Poomala Hills

About this place

Poomala Hills is a scenic hill landscape in Thrissur district, Kerala, associated with the Poomala area and the Poomala Dam, and forms part of the district’s inland nature and dam tourism circuit. Located east of Thrissur city, the area combines gently elevated terrain, greenery, reservoir scenery and rural surroundings, making it a popular setting for visitors seeking a peaceful outdoor experience close to the city. Kerala Tourism identifies Poomala Dam as an irrigation-purpose dam and features the destination among Thrissur’s tourism attractions, while the Thrissur District Tourism Promotion Council includes Poomala Dam in its Brown Circuit, a dam-focused tourism route connecting several reservoirs and scenic locations in the district. The Poomala reservoir scheme was commissioned in 1968, and the dam premises were later developed as a tourism centre, with facilities including a walkway and visitor amenities. The reservoir and surrounding hills provide the main attraction for travelers exploring Poomala, with the landscape offering opportunities to enjoy open views, greenery and the quieter character of the Thrissur countryside. Kerala Tourism notes that visitors at Poomala Dam can enjoy boating in the reservoir, horse riding and walks along the designated walkway, making the area relevant to leisure tourism as well as nature-oriented travel. The hills surrounding Poomala add to the scenic character of the destination, with vegetation and elevated terrain providing a pleasant contrast to the more urban environment of Thrissur city. Visitors interested in photography can explore the landscape around the reservoir, while families and casual travelers can use the established areas around the dam for relaxation and outdoor recreation when facilities are operating. The destination also has significance within the broader water-management landscape of Thrissur, where dams such as Poomala, Peechi, Vazhani and Chimmini support irrigation and water-resource management while also contributing to the district’s tourism circuits. The Poomala area is therefore an example of how functional infrastructure and nature tourism can coexist, with the reservoir serving an important practical purpose while also becoming a place for recreation and sightseeing. Because the dam is an operational water-management structure, visitors should remain within designated public areas and follow safety instructions, particularly around the reservoir, spillway and other restricted sections. Water levels can change considerably during the monsoon and periods of heavy rainfall, and official district records have included orders concerning the release of excess water from Poomala Dam. These conditions make it important for visitors to check current local advisories before travelling, especially during periods of intense rainfall. The surrounding landscape becomes particularly lush during and after the southwest monsoon, while the drier months generally provide more comfortable conditions for walking and outdoor sightseeing. However, weather and access conditions can vary, so there is no need to treat one season as universally suitable for every activity. Poomala Hills can also be incorporated into a wider Thrissur travel itinerary alongside nearby attractions such as Vazhani Dam, Vilangankunnu and Cheppara, all of which contribute to the district’s inland tourism landscape. The Thrissur District Tourism Promotion Council specifically places Poomala Dam within its Brown Circuit and connects it with other dam and hill destinations, demonstrating its established role in local tourism planning. Travelers coming from Thrissur can reach the area by road, making Poomala practical for a short excursion or as part of a broader day trip through the eastern side of the district. The surrounding villages and agricultural landscapes also provide a glimpse of Kerala’s rural character, with greenery, cultivated land and settlements forming the backdrop to the reservoir and hills. Poomala Hills is therefore best understood as a scenic nature and leisure destination rather than a high-altitude mountain tourism centre. Its appeal comes from the combination of hills, reservoir, greenery, walking spaces and accessible outdoor activities, making it suitable for visitors interested in peaceful travel, photography, family outings and the natural scenery of Thrissur. For travelers exploring Kerala beyond major beaches, temples and waterfalls, Poomala offers a quieter experience where the landscape, water resources and rural environment come together within one of Thrissur district’s established dam tourism destinations.

🚆 Railway: Thrissur Railway Station (~14 km)

✈️ Airport: Cochin International Airport (~65 km)

🚌 Bus: Poomala Bus Stop / Poomala Dam Road (~14 km from Thrissur KSRTC Bus Station)

🏨 Stay: Mountain Lake Poomala / Riverine Springs / The Leaf Poomala

✅ Notes: Poomala Dam Viewpoint overlooks the reservoir and surrounding hills, with the dam area…