The Periyar River is located in idukki district, It is second longest river in the state of Kerala in India with a length of 244 km. The Idukki Dam is built across the river and generates the major chunk of electrical power for the state from its many big and small hydroelectric projects. It rises in the Western Ghats range near the border with Tamil Nadu state and flows north to Periyar Lake near Kottayam. The lake, 12 square miles (31 square km) in area, is an artificial reservoir created by damming the river. It lies at an elevation of about 2,800 feet (850 metres), is ringed by mountain peaks, and is surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary. It flows north through Periyar National Park into Periyar Lake, an artificial reservoir created in 1895 by the construction of a dam across the river. From the lake the river flows northwest to join the Arabian Sea.The Periyar is known as The lifeline of Kerala; it is one of the few perennial rivers in the region and provides drinking water for several major towns.The Periyar River flowing through Angamaly, Malayatoor and Perumbavoor has many eco-spots on its banks. Illithode in Mulankuzhi village is an ideal place for nature enthusiasts. Spend a day here crossing the forest and lazing in the Periyar River.Muthirapuzha, Mullayar, Cheruthoni, Perinjankutti and Edamala are some of the minor tribunaries of Periar river.A tunnel carries water from the lake eastward through the mountains to the Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu, where it is used for irrigation. From the lake the Periyar River flows in a generally northwest direction through the mountains and onto the coastal plain, past Alwaye, emptying into the Arabian Sea at Parur.This river has strong undercurrents; nevertheless, it is visited by families, school groups and nature lovers. It is only 10km from the town of Malayatoor and about 60km from Cochin.The lake is surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary noted for its herds of elephants.The government is planning to start boating facilities here. Trekking, too, will be arranged. The Iringol forests, about three km away is a nice getaway for a trek and nature walks in the evenings. There is an ancient temple within the forest.
Location info:
Address: Periyar, Idukki District, Kerala, India.
District: Idukki District
Nearest City: Thiruvananthapuram, Thekkady, Kochi, Madurai, Coimbatore and Thodupuzha .
Best time to visit: September to May.
Climate/Weather:
The temparature is Maximum : 30 C, Minimum : 15.5 C.
History:
Interesting things to do:
Visit beautiful places like Periyar Bird sanctuary, Idukki dam and Ancient temples, You can also do Trekking and boating here. Enjoy the Border Hiking, Bamboo Rafting, Jungle Patrol, Tribal Heritage.
Interesting things to Visit:
Kumily:This lace is Situated just 4kms from Periyar, Kumily is a growing town where tourism is fastly catching up just like the spice trade, the major occupation of this small town. The town is also well equipped with the excellent hotels and resorts for accommodation.Cradomom Hills:Periyar and Kumily are the most convenient points from which visitors can easily explore Kerala’s beautiful Cardamom hills. Guide will approach you at offers of trips via jeep or taxi to the hills and if you can get a group together, these trips work out as a good travel value.Boat Cruises :Boat cruises make the best option to check out the wilds of Periyar Sanctuary.Today the Periyar lake presents an excellent boating spot for tourists. Although it is unusual to see many animals from the boats, still you spot a family of Elephants, Wild Boar, and Sambar Deer by the water’s edge. The upper deck is best for wildlife viewing when taking a boat cruise, but better turn up half an hour early to get the best seat.Avian Species :There are about 260 species of Birds and about 100 varieties of Butterflies that can be seen in the territory of the park. The major types of Birds spotted are the Blue-winged Parakeets, Great Indian Horn bill, Nilgiri Wood Pigeons, Black-winged Kite,White-bellied tree Pies, Laughing Thrushes, Fly Catchers, Darters, Cormorants, Barbets and Plovers amongst the many.Periyar Tiger Trail:A unique, nature – friendly trekking project developed with the aim of converting poachers into defenders of the forest.Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary (40 km Thodupuzha) Main attraction : Animals : elephants, gaur, samber deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tigers, wild boars etc.Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary:The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Thekkady, about 4 km from Kumili in Idukki district of Kerala, Situated within the confines of the Western Ghats Periyar National Park Kerala and Tiger Reserve is one of the most captivating wildlife parks in the world. Elephant in Periyar is another major attraction. Over 250 species of birds have been seen at Periyar National Park. Reptiles seen in the wildlife sanctuary include crocodiles in the lake, tortoises, frogs and snakes including King Cobras and Kraits.Periyar Lake:It is an enriching experience to take a boat cruise along the Periyar Lake. If you wish to see the varied topography of the forests of Periyar then arrange for a boat cruise on the Periyar Lake. If you are a keen observer you might get to se the spotted tigers, playful elephants or the red eyed bisons.Murikkady :It is Situated 5 kms from Thekkady. Washed in fresh spice scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.Pandikuzhi :This is about 5 kms away from Kumily. Cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu State border, this picturesque place is a popular picnic spot. Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer’s delight.Idukki arch dam:The Popular Idukki arch dam is 43 kms away from Moolamattom. This is the world’s second and Asia’s first arch dam, constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills. 550 feet high and 650 feet wide, the dam lies close to the Cheruthoni Barrage. To its west is the Kulamavu Dam. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located closeby Idukki Arch DamThe sanctuary spreads over 77 sq. km and is about 450-748 m above sea level.
Mobile range info:
How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:Angamaly and Kottayam Railway Station
Nearest Airport:Cochin International Airport
Road Transport:The Periyarriver is well connected by bus service to the state capital You can drive down from Thiruvananthapuram which is 270 km away. The other approach roads are from the cities of Cochin (200 km), Kottayam (115 km), and Madurai (140 km). To access the place from Cochin, take the NH49 to Thripunithara. From there, state highway 15 will take you to Ettumanur via Keecherry, Thalayolaparambu and Vaikom. Take the SH1 to Kottayam and finally NH220 to Thekkady via Kanjirappally, Peermade, Vandiperiyar and Kumily.
Nearest Visiting places:
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary:Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique thorny scrub forest with numerous xerophytes species. Chinnar is well known for the habitat of the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India.Kuthumkal Waterfalls:The Kuthumkal waterfall provides a picturesque view of the water, cascading down from dazzling heights. The utter beauty of the place attracts thousands of tourists every year. This is truly nature at its best!Top Station:Top Station, the tranquil hill station is located about 32 km 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 and one of the most famous hill spots in Kerala.Lock Heart GapThis is a location in Mattupetty. The place is ideal for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit. Adventurous spot for trekkers and to live with the wildlifeChellarkovil:This is a beautiful village that shares its borders with Tamil Nadu. The place presents visitors with a fantastic opportunity to observe the typical life of simple people settled in the villages at high ranges. The scenic extravaganza including acres of luxuriant fields, plains and gurgling waterfalls make it a much sought out tourist destination.Kuttikanam:This place is ideal to for treks and other adventure sports like mountain climbing or simply a walk among the winding paths that lead up the steep hills. The place is famous for cardamom plantations and one can really smell cardamom in its air.Mattupetty:Mattupetty is situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level. Mattupetty Lake and Dam is a beautiful picnic spot with the panoramic view of the tea plantations and the lake. Boating facilities are available in the reservoir. Mattupetty is also well known for its highly specialized dairyRajamala:Rajamala is the natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr. Half the world population of this rare mountain goat is found here, which is fast becoming extinct.Pothamedu:Pothamedu is one of the major plantation hubs of Munnar. Views of coffee, tee, and cardamom plantations are excellent from this place. It is an ideal place for trekking and hiking amidst lush mountains, rolling hills, and breathtaking scenery.Devikulam:This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot.Pallivasal:Pallivasal is situated around 8 km from Munnar. It has the distinction of being home to the first hydropower project in Kerala.It is a place of immense scenic beauty.Echo point:As its name suggests, the place has a natural echo phenomenon. Echo point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar.Nyayamakad:This place is Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls of Kerala. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 meters.Kundala:
Kundala is a town on the way to Top Stations. The Golf Course which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd. is located here. The Kundala artificial dam is another attraction.Aruvikkad waterfalls is also near Kundala.Power House waterfalls:
This waterfall on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades down a steep rock, 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.Attukal:A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukal, located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long treaks.Chithirapuram:
Chithirapuram is having sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts, Chithirapuram still exudes an old-world charm.Home of the Pallivasal Hydel Power Project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantations.Idukki Wildlife sanctuary:The Idukki Wildlife sanctuary is located about 40 km from Thodupuzha in the Idukki district in Kerala, India and is spread over an area of 77 square kilometers. This wildlife park includes the regions Idukki Wildlife of Udumpanchola and Thodupuzha districts of Kerala, India. The Idukki wildlife park in Kerala, India came into existence in the year 1976.There is a lake located within the Idukki wildlife sanctuary that is worth visiting during your wildlife tours to this wildlife sanctuary.Eravikulam National Park:Eravikulam National Park attracts the travellers with its irresistible grace and beauty. It is spread over 97 sq km in the Rajamalai hills. This park was established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr also known as the Nilgiri Ibex.
Nearest Petrol Pump:
BP Petrol Pump Thodupuzha, Idukki, Kerala.Petrol Pump SH 32, Pala, Kerala.Jawahar Petrol Pump Kothamangalam, Ernakulam Kerala State.Petrol Pump Pookkattupady Kizhakkambalam Road Ernakulam, Kerala State.Petrol Pump Aluva Munnar Road, Edathala Aluva, Ernakulam, Kerala.
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Hotel Prestige Opposite Ksrtc Bus Stand Angamaly, Ernakulam Kerala 680572 Tel: 0484 2452737.Surya Hotels Kap Complex, Aluva Ernakulam, Kerala 680101 Tel: 0484 2626390.Hotel Hill Park Near Ksrtc Bus Stand Angamaly, Ernakulam Kerala 680572 Tel: 0484 2452256.Aranya Nivas & Lake Palace Hotel Thekkady Kerala 685 536 Tel:04862 322023.Cardamom Club V & V Estate, Spring Valley Thekkady, Kerala 685509 Tel: 09446439252.Edassery Resort Periyar, Kumily Road Kattappana Thekkady, Idukki Dist Kerala 685536 Tel: 09945273814.Hotel Mount Sinai Thekkady Junction, PO Box 14 Kumily, Kerala 685509 Tel: 04869 222605.Paradisa Plantation Retreat Kottayam Kumily Road Murinjapuzha Kumily, Kerala 685532.
Things to carry:
Tips & Suggestions:
Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:Police Station Bodinayakkanur,Theni Tamil Nadu.Koratty Police Station NH47, Thrissur Kerala.Police Station Kodakara, Thrissur Kerala.Chalakudi Police Station Chalakudi, Thrissur Kerala.
Nearest Hospital:Chempenkulam Ayurveda Hospital 7/1100, NH 220,thekkady Jn Kumily, Kerala 685509 Tel: 04869 222094.RJPM Govt Maternity Hospital Rajapalaiyam, Virudhunagar Tamil NaduAshramam Ayurveda Hospital and Reserch Centre Idukki, Kerala Tel:09746063255.Anandam Clinic Angaiha road, Rajapalaiyam Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu.Bharath Hospital Azad Lane, Near Thirunakkara Temple Kottayam, Kerala 686001 Tel: 0481 2582947.
