Idukki, the beautiful hill station of Kerala derives its name from a Malayalam word 'idukku', which means narrow gorge. Idukki is known as the land of massive mountains, variegated valleys and splendid streams. Located in the southern portion of Kerala, Idukki offers diverse tourist attractions like hill ranges, mountain treks, spice plantations, virgin beauty of nature and wild life sanctuaries.
The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is the prime attraction of the hill town ofIdukki
Very near to the hill station of Idukki, is another hill station called Peermade. Peermade was summer resort of the former Tranvancore rulers. Peermade is worthy of visit for its green grasslands, wonderful waterfalls and pleasant plantations of tea, coffee and rubber.
Thekkady is at a distance of almost 65 km from Idukki. The place is visited for unspoilt beauty of the nature and vast wildlife population. Thekkady is famous for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary where you can find the artificial lakes, hills and plantations along with the fauna and avifauna. Trekking, elephant rides and boating can be indulged in while at Thekkady.
From Idukki, you may also visit the hill station of Munnar, which is at a distance of 70 km. The place has the beauty enhanced by the tea plantations, nice town planning, winding lanes and perfect climatic conditions.
The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is the prime attraction of the hill town of
Very near to the hill station of Idukki, is another hill station called Peermade. Peermade was summer resort of the former Tranvancore rulers. Peermade is worthy of visit for its green grasslands, wonderful waterfalls and pleasant plantations of tea, coffee and rubber.
Thekkady is at a distance of almost 65 km from Idukki. The place is visited for unspoilt beauty of the nature and vast wildlife population. Thekkady is famous for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary where you can find the artificial lakes, hills and plantations along with the fauna and avifauna. Trekking, elephant rides and boating can be indulged in while at Thekkady.
From Idukki, you may also visit the hill station of Munnar, which is at a distance of 70 km. The place has the beauty enhanced by the tea plantations, nice town planning, winding lanes and perfect climatic conditions.
Main Attractions of Idukki
Munnar
It is a dazzling hill station in Idukki blessed with ultimate appeal and exquisite enchantment. The place has been termed as "Virgin Munnar" because of its divine natural beauty. Munnar lies at the junction of three mountain streams, namely, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala. This enthralling hill station is dotted with vast tea plantations, bizarre small villages, meandering lanes, and tourist entertainment facilities. It beholds great exotic flora, including Neelakurinji, a flower which blooms once in twelve years.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary is a distinct thorny scrub forest, comprising of several xerophytes species. Chinnar is a famous dwelling of the country's endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel. Unlike other sanctuaries of Kerala which receive ample rainfall, Chinner gets barely exiguous showers every year. A visit to this sanctuary is sure to be a memorable experience. Here, you can spot wildlife, like elephants, spotted deer, sambar, hanuman monkeys, and more.
Devikulam
Devikulam is an enrapturing hill resort, situated at 16 km from Munnar. Devikulam and Munnar are collectively known as cousins. This hill resort represents nature in its most untarnished form. It is thickly covered with the aroma of wild flowers and rare herbs; thus, making it a wonderland for any nature admirer. In Devikulam, you can capture immense picturesque surroundings. It has some beautifully surging waterfalls and a stunning lake. The lake is believed to be holy and carries some magical healing powers.
Idukki Arch Dam
The Idukki Arch Dam is constructed across the flabbergasting Kuravan and Kurathi hills. It is the world's second andAsia 's first arch dam. The Idukki Dam is situated near the Cheruthoni barrage and extents to an altitude of 550 ft with a width of 650 ft. Visitors can enjoy pedal boating in the river. The dam proves to be a unique, fascinating, and appreciable site in Idukki. Further, you can visit Kulamavu Dam, situated to its west, and Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary located nearby.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary spreads over Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola talukas of Idukki district. Spread over an area of more than 77 sq km, the sanctuary is about 450-748 m above sea level. It is one of the most alluring and flora-and-fauna-rich wildlife sites in Kerala. One can sight numerous animals here, like elephant, bison, sambar deer, wild dog, jungle cat, tiger, and wild boar. The sanctuary is home to various snakes, such as cobra, viper, krait, and numerous non-poisonous snakes. You can even spot a range of colorful birds like jungle fowl, myna, laughing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl, woodpecker, and kingfisher.
Marayoor
Marayoor, located at a distance of 40 km from Munnar, is the only site in the entire Kerala where sandalwood trees grow naturally. Another appealing trait of this place is the antiques of new Stone Age Civilization, which have been unearthed here. The place enjoys a cool weather and high rainfall. Sandalwood forests and Factory of the Forest Department, Children's Park,Rajiv Gandhi National Park
Top Station
Top Station is a serene hill station situated about 32 km away from Munnar, on theMunnar-Kodaikanal Road Munnar-Kodaikanal Road Western Ghats , coupled with dazzling surroundings and cool winds, refresh the mind and soul of all visitors. You can opt for trekking sessions to get a little closer to its impeccable beauty.
Kuthumkal Waterfalls
The misty Kuthumkal Waterfalls greet with tremendously ravishing vistas of the water, rolling down from startling altitudes. The divine beauty of these waterfalls attracts a large number of tourists annually. The surroundings of the waterfalls are dotted with extreme natural glory and lush greenery. The spectacular and captivating charm of waterfalls, striking the ground from great altitude thrills visitors. The site is a perfect picnic spot, full of fascination and enjoyment.
It is a dazzling hill station in Idukki blessed with ultimate appeal and exquisite enchantment. The place has been termed as "Virgin Munnar" because of its divine natural beauty. Munnar lies at the junction of three mountain streams, namely, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala. This enthralling hill station is dotted with vast tea plantations, bizarre small villages, meandering lanes, and tourist entertainment facilities. It beholds great exotic flora, including Neelakurinji, a flower which blooms once in twelve years.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary is a distinct thorny scrub forest, comprising of several xerophytes species. Chinnar is a famous dwelling of the country's endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel. Unlike other sanctuaries of Kerala which receive ample rainfall, Chinner gets barely exiguous showers every year. A visit to this sanctuary is sure to be a memorable experience. Here, you can spot wildlife, like elephants, spotted deer, sambar, hanuman monkeys, and more.
Devikulam
Devikulam is an enrapturing hill resort, situated at 16 km from Munnar. Devikulam and Munnar are collectively known as cousins. This hill resort represents nature in its most untarnished form. It is thickly covered with the aroma of wild flowers and rare herbs; thus, making it a wonderland for any nature admirer. In Devikulam, you can capture immense picturesque surroundings. It has some beautifully surging waterfalls and a stunning lake. The lake is believed to be holy and carries some magical healing powers.
Idukki Arch Dam
The Idukki Arch Dam is constructed across the flabbergasting Kuravan and Kurathi hills. It is the world's second and
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary spreads over Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola talukas of Idukki district. Spread over an area of more than 77 sq km, the sanctuary is about 450-748 m above sea level. It is one of the most alluring and flora-and-fauna-rich wildlife sites in Kerala. One can sight numerous animals here, like elephant, bison, sambar deer, wild dog, jungle cat, tiger, and wild boar. The sanctuary is home to various snakes, such as cobra, viper, krait, and numerous non-poisonous snakes. You can even spot a range of colorful birds like jungle fowl, myna, laughing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl, woodpecker, and kingfisher.
Marayoor
Marayoor, located at a distance of 40 km from Munnar, is the only site in the entire Kerala where sandalwood trees grow naturally. Another appealing trait of this place is the antiques of new Stone Age Civilization, which have been unearthed here. The place enjoys a cool weather and high rainfall. Sandalwood forests and Factory of the Forest Department, Children's Park,
Top Station
Top Station is a serene hill station situated about 32 km away from Munnar, on the
Kuthumkal Waterfalls
The misty Kuthumkal Waterfalls greet with tremendously ravishing vistas of the water, rolling down from startling altitudes. The divine beauty of these waterfalls attracts a large number of tourists annually. The surroundings of the waterfalls are dotted with extreme natural glory and lush greenery. The spectacular and captivating charm of waterfalls, striking the ground from great altitude thrills visitors. The site is a perfect picnic spot, full of fascination and enjoyment.
Opened in 1978 and situated in Idukki district, the park is spread over an area of 97sq.km. The nearest town is Munnar, 24km away from the park.
The park has sub-tropical hill forests. The important fauna are elephant, leopard, tiger, Malabar civet, Nilgiri thar, Sambar, barking deer, Nilgai, langur, phyhon etc. The birds found are imperial pigeon and grey jungle fowl.
October to April are ideal months for visiting the park.
Periyar national park is famous for its scenic beauty. It is covered with dense evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with grass lands on the upper slopes. These forests provide an ideal habitat to wild life. The Wildlife sanctuary, near the border of Tamil Nadu was designated a part of Project Tiger in 1973. It is very much known for the tusk less elephants.
The animals found in the park are elephants, gaur, sambar, bison, barking deer, Nilgiri languor, pig, tiger, panther, leopard, sloth bear, jungle cat, small Indian civet and Malabar squirrel, macaque. There is a variety of birds in the park including the Great Indian hornbill, Indian darter, king fisher, black necked storks, butterflies etc. The tiger and leopard are sighted when the forest water holes dry up and these animals come and drink water from the river.
The best months for visiting the park are from October to April. There is facility for boating. The ideal times for cruise e the dawn and dusk. Elephant rides are also available. The ride on an elephant is more to see than the boat trip. There is a special viewing platform inside the forest.
Idukki Image Gallery
Idukki, Place to Visit Idukki,Tours
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