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::: Idukki

Idukki, formed on 26 January 1972 , is the unspoiled natural queen of Kerala. About 1500 Sq .Km. of its area is reserved forest, much of which is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The district's name, 'Idukki' is supposed to be derived from the Malayalam word 'Idukku' which means a narrow gorge and about 60% of the State's power needs come from the hydro-electric power station at Moolamattom, the biggest in the state. The famous Idukki arch-dam, the first of its kind in India and one of the largest in Asia, is built between two huge granite hills across the river Periyar with the cooperation of the Canadian Government in 1969. There are 14 peaks in Idukki which exceed a height of 2000 meters above Mean Sea Level and 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.
Places of Interest
Mattupetty, Idukki - 13 kms from Munnar, and at a height of 1700 m is Mattupetty , the home of the famous and highly specialized dairy farm, the Indo-Swiss live stock project . The Mattupetty lake and dam (built in the 1940's), surrounded by wooden hills and tea plantations, makes a great view. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala lake are other attractions in the vicinity. The Shola forests around Mattupetty are ideal for trekking and bird watching. Small streams and waterfalls cut through the tract, which again adds to charm of the place. Mattupetty has a beautiful rose garden.
Mattupetty - Idukki, Kerala
Munnar, Idukki - Munnar is situated 1800 m above sea level. A breathtaking expanse of tea plantations, great black winding roads, and clear blue sky, all adding up to the most ideal hillstop. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji the flower that blooms every 12 years.
Nilgiri Tahr - Idukki, Kerala
Eravikulam National Park, Devikulam - The Eravikulam National Park (15 kms from Munnar) is situated in the Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki District. The  97 sq km park was declared as a sanctuary in 1975. Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance, it was declared as a National park in 1978 and lies along the high ranges of the western coast in the Munnar Forest Division. This park was established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr also known as the Nilgiri Ibex. Half the world population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragas hylocres) lives here.
Echo Point, Munnar - 15 kms from Munnar, on the way to top station, at a spot on the lake embankment, amid some hills, every loud sound is echoed manifold by the surrounding hills— the spot is called Echo point which also offers panoramic views. An excellent place, especially for young travelers to disembark for a while, yell out — and listen to your voice coming back to you! This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit
Idukki Arch Dam, Idukki- This is the world's second and Asia's first arch dam, constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills, 550 ft. high and 650 ft, wide, making it it is one of the highest arch dams in Asia . The three dams, Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamavu, have created an artificial lake that is 60 square kilometer wide and the stored water is used to produce electricity at the Moolamattom Power house, which is located inside nearby rocky caves. .The dam lies close to the Cheruthoni barrage. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located close by. It started generating power on 4 October 1975.
Idukki Arch Dam - Idukki, Kerala
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Idukki - This sanctuary extends over the Thodupuzha and Udumbanchola taluks of Idukki district, spreading over 77 sq.km. and is about 450-748 m. above sea level. Elephants, bisons, bear, wild boars, sambar wild dogs, jungle cats, tiger, wild boar etc are seen here apart from various species of snakes including cobra, viper, kraits and numerous non-poisonous ones. Birds include jungle fowl, myna, laughing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl, woodpecker, kingfisher etc.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - Idukki, Kerala
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady - Lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves - the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. In 1934 the sanctuary came to be known as Nellikkampetty sanctuary, and it was declared a tiger reserve in 1978. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar, however, is the herd of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.
Thekkady, Idukki - The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice-scented plantations. Getting to Thekkady is as sublime as the destination itself. A scenic journey past mist-capped mountains, spice plantations and open grasslands lined with spectacular water-falls and delightful trekking trails forms the access to your hideway here. Perched amidst dense greenery in the outskirts of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Rajamala, Munnar - 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. The animal is fast becoming extinct. The sanctuary is a part of the Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, and visitors are allowed only to the tourism area in the Rajamala region. The Nilgiri Tahrs are now reduced to small herds found in Eravikulam-Rajamala region. The total number of Nilgiri Tahrs in Rajamala is estimated at 1317 and the picturesque beauty of this mountain will make you want to tent here forever!
Rajamala - Idukki, Kerala
Top Station, Idukki - 1700 m above sea level, this is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road and the highest roadway elevation in South India . Tea was transported down from here by railway and ropeway to Munnar and beyond. Top Station is the western entrance to the planned Palani Hills National Park . Top Station derived its name from its location on the Kundala Valley 24 inch gauge railway. Some remains of Kundala Valley Railway can be seen at the Munnar Tea Museum and remains of the ropeway are still visible.
Thommankuthu Waterfall - Idukki, Kerala
Thommankuthu Waterfalls, Idukki - Located 20 kms from Thodupuzha or barely an hours drive away is Thommankuthu Waterfalls is a small and beautiful, wild waterfall with the serene and pristine beauty of the forest and stream. and it plunges down in fourteen steps with a cascade and pool at each level. This exotic place is congenial for trekking or mountain climbing and to enjoy the panoramic beauty the best way is to undertake a trek that takes one to the top of the mountain, a nearly 12 km climb. Under the present circumstance only one day tours can be conducted.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Idukki - Thattekkad bird sanctuary in Devikulam Taluk of Idukki lies on the northern bank of the Periyar river. The area of the sanctuary is 25 sq.Km and a study conducted by Bombay Natural History Society during 1985 identified 253 species of birds here. This attracted the renowned ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali and his efforts are also behind the formation of this sanctuary. Important birds found here include large falcon, gray jungle fowl, white breasted water hen, hornbill, jungle bush-quail, etc.
Marayoor, Idukki - is located at the outskirts of Munnar at the distance of 42 Km on the way to Chinnar. It is the only place in Kerala having a natural growth of sandal wood trees. Relics from the stone age, civilization that is as old as 10000 B.C, only one of 3 among world with its undulating dolmans huts, caves, painting and the underground tunnels of pre-historic age, the sandal wood factory of the forest department, the caves (Muniyaras) with murals and the children's park spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single Banyan tree leave every visitor in awe of the place.
Marayoor - Idukki, Kerala
Devikulam, Idukki - located 16 kilometers southwest of Munnar, Devikulam is a small hill resort in the state of Kerala where the possibility of getting mesmerized by its sheer scenic grandeur is a rule rather than an exception. With her irresistibly green slopes touching the sky at a thousand metres, silent clusters of slender red and blue gum trees and a lovely little lake hidden within the rolling hills making it a perfect picture of fairy-tale enchantment. In close proximity to the Devikulam Lake is the Pallivasal Waterfalls.
Anamudi - Idukki, Kerala
Anamudi, Idukki - located in the Cardamom Hills in Kerala State, in the southern region of Eravikulam National Park it is the highest peak in the Western Ghats in India and at a height of 2,695 metres (8,842 ft) , it is the highest elevation in South India and towers over the sanctuary in majestic pride. The slopes of the hills abound in all kinds of rare flora and fauna. Anamudi is home to the rare Neelakurunji. This flower which bathes the hills in the blue every twelve years, will bloom next in 2018. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking and adventure tousirm. Tourists are allowed to go on foot to the top.
Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls, Idukki - is a 110 m drop of water greets visitors to this spot on the Kochi-Madurai highway. A misty spray cools all vehicles that crosses this spot on the road, located about 10 kms. from Adimali and 32 kms from Kothamangalam it is considered a great place for trekking. Valara waterfalls is also on the Kochi - Madurai highway. Valara has a chain of waterfalls surrounded by thick green forests and combines the serenity and the purity of the surroundings.
Pullumedu, Idukki - located 43 km from Thekkady, Pullumedu is a beautiful hill station. The winding journey to this hill along the Periyar River, offers a stunning view of hills draped in lush greenery. Velvet lawns and rare flora and fauna add to the beauty of Pullumedu. The famous Sree Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala and the Makara Jyothi illuminations at the shrine are visible from here. Pullumedu can be accessed only by jeep. Since it is part of the restricted forest zone, special permission to visit has to be obtained from the Wildlife Preservation Officer, Thekkady.
Pullumedu - Idukki, Kerala
Wagamon (Vagamon), Idukki - situated 64 kms from Kottayam, this enchanting hill station at an elevation of 1100 metres above sea level is a trekker's paradise surrounded by the greenery of tea gardens, beautiful meadows, deep puzzling valleys and dales. Grass covered hills, velvet lawns and the cool mountain air make Wagamon a perfect holiday retreat. A curious blend of religious mysticism and European legacies, this hillside village is a haven of tranquility. The dairy farm managed by the Kurisumala monks is worth a visit.
Ilaveezha Poonchira - Kerala, India
Ilaveezha Poonchira, Idukki - 18 kms from Thodupuzha towards east on the road from Thodupuzha to Idukki and thence 8 kms by jeep-road to Poonchira. A grassy hill top slanting to northern side from western slope of western ghats. Located among three beautiful hillocks Mankunnu, Kudayathoormala and Thonippara, Poonchira is a place of picturesque charm. The gentle breeze, water fall, beautiful sunrise and sunset, all go a long way to make worthy of a visit with extremely nourishing light wind and dancing hairy grass land.


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