The famous picnic spot, which comprises of a dam and beautifully landscaped gardens, is situated on the lower hills of the Western Ghats.Penetrated with lust lawns, flower beds and fountains, the key attraction include a rose garden and an aerial ropeway.
The dam was conceived as a multi-purpose project to provide water for irrigation, drinking, industries, power generation, fish farming and water transport. However, plans for water transport was dropped from the initial phase itself, and later, boating services for leisure was started. Soon after the inauguration of the dam, Palakkad and Malampuzha became a part of the newly formed Kerala State. Kerala Government started the Malampuzha Gardens on the front side of the dam. Later, various other features were added like the Rock Gardens, an aquarium, Snake Park and Rope Way.