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A landlocked district , Idukki is one of the most beautiful districts of Kerala in India. High ranges and wooded valleys are girded by three rivers - Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhyar - and their tributaries. The sacred river Pamba also originates from the mountain ranges here. As a tourist destination, Idukki is incomparable - forests, wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, spices & plantation tours, mountain treks, elephant rides and some of the most spectacular landscapes anywhere in India.

Idukki has a large population of tribals, the main tribes being Muthuvan, Malayarayan, Mannan, Paliyan, Urali, Ulladan, Malavedan and Malampandaram. These tribes of Kerala have unique customs and beliefs and maintain an ethos which is distinctly different from that of the mainstream culture. They are unique in their closeness with nature and relate closely with the dynamic eco-systems of these beautiful mountain ranges.

Idukki can also claim its place in the sun in the world of spices. It was the pepper and cardamom harvested from these regions which put India on the map of the ancient world. The tradition endures to this day. Idukki is today the source of most of the world's spices. The turn of the century also saw huge tea estates coming up in Munnar, a hill station about 5000-6000 feet above sea level. The intrepid British planters wisely used the local expertise and the tribal knowledge to make this area a major source of tea in the world. Tata Tea (makers of Kannan Devan Tea) carries on the tradition after the departure of the British. Their contribution to conservation of the fragile Eco-system of this region has in no small measure helped conservation efforts by the State Forest Department.

Idukki is also home to some of the finest forest and wildlife sanctuaries seen anywhere in India. Project Tiger which aims at conservation of the tiger in the wild, has been very effective in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady). The endangered Nilgiri Tahr has found a new lease of life at the Eravikulam National Park, which was instituted solely with the aim of preservation of this species. The Chinnar Sanctuary is unique in its flora and fauna. No trip to this state will be complete without a visit to these magnificent and well preserved sanctuaries- perhaps the best preserved in all of India !
:: 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 Cheruthorathi barrage. To its west is the Kulamavu dam. Idukki wild life sanctuary is located nearby.


Idukki - Tourist Centers
:: Munnar
Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, 1600 m above sea level. This hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower that bathes the hills in blue every twelve years, will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m.
Want to know more details about Munnar ?   www.munnar.com
:: Mattupetty (13 kms from Munnar)
Situated at a height of 1700 m, Mattupetty is known for its highly specialised dairy farm-the Indo Swiss livestock project. Over a 100 varieties of high-yielding cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into 3 of the 11 cattle sheds at the farm. Visiting time: 0900-1100 hrs and 1400-1530 hrs. Rate Rs.5 per head.

The Mattupetty lake and dam, just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot.The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala lake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki provides boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam.Speed launch and motorboats are available on hire.
:: Echo Point (15 kms from Munnar)
This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo Point is on the way to Top Stations from Munnar.
:: Eravikulam National Park (15 kms from Munnar)
The 97 sq. km. park is situated in the Devikulam taluk and is home to the Nilgiri tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695m) is located in the southern region of the park.
:: Top Station (32 kms from Munnar)
1700 m above sea level, this is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. The rare Nilakurinji (strobilanthus) belongs to this region. This plant blooms every 12 years bathing the hill sides in bright blue. Top Station also offers a panoramic view of the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu.
:: Marayoor (40 kms from Munnar)
This is the only place in Kerala that has natural growth of sandal wood trees. The sandal wood factory of the forest department, the caves (Muniyaras) with murals and relics from the new stone age civilization and the children's park spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single Banyan tree are of great interest to tourist's. Thoovanam waterfalls and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also near by.
:: Cheeyappara & Valara Water falls
The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi- Madurai national highway. The Cheeyappara waterfalls cascade down in seven steps. It is a real feast for the eyes. This is also a great place for trekking.
:: 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 Wildlife Sanctuary is located close by.
:: Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary extends over the Thodupuzha and Udumbanchola 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 Kulamanu - extends to 33 sq.km.
:: Hill View Park
True to its title it offers a panoramic view of a larger area than one can experience from any high mountain park. Scenes of wild elephants in their natural habital enthralls 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.
:: Nadukani
Nadukani is an ideal place for one-day picnickers. As the very name indicates, this park offers panoramic view of the a large area of the nearby districts. A two-storied pavilion makes an ideal place for enjoying the landscape and beauty of nature.
:: Thommankuthu (17 kms from Thodupuzha)
The 7 steps waterfall here is a much loved picnic spot. At each step there is a cascade and pool beneath. Thommankuthu is an ideal place for adventure tourism.
:: Keezharkuthu (25 kms from Thodupuzha)
The rain bow waterfalls, which cascade down a rock from a height of about 150 ft 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.
:: Thekkady
The very sound of the word 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 apportunities for treks and mountain walks.
Want to know more details about Thekkady ?   www.thekkady.com
:: The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves - the Periyar wildlife sanctuary. Spread across 777 sq.km, of which 360 sq.km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar wildlife sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the reserve attracts visitors from all over the world.

The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar dam across the Periyar adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar, however, is the herd of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake. Entry timing: 0600 - 1800 hrs.
:: Pandikuzhi (5 kms from Kumily)
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
:: Pullumedu (43 kms from Thekkady, 26 km from Periyar)
The winding journey to this hill town, along the Periyar river, offers a stunning view of the rolling hills draped in lush greenery. Velvet lawns, rare flora and fauna add to the beauty of Pullumedu which can be accessed only by jeep. The famous Sree Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala and the Makara Jyothi illumination at the shrine are visible from here. Since it is part of the restricted forest zone, special permission to visit Pullumedu has to be obtained from the Wildlife Preservation Officer, Thekkady or the Range Officer, Vallakkadavu.
:: Ramakalmedu (40 kms from Thekkady and 75 km from Munnar)
Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat. The hills top also offers a panoramic view of picturesque villages of Bodi and Cumbum on the Eastern slop of the western ghats.
:: Vagamon
It is a very ideal tourist spot surrounded by the greenery of tea gardens, beautiful meadows, deep puzzling valleys and dales. The enchanting hill station dotted with tea gardens will soon be one of India's foremost eco-tourism projects.

Grass covered hills, velvet lawns and the cool mountain air make Vagamon a perfect holiday retreat. A curious blend of religious mysticism and European legacies, this hillside village is a haven of tranquility. The chain of three hills - Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurisumala - is a mark of religious harmony. The dairy farm managed by the Kurisumala monks is worth a visit.

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