This district
has several protected areas including: Periyar Tiger Reserve in the south,
Kurinjimala Sanctuary to the east, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary to the north
east, Eravikulam National Park and Anamudi Shola National Park to the north,
Pampadum Shola National Park to the south and Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in the
west. These protected areas are especially known for several threatened and
endemic species including Tiger, Nilgiri Thar, Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Nilgiri
Wood-pigeon, Elephant, Gaur, Sambar Deer, Purple Frog and Neelakurinji.
Places to
visit
Munnar
The most
important part of Idukki, this meeting point of three mountain streams namely
Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala are what gave Munnar its name. Munnar
literally means “Three Rivers”. Munnar was the favored summer resort of the
erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. The Neelakurinji, which blooms
every twelve years, can be found here.
Pothamadu
Just 6 kms
away from Munnar, Pothamedu offers a panoramic feast for the eye with its tea,
coffee and cardamom plantations. It is ideal for trekking.
Devikulum
The lake at
Devikulam (literally Lake of the Goddess) is a sight to behold. It is one of
the most visited places in Idukki.
Thumpachi
Calveri Samuchayam - Situated on the high ranges, about 12 km from Idukki,
Calvary Mount is a beautiful eco-tourism destination. Calvary Mount offers you a calm and quiet
atmosphere which can energies the body and mind. The mount also offers every tourists a great
trekking experience.
From the top
of the Mount, one can experience the panoramic view of high range hills and
valleys and the Idukki reservoir.
Visitors can enjoy the wildlife of Idukki and can have a glimpse of the
wild elephants in the forests. The atmosphere here is simple and elegant with
an excellent composition of sky and greenish nature,
The valleys
of Calvary Mount also has wide varieties of spices and fruits plantations. Tea, coffee and cardamom are the main
plantations in the area. The beautiful
view of the Malankara Dam and the backwaters of Idukki makes every visitors
feel the great art of nature.
The climb to the top of the mount is easy at the
beginning but has two steep climbs at the end.
There is also a road to the top of the mount which makes the climb
easier. Calvary Mount is both a pilgrim
destination and trekking spot. The state
Forest Department conducts trekking expeditions exploring the wild. This is a
Christian Pilgrim Centre and the pilgrims climb up the hill during Lent and
Good Friday. The way to the Mountain is
graced by the the 14 crosses placed at regular intervals.
Tea and
coffee plantations nearby makes a great place for the tourists to enjoy a
wonderful trekking experience. The
scenic beauty of the hills and the valleys refreshes the mind and soul and
offers a pleasing sight to the eyes.
There are also a few huts for the overnight stay. The facility is maintained by the Calvary
Mount River/Forest Protection Council, Nagarampara, Ayyappankovil Forest
division.
Mattupetty
Mattupetty is
known for its highly specialized dairy farm named as the Indo Swiss Livestock
Project. Over a 100 varieties of high-yielding cattle are reared here. One can
visit the place from 7 a.m. till 11 a.m. and again from 2 p.m. too 8.30 p.m.
The Mattupetty Lake and dam, just a short distance from the farm, is a very
beautiful picnic spot.
Lock Heart
Gap
This place is
13 kms away from Munnar and ideal for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh
mountain air, the foggy hills and the picturesque beauty make the place worthy
to visit.
Attukal
This place is
located between Munnar and Pallivasal, which is 9 kms away from Munnar. This
place is ideal for long trek. The other attractions are undulating hills and
waterfall
Nyayamakad
This place is
based at a distance of 10 kms away from Munnar. This is mainly Located between
Munnar and Rajamala. Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The
waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 metres. The enchanting
surroundings make an excellent picnic spot and trekking point.
Rajamala
This is the
natural habitat of the Nilgiri which is 15 kms away from Munnar. Half of the
world population of rare mountain goat or Hemitragas bylocres, which is
becoming extinct found here. The Nilgiri tahrs are today reduced to small herds
found in the Eravikulam-Rajamala region. The total number of Nilgiri tahrs in
Rajamala is estimated at 1317.
Eravikulum
National Park
The 97 sq.
km. park is situated in the Devikulam taluk. The 2695m high Anamudi peak is
located in the southern region of the park. This is placed at 15 kms away from
Munnar.
Power House
waterfalls
This
waterfall is found out on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades down a steep
rock and this is placed at 2000m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the
scenic western mountain ranges, and is an ideal place for a break on the way to
the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady. This is 18 kms away from Munnar.
Kundala
Kundala is a
beautiful town on the way to Top Stations. The Golf Course that belongs to Tata
Tea Ltd. is located here. The Kundala artificial dam is another attraction,
which caters to the tourists. Aruvikkad waterfalls are also near Kundala, which
is situated at 20 kms away from Munnar. There are some places, which can be
mentioned as the places for excursion from Munnar. These are as follows:
Anayirankal
This place is
situated at 22 kms away from Munnar. It is a lush green carpet of tea plants. A
trip on the splendid reservoir is a memorable experience. The Tata Tea
Plantations and evergreen forests surround the Anayirankal Dam, which is an
ideal spot for picnic. Top station: This place is 32 kms away from Munnar. This
is placed at 1700 m above sea level; and is the highest point on the
Munnar-Kodaikanal road. The rare Nilakurinji or strobilanthus belongs to this
region. This plant blooms in every 12 years and filled the hillsides in bright
blue. Top Station also offers a panoramic view of the neighboring state of
Tamil Nadu.
Marayoor
This is 40
kms away from Munnar. This is the only place in Kerala that has natural growth
of sandal wood trees. Among the interesting spots in this place some are stated
in the following: the sandal wood factory of the forest department, the caves
with murals, objects 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.
Thoovanam waterfalls and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also near by to this
place.
Cheeyappara
The
Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Nariamangalam and Adimali
on the Kochi-Madurai highway. The Cheeyappara waterfalls descend in seven
steps. The panoramic view of this place is awesome and also a great place for
trekking. Meenuli: It is famous for two acres of evergreen forests upon a huge
Rock. The rock is more than 500 acres in area and is an ideal spot for
mountaineering. It is a real beauty as it is placed above the rock.
Chinnar Wild
Life Sanctuary
It is
situated on the Tamil Nadu Border at 60 kms away from Munnar. This wild life
sanctuary is spread across 90.44 Sq. Km.
Nadukani
It is an
ideal place for one-day picnic. As the name indicates, this park offers
panoramic view of the large area of nearby districts and villages. A
two-storied pavilion makes an ideal place for enjoying the landscape and beauty
of nature. People always come here to enjoy a short stint.
Kulamavu
This is
actually a dam sight, which has a trekking trail. This place has an excellent
viewpoint. Kulamavu is a famous hill station in Idukki District of Kerala.
Situated at a height of 3,000 ft above sea level, it is an ideal place for
trekking and a quiet relax. Kulamavu is in close proximity to Nadukani, which
is about 70 km from Thodupuzha.
Kulamavu Dam,
which extends to 33 sq km, is one of the three dams of Idukki Reservoir
Project. St Mary's Church at Pothumattom is a place of worship here. Idukki
Arch Dam, Moolamattom underground power station and Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
are the nearby excursions.
Painavu
This place
has a scenic beauty, which has a trekking point, evergreen forest. This place
is a District Headquarters.
Cheruthoni
This place is
the Idukki Arch Dam sight, which has an aerial view of the reservoir. Its
scenic beauty is very beautiful at this place.
Kalliyanathandu
The aerial
view of the Idukki reservoir can be seen from this place. The scenic beauty of
peaks and forests make this spot a marvelous one. The scenery, which is visible
here, is something heavenly.
Malakara
Reservoir
This is
situated at 6 kms from Thodupuzha on the Thodupuzha-Moolamattom road. This
artificial road is accessible by road only. This place is ideal for boating and
fishing. Many tourists come to visit this place only for these attractions.
Thommankuthu
This is
situated at 17 kms away from Thodupuzha. There is a 7 steps waterfall, which is
lovely picnic spot. At each step of this waterfall there is a cascade and pool
beneath. This place named as Thommankuthu is an ideal place for adventure
tourism.
Keezharkuthu
This place is
situated at 25 kms from Thodupuzha. The Rain Bow waterfalls, which flows down a
rock from a height of about 1500 m is a wonderful attraction of this spot. It
can be seen through out the year in full swing. This place is also important as
various medicinal plants grow here. It is an ideal place for rock climbing,
mountaineering and camp trekking because of these reasons young people like
this place very much.
Palkulamedu
This is
placed at 12 kms distance from Idukki. This is located 3125 m above see level
from where Kochi, Alappuzha and other nearby towns e.g. Kalvarimount , Peermede
,Thekkady etc. can be seen.
ACCESSIBILITY
By Air Kochi
is the nearest airport from Idukki.
By Rail
Nearest railheads are at Kochi and Kotayam.
By Road The
important towns of the district are well connected by road.
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