The dam was built as part of the Pallivasal Hydro-electric project, one of the first in Kerala.
The reservoir area is a primary grazing ground for wild elephants in the Anamudi Shola mountain range.
The dam sits at an elevation of approximately 1,700 meters above sea level.
Water from the reservoir is utilized by the Mattupetty Indo-Swiss Project, a collaborative venture in cattle breeding.
The lake surface acts as a mirror for the surrounding hills, making it a distinct hydrological feature in the Munnar plateau.
Mattupetty Dam is a gravity dam constructed in the 1940s as part of the Pallivasal Hydro-electric project in the Munnar region of Kerala. The reservoir creates an expansive lake surrounded by shola forests and rolling grasslands. The area is a key habitat for wild elephants, which frequently visit the water's edge to drink. Visitors can access the lake for boating activities, including pedal boats and speedboats. The site serves as a vital water source for the nearby Indo-Swiss Dairy Farm, known for its high-yielding cattle breeds. The surrounding catchment area is noted for its high altitude, resulting in a temperate climate year-round.
The dam wall walkway provides a panoramic view of the reservoir and the encompassing Western Ghats.
Bring a pair of binoculars to spot elephants and birdlife along the forested reservoir banks.
Wear layers, as the high altitude causes rapid temperature drops and mist, even on sunny days.
Ensure your camera has a telephoto lens if you plan to capture wildlife near the water line.
Feeding the local wildlife or leaving trash near the reservoir, as the area is an ecologically sensitive zone.
