Idukki: A Nature Lover’s Paradise.
Idukki is a lush green district in the South India state of Kerala. Situated at an approximate altitude of 2500 feet above sea level, Idukki has a diverse range of flora and fauna. Approximately an area of 1500 square kilometres if this district has been categorized as reserve forest, which houses many wild animals. The topography of Idukki is characterized by huge mountains and forests, there are many peaks, rivers, streams and lakes in Idukki, making this large district in Kerala and natural paradise. Idukki is also famous for its hydroelectricity because more than 60% of the power needs in Kerala are met by the hydroelectric plant in Idukki.
Getting There
By Air: The district of Idukki does not have an airport. The nearest airport is approximately 110 kilometres away in Cochin. The airport in Cochin has an international terminal, which has direct flights to Singapore, Sri Lanka and Middle East. The other options are the airports in Calicut and Trivandrum. One can also fly to nearby metropolitan cities, such as Chennai and Bangalore and reach Idukki by rail or road.
By Rail: Idukki does not have railway lines. The major railway station near Idukki is again Cochin. The other option is the railway station in Aluva, which is located in the district of Ernakulum. Most trains stop in this small town. From there one can drive to Idukki.
By Road: The two state highways: 13 and 33 cut across the Idukki district. In addition National Highway 49 also passes through Idukki. Thus the district is well connected by road to other destinations in Kerala, such as Cochin, Kozhikode, Kottayam and Trivandrum, as well as to other cities, such as Bangalore and Madurai.
Within Idukki there are several means of transport, such as local buses, auto rickshaws and taxis. Many attractions in Idukki are situated in close proximity to each other so one can explore many places in this district on foot.
Attractions
Idukki’s main attraction is the arch dam. This dam is the only one of its kind in Asia and is constructed between the two lofty hills: Kurathi and Kuravan. The dam is approximately 650 feet wide and 550 feet high. Towards the west of this dam is the Kulamavu dam. The size and the architecture of this dam makes it one of the must visit places in Idukki. In close proximity to the dam is the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary. The Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 77 square kilometres and lies at an approximate altitude of 450 to 750 metres. Approximately half of the area of this reservoir is formed by the three dams: Idukki arch dam, Kulamavu dam and Cheruthoni. The sanctuary spreads over to the taluks of Udumbanchola and Thodupuzha and is home to many wild animals, such as bison, elephants and tigers.
Located adjacent to the Cheruthoni and Idukki arch dam is the Hill View Park. A picturesque park on a hill top, spread over an area of 8 acres. This park has beautifully landscaped herbal garden and offers panoramic views of the nearby hills. The park has a natural lake, which had boating facilities. It also houses a children’s park. The biggest attraction, however is the view of the elephants in their natural habitat from this park. Another beautiful park is Nadukani, which offers great view of the hills of the adjoining districts. Nadukani is mostly used as a picnic spot too. A great picnic spot is located approximately 35 kilometres from Thodupuzha, known as the Thumpachi Calveri Samuchayam. It is famous for its sunset view.
Idukki’s lush green forests make it’s a great place for trekking. There are very good trekking trails near the Idukki arch dam and Kulamavu dam. The trails are nice and the summit offers great aerial view of the reservoirs. Other great trekking trails are located in Painavu and Kalliyanathandu. The trails pass through the forests and offers great views. For more adventurous trekking, Anamudi is the best place is the district.
Idukki has number of water bodies all around the district. Malankara Reservoir, which is located at a distance of approximately 6 kilometres from Thodupuzha, the biggest town and the only municipality in Idukki, famous for its rubber plants and the agricultural fest that is held here every year, is an artificial lake. It is a great place for fishing and the reservoir also houses boating facilities. Located approximately 17 kilometres from Thodupuzha is Thommankuthu. It is also known as the seven steps waterfall. There are seven steps in this waterfall and each cascade falls into a pool at the bottom. It is very scenic and is a great place for adventure tourism. Keezharkuthu, also known as the rainbow waterfall is located at a distance of approximately 25 kilometres from Thodupuzha. The water cascaded down from a 1500 metre high rock and is surrounded by forests, make it’s a very scenic sight. This place is also used for rock climbing. On the Cochin-Madurai highway is the Cheeyappara waterfall, characterized by a 110 metre drop.
Munnar is one of the most famous hill resorts in the district of Idukki. It is known for its beautiful tea gardens and pleasant climate. Munnar is approximately 130 kilometres from Cochin and is a great place to unwind. Another hill resort with sprawling plantation is Peermede. This place has mesmerizing landscape, complete with milky waterfalls and lush green meadows and is a great place for trekking. Thekkady is another great attraction in the Idukki district. The highlight of Thekkady is the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. This wildlife sanctuary is spread over an area of 777 square kilometres and has been declared as a tiger reserve. This sanctuary is not only famous for its diverse wildlife but also for its scenic beauty. There is an artificial lake that runs across the Periyar forest and one can view the wildlife from the boats. Herds of elephants are a common sight in this sanctuary. The entry to the sanctuary starts at 6 am and closes at 6 pm.
The Stay
The entire district of Idukki has a diverse range of accommodation. From luxury resorts to small homestays. There are number of luxury resorts in Munnar and Thekkady. In the municipality of Idukki there are two great resorts: Vagamon Hideout and Greenberg Holiday Resort. Vagamon area in Idukki has beautiful hills and meadows and Vagamon Hideout is set amongst these meadows. They have unique cottages made of wood, mud and stones. A stay in Vagamon would cost Rs 7000 per day with the all the meals included in the package. Greenberg Holiday Resort is a mid-range resort and per night package would cost anywhere between Rs 2500 to 3500. There are a number of budget hotels in and around Idukki.
Thekkady and Periyar had its own share of luxury and small resorts. The Taj Garden Retreat, Cardamom County and Elephant Court Resort are some of the luxury resorts. These luxury resorts would cost anywhere between Rs 7000 to Rs 10000 per room. Lake Palace, with is adjacent to the Periyar Lake is also a very good option. Apart from this there are number of small resorts and budget hotels. The small resorts, such as Silver Crest Resort, Wildernest Resort and Hotel Greenwoods would cost approximately Rs 2000 to Rs 2500. The budget hotels cost anywhere between Rs 600 to Rs 1200 and these include Woodlands Prime Castle, Hotel Ambadi and Hotel High Range Residency. Munnar too has a number of hotels and resorts to suit all kinds of choices and budgets.
Idukki is full of surprises; the district is so diverse and has so much to offer to all kinds of travellers. Idukki is definitely one of the must visit places in India.