Idukki is a landlocked district and one of the most beautiful areas of Kerala. High ranges and forested valleys are surrounded by three main rivers- Periyar, Thodupuzhayar and Thalayar and their tributaries. River Pamba also originates here. As a travel destination, Idukki offers various attractions like wildlife sanctuaries, spice plantation tours, hill stations, mountain treks, elephant rides etc. Besides the above mentioned attractions, Idukki has a large population of tribes, with their unique and colorful way of life.Idukki has a large population of tribals, the main tribes being Muthuvan,Malayarayan, Mannan, Paliyan, Urali, Ulladan, Malavedan and Malampandaram.The tribes of Kerala have unique customs and beliefs and maintain an ethos which is distinctly different from that of the mainstream culture. Idukki is spread over an area of 5019 sq. km. Idukki district was formed on January 26, 1972 carving out Devikulam, Peerumedu and Udumbanchola taluks from the former Kottayam district and Thodupuzha taluk from the erstwhile Ernakulam district. The name ‘Idukki’ has been derived from the Malayalam word `idukku’, which means a narrow gorge. In the Idukki travel guide, we will explore various travel and tourism aspects of tourism district.Idukki is known for its mountainous hills and dense forests, Idukki is a high range district in Kerela where nature gleams in its freshness with nothing but green rolling hills all around and a morning dew feel that keeps energy flowing.Stretched in an area of 5,019 square kilometers, about 50% of it is reserved forests making it one of the state’s nature-rich areas.Due to its location is at the top of Western Ghats the tourists can experience the panoramic view of the whole region. Among the attractions of Idukki, the wild life sanctuary is the must see. The fabulous sightseeing of Idukki includes high ranges and wooded valleys.Rainbow and Thomankuttu waterfalls are the perfect picnic spot for the travelers who love to picnic in a beautiful natural surroundings. Apart from natural sceneries you can also experience the holy temples and churches. Annamalai temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other than this Karikodu Bhagwathy and Sri Krishnaswamy temple are also there. Nainar Masjid is the mosque located in Idukki. St Thomas Church which is almost 600 years old is believed to be the oldest one in Idukki.
Location info:
Located in the southern part of Kerala, Idukki is a landlocked district spread over an area of 5019 sq.kms.
Climate/Weather:
Moderate temperate and humid climate in general and becomes more pleasant during the winter season. In summers, Idukki is humid and hot, making travel a little uncomfortable.
History of Idukki City:
Educational Institutions Idukki City:
Viswadeepthi Public School P.O. Adamali,Korangatty B.O,Idukki, 685561,KeralaVimala Public School P.O. Thodupuzha East,Thodupuzha East Idukki,KeralaDarul Fatheh English Medium Public School Kunnam,Thodupuzha,Muthalakodam,Idukki.AL-AZHAR COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCE Thodupuzha East, Idukki,KeralaGrace Garden Public School Grace Nagar,Ayyappan Koil,Idukki, 685507,KeralaM.E.S. Bava Residential School Kuzhippangad, Tellichery,Cherakara,Idukki, 670104,KeralaJawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Kulamavu,Kariplangadu B.O,Idukki,Kerala
Langauge
The local language spoken here is Malayalam the mother tongue of the people of Kerala known as keralites or Malayalees .Linguistic minority also exists here, mainly consisting of Tamil origin so tamil is also spoken
Culture:
How to reach Idukki City?
Nearest Railway Station:Kottayam: 114 km (4 hrs) Madurai: 136 km (31/2 hrs) Changanacherry: 93 km (4 hrs) Theni: 60 km (11/2 hrs)
Nearest Airport:Madurai (Tamil Nadu): 140 km Thiruvananthapuram : 265 km Kochi: 190 km Kozhikode: 315 km Chennai (Tamil Nadu): 570 km
Road Transport:Kottayam – Kumily 110 km (4 hrs) Munnar – Kumily 110 km (4 hrs) Madurai – Kumily 136 km (3 hrs) Idukki – Kumily 65 km (21/2 hrs) Alleppey – Kumily 160 km (51/2 hrs) Ooty – Kumily 390 km (11 hrs) Thiruvananthapuram – Kumily 265 km (8 hrs) Thekkady – Kumily 4 km (10 min) Kodaikanal – Kumily 149 km (5 hrs)
Tourist Attraction of Idukki City
Thekkady Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. In the Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.Hill View Park True to its title it offers a panoramic view of a large area than one can experience from any high mountain park. Scene of Wild elephants in their natural habital enthrills the visitor. This park is situated adjacent to both Idukki Arch Dam and Cheruthony Dam. Spread over an area of 8 acres of land this aesthetically designed park has a natural water body at the hill top and pedal boating facility is available here. The herbal garden and children’s play area are added attractions. A visit to this park makes Idukki visit a memorable one.Keezharkuthu The Rain Bow waterfalls, which cascade 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. The forest around the spot is home to various medicinal plants. It is an ideal place for rock climbing, mountaineering and camp tracking.Peermede Wide vistas of tea, cardamon, rubber and coffee plantations interspersed with silver cascades, sculptural rocks, meadows and mist-cloaked hilltops make Peermede an unforgettable experience.Chellarkovil: This sleepy little village with its breathtaking view of the plains and cascading waterfalls is a feast for the eyes. The village slopes down to the famous coconut groves of Cumbum in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.Vandiperiyar: The River Periyar flowing through the centre of this town nourishes its vast tea, coffee and pepper plantations. A major trade centre, Vandiperiyar is also home to a number of tea factories. The Government Agriculture Farm and Flower Garden have a delightful array of rose plants, orchids and anthuria.Vandanmedu: This is one of the world’s largest auction centres for cardamom. A walk through the sprawling cardamom plantations of Vandanmedu is a heady experience.Munnar It is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams- Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala.Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town.Nadukani Nadukani, Idukki Tour GuideNadukani is an ideal place for one-day picnickers. As the name indicates, this park offers panoramic view of the a large area of the same and nearby districts. A two-storyed pavilion makes an ideal place for enjoying the landscape and beauty of nature.Thumpachi Calveri Samuchayam This is a picnic spot also ideal for mediation, relaxation and watching sunset and is located 35 km away from Thodupuzha.Periyar Periyar wildlife sanctuary attracts a large number of wild life lovers, every year. This place is ideal for watching the animals in their natural habitat. The forest here, slopes into the man-made lake at the bottom of the hill. This lake serves as the waterhole for the animals and they come here to drink or take a dip. Elephants, Gaur, Sambhar and even tigers can be spotted here.Idukki Arch Dam This is the world’s second and Asia’s first arch dam, constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills. 550 ft. high and 650 ft. wide, the dam lies close to the Cheruthoni barrage. To its west is the Kulamavu Dam. Idukki Wild life Sanctury is located closeby.Kumily: This plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady, is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. An important shopping centre and spice trade centre, the main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region are in Kumily.Thrissanku Hills: The rolling hills, the lovely landscape and the gentle breeze make this an ideal spot for long walks. The hills offer a breathtaking view of the sunrise and sunset.The Idukki Wildlife Santuary: This Sanctury extends over the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks of Idukki district, spreading over 77 sq. km. and is about 450 – 748 m above sea level. The Idukki Reservoir formed by three dams – Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamavu – extends to 33 sq km.Murikkady: Washed in fresh spice scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.Malankara Reservoir Located on the Thodupuzha-Moolamattom road, this artificial lake is accessible by road. The reservoir is ideal for Boating and fishing.Thommankuthu The 7 steps waterfall here is much loved picnic spot. At each step there is a cascade and Pool beneath. Thommankuthu is an ideal place for adventure tourism.Pandikuzhi: This picturesque spectrum of exotic flora, fauna and gurgling streams is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border. A popular picnic spot, Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer’s delight.Mangala Devi Temple: The ancient temple is hidden in the dense woods at the top of a peak 1337 m above sea level. The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. Visitors are allowed here only on the Chithra Pournami festival day. The peak commands a panoramic view of the eastern slopes of the ghats and some hill villages of Tamil Nadu. Permission to visit the area can be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Thekkady.
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation in Idukki City:
Hotel Taj Garden RetreatHotel Club Mahindra Lake ViewAbad Copper castle ResortHotel Siena VillageHotel Tall TreesHotel Spice VillageHotel Taj Garden RetreatLake Palace (KTDC)Arya Niwas
