The short answer
Sholayar Dam and Malakkappara: what visitors should know first
Only if you want a full day on the road. The reward is a high, cooler landscape and a big reservoir, but the journey is long, regulated and can be spoiled by cloud or rain. Skip it if time is short or anyone is prone to car sickness.
History and context
The story behind Sholayar Dam and Malakkappara
Malakkappara lies on the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border at about 948 m, with a Tata tea estate and forest under the Kerala Forest Department. The Sholayar dam is operated by the Kerala State Electricity Board; its power station was commissioned in 1961 and the dam works completed around 1965, with a reported installed capacity of 54 MW. Sources give differing heights for the dam, so none is quoted here.
Useful facts
Sholayar Dam and Malakkappara facts at a glance
- Location
- Malakkappara, Thrissur district, on the Tamil Nadu border; about 86 km from Chalakudy by SH 21
- Elevation
- About 950 m at Malakkappara
- Dam operator
- Kerala State Electricity Board
- Best for
- A full-day scenic drive
- Access
- Via the Vazhachal forest checkpost; dam access to be confirmed
Why it matters
Why Sholayar Dam and Malakkappara is worth your time
Malakkappara gives a sense of how far the Sholayar forest extends. After the crowds at the main falls, the road's end, with its high tea country and big reservoir, feels like a different region, and it explains why the forest here is considered important for elephants, hornbills and other wildlife.
The Sholayar dam is also a significant part of the Chalakudy River's story. Operated by the Kerala State Electricity Board, it was developed in the 1960s as part of the river's hydropower system. Seen alongside the free-flowing falls downriver, it shows the two sides of the river's use.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The high tea country
Tea estates and forest meet at Malakkappara, with cooler air and wide views.
- 02
Sholayar reservoir
A large reservoir ringed by forested hills, best seen early on a clear morning.
- 03
The drive itself
The journey through rainforest is the real attraction, with Charpa and Peringalkuthu on the way.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Plan the day as a drive with a few stops, not a hike. Leave Athirappilly early, pass the Vazhachal checkpost as it opens, and take the forest road through Charpa and the Peringalkuthu reservoir area. About 86 km from Chalakudy the highway ends at Malakkappara, a small border settlement at roughly 950 metres surrounded by tea estate and forest.
The Sholayar dam and reservoir lie a few kilometres further. On a clear day the reservoir is large and still, ringed by forested hills. Whether you can go close to the dam depends on current electricity-board rules, so do not count on it. Mist and cloud can hide the view for long periods, and the weather is cooler than at Athirappilly.
Many travellers turn back at Malakkappara. Others continue into Tamil Nadu towards Valparai, but that needs separate planning. Be back through the Vazhachal checkpost before it closes.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Start early and be back through Vazhachal before the checkpost closes
- Carry water, food and medicines; services are very limited
- Check the weather; cloud and rain can hide the view
- Confirm dam access with KSEB or the forest staff
- Do not leave your vehicle in the forest section
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Malakkappara and Sholayar, Thrissur district, at the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border
- Time needed
- 5–7 hours return from Athirappilly
- Best time
- September to January mornings; avoid heavy monsoon days
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Little walking is involved at viewpoints, but the day is long with forest stretches, few facilities and a bumpy road in places. Older travellers should carry water, medicines and food, and plan an early start and return before the forest gate closes.
- Tickets and access
- The route needs passage through the Vazhachal forest checkpost, with vehicle hours reported as about 6 am to 6 pm. Access to the Sholayar dam is controlled by the Kerala State Electricity Board; confirm whether visitors are currently allowed and at what hours.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Sholayar Dam and Malakkappara
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are live on the partner site.
Travelling with parents?
Little walking is involved at viewpoints, but the day is long with forest stretches, few facilities and a bumpy road in places. Older travellers should carry water, medicines and food, and plan an early start and return before the forest gate closes.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How far is Malakkappara from Athirappilly?
SH 21 runs about 86 km from Chalakudy to Malakkappara, with Athirappilly roughly 30 km along it, so around 55 km beyond Athirappilly.
Can we visit the Sholayar dam?
Access is controlled by the electricity board and can change. Ask at the forest checkpost or local tourism office before you go.
Is it worth the time?
For a full-day drive in good weather, yes. If you have only a few hours, stay with the three falls and Thumboormuzhi.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
