Kanjirapuzha Dam, built across the Siruvani River, is one of Palakkad’s most family-friendly tourist spots. Surrounded by the lush Vettilachola evergreen forest and hill ranges, the reservoir holds three small islands, making the views picture-perfect. Alongside the dam, a beautifully landscaped park with kids’ play rides, a nursery, and boating facilities makes this a favorite weekend getaway for families, couples, and nature lovers.
🌿 Kanjirapuzha Dam View Deck & Garden
The breezy promenade along the reservoir rim opens into manicured lawns and shaded seating areas. Families enjoy evening strolls while children play in the garden. Sunset paints the sky orange, making it one of the best photography spots in Palakkad.
🎫Kanjirapuzha Dam Entry Fee & Timings
Adults: ₹30 | Children: ₹15
Timing: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (All days)
Parking: Car ₹20 | Bike ₹10 (cash only)
🚌 How to Reach Kanjirapuzha Dam
Palakkad Town: 35 km (~1 hr drive)
Mannarkkad: 12 km (~20 mins)
Nearest Railway Station: Palakkad Junction (36 km)
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore (90 km)
💡 Hidden Tip: Visit on weekdays for peaceful sunsets and easy parking. On weekends, reach before 5 PM to grab the best lawn seats.
🚤 Boating at Kanjirapuzha Reservoir
The calm reservoir is perfect for boating when water levels are sufficient. Both pedal and row boats are available from the garden side. Families love circling close to the tiny islands, with kids squealing in excitement.
🎫 Boating Charges
Pedal Boat: ₹50–₹100 per ride
Row Boat: ₹100–₹150 per ride
Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
💡 Hidden Tip: Buy your boating ticket as soon as you enter; sunset rides often sell out quickly.
🎡 Children’s Play Zone & Paid Rides
Beyond the permanent swings and slides, weekends and holidays see vendors running fun activities. This is what makes the park extra exciting for kids.
🎯 Activities & Charges
Battery Cars/Bikes: ₹50–₹100 per ride
Mini Cycles: ₹50–₹100 (20–30 mins)
Trampoline/Bouncy Castle: ₹30–₹50 per child (5–10 mins)
Ball Shooting/Archery Games: ₹30–₹50 per set
💡 Hidden Tip: Carry small notes (₹10, ₹20, ₹50) as most vendors accept only cash.
🍴 Food & Refreshments
Inside the park, you’ll find small stalls selling tea, coffee, ice creams, bottled water, and Kerala snacks like pazham pori (banana fritters) and vada. For meals, Mannarkkad town has good hotels serving Kerala meals and fish curry.
💡 Hidden Tip: Pick up snacks and water from Mannarkkad before entering; evening crowds often mean long queues at stalls.
🌱 Nursery Corner – Plants & Fisheries
Fisheries Nursery: Managed near the reservoir, showcasing fish fingerlings.
Plant Nurseries: Several sapling shops line Kanjirapuzha Road and Mannarkkad, selling fruit trees, ornamentals, and spices.
💡 Hidden Tip: Buy local varieties like mango, pepper, and jackfruit, they thrive in Kerala’s soil better than exotic plants.
🌄 Kanjirapuzha Viewpoint
Just outside the dam, a roadside viewpoint frames the reservoir and hills. Fewer crowds, perfect for a quick photo stop.
💡 Hidden Tip: Stop here on your way in; later you won’t want to drive out of the park once you’re settled inside.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Kanjirapuzha Dam
October – March: Pleasant weather, perfect for boating and evening strolls.
Monsoon (June – Sep): Dam overflows with greenery, but paths get slippery.
Summer (Apr – May): Hot in the afternoon; best to visit after 5 PM.
💡 Hidden Tip: For mirror-like water shots, visit in the early morning on weekdays.
🏞️ Nearby Tourist Attractions
Meenvallam Waterfalls (15 km) – multi-tiered falls, best after monsoon.
Silent Valley National Park (42 km) – evergreen forest trekking.
Malampuzha Dam & Fantasy Park (42 km) – ropeway, aquarium, water rides.
Nelliyampathy Hills (65 km) – trekking & coffee plantations.
🌟 Traveler Reviews Kanjirapuzha Dam & Park
👍 The Good
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐“Beautiful dam surrounded by greenery. The evening sunset was magical, and boating made it even more special. A must-visit for families.”
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐“The park is very well maintained with lawns, benches, and shaded areas. Kids enjoyed the play zone and rides. Perfect for a weekend picnic.”
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐“Peaceful location with breathtaking views of the reservoir and tiny islands. Not as crowded as Malampuzha, which makes it even better.”
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐“Boating was the highlight of our trip! Affordable and safe for kids. The cool breeze in the evening made the experience wonderful.”
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐“Great spot for photography. The viewpoint outside the dam is less crowded and gave us some amazing shots of the water and hills.”
👎 The Bad
⭐ ⭐ ⭐“Entry and rides are all cash only. No digital payment options, which was inconvenient.”
⭐ ⭐“The food stalls inside had very limited options. We had to go back to Mannarkkad for proper meals.”
⭐ ⭐ ⭐“Crowded on weekends, especially after 5 PM. Parking was a little messy during peak hours.”
⭐ ⭐“Some of the kids’ rides felt overpriced compared to the time given. Need better regulation.”
⭐ ⭐ ⭐“Boating was closed during our visit because of low water level. Very disappointing, as that was our main plan.”
Kanjirapuzha Dam & Park is one of Palakkad’s best picnic spots, combining scenic beauty, boating, children’s fun rides, nurseries, and sunset views. Whether you’re a family with kids, a couple, or a solo traveler, this destination has something for everyone. Add nearby waterfalls and hills to your trip for a wholesome experience.
👉 Don’t miss this hidden gem, plan your Kanjirapuzha Dam trip today for an unforgettable Kerala getaway!
