various projects.
After the visit, a meeting was held in Thiruvananthapuram where the projects were discussed. “During the meeting, the Minister for Electricity urged the lifting of tourist restrictions on the dam so that tourists can walk across it. The proposal was accepted.”
“The dam will be opened for tourists next month, from the first week,” the minister said.
Meanwhile, tourism stakeholders welcome the government’s move.
Kerala Hotel and Resorts Association unit executive member Cheruthoni Dominic VA said this is a long-standing demand of tourism stakeholders in Cheruthoni. “After the KSEB hydel tourism wing restricted the entry of tourists through buggies, hundreds of tourists had to return without getting tickets. The decision to allow tourists to walk across the dam will attract more tourists to the destination,” he said.
District Tourism Promotion Board Secretary Jiteesh Jose said the government’s decision will attract more tourists to Cheruthoni. “Cheruthoni is an emerging tourist destination in the district. Idukki Park, Hill View Park, Migration Museum and Eco Lodge are other attractions there. Besides, more tourism projects will be implemented in Cheruthoni,” said Mr. Jose.
The dam security wing of the KSEB imposed restrictions on the entry of tourists in July 2023 after a visitor placed locks on the earthing strips of eight tall pylons at Cheruthoni and Idukki dams, which the authorities considered a security breach. Some kind of liquid was also poured on the wire rope of the Cheruthoni dam locks.
Following the incident, the KSEB hydel tourism wing allowed tourists to enter only on buggies. Only 800 people on buggies can visit the dam daily.
Published – 16 Oct 2025 20:46 IST
