Periyar Dam was constructed across Mullai Periyar river in Idukki District, Kerala. The river Periyar rises in the Sivagiri peak of the Western Ghats in the Quilon district, 80 km south of Devikulam and traverses for about 186 km, where the tributary Mullaiyar joins on the right. The river Periyar runs through 232 km traversing parts of Ernakulam district and falls in Vembanad lake.
By this reservoir Madurai, Theni, Dindigul and Sivaganga Districts are benefitted. Uthamapalayam, Periyakulam, Nilakottai, Melur, Sivagangai and Madurai taluks are benefitted by this reservoir.
This dam is owned, operated and maintained by the State of Tamil Nadu, as per the Inter State Lease Agreement entered into between the then Maharaja of Travancore and the Secretary of State for India in Council in 1886.
The construction of dam was started on September 1887 and completed by 1895. The dam came into operation in 1895.
