DESTINATION - IDUKKI

Idukki is one of the 14 districts of Kerala state, India. The district headquarters is located at Kuyilimala in Painavu.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, (CWS), is located 18 km north of Marayoor on SH 17 in the Marayoor and Kanthalloor Panchayats of Devikulam Taluk in the Idukki district of Kerala state in South India. It is one of twelve Wildlife Sanctuaries among the Protected areas of Kerala. It is under the jurisdiction of and contiguous with Eravikulam National Park to the south. Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary is to the north and Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary is to the east. It forms an integral part of the 1,187 km2 (458 sq mi) block of protected forests straddling the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border in the Annamalai Hills. The Western Ghats, Anamalai Sub-Cluster, including all of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.

ocated in Kerala, India, is a 168.91 m (554 ft) tall arch dam. The dam stands between the two mountains - Kuravanmala (839)m and Kurathimala (925)m. It was constructed and is owned by the Kerala State Electricity Board. It supports a 780 MW hydroelectric power station.It is built on the Periyar River, in the ravine between the Kuravan and Kurathi Hills in Kerala, India. At 167.68 metres, it is one of the highest arch dams in Asia and third tallest arch dam. It started generating power on 4 October 1975.[1] Technically, the dam type is a concrete double, curvature parabolic, thin arc dam.

This dam was constructed along with two other dams at Cheruthoni and Kulamavu. Together, the three dams have created an artificial lake that is 60 km² in area. The stored water is used to produce electricity at the Moolamattom Power house, which is located inside nearby rocky caves. The Government of Canada aided in the building of the dam with long term loans and grants.

This beautiful park situated close to Idukki and Cheruthoni dams offer breathtaking panoramic views of the reservoir and the adjoining wilderness. This park, perched on top of the verdant hills, sprawls over an area of 8 km dotted with emerald green lawns, exotic plants and views to thrill you beyond imagination. The park is an ideal place to spot elephant herds roaming in the wilderness and for taking boat rides in the tranquil lake. The medicinal plant garden and children’s play area add further charm to this beautiful park.

Sample some of the most breathtaking sceneries and gurgling waterfalls in one go at Thommankuthu. This enchanting waterfall, located at a distance of about 20 km from Thodupuzha, is an ideal place to glimpse natures ravishing beauty. This beautiful petite waterfall cascades down in seven steps with a small pool at each level. This magnificent setting also offers a perfect stage to indulge in adventure sports including trekking and mountaineering. The place is also ideal for boating and a quite afternoon of fishing. This unspoiled land of scenic beauty attracts thousands of tourists every year.

This idyllic site perched on top of a hill is surrounded by lush greenery and huge boulders. The place offers an ideal spot to catch panoramic views of breathtaking proportions of the nearby low lying areas. The name when literally translated means “see the lands”. A two storied pavilion has been erected here to better view the low lying areas draped in velvet greenery. The place is a photographer’s paradise offering picture postcard visions of the valley below with white streaks of silver streams cutting through the lush greenery. Located at a distance of about 70 km from Thodupuzha, the place can be easily accessed unlike most other tourist spots in the district.

This mountainous terrain located at a distance of 35 km from Thodupuzha is a beautiful spot unexplored by mainstream travelers. Perched on top of a mountain, this is an ideal spot to enjoy a beautiful sunset - a vision painted in hues of dazzling orange with silhouettes of majestic mountains draped in rich robes of green in the foreground. It is also an ideal place to “rediscover yourself” in quite meditation and just relax in the tranquil surroundings.

Kulamavu dam lies in the vicinity of the Idukki dam. The beautiful lake and adjoining wilderness adds to the beauty of the place making it an ideal picnic spot. The area is also perfect for a trekking expedition or mountaineering. The location is also a vantage point offering panoramic views of the beautiful countryside.

This petite picturesque town is the headquarters of Idukki district. Painavu is a place of amazing scenic beauty surrounded by evergreen forests and verdant mountains. This forest township is an ideal location to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is also a preferred spot for trekking.

Located on top of a hill, this is an ideal place to enjoy a panoramic view of the Idukki reservoir, the adjoining forests and mountains. This vantage view of breathtaking splendor makes it a popular spot among tourists. The place is also favored by adventure tourists for trekking and mountaineering.

Located at a distance of about 6Km from Thodupuzha, this splendid artificial reservoir is a popular attraction among tourists. The shimmering golden water of the reservoir is sharply contrasted by the surrounding emerald greenery. The reservoir is an ideal setting to enjoy a boating trip or to just laze around and do some fishing. This lake could be accessed by road.

The place is famous for its splendid Rainbow waterfalls cascading down from a height of about 1500 meters. The surrounding forests offer a picture perfect setting for this amazing waterfall. The forest is acclaimed to have an exotic variety of flora including those of medicinal value. The area is ideal for trekking, mountaineering and camp sites.

This popular adventure travel destination, located at a distance of about 12 km from Idukki, is set at an altitude of 3125 meters above the sea level. Views of the city of Cochin, Alappuzha and other towns could be seen from this peak on a bright sunny day. The panoramic views here are simply breathtaking.

Things To Do
Idukki is a paradise for adventure tourists and nature lovers. Some of the popular things to do are-

Boating is an ideal way to explore the scenic beauty of the place and to catch glimpses of wildlife. Most of the dams and lakes offer facilities for boating. Fishing is a peaceful way to laze around and enjoy the day in the emerald green lakes of Idukki.

Some of the lakes offer facilities for rafting. Check out the places where they have bamboo rafting, a perfectly exciting experience sure to leave you with thrilling memories.

This is one of the best ways to enjoy the quaint towns and the countryside. You can explore the place at your own sweet pace and enjoy the charms of nature. This is a rather tranquil affair here with many isolated hamlets scattered around connected by small roads sans traffic.

This is the true trump card of all. You can enjoy a quite trekking expedition or mountaineering here without much hassle. The opportunities are numerous and you are certain to enjoy a trekking in the exotic wilderness of Western Ghats.

Idukki has around 245 tribal settlements and a large number of migrant populations from Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The area retains its bucolic charms even now.

This is one of the most celebrated fairs in Idukki. The region with its predominantly rustic population celebrates this fest with much pomp. This festival is celebrated during the last week of December in Adimali town. Many farmers bring their harvest and crops to this fair. This is one of the most prominent tourism attractions in the high ranges.

This temple is located in Thodupuzha town. The temple dedicated to Lord Krishna is famous for its 9 day long festival. During the festive season various temple art forms and classical music recitals are held in the temple. On the last three days, considered the most auspicious, main celebrations are held. This includes processions with caparisoned elephants accompanied with traditional percussion music held in mornings and evenings.