Peruvannamuzhi Eco-Tourism Centre

About this place

Peruvannamuzhi Dam and its adjoining wildlife attractions form an important nature tourism destination in Kozhikode district, Kerala, set amid the hills and forests of the Western Ghats. Located about 60 kilometres from Kozhikode town, the reservoir and surrounding landscape are part of the wider Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary region and combine scenic water views with opportunities for wildlife observation, boating and outdoor recreation. Kerala Tourism describes Peruvannamuzhi as a picturesque dam site surrounded by forest, with uninhabited islands in the reservoir adding to its natural character. The destination also includes a bird sanctuary and crocodile farm, making it more than a conventional reservoir viewpoint. The crocodile facility is one of the established attractions associated with Peruvannamuzhi's ecotourism landscape. Kerala Tourism describes the site as a crocodile farm, while Kerala Forest Department records identify Peruvannamuzhi as an ecotourism destination with a crocodile rescue centre. This makes the reptile facility particularly relevant to visitors interested in wildlife conservation and learning about reptiles rather than simply sightseeing. The surrounding area also contains a wild animal rehabilitation centre, where injured or orphaned animals can be cared for and rehabilitated, adding an educational and conservation-oriented element to the visitor experience. Bird watching is another attraction at Peruvannamuzhi. Kerala Tourism specifically identifies a bird sanctuary at the destination and notes the presence of diverse bird species in the wider forest environment. The surrounding Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary landscape supports a variety of flora and fauna, including forest birds and mammals, while the reservoir and its vegetation provide additional habitats for aquatic and water-associated species. Kerala Tourism's ecotourism information describes the wider Peruvannamuzhi region as an ecological hotspot with more than 680 species of rare plants and a range of wildlife, although sightings of wild animals in their natural habitat cannot be guaranteed. The reservoir itself is an important part of the Peruvannamuzhi visitor experience. Kerala Tourism records facilities for speedboat trips and slower cruising boat trips, allowing visitors to experience the landscape from the water and view the forested hills and uninhabited islands surrounding the reservoir. In 2025, Kerala Tourism also reported the renovation of tourism facilities at the dam and the introduction of solar-powered boat services as part of efforts to strengthen sustainable water-based tourism in the area. The renovated visitor facilities included a children's park, interpretation centre, landscaped gardens, tiled walkways, an open cafeteria, canteen, ticket counter and improved parking arrangements. The destination also has opportunities for nature-based activities beyond the main dam area. Kerala Tourism and the Forest Department identify trekking and guided sightseeing among the activities associated with Peruvannamuzhi. However, trekking within forest areas is subject to regulations and should be undertaken only through permitted routes or authorised programmes. The proximity of the reservoir to the Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary means that the landscape is also an important wildlife habitat, and visitors are expected to respect forest rules and avoid disturbing animals or entering restricted areas. The Forest Department's current ecotourism system continues to list Peruvannamoozhi as an official ecotourism destination, confirming its role within Kerala's organised forest tourism network. Peruvannamuzhi is also connected with the broader Kakkayam–Peruvannamuzhi tourism circuit in eastern Kozhikode. Travellers exploring this part of Kerala can combine the reservoir and wildlife attractions with other nearby nature destinations, including Kakkayam, where forests, waterfalls, trekking routes and the dam landscape provide additional outdoor experiences. The connection between these destinations has been recognised through tourism development initiatives aimed at promoting ecotourism, wildlife experiences and adventure activities in the Western Ghats region. Some commonly circulated online descriptions provide fixed opening hours and specific entrance charges for Peruvannamuzhi, but these figures are not consistently supported by current official visitor information. Kerala Forest Department records have historically listed charges for its Peruvannamuzhi ecotourism activities, while the current official system may apply different charges depending on the particular service or programme. It is therefore better to verify current access, boating availability, activity schedules and applicable fees before visiting rather than relying on older timings or prices. Overall, Peruvannamuzhi Dam and its crocodile and wildlife attractions offer a combination of reservoir scenery, forest biodiversity, boating, bird watching, conservation…