A Stunning Hill Station in Periyar River Canyon-Idukki

Idukki Kerala

Idukki is a landlocked hill station in Western Ghat, blessed with beauty and tranquillity. Idukki is geographically known for its nature-rich areas with the land of massive mountains, green valleys, and splendid streams. It is situated near a deep gorge. River Periyar flowed through a canyon between two rocky mountains-Kurava and Kurathy. Idukki districts of Kerala state, India, were created on 26 January 1972. Idukki is among the most attractive and visited places in Kerala with misty hills and valleys covered with the greenery of spice plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, and stunning waterfalls. Apart from the scenic beauty, Idukki offers adventure tourism. It’s the best place for trekking and hiking. High mountain ranges and wooded valleys of Idukki are girded by 3 rivers of Kerala-Periyar, Thalayar, and Thodupuzha. Elephant rides and mountain trekking are a specialty of Idukki. Truly Idukki is a paradise for nature and animal lovers.

 

Geography Idukki

Idukki is a district that lies amid the Cardamom Hills of Western Ghats in Kerala. Idukki district contains two municipal towns – Kattappana and Thodupuzha. Though it is the second-largest district in the region in terms of area, it has the lowest population density in the Kerala district. The 2,695 meters high peak of Anamudi, lies in the northern portion of the district of Idukki.

The Idukki is situated on a high-altitude plateau with rugged mountainous terrain, several river valleys, and deep gorges surrounding it. The tallest peak Anamudi includes the areas around Munnar. The Pambar river valley forms an eastern sloping rain shadow region of the Western Ghats. The eastern frontier of the district constitutes the Cardamon hills. The southern region is entirely covered by the forests of the Periyar National Park. The Idukki Dam is one of the highest arch dams in Asia. The dam is located where Periyar flows through the gorge formed between two high and massive rocks known as ‘Kuravan’ and ‘Kurathi’.

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Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Thodupuzha and Udumbanchola taluks in the Idukki district and came into existence in 1976. It has an area of 105.364sq.km. The altitude ranges from 450 to 1272 m. The highest peak is Vanjur Medu with an elevation of 1272m. The major rivers flowing through the area are the Periyar and the Cheruthoniar.

Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park is a national park located along the Western Ghats in the Idukki and Ernakulam districts. It supports the largest population of Nilgiri tahr in the world. Anamudi peak is in the southern part of the national park. Most of the park is grassland and the average altitude is more than 1524 meters above sea level. Heavy rain and gushing winds make the area inaccessible during the monsoon season. The famous Neelakurinji grows here, which has a flowering cycle of 12 years. 26 species of mammals have been recorded in the park including the largest surviving population of Nilgiri.

Idukki Tourist Places

The journey to Idukki Kerala is an exciting experience. Every sight in Idukki is attractive with 12 hairpin bends, a well in the middle of the road near the fifth hairpin bend, waterfalls to reservoirs, wildlife sanctuaries, and many more. These are some best Idukki tourist places.

Munnar

Munnar situated in the Idukki district was the summer resort of the British Government in the south. The town is situated at the convergence of three mountain streams, namely Muthirappuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala. Munnar hill station with the enclosed calm of serenity and beauty draws thousands of tourists from different parts of the world.  This hill station, which is more than 1524 meters above sea level, is a tourist attraction noted for its scenic landscapes and largest tea plantations in the world.

Thekkady

Thekkady is beautiful land located in the Idukki Kerala. The attractions included here scenic spots, clear waterways, and spice-scented plantations of Thekkady. Enjoying the green valleys and the chilling weather will be an unforgettable experience. One unique thing about Thekkady is that this is the only place where you can witness wildlife in close quarters. Thekkady is one of the finest natural wildlife reserves where visitors can see a large herd of elephants playing in the lake, tigers and so many other animals and birds in Thekkady.

Ilaveezhapoonchira

Ilaveezhapoonchira situated atop Kudayathoor Mala is one of the most attractive places to witness the sunrise and sunset. Ilaveezhapoonchira literally means a pond of flowers atop a hill where no leaves fall. This is true as there are no trees around and only green grassland. Ilaveezhapoonchira is a wonderful picnic spot situated in the midst of the fabulous hillocks. The velvet valleys of Ilaveezhapoonchira punctuated by gigantic hills with enclosed calm and serenity are an ideal place to take relax from cities hustle and bustle of life.

Idukki Waterfalls

Near the famous picnic spot, Thommankuthu is a series of cascading waterfalls. This 7-step waterfall surrounded by ancient caves is a pristine natural beauty amidst the lush green forest. Another one The Rainbow Waterfalls is also worth a visit. The exotic Kuthumkal Waterfall is a scenic spot surrounded by the lush greenery of nature. The elegant charm and the wild beauty of waterfalls draw thousands of tourists every year.

Idukki Arch Dam

Idukki Arch Dam is constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills. It is the world’s second and Asia’s first arch dam. The Idukki Dam extends to an altitude of 167 meters and is a unique, fascinating site in Idukki. Kulamavu Dam and Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary are located nearby Idukki Arch Dam. There is an option for pedal boating in the Idukki dam.

Peerumedu 

Peerumedu is a small beautiful hill station, located on way to Thekkady, situated at an altitude of 914 m above sea level. This famous plantation town is famous for its coffee, tea, pepper, cardamom, and rubber plantations. The stunning waterfalls and vibrant grasslands attract thousands of tourists every year to the area.

Malankara Dam 

Malankara Reservoir is an artificial lake on the Moolamattom-Idukki route that is spread over an area of 11 km. The place is a popular picnic spot from where you can enjoy the catchment area and its beautiful green surroundings. The Hillock of Kurusha Para, a steep peak about 818 meters high, offers a breathtaking view of the Malankara Reservoir and the plantations around.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best Sanctuaries. It gets scanty rainfall every year. The Chinnar Sanctuary offers you a spectacular sight of elephants, spotted deer, sambar, hanuman monkeys, and more. It is also home to the country’s endangered giant grizzled squirrel.

How to Reach Idukki Kerala

Idukki is not well connected to other major cities of the country via regular flights. The nearest airport is in Cochin at a distance of 67 km. The nearest Railway station is at Kottayam which is located at a distance of 69 km. From here one can hire a cab to reach the Destination.