Idukki district General information
Idukki the unspoiled natural queen of Kerala is a tourist paradise. Idukki is the most gifted district of Kerala. With high ranges of altitude varying from 2500 feet above sea level, Idukki is the district where forest and wild life abound. About 1500 Sq.Km. of its area is reserved forest, much of which is home to a variety of flora and fauna. This forest area house wild life like, tigers, deer, Indian bisons and monkeys. Streams, valleys and hills combine to make Idukki an ideal year-round holiday destination.
For the people of Kerala, Idukki is always associated with power generation. 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, is built between two huge granite hills across the river Periyar.
History
The district's name, 'Idukki' is supposed to be derived from the Malayalam word 'Idukku' which means a narrow gorge. That could be true, for narrow steep-sided valleys are not a strange phenomenon in this hilly district flanked by the Western Ghats in the East. Idukki district was formed on January 26, 1972 carving out Devikulam, Peermade and Udumbanchola taluks from the erstwhile Kottayam district and Thodupuzha taluk from the erstwhile Ernakulam district. This district lies between latitude 9 15' and 10 21' North and longitude 76 37' and 77 25' east. The area of the district is 5150.8 Sq. Kms. For purpose of developmental activities it is divided into Eight Community Development Blocks viz., Adimaly, Azhutha, Devikulam, Elamdesom, Idukki, Kattappana, Nedumkandam and Thodupuzha. The District is bounded by Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta districts on the south, Thrissur and Coimbatore districts on the north, Madurai Ramanad and Thirunelveli districts on the east and Ernakulam and Kottayam district in the west. Idukki accounts for 12.9 percent of the area of Kerala and only 3.7 percent of the population of Kerala.
Geography
Idukki has an area of 5,105.22 km² (1,971.1 sq mi) and is the second largest District of Kerala. Rugged mountains and forests cover about 97 percent of the total area of the District. The district borders the Kerala districts of Pathanamthitta to the south, Kottayam to the southwest, Ernakulam to the northwest and Thrissur to the north and Coimbature, Dindigul and Theni Districts in Tamilnadu to the east.
Anamudi, the highest peak in India south of Himalayas, is in the Kuttampuzha Panchayat of Adimali Block, in the K.D.H Village of Devikulam taluk. 13 other peaks in the district exceed a height of 2,000 m (6,562 ft). The Periyar, Thodupuzhayar and Thalayar are the important rivers of the district.
Tropography
Idukki the hilly district of the state, has many unique topographical and geographical characteristics. The hiranges vary in attitude from 2500 feet above the mean sea level in Kulamavu to more than 5000 feet above the MSL in Munnar. There are eleven peaks in this district, which exceed a height of 6000 feet above the MSL. The highest peak in Kerala, Anamudy is in the K.D.H village of Devikulam taluk . Two types of soil are found in the district. The High land area is covered by forest soil (Alluvial soil) and the other parts by laterite soil.
Climate
The climate in the district undergoes a sudden variation as we go from west to east. The highland regions is having a comparatively cold climate. Annual rainfall in this district vary from 250 cms to 425 cms. Munnar, Devikulam, Pallivasal, Vellathooval etc. are places getting high rainfall while Marayoor, Kanthalloor, Vattavada, Thaliar etc experience low rainfall. Marayoor and Kanthalloor are virtually rainshadow areas lying the eastern side of western ghats.
Tourist Place
Pothamadu (6 km from Munnar): Pothaamedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenary here are ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.
Devikulam (7 km from Munnar): This idyllic hill stations with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.
Pallivasal (8 km from Munnar): This is the venue of the first Hydro electric Project in Kerala and a place of immense scenic beauty.
Attukal (9 km from Munnar): A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukal, located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long treaks.
Nyayamakad (10km from Munnar): Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 metres. The enchanting surroundings make an excellent picnic spot and trekking point.
Chithirapuram (10 km from Munnar): With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts, Chithirapuram still exudes an old-world charm.Home of the Pallivasal Hydel Power Project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantations.
Mattupetty (13 km from Munnar): Situated at a height of 1700 m, Mattupetty is known for its highly specialised dairy farm-the Indo Swiss Livestock Project. Over a 100 varieties of high-yielding cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into 3 of the 11 cattle sheds at the farm. Visiting time: 0900-1100 hrs and 1400-1530 hrs.
The Mattupetty lake and dam, just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot.The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala lake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki provides boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam.Speed launch and motorboats are available on hire.
Lock Heart Gap (13km from Munnar): This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mistclad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of visit.
Rajamala (15km from Munnar): This is the natural habitat of the Nilgiri tahr. Half the world population of the rare mountain goat (Hemitragas bylocres) which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here. The Nilgiri tahrs are today redused to small herds found in the Eravikulam-Rajamala region. The total number of Nilgiri tahrs in Rajamala is estimated at 1317.
Echo Point (15 km from Munnar): This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo Point is on the way to Top Stations from Munnar.
Eravikulam National Park (15 km from Munnar): The 97 sq. km. park is situated in the Devikulam taluk and is home to the Nilgiri tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695m) is located in the southern region of the park.
Power House waterfalls (18 km from Munnar): This waterfall on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades down a steep rock, 2000m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic western mountain ranges, and is an ideal place for a break on the way to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady.
Kundala (20 km from Munnar): Kundala is a picturesque town on the way to Top Stations. The Golf Course which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd. is located here. The Kundala artificial dam is another attraction.Aruvikkad waterfalls is also near Kundala.
Anayirankal (22km from Munnar): It is a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirankal Dam is surrounded by the Tata Tea Plantations and evergreen forests. It is an ideal picnic spot.
Top station (32 km from Munnar): 1700 m above sea level, this is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. The rare Nilakurinji (strobilanthus) belongs to this region. This plant blooms wants every 12 years bathing the hill sides in bright blue. Top Station also offers a panoramic view of the neighboring state of Tamilnadu.
Marayoor (40 km from Munnar): This is the only place in Kerala that has natural growth of sandal wood trees. The sandal wood factory of the forest department, the caves (Muniyaras) with murals and relics from the new stone age civilization and the children's park spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single Banyan tree are of great interest to tourist's. Thoovanam waterfalls and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also near by.
Cheeyappara: The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Nariamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi Madurai highway. The Cheeyappara waterfalls cascade down in seven steps. It is a real feast for the eyes. This is also a great place for trekking.
Meenuli: It is noted for two acres of evergreen forests upon a huge Rock. The rock is more than 500 acres in area and is an ideal spot for mountaineering
Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary (60 km from Munnar): Situated on the Tamilnadu Boarder, The Chinnar wild life sanctuary is spread across 90.44 Sq.km.
Idukki Arch Dam: 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, the dam lies close to the Cheruthoni barrage. To its west is the Kulamavu Dam. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located close by.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary: 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. The Idukki Reservoir formed by three dams - Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamanu - extends to 33 sq.km.
Hill View Park: True to its title it offers a panoramic view of a large area than one can experience from any high mountain park. Scene of Wild elephants in their natural habital enthrills the visitor.
This park is situated adjacent to both Idukki Arch Dam and Cheruthony Dam. Spread over an area of 8 acres of land this aesthetically designed park has a natural water body at the hill top and pedal boating facility is available here. The herbal garden and children's play area are added attractions. A visit to this park makes Idukki visit a memorable one. 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. Thumpachi Calveri Samuchayam. This is a picnic spot also ideal for mediation, relaxation and watching sunset and is located 35 km away from Thodupuzha.
Kuttikkanam: A place for adventure tourism and trekking, or even a languorous, tranquil break. This picturesque plantation town washed in the fragrance of cardamom is surrounded by lush, green hills.
Thrissanku Hills (4 km from Peermedu, ½ km from Kuttikkanam): The rolling hills, the lovely landscape and the gentle breeze make this an ideal spot for long walks. The hills offer a breathtaking view of the sunrise and sunset.
Peeru Hills (4 km from Peermede, 1 km from Kuttikkanam): This idyllic hill station is a favorite haunt of trekkers and picnickers. The hill is named after Peer Mohammed, the Sufi saint, who spent his last days here. The mausoleum of the saint, the summer palace of the royal family and the residence of the Diwan situated nearby are all worth a visit.
Grampi (5 km from Peermede): Grampi is also known as Parunthupara (eagle rock) because of the panoramic view from its peeks. Rocky plains, lush hillsides, forests, trekking trails and picturesque view lent charm to this destination. The road to Grampi is flanked by unending stretches of cardamom, tea and coffee plantations.
Pattumala (17 km from Peermede, 28 km from Thekkady): Lofty peaks, little streams and ever expanding tea plantations are the attractions of this place. Pattumala (which literally mean hill draped in silk) is home to the two most famous tea plantations, Harrisons Malayalam and A.V. Thomas & Co. The Velankanni Matha Church, build entirely granite, at the top of the hill is famous pilgrim center. The flower garden nearby is fascinating riot of colours, of roses, orchids and anthuria.
Vagamon (25 km from Peermede): Grass-covered hills, velvet lawns and the cool mountain air make Vagamon a perfect holiday retreat. A curious blend of religious mysticism and European legacies, this hillside village is a haven of tranquility. The chain three hills - Thangal hills, Mudugan Hill and Kurisumala - is a mark of religious harmony. The dairy farm managed by the kurisumala monks is worth a visit.
Sahyadri Ayurvedic Centre: A well-established Ayurvedic Hospital, Sahyadri Managed by the Peermedu Development Society in Pallikunnu, is well known for its curative and rejuvenate treatment packages. The center has well-appointed treatment and accommodation facilities, a unit for manufacturing Ayurvedic medicines and a well-maintained raw drugs museum where more than 200 verities of rare and endangered herbs are preserved. More than 400 herbs used for medicines are grown in the hospital's own garden spread over 35 acres. For permission to visit the herb garden, contact the Director, Peermede Development Society, Peermede, Idukki. Phone: 332097, 332247 Fax: 332096
Ilaveezhapoonchira (55 km from Kottayam, 20 km from Thodupuzha): This is another picnic spot located in the midst of beautiful hillocks near Kanjar. It is easily accessible from Palai in Kottayam District. Surrounded by three enchanting hillocks - Mankunnu, Kudayathoor mala and Thonippara-this place ideal for trekking.
Tribel settlements in Peermede: The Oorali, Malappandaram and Malayarayan tribes live in the hills of Peermede. The main tribel settlement here is Plakkathadam, which is also known for its trekking trails.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: 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. Spread across 777 sq.km, of which 360 sq.km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world.
The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar adds to the charm of the park. 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, are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake. Entry timing: 0600 - 1800 hrs.
Kurisumala: A place for adventure tourism and trekking. This will offer a panoramic view of Kumily town and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Kumily (4 km from Thekkady): This plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady, is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. An important shopping centre ans spice trade centre, the main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region are in Kumily
Murikkady (5 km from Thekkady): Washed in fresh spice-scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.
Pandikuzhi (5 km from Kumily): This picturesque spectrum of exotic flora, fauna and gurgling streams is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border. A popular picnic spot, Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer's delight.
Mangala Devi Temple (15 km from Thekkady): This ancient temple is hidden in the dense woods at the top of a oeak 1337 m above sea level. The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. Visitors are allowed here only on the Chithra Pournami festival day. The peak commands a panoramic view of the eastern slopes of the Ghats and some hill villages of Tamil nadu. Permission to visit the area can be abtained from the Wildlife Wadren, Thekkady
Chellarkovil (15 km from Kumily): This sleepy little village with its breathtaking view of the plains and cascading waterfalls is a feast for the eyes. The village slopes down to the famous coconut groves of Cumbum in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
Vandiperiyar (18 km from Thekkady): The River Periyar flowing through the centre of this town nourishes its vast tea, coffee and pepper plantations. A major trade centre, Vandiperiyar is also home to a number of tea factories. The Government Agriculture farm and Flower Garden have a delightful array of roses, orchids and anthuria.
Vandanmedu (25 km from Kumily): This is one of the world's largest auction centres for candamom. A walk through the sprawling cardamom plantations of Vandanmedu is a heady experience.
Pullumedu(43 km from Thekkady, 26 km from Periyar): The winding journey to this hill town, along the Periyar River, offers a stunning view of the rolling hills draped in lush greenery. Velvet lawns, rare flora and fauna add to the beauty of Pullumedu which can be accessed only by jeep. The famous Sree Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala and the Makara Jyothi illumination at the shrine are visible from here. Since it is part of the restricted forest zone, special permission to visit Pullumedu has to be obtained from the Wildlife Preservation Officer, Thekkady.
Ramakalmedu (40 km from Thekkady and 75 km from Munnar): Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat. The hills top also offers a Panoramic view of picturesque villages of Bodi and Cumbum on the Eastern slop of the western ghats.