IDUKKI
Location: Southern Part of Kerala
Main Attractions: Munnar, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Formed on: January 26, 1972
Best Season: August to March
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 centers 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
Munnar: 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.
Marayoor: 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.
Mattupetti: 13 kms form Munnar, at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level, this verdant landscape houses the Indo-Swiss Dairy Project.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary: 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.
Thekkady: Lying at an altitude of 900-1800 m above sea level, in the Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India.
Holding great opportunities for treks and mountain walks are picturesque plantations and hill towns that are spread across the entire district.
Idukki Arch Dam: 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 Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located close by.
Observatory Hills: 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 are free from pollution.
Kuthumkal Waterfalls: 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.
Cheruthoni: 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 Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique thorny scrub forest with xerophyte species. Chinnar is the habitat of the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India.
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 shoals, spread over 97 sq. kms of unblemished natural splendor.
Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary 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.
Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary 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, Dr. Salim Ali, the renowned ornithologist, designed the sanctuary.
Devikulam Located 16 kms from Munnar, this gorgeous hill station symbolizes 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.
Top Station 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.
Moolamatton: (40 kms from Idukki) the Idukki Hydroelectric Project's underground powerhouse is located here. A visit to Moolamatton provides the opportunity to view the working of a hydroelectric station.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The nearest airport is at Cochin 132 km away.
Rail: The nearest railway station is at Kottayam, 133 km away.
Road: mortable roads from most parts of Kerala can reach Idukki.
NEARBY CITIES
Thekkady 60 km
Munnar170 km
Madurai200 km
Kochi250 km
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: 5019 sq.km.
District Population:1,079,369.
Altitude:2200 m above sea level.
Temperature:
Mean Min:22.5°C
Mean Max:37.5°C.
Rainfall:270 cm (annual).
Clothing:Tropical Cottons. Warm clothes and rain gear for places like Munnar and Thekkady.
|
