Idukki Hill Station,Kerala

Information:

A landlocked district,idukki is one of the most nature rich areas of kerala . The high ranges and wooded valleys are girded by three main rivers- periyar,thalayar and thodupuzhayar- and their tributaries. The river pamba also has its origin here. As a tourist destination,idukki offers diverse attractions like wildlife sanctuaries,hill stations,spice plantation tours,mountain treks,elephant rides etc. Idukki has a large population of tribals who have unique customs and beliefs and maintain an ethos which is distinctly different from that of the mainstream culture.

Attractions:

Munnar The nature,absolutely untouched has led to the christening of this place as 'Virgin Munnar',in the tourism industry. Increasing fame and the growth of visitors may soon account to deletion of this description.

Devikulam Located 16 kms from Munnar,this gorgeous hill station symbolises nature in her pristine glory. The crisp and cool mountain air heavily laden with the fragrance of wild flowers and rare herbs is any nature lover's paradise

Kuthumkal Waterfalls The misty waterfall provides a picturesque view of the water,cascading down from scintillating heights. The sheer beauty of the place allures thousands of visitors every year.

Cheruthoni 5kms from Painavu,it encompasses areas in and around Idukki Arch Dam and Cheruthoni Dam. Constructed across the Periyar river,between two granite hills,the picturesque Idukki Dam is the first arch dam in India.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary


Devikulam Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique thorny scrub forest with xerophyte species. Chinnar is the habitat of the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India.

Idukki Arch Dam This dam,constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills is the world's second and Asia's first arch dam. The dam lying close to the cheruthoni barrage is 550 ft high and 650 ft. wide. To its west is the Kulamavu Dam.

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary The sanctuary extends over the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluka of Idukki district,spreading over 77 sq km and is about 450-748 m above sea level. extending to 33 sq. km,the Idukki Reservoir is formed by three dams,namely Cheruthoni,Idukki and Kulamavu.

Marayoor Marayoor is 40 kilometers away from Munnar. It is the only place in Kerala having a natural growth of sandal wood trees. The relics of new Stone Age civilization have been unearthed here.

Mattupetti: 13 kms form Munnar,at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level,this verdant landscape houses the Indo-Swiss Dairy Project.

Top Station Top Station,the idyllic hill station is located 32 kms from Munnar,on the Munnar-Kodaikanal Road. Perched at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level,Top Station is the highest point on Munnar-Kodaikanal Road.

Main Attraction Munnar, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Best Time August to March.

Travel Information :

• By Air: The nearest airport is at Cochin 132 km away.
• By Rail:The nearest railway station is at Kottayam,133 km away.
• By Road:Idukki can be reached by mortable roads from most parts of Kerala.