Tourists can now walk along the Idukki and Cheruthoni dams

Tourists will now be able to walk across the Idukki and Cheruthoni dams and enjoy the scenic beauty, Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine said here on Friday.

Inaugurating a ticket distribution for visiting the dams at Cheruthoni, Mr. Augustine said this was a long-term demand of the tourists.  The decision was taken at a recent meeting in Thiruvananthapuram with Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty. “Visitors must follow tight security guidelines while touring the dams,” said Mr. Augustine.

Entry is allowed on all days except Wednesdays between 10 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Tourists are allowed inside the dams on foot and buggy cars.The rate for buggy cars has been fixed at ₹150 for adults and ₹100 for children, while those walking must pay ₹50 and ₹30 for adults and children respectively. The number of tourists is limited to 3,750 people a day. “Mobile phones, cameras, and electronic gadgets are banned on the premises,” said an official. Green protocol is being implemented and tourists are strictly asked not to dump waste in and around the reservoirs.

Tourists are not permitted on the premises after 5 p.m.

Tickets can be booked on spot as well as online on the sitehttps://www.keralahydeltourism.com/attractions. Entry is permitted only through Vellappara route on the Thodupuzha-Puliyanmala State Highway. Those who book online tickets should report at the counter 20 minutes before entry.