Thumboormuzhi Dam is a colossal structure built over the mighty Chalakudy River. Located in the Thrissur District of Kerala, it is a great spot to spend some good time with friends and family. This dam is surrounded by lush greenery on rocky terrain with multiple sightseeing spots. It is not just a solitary dam in the middle of nowhere; visitors have several surprises in store. So, let’s look at a few great places in the Thumboormuzhi Dam area.
Places To Visit In And Around The Thumboormuzhi Dam
One thing you can be sure of is that this exploration will be worth your time! This place is a combination of marvellous elements that make it the Valhalla of every nature lover. Below are some of the great places to visit in the Thumboormuzhi Dam area:
1. Hanging Bridge
Image Credit: Rison Thumboor for Wikimedia Commons
Just a kilometre from the Thumboormuzhi Dam, this bridge is an artificial wonder in the rocky landscape with parks at both ends. As you walk through the bridge, the soothing breeze seems like whispering into your ears an age-old mystery, while the burbling flow of water brushing against the rocks seems like the pulsating beats of nature. The breeze makes the bridge swing lightly, but worry not, for it is sturdy enough to hold many people. Set amidst the green hills and forests, below the bridge are the canals that deliver water to different villages.
Visiting this bridge in the summer could be a different experience from visiting in the monsoon. In the summertime, you can see the rocky river beds, while in the monsoon season, the water body is all filled up. However, the breezy environment gives you a unique feeling.
How to reach: You can get here by cab or private car from Chalukuddy (20 Km)
Entry fee: Monday – Sunday, 6 AM – 7 PM
Entry fee: Rs. 20 (for adults)
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2. Butterfly Garden
Image Credit: Butterfly garden India for Wikimedia Commons
Set in the heart of Thumboormuzhi, this underrated place is present in the Ezhattumukham- Prakriti Gramam or the nature village. It is the largest butterfly park in Kerala and is a haven of about 148 species of butterflies. Some of the species that are familiar visitors in the garden are the Emon Butterfly (Papilio Demoleus), Southern Birdwing (Troides Minos), Common Rose (Pachliopta Aristolochiae), Light Blue Tiger (Tirumala Limniace), Dark Blue Tiger (Tirumala Septentrionis), etc.
However, if you visit early in the morning, you can see more butterflies, some of which are as big as small birds! During the monsoon season, the place records exotic species of butterflies that come to collect the nourishing nectar. Some commonly found plants in the garden are Pagoda flower, Rattlepods, Mexican Heather or Hawaiin Heather, Rubiaceae, Flame lily or Fire lily, Heliotropium Keralense, and more.
How to reach: You can get here by cab or private car from Chalukuddy (20 Km). Once you reach the area, you can take the hanging bridge and walk to the other side.
Entry fee: Monday – Sunday, 6 AM – 7 PM
Entry fee: Rs. 20 (adults), Rs. 5 (Children)
3. Thumboormuzhi Dam
Image Credit: Ranjithsiji for Wikimedia Commons
The Thumboormuzhi Dam is a tourist spot and attracts a considerable audience annually. From the dam, two canals emerge that supply water to the nearby villages. You have a nice sitting spot near the dam where you can sit and enjoy the environment. The dam is the first thing you will see in the Thumboormuzhi area after the entrance. There are several food stalls before the dam where you can find various food items like fruit and ice cream.
How to reach: You can get here by cab or private car from Chalukuddy (20 Km). Once you reach the area, you can take the hanging bridge and walk over to the other side.
Entry fee: Monday – Sunday, 6 AM – 7 PM
Entry fee: Rs. 20 (adults), Rs. 5 (Children)
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4. Athirapally Waterfall
Image Credit: Souradeep Ghosh for Wikimedia Commons
Born out of the upper regions of western ghats, the Athirapally waterfall is also called the “Niagara of South India.” This waterfall is about 81.5 feet at the beginning of the Sholayar ranges and is known to the locals as the “Charpa Falls.” The area sees heavy forest growth with many endangered plants and animals. This waterfall is the Chalakudy River, which originates from the Anaimalai mountains. From the entrance to the waterfall area, you can reach the top in about 15 minutes. To get the bottom, you must trek through the muddy terrain, which should take half an hour or so.
How to reach: You can get here by cab or private car from Chalukuddy (20 km) to the Thumboormuzhi Dam, and from there, it is just 4 km by road.
Entry fee: Monday – Sunday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry fee: N/A
5. Vazhachal Waterfalls
Image Credit: Athulvis for Wikimedia Commons
Vazhachal Waterfalls is a stunning waterfall in the Thrissur district of Kerala, India. It is a part of the Chalakudy River in the Sholayar forest ranges. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a breathtaking view to visitors. The water cascades down from a height, creating a picturesque scene and a soothing sound that adds to the area’s natural beauty.
How to reach: Vazhachal Waterfalls can be reached from Thumboormuzhi Dam by cab or private car. It’s just a 19 km drive from the dam to the waterfall.
Entry fee: Monday – Sunday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry fee: N/A
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6. Guruvayur Temple
Image Credit: Susmitanair for Wikimedia Commons
This famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Guruvayurappan is a significant pilgrimage centre and a major tourist attraction. The temple’s architecture and spiritual ambience attract devotees and tourists alike. The serene and peaceful atmosphere of the temple makes it a noteworthy destination for those seeking a spiritual experience. The temple is also known for its rituals and festivals, which draw thousands of visitors and devotees.
How to reach: You can reach Guruvayur Temple from Thumboormuzhi Dam by road via Chalakudy and Kunnamkulam. The distance is approximately 30 kilometres, and the travel time is around 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Entry fee: Monday – Sunday, 3:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Entry fee: N/A
How To Reach Thrissur?
Image Credit: Ravi Dwivedi for Wikimedia Commons
By Road:
To reach Thrissur by road, you can take a bus or taxi from nearby cities such as Kochi, Coimbatore, or Palakkad. The city is well-connected by a network of national and state highways.
By Rail:
If you prefer travelling by train, Thrissur has a central railway station in the Southern Railway zone. It is well-connected to other major cities such as Kochi, Chennai, Bangalore, and Mumbai.
By Air:
For those looking to travel by air, the nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport, located approximately 55 kilometres away. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from the airport to Thrissur.
Further Read: Kochi In December
The Thumboormuzhi Dam is a perfect harmony of man-made wonder and nature coexisting together. The best part is that you can visit the places near the Thumboormuzhi Dam and do not have to travel a lot. All of these places could be covered within a single day. The Thumboormuzhi Dam region will allow you to explore the dam, the Butterfly Garden, and the Hanging Bridge. At the same time, the Athirapally waterfall is located a short distance away. You can combine garden walking in Thumboormuzhi with trekking in Athirapally. So, if you want to visit any of these places, plan a trip to Kerala for hundreds of memorable experiences.
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Cover Image Credit: Kakara for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Thumboormuzhi Dam
When is the best time to visit Thumboormuzhi Dam, summer or monsoon?
You will have two very different experiences in summers and monsoons. In the summer, you can see the rocky river bed; in the monsoon season, the flowing water swells up, and the river flows through its course.
Is one day enough to explore the places in and around the Thumboormuzhi Dam?
One day should be enough to explore all the sites in and around the Thumboormuzhi Dam. The dam area will take around 5 to 6 hours, while the trip to Athirapally waterfall will be done in 3 hours. However, you need to start early.
Thrissur has many attractions in and around; how is the weather there?
Thrissur has a humid climate with light winds and is scarcely clouded during the days. It has a moderate temperature that rarely crosses 30 degrees Celsius while receiving a good amount of rainfall during the monsoon season.
Is there any other specific attraction in Thumboormuzhi?
There is a fish therapy centre that offers fish pedicures. First, you dip your legs in potassium permanganate and then immerse them in a tank full of Garra Rufa fish that eat your dead skin cells. This will cost around Rs 80 for adults and Rs 60 for kids.
The Thumboormuzhi Dam area is a great tourist spot. Does it have any specific delicacy?
A hotel at the entrance to the Thumboormuzhi Dam area offers Sambaran, a spicy buttermilk that is quite famous in the area.
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