Hill Stations in India

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.

Prime Attractions of Idukki

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..
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..
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.
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.
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.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique thorny scrub forest with xerophyte species. Chinnar is the habitat of the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India.
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 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.
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.
13 kms form Munnar, at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level, this verdant landscape houses the Indo-Swiss Dairy Project.
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.

Excursions from Idukki

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.
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. (41Km.)
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.
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.

How To Get There - Idukki

The nearest railway station is at Kottayam, 133 km away. The nearest airport is at Cochin 132 km away. Idukki can be reached by mortable roads from most parts of Kerala.

Places To Stay - Idukki

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.

Maps

General Information - Idukki

Southern Part Of Kerala.

Munnar, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

January 26, 1972.

August to March.

5019 sq.km.

1,079,369.

2200 m above sea level.

Min 22.5?C
Max: 37.5?C.
270 cm (annual).

Tropical Cottons. Warm clothes and rain gear for places like Munnar and Thekkady.