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THE
UNSPOILT NATURE
Located in the southern part of Kerala, Idukki is a landlocked district
spread over an area of 5019 sq. kms. Blessed generously by Mother Nature,
Idukki offers diverse attractions like wild life sanctuaries, hill
stations, spice plantation centres and mountain treks.
Idukki district was formed on January 26, 1972 carving out
Devikulam,
Peerumedu and
Udumbanchola taluks from the erstwhile Kottayam district and Thodupuzha
taluk from the erstwhile Ernakulam
district. The name 'Idukki' is supposed to be derived from the Malayalam
word `idukku', which means a narrow gorge.
CITIES
Munnar: The
nature, absolutely untouched has led to the christening of this place as
'Virgin Munnar', in the tourism industry. Increasing fame and the growth
of visitors may soon account to deletion of this description. more...
Marayoor:
Marayoor is 40 kilometers
away from Munnar. It is
the only place in Kerala having a natural growth of sandal wood trees. The
relics of new Stone Age civilization have been unearthed here. more...
Mattupetti:
13 kms form Munnar, at an
altitude of 1700 m above sea level, this verdant landscape houses the
Indo-Swiss Dairy Project. more...
WILDLIFE
Idukki
Wildlife Sanctuary: The sanctuary extends over the Thodupuzha
and Udumpanchola taluka of Idukki district, spreading over 77 sq km and is
about 450-748 m above sea level. extending to 33 sq. km, the Idukki
Reservoir is formed by three dams, namely Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamavu. more...
Thekkady: Lying at an altitude of
900-1800 m above sea level, in the Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of
the finest wildlife reserves in India. 
Holding great opportunities for treks and mountain walks are picturesque
plantations and hill towns that are spread across the entire district. more...
OTHERS
Idukki Arch Dam:
This dam, constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills is the world's
second and Asia's first arch dam. The dam lying close to the cheruthoni
barrage is 550 ft high and 650 ft. wide. To its west is the Kulamavu Dam.
The Idukki
Wildlife Sanctuary is located close by. more...
Observatory Hills: This is a beautiful hill located at
Nedumkandam. It's a perfect location for people who are interested in
watching the heavenly bodies, as the sky here is free from pollution.
Kuthumkal Waterfalls: The misty waterfall provides a picturesque
view of the water, cascading down from scintillating heights. The sheer
beauty of the place allures thousands of visitors every year.
Cheruthoni: 5kms from Painavu, it encompasses areas in and around
Idukki Arch Dam and
Cheruthoni Dam. Constructed across the Periyar river, between two granite
hills, the picturesque Idukki
Dam is the first arch dam in India. 
WILDLIFE
Chinnar
Wildlife Sanctuary Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique thorny
scrub forest with xerophyte species. Chinnar is the habitat of the
endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India. more...
Eravikulam
Wildlife Sanctuary Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a sanctuary
set up for the preservation of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The sanctuary
stands out for the stark beauty of its rolling grasslands and sholas,
spread over 97 sq. kms of unblemished natural splendour. more...
Rajamala
Wildlife Sanctuary Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary, located 15 kms
from Munnar is the
natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr. Half the world population of the rare
mountain goat is concentrated in this region. more...
Thattekkad
Bird Sanctuary In the dense tropical evergreen and deciduous
forests and grassland patches is located the Thatekkad Bird Sanctuary.
Home to a microcosm of India's bird population with about 500 winged
species, the sanctuary was designed by Dr. Salim Ali, the renowned
ornithologist. more...
OTHERS
Devikulam
Located 16 kms from Munnar,
this gorgeous hill station symbolises nature in her pristine glory. The
crisp and cool mountain air heavily laden with the fragrance of wild
flowers and rare herbs is any nature lover's paradise. more...
Top Station
Top Station, the idyllic hill station is located 32 kms 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. more...
Moolamatton: (40 kms from idukki) The Idukki Hydroelectric
Project's underground powerhouse is located here. A visit to moolamatton
provides the opportunity to view the working of a hydro-electric station.
Air: The nearest airport is at
Cochin 132 km away.
Rail: The nearest railway station is at
Kottayam, 133 km away.
Road: Idukki can be reached by mortable roads from most parts of
Kerala.
Spice Village, Thekkady.
Periyar House, Thekkady.
Royal Retreat, Munnar.
Hotel Poopada, Munnar.
Peermade Sabala Motel, Kuttikanam.
Government Guest House, Peerumedu.
Stonage Tourist Complex, Cheruthuruthi.
PWD Rest House and Inspection Bungalow, Idukki.
Thekkady (60 km)
Munnar (170 km)
Madurai (200 km)
Kochi (250 km)
Area: 5019 sq.km.
District Population: 1,079,369.
Altitude: 2200 m above sea level.
Temperature:
Mean Min: 22.5°C
Mean Max: 37.5°C.
Rainfall: 270 cm (annual).
Clothing: Tropical Cottons. Warm clothes and rain gear for places
like Munnar and
Thekkady.