Thoonakadavu dam is built across Thoonakadavu River which is the main tributary of Parambikulam River, also the Chalakudy River is a main source of water for Thoonakadavu dam. There is an adjoining canal which flows near the dam, but the main purpose to build the reservoir was to enhance the fishing business.

Hydrography

The Thoonakadavu dam is part of the Parambikulam Aliyar (Irrigation) Project.

Tourism

As the Thoonakadavu dam is located in the forest region tourists can catch sight of sambar dears and spotted dears. In the early hours of morning, bison and elephants visit the running waters, the locals have also seen a wild bear in the vicinity. Peacocks wander here freely during the year. The tourists can witness wildlife here throughout the year due to dense forest region.

The Thoonakadavu dam comes under the Forest division and is Forest Headquarters of Parambikulam Division. The tourists can see the forest guards in action in the area as the forest wireless station is situated here. The rest house of forest division is also situated in front of the Thoonakadavu reservoir.

Best Time to Visit

To visit Thoonakadavu, best time during the year is between Octobers to March. The climate in the region is pleasing and tourist will love the beauty of the place. Tourists can enjoy a day picnic near the Thoonakadavu Lake with the family. The Thoonakadavu Lake is situated in a wildlife area; hence the timings to visit are restricted.  The visiting hours are from morning 07:00am to evening 06:00pm, but the entry shuts at 04:00pm. To visit the Thoonakadavu Lake it is always advisable to hire a forest jeep with forest guards escorting the vehicle.

The common language spoken here is Tamil but one can communicate in English in the popular tourist locations.

Nearby Attractions

Thoonakadavu Lake is the popular tourist attraction with lush green forest. The lake has numerous crocodiles and hence not secure for swimming, but tourists can go boating in the lake and travel around. The nearby cities to Thoonakadavu Dam are Muthuvankudy city, Valiyapara Kutti and Adimali.

How to Reach Thoonakadavu Dam

To visit Thoonakadavu tourists need to reach Parambikulam first. The Parambikulam comes under Kerala but one needs to enter through Tamil Nadu state.

By Air

Coimbatore is the nearest airport, which is approximately 120 kms from Palakkad.

By Rail

The nearest railway junction is Pollachi, which is 65 kms from Palakkad.

By Road

Parambikulam can be reached through road, cabs or taxis can be hired from Pollachi which is roughly 45 kms from the Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary. It is well connected to metro cities through roadways.