With
a vast area of 4478 sq km, Idukki is the largest district in Kerala,. it covers 13% of the state. This is one of
the most nature riches areas in Kerala. The huge misty mountains, dense
forests, and splendid rivers makes this region ideal for outing. The
district is nourished by three huge rivers and they are Periyar,
Thalayar, and Thodupuzhayar. The river has its origin here. Idukki
consists of wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, spice plantations,
mountain ranges ideal for trekking etc. A large number of tribal people
living in this region. The flora here is described in the ancient Hindu
scripts also. There is historical evidence to prove that from ancient
times Idukki was a major trading center for timbers like ivory, teak,
rosewood, and sandalwood and also birds like peacocks. The name Idukki
is derived from the Malayalam word '
idukki' which means a
narrow gauge. Idukki is Keralas forest district with an astonishing more
than half of the total area under the forest session. Idukki is most
famous for the Arch Dam here across the Periyar River and the
hydroelectric project. The district headquarters is located at Painavu.
The
district economy mainly dependent on agriculture. Lush green paddy
fields, Spice plantations; cash crop and timber industry plays a huge
role in the district economy. Another main revenue earning industry here
is tourism.
The district is well connected with road. KSRTC
operates bus services to Thodupuzha, Kumily, Munnar, Thekkady,
Peerumede, the main towns in Idukki from all major cities and towns in
Kerala. The district Idukki dont has any rail paths. The nearest railway
station to Painavu is Kottayam, which is 110 kilometers away. The
Changanacherry railway station is 90 kilometes away from the town, but
the inavailability of trains may cause a problem. The nearest airport is
Madurai in Tamil Nadu which lies 140 kilometers away. The place Idukki
is a fantastic destination for tourists from all over the world. The
tourist places in Idukki are located in and around three major towns and
they are Thekkady, Peermedu and Munnar.
Places of Attraction
1.
Idukki Arch Dam
This magnificent parabolic dam is the world's second and Asia's first
arch dam. The dam is 650 feet of length and 550 feet of height. The dam
is built across the Periyar river for the hydroelectric project and also
for irrigation purpose. The dam is made between two huge rocks namely
Kuravan and
Kurathi.
The Cheruthoni dam and Kulamavu dam are located close to this dam.
Together these three forms the largest reservoir in Kerala. The dam lies
60 kilometers east of Thodupuzha and easily accessible. The dam gives
panoramic views of the lake and surrounding areas including the Idukki
Wildlife Sanctuary.
2.
Cheruthoni
Cheruthoni lies near to Painavu and is the area surrounding Idukki and
Cheruthoni dams. The place lies around 4000 feet above sea level. The
Cheruthoni dam is the largest and highest gravity dam in Kerala. To
prevent water loss from the dam, another 328 feet high dam is
constructed 50 kilometers away and that is the Kulamavu dam. The place
Cheruthoni offers great trekking experiences.
3.
Kalvari Mount
This hilltop is mainly a Christian pilgrimage center. On the day of
Good Friday, people carry crosses and climb up to the mountain in memory
of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. The hilltop offers stunning views of the
surrounding forests and dam. You can even see elephants roaming there.
This place is ideal for trekking. The mount is located 35 kilometers
from Thodupuzha on the Moolamattam-Idukki road.
4.
Nadukani
This is an ideal place for day picnickers. This hilltop offers
panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. The northern side of this
are is filled with blue hills. There is two- storied pavilion
specifically for the tourists sight seeing. The place lies 35 kilometers
from Thodupuzha on the route to Painavu. The place is easily
accessible.
5.
Thommankuthu
Thommankuthu is famous for the numerous waterfalls here. The seven-step
waterfall that drops down a rock from a height of 1500 meters is the
main attraction here. At each step there is a cascade and a pool
beneath. If you are willing to undertake a trekking of 12 kilometers you
can reach the top of the mountain, the best way to enjoy the place. The
falls were named after a great tribal leader
Thomban. The place lies 17 kilometers from Thodupuzha.
6.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary covers an area of 105 square kilometers and lies at an
altitude varies from 450 to 750 meters. The sanctuary spread over the
Thodupuzha and Udumbanchola Taluks. The space is filled with tropical
evergreen forests, semi evergreen forests and moist deciduous forests.
There is a lake having an area of 33 square kilometers inside the
sanctuary. This biosphere is home for vast herds of elephants, deer,
bear, wild boars, sambar, wild dogs, jungle cats and tigers. There is
also various species of snakes like Cobra, viper, python, kraits etc.
Besides that the sanctuary has an astonishing variety of bird life.
Several aquatic birds like ducks can be seen here. Boating in the lake
and traveling through the wooden forests are the main attractions here.
Photography is prohibited at some corners of the sanctuary. November to
May is the best time to visit here. The sanctuary is located 65
kilometers from Munnar and 55 kilometers from Thodupuzha. The sanctuary
is easily accessible.
7.
Munnar
The splendid and most popular touist spot Munnar is located 1600 meters
above sea level. This hill station was the summer resort of erstwhile
British administration in South India. The place is famous for the tea
and coffee plantations here. The splendid tea and coffee plantations,
beautiful valleys, rolling hills, waterfalls etc makes Munnar as one of
the prime tourist center in South India. The name Munnar literally means
three rivers, its because the land is nourished by the three rivers
Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. The highest peak in South India
Anamudi is located at Munnar. The place Munnar is well connected with
road. KSRTC and private vehicle companies operates services to Munnar
from all major places in the State.
a)
The Tea Museum
here at Munnar is an attraction. It is the only tea museum in the whole
country. If you are interested in the history of tea and tea
plantations in high ranges, you need to visit here. The tea museum is
located in an old tea estate in the Kannan Devan hills under the Kannan
Devan company.
b) Another splendid spot for weekend picnickers,
Mattupetty
is located 13 kilometers away from Munnar town. The place lies 1700
meters above sea level. The lake and the Hydro electric project here
draws attraction. Boating is possible here at the lake from 9.30 am to
5.30 pm.
c) The place
Kundala is famous for the
Sathuparvathipuram
dam here. The reservoir offers boating and its an ideal place for
people love tranquility. The dam is located 4 kilometers from Mattupetty
on Top Station road.
d)
The Mount Carmel Church, which was believed to be established in 1898, is one of the main pilgrimage centers in Munnar.
e)
The Devikulam Lake
is the highest lake in the region. It is an ideal place for fishing.
This place offers marvelous views of the highest ranges of the Western
Ghatts. There is a temple nearby, dedicated to
Sita, the wife
of Rama in the Hindu epic Ramayana. Perhaps this temple is the only
temple is Kerala , where only Sita is worshiped. Prior permission needed
here for trekking and fishing.
f)
The Blossom Intenational Park
here offers boating, cycling, roller skating, campfire and games. It is
located at Kerala Hydel Tourism center. Entry is permitted in between
10.00 am and 7.00 pm.
g) Besides of these attractions Munnar is an
ideal place for trekking. h)
Top Station
is the highest point in the Munnar -Kodaikanal road. The rope way here
to reach the top is the main attraction here. The place lies 35
kilometers from Munnar and an ideal place for trekking.
i)
Kolukkumalai
is the highest tea plantation in the country. The place is located 7900
feet above the sea level. The journey to this hilltop is an adventure
itself because of the narrow road on which you are moving through the
sprawling tea plantations. The tea factory visit here is worth. This
hilltop is an exceptional one for trekking. Kolukkumalai lies 50
kilometers from Munnar ans is accessible only by road.
j)
The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
is located 20 kilometers fro Marayur at the Devikulam Taluk. The
sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna. The sanctuary is famous for the
giant squirrel seen here. the only sandalwood cultivation happens here
in the state. The sanctuary lies 60 kilometers from Munnar and
accessible by road.
k)
The Eravikulam national Park
is situated at the Devikulam Taluk between Kannan Devan hills and
Anamudi. It is the home to the endangered species Nilgiri Tahr. This
sanctuary is also rich in flora and fauna. Trekking is the another
attraction here. Visitors are not permitted here during the Monsoon. The
place lies 13 kilometers northeast of Munnar.
8.
Thekkady
Perhaps the most famous tourist spot in Kerala, Thekkady lies 4
kilometers from Kumily. The land have immense popularity because of the
images of elphants roaming here, beautiful hill ranges and spice scented
plantations. Thekkady offers fantastic trekking options and mountain
walks. Theis bio diverse region is rich in flora and fauna. This
mesmerizing region have very good tourist spots.
a)
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves. The
sanctuary covers an area of 780 square kilometers of which 360 square
kilometers are thick evergreen forests. The sanctuary's richness in
wildlife attracts people from all over the world. The splendid
artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar dam across the Periyar River
is mind refreshing. Boating is possible on the lake and the greatest
attraction here is the herds of elephants that come down to play and
bath in the lake. The sanctuary is located 4 kilometers from Kumily and
easily accessible.
b) The place
Kumily lies near to Thekkady and it famous for the spice plantations here. It is an important spice trading center in this region.
c)
Murikady
lies 5 kilometers from Thekkady and is also a main plantation town.
Spice plantations of cardamom, coffee and pepper can be seen here.
d)
Chellar Kovil
is located about 15 km from Kumily and leads to the Theni district of
Tamil Nadu. This place has a lot of waterfalls and cascades. It is
another splendid tourist spot in this region.
e) The place
Pandikuzhi
is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu State border and is a
popular tourist spot. This place is an ideal spot for trekking and
nature photography. Pandikuzhi lies 5 kilometers from kumily.
f)
The Mangala Devi Temple is located 15 kilometers from Thekkady. The presiding deity here is
Kannaki,
the heroine of famous tamil poem written by Elanko Adikal. This ancient
temple is hidden in the forest and is a good example for traditional
kerala temple architecture. Visitors are allowed only on the day of
'Chaitra pournami' (the full moon day in May) here . Prior permission needed to visit the place.
g)
Vandiperiyar
is one of the main centers of spice plantation. Its a major trading
center and a lot of tea factories are settled here. The Government
agricultural farm and Flower garden located here draws huge attraction.
The river Periyar is flowing through the center of the town and the town
is 18 kilometers away from Thekkady.
i)
Vandanmedu
is one of the main trading center of cardamom in the world. Visiting
the cardamom plantations here is the main attraction. The place lies 25
kilometers from Kumily.
j)
Pullumedu is a misty
hill top lies 43 km from Thekkady. The winding journey to this hill
town offers stunning views of the neighboring hills. The place Pullumedu
is accessible only by Jeep or other vehicles suitable for mountain
travel. The Sree Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala and the very famous
Makarajyothi is visible from this hill top. Special permission is needed here for entry.
9.
Peermedu
This splendid was once the summer retreat of the Travancore Kings. this
place is filled with spice plantations. With natural grass lands, pine
forests along with plantations makes this land ideal for nature lovers.
The hilltop Peermedu is located on the Kottyam-Kumily state highway and
easily accessible. The place got this name from Peer Mohammed, a Sufi
saint lived here. The place is filled with plantations of Tea, cardamom,
rubber and coffee.
a)
The CSI Church here is
believed to be the first in high ranges, established in 1867. The church
situated on a 17 acre land in Pallikkunnu and is surrounded by pine
trees. With teak wood beams, arches, ceilings the church shows such
artistic excellence of Europeans. In the churchyard, there are
reminiscences of the first British and European planters came here.
b)
Peeru Hills
are named after Peer Mohammad, A Afghan Sufi saint who came and lived
here. This place is ideal for trekking. The mausoleum of the saint on
the hill top is worth visiting
c)
Parumthumpara
(Eagle rock) is infarct a large sheet of rocks spread over half a
kilometer in diameter. Its high peaks offer splendid views of the
surrounding areas. The rocky station is also known as
Padanthanpara. The rocky plains, lush hillside, and forests here makes this place beautiful. The
Plakathadam (a tribal settlement) is near to the place. Paruthumpara lies 10 kilometers from Peermedu.
d)
Amrithamedu
is the highest peak in Kuttikanam region. Right from the top of this
peak one can see the entire Peermedu. The hills surrounds this place are
known as Kokkad hills. This trekking spot lies near to Peermedu.
e) The
Madammakulam
having 12 feet depth and lies under a gushing waterfall is the pond
where the wives of British planters used to bath. The term 'Madamma' in
local language means 'Madam' and 'Kulam' means Pond. Near to the
waterfall there is a twin rock namely 'Irumulachippara' (twin breasted
rock) . This rock offers panoramic views of the near areas.
f) The
Pattumala,
in local language 'hill made of Silk', is famous for the endless
plantations here. The very famous Christian Pilgrimage center Velankanni
Matha Church is located here. The flower garden near also a good
attraction. The place lies 7 kilometers from Peermedu, on the way to
Thekkady.
g)
Summer Palace is the summer
residence of the erstwhile Travancore Kings and also the British. The
endless corridors, underground escape passages, the prison cells, the
administration hall here are worth watching. The palace is located 2
kilometers from the Kuttikanam junction.
h)
Panchalimedu is believed to be the resting spot of
Padavas
during their Vanavasa period. You can see some granite edicts of the
Pandavas here. The Panchalimedu is came from Panchali, the wife of
Pandavas. The
Panchalikulam(pond of Panchali) here also draws attraction. The place is located near to the Mundakkayam valley.
i)
Thrissanku Hills offers splendid views of the sunset. This place is ideal for long walks and is located 4 kilometers from Peermedu.
j)
The Sahyadri Ayurvedic Center
is a well established Ayurveda hospital located at Pallikkunnu. This
hospital is is well known for its curative and rejuvenate treatment
packages. The hospital is managed by the Peermedu Development Society.
The center has excellent treatment and accommodation facilities, a unit
for manufacturing Ayurvedic medicines and a well-maintained drugs
museum where more than 200 verities of rare and endangered herbs are
preserved. Prior permission is needed to visit the Herb Garden here.
k)
Mundakkayam
is the gateway to the High Ranges of Kerala. This developed town
includes plantations of Coffee, Pepper, Cocoa and natural Rubber. The
Rubber plantations in India had originated from Mundakkayam. The river
Manimala runs through Mundakkayam. Surfing through this beautiful
plantations breathing spice scented air is memorable experience.
Mundakayam is exactly 55 km from Kottayam to the East and 56 km from
Kumily.