About Idukki
Kerala's largest district, Idukki is one of the most nature-rich areas of the State. A landlocked region, here, high ranges and wooded valleys are girded by three main rivers - Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhayar - and their tributaries. Powering Kerala with one-third of the State's electricity, Idukki is also famous for its gigantic arch dam. Predominantly populated by tribes, an astonishing 50 percent of its total area is covered by forests. As a tourist destination, the place offers diverse attractions like wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, spice plantation tours, mountain treks, elephant rides etc. Idukki's numerous trekking trails and spectacular landscape dotted with rich flora and fauna make it a dream destination for nature enthusiasts.
Telephone Access Code: Thekkady, Kumily, Peermedu: +91 4869; Munnar: +91 4865; Chinnakanal: +91 4868
Altitude: 2200 m Above sea level
Area: 5019 sq. km
Population: 1,129,221 (2011 census)
major tourism attractions
THEKKADY
The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice-scented plantations. The Periyar forests of Thekkady are one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunity for treks and mountain walks.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
one of the world's richest bio-diversity spots, is the fascinating natural wildlife sanctuary of Thekkady - the protected Periyar Tiger Reserve. Spread across 777 sq. krn, of which 360 sq. km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in idukki District was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty,
Munnar
Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. 1,600 m above sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town.
Peermedu
Peermedu is a lovely hill station located about 40 km from Kumily, Idukki district in Central Kerala, at an altitude of 915 m above sea level. It is an ideal retreat in the Western Ghats and a choice break for tourists en route to the Periyar Tiger Reserve. This famous plantation town, takes its name from Peer Mohammed, a Sufi saint and close associate of the erstwhile royal family of Travancore.
Ramakalmedu
The place gets its name from the impressions of the feet found on the rock surface here, which is believed to be of Rama, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, as told in the Indian epic Ramayana.It is one of the windiest places in Asia and being so
Neelakurinji
The phenomenon of once in twelve years occurring on the fabled hills of Munnar is attributed to the blooming of Neelakurinji or passionately called by botanists as 'Strobilanthes kunthianum'. The flower with 40 odd varieties bloom mostly in shades of blue,
Vagamon
Have you visited beautiful, green Vagamon Are you thinking, "In a green country, what's the attraction of yet another verdant spot" Well, the point is Vagamon is not just any other verdant spot. Of course, you can get grassy hills, velvet lawns and cool mountain air
Eravikulam National Park
It is an ideal place for seeing the biodiversity of high elevation shola-grassland ecosystem. Visitors are taken to Rajamalai in forest dept vehicles and given an opportunity to see all this. Private vehicles are not allowed here.
Mattupetty
Mattupetty offers many fascinating sights to relish. Besides the lush green tea plantations, and the rolling grasslands, the Shola forests in and around Mattupetty are ideal for trekking and are habitat to a variety of birds. Rivulets and cascades crisscross the terrain here,
Kalvary Mount
Kalvary Mount or Kalliyanathandu is a famous Christian pilgrimage site perched atop a hill offers that an aerial view of the Idukki Reservoir and its surrounding peaks and forests. It is also an ideal place for mountain climbers and trekkers.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
An extensive Sandalwood forest nearby is an added attraction at Chinnar. This is also an ideal place for watching herds of gaur and elephants amble past. Dry deciduous forests, high sholas and some grasslands add to the diversity of the sanctuary.
Rajamala
About 15 km from Munnar, the famous hill station of Kerala, is the beautiful Rajamala. The natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr, the Eravikulam - Rajamala region is now home to half the world Tahr population estimated at around 1300. But the Tahr is only one of the reasons to make a visit to Rajamala.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
Elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tiger, wild boar etc. are seen here apart from various species of snakes including cobra, viper, kraits and numerous non-poisonous ones. Birds include grey jungle fowl, Malabar grey hornbill, several species of woodpeckers, bulbuls, flycatchers, etc.
Thommankuthu Waterfalls
Located 17 km from Thodupuzha in Idukki district of Kerala, Thommankuthu is famous for its seven-step waterfall. It is an ideal place for adventure tourism in Idukki. Major attractions at Thommankuthu are forest trekking and bathing in the waterfall.
Marayoor
Marayoor is the only place in Kerala that has a natural growth of sandalwood trees. The sandalwood factory of the Forest Department, murals and relics from the New Stone Age civilization and the children's park spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single Banyan tree are of great interest to tourists.
Kollukkumallay
Located in steep, rugged terrain, Kollukkumallay in Munnar is the highest tea garden in the country at 7900 ft. Accessible only by jeep, a visit to the estate includes a drive around the tea fields and a tour of its factory. What gives Kollukkumallay tea its special flavour is presumably the high altitude.
Keezharkuth waterfalls
The Rainbow waterfalls at Keezharkuth in Idukki, which cascades down a rock from a height of about 1500 m is a wonderful attraction of this spot. It can be seen throughout the year in full swing. The forest around this spot is home to various medicinal plants.
Anayirankal
A lush green carpet of tea plants, Anayirankal is an ideal picnic spot for the travellers from around the world. The Anayirankal Dam is surrounded by the Tata Tea Plantation and evergreen forests. Anayirankal is located 22 km from Munnar , the popular hill station of Kerala.
Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls
The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Neriamangalam and Adimali around 10 km on the Kochi - Madurai Highway. The Cheeyappara Waterfall cascades down in seven steps. Valara has a chain of waterfalls surrounded by thick green forests.
Kundala
Kundala is a picturesque town on the way to Top Station in Munnar. The sprawling Kundala Tea Plantations and the Kundala Lake are the main attractions here. A golf course which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd is located here. The Kundala Artificial Dam is another attraction