Idukki Information
Idukki, with altitudes up to 2500 ft above sea level, is one of the
most beautiful districts of Kerala in India, Idukki is a district
whose name is derived from the Malayalam word 'Idukku' which means a
narrow gauge. Flanked by the Western Ghats in the East, the district
has many narrow steep-sided valleys, giving credence to the name.The
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.
While at Idukki you may visit the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary. The
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 70 sq. km close
to the Arched Dam. The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary attracts tourists
for its forest cover that is rich is both flora and fauna. You may
spot animals like the elephant, bison, sambhar, deer besides a wide
variety of snakes and birds like the jungle foul, laughing thrush
etc.
Getting There
Air :
Nearest Airports are Madurai (Tamil Nadu) 140 Kms, Kochi
(Nedumbassery - 190 Km), Thiruvananthapuram (265 Kms).
Rail :
Nearest Railway Station is Kumarakom 114 kms and Madurai station is
about 136 kms.
Road :
An excellent road network links the district to all major towns and
cities in India.
Tourist Attractions
The Idukki Arch Dam
The gigantic 780 MW Hydroelectric project is built on the river
Periyar, which is flowing through a gorge between two massive
mountains called Kuravan Mala and Kurathi Mala. The arch dam is
built at this gorge. The Idukki Profect consists of three dams-the
550 feet high arch dam, 454 feet high Cheruthony dam and the
Kulamavu dam. This double curvature arch dam is the second highest
in India and an engineering marvel. Cheruthoni is the area around
the Idukki and Cheruthoni dams. Boats are available for the two-hour
cruise between Cheruthoni and Kulamavu.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
Established in 1976, the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary has an area of
77Sq.km. spread over Thodupuha and Udumbanchola taluks of the Idukki
District. A very large Elephant population, the beautiful Idukki
Lake and the famous Idukki Arch Dam are its most important
attractions.
Undulating with lofty peaks and precipitous slops, the elevation of
the area varies from 450m to 746m above M.S.L . The highest peak is
Kizhakelachi Mala(746m) . An artificial lake, 33 Sq km in extent has
been formed by the construction of Kulamavu Dam, and the Idukki Arch
Dam.
Thommankuthu
The 7 steps waterfall here is much loved picnic spot. At each step
there is a cascade and Pool beneath. Thommankuthu is an ideal place
for adventure tourism
Kalliyanathandu
Located ten kilometres from Idukki, this area provides amazing
aerial views of the Idukki reservoir, surrounding peaks and forest.
An ideal place for mountain climbers and trekkers.
Nadukani
Nadukani is an ideal place for one-day picnickers. As the name
indicates, this park offers panoramic view of the a large area of
the same and nearby districts. A two-storyed pavilion makes an ideal
place for enjoying the landscape and beauty of nature.
Museum Complex
The Napier Museum: (Open 10.00-17.00 hrs. Closed on Mondays &
Wednesday forenoons) The IndoSaracenic structure dating back to the
9th century, and boasting a natural air conditioning system, houses
a rare collection of archeological and historic artifacts, bronze
idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. The
use of plastic is banned in the museum premises.
Keezharkuthu
The Rain Bow waterfalls, which cascade down a rock from a height of
about 1500 m 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.
