Check dam adds charm to Chalakudy river in Thrissur

Chalakudy: The amazing beauty of Koodapuzha check dam on the Chalakudy river draws hundreds of visitors daily. The sight of water flowing over the check dam is truly incredible as it resembles a small waterfall. It was in 2011 that the construction of the check dam was completed near Koodapuzha Aarattukadavu. The distant view of the check dam from the Vettukadavu bridge which joins Chalakudy and Meloor is breathtaking.

Many visitors like to take a walk across the river through the check dam and the more adventurous ones would even ride their bikes over it, ignoring the warnings issued by the authorities.

During summer, lots of tourists throng the place to take a dip in the river. Though the beautiful sight of water flowing over the check dam wouldn’t be visible during the summer, the storing of the river water would ensure availability of water for the people living on both sides of it.

It is at Aarattukadavu, near the check dam, that the 'arattu' ceremony of the Koodalmanikyam temple at Irinjalakuda takes place every alternate year. 'Aarattu' - the ritual bathe of the deities - is the concluding phase of a grand temple festival.