Kakkayam Dam
Kakkayam’s cool reservoir and adjoining forest have made it a favoured weekend trekking. Base for Kozhikode residents, with routes leading toward the Peruvannamuzhi. Vellarimala ranges through terrain that also draws rock climbers to its granite outcrops. Kakkayam Dam sits at an elevation of 723 m. Is typically explored in about half day. The most favourable months to visit are November, December, January, and February. Conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Urakkuzhi Waterfalls, Kakkayam Mini Hydel Project View.
Kakkayam Dam at a Glance
Essential information about Kakkayam Dam.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Overview
Kakkayam’s cool reservoir and adjoining forest have made it a favoured weekend trekking base for Kozhikode residents, with routes leading toward the Peruvannamuzhi and Vellarimala ranges through terrain that also draws rock climbers to its granite outcrops. Kakkayam Dam sits at an elevation of 723 m and is typically explored in about half day. The most favourable months to visit are November, December, January, and February, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Urakkuzhi Waterfalls, Kakkayam Mini Hydel Project View, and Banana Island Viewpoint. Other notable highlights include urakkuzhi waterfalls after monsoon trek, boating on the reservoir’s still green water, and banasura Sagar Dam view from uphill trail. It falls within Kerala, India.
Highlights
- Urakkuzhi waterfalls after monsoon trek
- Boating on the reservoir’s still green water
- Banasura Sagar Dam view from uphill trail
- Rock climbing on the granite cliff faces
- Kakkayam Dam viewpoint at misty morning
- Spotted deer near the forest rest house
Getting There
Things To Do
Rock Climbing at the Kakkayam Cliff Face
For those with prior experience, the granite cliff near the reservoir’s southern shore offers bolted routes of varying grades, with a local adventure club often running day sessions. Safety gear and a certified instructor are mandatory, and booking in advance is required.
3 hours
Explore the Peruvannamuzhi–Kakkayam Forest Trail (Banana Hills)
This guided nature walk, starting near the dam’s forest checkpost, winds through moist deciduous forest with occasional glimpses of elephants’ footprints and giant Malabar squirrels. It’s a gentle, shaded trail that ends at a small seasonal waterfall.
3 hours
Boating in the Kakkayam Reservoir
Take a slow motorboat ride across the calm, emerald-green reservoir, flanked by dense deciduous forests and distant hills. It’s the best way to appreciate the dam’s scale and spot kingfishers or cormorants along the shoreline.
1 hour
Visit the Kakkayam Dam Spillway and Walkway
Walk along the top of the dam’s massive concrete spillway, where you can watch controlled water releases during monsoon months. The walkway gives a unique perspective of the sheer engineering and the valley below, with cool breezes even in midday heat.
45 minutes
Trek to the Kakkayam View Point (Sunrise Point)
A short, well-trodden trail leads up from the dam parking area to a rocky outcrop offering panoramic views of the reservoir and the surrounding Western Ghats. Early morning visits reward you with misty layers over the water and the sound of birdsong.
2 hours (including rest stops)
Picnic and Birdwatching at the Kakkayam Eco-Park
A small, shaded clearing with benches and a watchtower, located just 500 metres from the dam gate, is ideal for a relaxed picnic. Bring binoculars to spot Malabar hornbills, white-bellied treepies, and occasionally a crested serpent eagle gliding over the reservoir.
1.5 hours
Travel Tips
Confirm restroom facilities and plan breaks
Public toilets are basic and may be a distance from the main viewpoints, so use the facilities at the entry point before starting your walk. Also, identify a few safe rest stops (like the boating jetty area) where seniors can sit and catch their breath before moving on.
Carry your own foldable walking sticks
The paths around the dam have uneven stone steps and slippery patches near the water. Lightweight walking sticks or trekking poles provide extra balance, and you can use them to test the ground before stepping.
Book a guided vehicle in advance
The dam area involves steep, narrow roads and limited parking, so arrange a private car or tempo traveller with a local driver beforehand. This avoids last-minute hassles and ensures a comfortable, unhurried ride for the whole group.
Visit on a weekday morning
Weekends and holidays draw large crowds, making the viewpoints and walkways crowded and harder to navigate. A weekday morning offers cooler weather, fewer people, and easier access to benches and railings for resting.
Pre-arrange a simple packed lunch and water
Food stalls near the dam are sparse and often have long queues, with limited seating. Bring your own packed snacks, fruits, and plenty of water in a cool bag, and plan to have your meal at a flat, shaded spot away from the edge.
Good to Know Nearby
Practical essentials close to Kakkayam Dam — handy for senior and group travellers.
Hospitals
- PHC Kakkayam3.3 km
- Primary Health Center Kakkayam3.6 km
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you need a permit from the Kerala Forest Department, as the dam is inside a forest area. You can obtain it at the forest check-post near the dam entrance on the day of your visit, but it is safer to book online through the Kerala Forest Department website a few days in advance. Carry a valid photo ID for all group members.
The dam is located about 45 kilometres from Kozhikode city, and the last stretch involves a winding, uphill road that can be bumpy. While a regular car can reach the viewpoint, walking paths near the dam are uneven, so seniors should use a walking stick or have a companion for support. It is best to hire a local taxi or a private vehicle with a driver who knows the route well.
The boat rides are run by the forest department and are generally safe, but the boarding steps are steep and the boat can rock slightly. Seniors with balance issues should avoid the ride, or sit at the centre of the boat and inform the operator beforehand. The ride lasts about 30 minutes and offers excellent views of the surrounding hills, but check for life jackets and weather conditions before boarding.
The best time is between October and February, when the weather is pleasant and the water level is moderate. The dam is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but the forest office may stop issuing permits after 3:30 PM, so plan to arrive early. Avoid monsoon months (June to September) as the roads become slippery and the view is often blocked by heavy clouds.
There are no permanent restaurants or proper restrooms near the dam, only a few small tea shops and local snack vendors near the entrance. Carry your own water, light snacks, and a foldable chair if you plan to sit and enjoy the view. The nearest clean restrooms are in the forest department office or at a hotel in the town of Kakkayam, about 10 minutes away.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Kakkayam Dam
Arrival, Dam Views & Riverside Relaxation
Arrive in Kakkayam in the morning and ease into the scenic beauty of the reservoir. Spend the first day exploring the dam’s main viewpoints, a short nature walk along the water’s edge, and enjoying the calm forest atmosphere. The afternoon is slower, perfect for birdwatching and soaking in the misty hills.
- Walk along the Kakkayam Dam main wall and capture panoramic views of the reservoir and surrounding Western Ghats
- Take a gentle 1-km nature trail through the moist deciduous forest near the dam’s edge, spotting Malabar hornbills and langurs
- Visit the small cascading waterfall at the dam’s spillway (seasonal, best after monsoon) and sit on the rocks for a quiet picnic with packed snacks
Forest Trek, Tribal Village & Sunset Point
Start early with a moderate guided trek into the Kakkayam Reserve Forest, following old logging trails that offer glimpses of the dam from above. After the trek, visit the nearby tribal settlement to learn about local life and traditional forest produce. End the day at a lesser-known viewpoint for a peaceful sunset over the reservoir.
- Morning trek (about 3 km, easy to moderate) on the Urakkuzhi trail, ending at a rocky outcrop with a bird’s-eye view of the dam and valley
- Visit the Kurichya tribal hamlet on the forest fringe, where you can see traditional mud houses and buy small hand-woven baskets or spices
- Drive to the Kakkayam viewpoint near the Forest Department checkpost, then walk 200 m to a quiet knoll for sunset, with the reservoir turning golden below
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