PAZHASSI DAM
Majestic dam with scenic gardens, walkways, and cultural amphitheater on Mattannur-Iritty route. Located 37 km east of Kannur district in Kerala, Pazhassi Dam is an ideal retreat for tourists seeking a blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. Named after the legendary King Pazhassi Raja, this stone-masonry diversion dam is constructed across the Valapattanam river and serves as a key irrigation structure for the Thalassery and Thaliparambra taluks.
Commissioned by Prime Minister Morarji Desai in 1979, Pazhassi Dam is renowned for its scenic beauty and serene environs. The lush green surroundings of the reservoir make it a popular destination for visitors from near and far. The dam offers a unique opportunity to drive across its crest, providing sweeping views of the picturesque landscape.
The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) enhances the visitor experience by offering pleasure boating facilities on the reservoir. Adjacent to the dam is a beautifully maintained garden, which adds to the site's charm. The garden features unique sculpted figures, including that of Pazhassi Raja, and includes a children's park with various rides and swings. Surrounded by tall trees, the park creates a tranquil atmosphere, reminiscent of a jungle setting. Additionally, the garden includes an open stage for hosting cultural programs, eateries, and the Gandhigramam Wayanad.
The Inspection Bungalow at the dam provides comfortable accommodation for tourists, making it convenient for visitors to extend their stay and fully explore the area. The garden, with its well-maintained walkways and scenic views of the dam, is a perfect picnic spot suitable for all age groups. An amphitheater within the garden hosts cultural performances, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the location.
Nearby attractions include the Edakkanam River View Point and Iritty Eco Park, both of which offer further opportunities for nature exploration and leisure. The Pazhassi Dam, also known as Kulur Barrage, stands as the first major irrigation project in Northern Kerala, highlighting its significance beyond tourism.
IRITTY URBAN FOREST
The Sanjeevani Medicinal Garden, which was under the control of the Social Forestry Division, has been renovated and made more attractive at a cost of ₹40 lakh. The medicinal garden was originally established in 2003 under the control of the Forest Department on about 10 hectares of land belonging to the Pazhassi Irrigation Division, along the Iritty–Edakkana road.
In addition to around 1,000 medicinal plants belonging to 25 varieties that had already been planted there—including pathimukham, nannari, thippali, rathnachandanam, adalodakam and venga—another 6,000 saplings have been planted. The garden has been developed as a botanical garden and has now been transformed into an urban forest.
Walking paths have been constructed across approximately 7 hectares of the 10-hectare area, allowing visitors to walk around and explore the garden. About 3.5 hectares of the area have also been renovated by clearing the undergrowth.
Fifty seating arrangements, each accommodating three people, have been provided, including spots where visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Pazhassi Reservoir on the Iritty River. With the completion of the first phase of development works—including a ticket counter, toilet block, compound wall and information centre—the facility is now being opened to visitors.
The ‘Iritty Urban Forest’, offering visitors an enriching experience of butterflies, trees, diverse vegetation, rare plant species, birds and medicinal plants, is sure to become a favourite eco-park among tourists
EDAKKANAM RIVER VIEW POINT
Edakkanam River View Point is one of the district's notable tourist attractions. It draws large crowds—from early morning until night on holidays and during the evenings on weekdays. Key highlights include the Iritty River, the Akamthuruthi Island formed by the river, and the verdant riverside lawns. The scenic beauty of the ten-acre area along the banks of the Pazhassi project—rich with sprawling vegetation reminiscent of a forest—captivates everyone. The surroundings are often draped in a blanket of mist. The roar of heavy rains and the rich biodiversity of flora and fauna make this area a favorite spot for nature enthus
AKAMTHURUTHI ISLAND
Plans are underway to develop Akamthuruthi Island into an eco-tourism hub, aiming to attract travelers just as Dharmadam Island does. Akamthuruthi is a small island that captivates visitors with the enchanting beauty of the river and its lush greenery. It is situated within the Pazhassi reservoir—surrounded by water on all sides—between Valliyad in Iritty Municipality and Peruvamparamba in Payam Panchayat, nestled between the Iritty–Edakkanam–Pazhassi Project Road and the Iritty–Taliparamba Road. Spanning 16 acres, this island holds the potential to become a premier tourism destination in Kannur district.
