Idukki Hill Station Tours

Unlike most other hill stations, Idukki does not strike us as coy and cozy. Rather, one is awed by the regal majesty of the peaks, the mystery of the dark green forests and the bold, spectacular colors flashing across the landscape. The serene lakes, the murmurs in the cool depths of the jungles, the brilliant display of colors at sunset; Idukki is indeed a mystery to be unraveled. The recent increase in numbers of the tourists visiting his strikingly beautiful district has not robbed it of its quintessence.

The name Idukki has been adapted from the Malayalam word Idukku meaning a narrow ravine. Indeed, the river Periyar rages down the gorge between two lofty peaks of Idukki. About 14 peaks in the district of Idukki exceed a height of 2000 meters from mean sea level making the region mountainous and rugged. The three main rivers flowing through this region are Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhayar. The river Pamba has its source amidst these scenic surroundings. The main tribes inhabiting the region are Muthuvan, Malayarayan, Mannan, Paliyan, Urali, Ulladan, Malavedan and Malampandaram who practice a culture rich in its own right and separate from the rest of popular castes.

This high haunt of Idukki can easily be approached from every part of the state. It is one of the central districts of Kerala and easily accessible from the nearest airport in Keralaat Cochin (55 km). Eranakulam station (57km) is the nearest major junction and connects the region with the rest of the world. From the Thodupuzha's KSRTC Bus stand buses ply at 15 min intervals to Kottayam, Eranakulam, Muvattupuzha, Moo;amattom, Painavu, Trivanrum , Calicut and Thrissur.

The main attraction of Idukki is the Idukki Arch Dam constructed between the Kuravan and Kuravathi hills across the Periyar River. Besides being Asia's biggest arch dam, this reservoir is a famed picnic spot due to its wonderful views. The Cheruthoni Barrage and the Kulamavu Dam are again spots of tourist interest. The Malankara Dam, 6 km from Thodupuzha is another favorite picnic spot.

Situated above the arch dam is the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, sprawling over an area of 70 sq km the dense foliage houses various beasts and birds such as the tigers, the panther, the Kerala elephant, the bison, wild dogs and langurs, the tahr, the laughing thrush, the myna and the jungle fowl. Since 1976, this sanctuary is dedicated to preserving these life forms and preventing prowling in the jungles of this region.

Marayoor forest, 40 kms from Munnar, is a sandalwood forest and medicinal herbs grow aplenty in the Eravikulam-Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary, Idukki.

The Kuthumkal Waterfalls are another favorite tourist attraction. The spectacular site of the magnificent falls and the surrounding dense green foliage is enthralling to any nature lover. The Keezar Kuthu is another picturesque waterfall where many movies are shot.

Idukki is famous for its expansive tea, coffee, spice and rubber plantations. The Thomankottu is another very famous waterfall in the region.

The many hill stations near Idukki include the royal getaway, Peeramade hill resort, Munar, Devikulam and Ponmudi.

Shrines and pilgrimage destinations in the region include Annamalai Temple, Karikodu Bhagawathy Temple, Sri Krishnaswamy Temple, Nainar Masjid, Uravappara Temple and St Thomas Church, Mylacombu.

The adventurous at heart can indulge in sports such as paragliding, mountaineering, rappelling, wildlife safaris, trekking and biking. An elephant ride interests those who are not too athletic but wish to get a taste of adventure.

Last Updated on 25 May 2011