Things to Do in Idukki
The Idukki dam is constructed across the Periyar River, in a valley between the Kuravan and Kurathi hills in Kerala. The awe-inspiring, majestic dam, which stands at 167.68 meters (550 ft), is one of the highest arch dams in Asia. The dam, which is one of the Idukki tourist places, constructed by the Kerala government in 1975 and supports 780 MW hydroelectric power station that draws electricity from this dam.
The sheer magnitude of the structure along with the mountains, verdant vegetation, and 60 sq. km placid lake, which is created by the 3 dams, Idukki dam, Cheruthoni and Kulamavu, captivate the visitors.
Distance: 33 km from Idukki Dist.
Timings: Public Holidays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Entry Fees: Rs 25 for adults and Rs 5 for children. The tariff for a 15-minute boat ride for 5 persons is Rs. 600.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the cities, the Idukki Wildlife is located in the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks of Idukki at an altitude of 450 – 750 ft above the sea level.
The sanctuary, flanked on 3 sides by the tranquil waters of Idukki Lake, is housed amidst picturesque settings of tropical evergreen & semi-evergreen forests, meadows, and deciduous trees.The Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the places to visit in Idukki, houses hordes of wild elephants.
The other species from the animal kingdom include bison, sambar, deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, Malabar Giant Squirrel, wild boars, and tigers. Reptilians such as Cobra, viper, krait, etc will bewilder the visitor, while avian species Malabar grey hornbill, Purple Sunbird, Golden Oriole, and Black bulbul enchant him.
Distance: 40 km from Thodupuzha, Idukki.
Timings: All day.
Entry fee: None.
Ilaveezha Poonchira, the Shangri-La of Kerala, situated in Melukavu village in Kottayam district is one of the places to visit in Idukki. Located at the foothills of the 3 floral hillocks – Mankunnu, Kudayathur, and Thonippara Hills at Kanjar, the bewitching valley is spread across thousands of acres.
“Ila-veezha Poonchira” which means “the pond of flowers where the leaves do not fall” has its roots in Mahabharata. The rains during the monsoon season transmogrify the valley and present an enthralling and hypnotic effect on the visitors. Words fall short to explain the beatitudes of the play of colors on the horizon during the Sunrise and Sunset. Ilaveezha Poonchira is also an ideal destination for trekking.
Distance: 36 km from Idukki
Timings: All day.
Entry fee: None.
The cascading waters from a height of 1500 meters amidst the hills enveloped in lush greenery, adorns the skies with rainbows that takes the visitors’ breath away. A favorable hunting ground for photographers, the Keezharkuthu falls also referred to as rainbow falls immerse the visitors in an inexplicable experience.
The contiguous forests are believed to be endowed with medicinal plants and herbs, which are used by tribal inhabitants from centuries. It is also home for rich fauna.The rocky terrain of the Keezharkuthu, one of the Idukki tourist places, is renowned for its exploration activities such as rock climbing, mountaineering, camping, and trekking.
The place is also close to a number of tourist hotspots like Thommankuthu waterfalls, Kalvari Mount, and Ramakkalmedu Peak.
Distance: 30 km from Idukki.
Timings: All day.
Entry fee: None.
Hill View Park, one of the Idukki tourist places, located at a distance of 2 km from Idukki Bus stand, is a magnificent and well-managed park. The park, stretching over 8 acres enthralls the visitors with hundreds of varieties of crotons, flowers, medicinal plants, and other woods.
The Hill View Park houses a natural water body, where visitors can enjoy boat rides. The view from the watchtower of both the dams, Idukki and Cheruthoni, the surrounding hills on all four sides and the lush greenery takes the breath away.
The Park remains open throughout the year and can be accessed through gentle slopes, though it is stationed at 350 ft above the level of Dam water. The herbal garden and children’s play area add appeal to the Hill View Park.
Distance: 2 km from Idukki.
Timings: 9:30 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fees: Rs. 10 for adults and Rs. 5 for Children.
Vandanmedu is located 25 km north of Kumily, on the Thekkady-Munnar Highway. The place is famous for rich spices like cardamom and it is said to be the biggest auction centers for Cardamom. The visitors traversing the plantations can enjoy the aroma of cardamom wafting through the air.
The place is also a budding commercial center and is known for its historic colonial-era buildings. The anchel office constructed in the early 20th century by the British housed the first post office in Idukki.
Distance: 45 km from Munnar.
Timings: All day.
Entry fee: None.
Nadukani, one of the Idukki tourist places, is situated between Thodupuzha and Idukki in the vicinity of Kulamavu. Nadukani Pavilion, a 2-storey building constructed and managed by the State Electricity Board, atop a hill is encompassed by the vast stretches of hayfields flanked by gargantuan rocks.
Situated at an altitude of 3000 ft, it offers bird’s-eye view of the Idukki and Ernakulam districts. Standing atop the Nadukani Pavilion, one can view the picturesque landscape spanning the sparkling waters of Muvattupuzha River, the Moolamattam town, Malankara Reservoir, the imposing sky-high mountains, and the verdant vegetation.It is an ideal getaway for picnics. The adventure enthusiasts throng this place as it offers limitless trekking options in the hill forests nearby.
Distance: 70 km from Thodupuzha and 25 km from Idukki.
Timings: All day.
Entry Fees: Nominal entrance fee is collected.
Thommankuthu Waterfalls is a series of 12 falls or kuthus (locally known) spread over an area of 5 kms and fall from a height of 40 meters. The 12 falls that vary in height and pass through the lush evergreen forests, presents a remarkable sight.
The waterfall is eponymous of its founder, Thommachan Kuruvinakunnel, who introduced this beautiful falls to the world. The rich flora and fauna around the waterfall hypnotize the visitors. It is an alluring destination for trekking as it takes you through caves and sleepy hamlets of the tribals.The visitors can enjoy a bath at the falls in summer, but not during the monsoon as the level of water increases.
Distance: 20 km from Thodupuzha
Timings: All day.
Entry Fees: Rs 10/- per Adult and Rs 5/- per child
Gavi
Gavi, an eco-tourist spot introduces the visitors to a beguiling scenic beauty that is untouched by the unscrupulous reach of modern humankind. Gavi is home to very rare flora.
The only 2 Gopher trees that are believed to be in India, are present in the Gavi forest region. It is also home to Nageia Wallichinia, an endemic variety of the Gymnosperm family.It is domicile to endangered species like Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed Macaque.
The visitors feel amazed and frightened at the hordes of Kerala’s own regal elephants sauntering in the region. Gaur, sambar deer, barking deer, Mouse deer, Wild dogs, tigers, and various species of snakes co-inhibit the region.More than 260 kinds of birds, which include Great pied hornbill, mynas, cuckoos, bulbuls, woodpeckers, kingfishers etc, are a feast to the eyes of the bird watchers.
Distance: 28 km from Kumily near Thekkady.
Timings: All day.
Entry Fees: Rs 25/- per Adult and Rs 50/- per vehicle. Cameras & Video cameras are charged Rs 25 & 100 resp.
Malankara Dam is built on the Thodupuzha River, which is the tributary of the Muvattupuzha river, for irrigation purpose. Malankara Lake, an artificial lake formed as a part of the Muvattupuzha valley irrigation project is spread over 11 sq.kms. The visitors can enjoy boating and fishing in the lake.
The Malankara Dam is open for tourists throughout the year.A park is under construction in the area adjoining the reservoir, admeasuring 15 acres.
Distance: 52 km from Kottayam.
Timings: All day.
Entry fees: None
Pothamedu Plantations, one of the places to visit in Idukki, bedazzles the tourists with its lush greenery. The lush green beds of coffee, the groomed tea gardens, and the wood-shaded cardamom plantations imprint an unforgettable picture in the minds of the visitors.
The nature lovers lose track of the time gazing at the beautiful environs of the cloud covered mountains and ravines soaked in a blanket of greenery. The trekkers, hikers, and walkers feel soothed and refreshed by the panoramic beauty of the surroundings.
The Muthirapuzha River and Idukki arch dam can be viewed by the tourists from the Pothamedu viewpoint if the atmosphere is clear and devoid of mist. It is a great getaway for photo fanatics to capture captivating pictures of this dreamland.
Distance: 6 km from Munnar.
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
Entry fees: None
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Ramakkalmedu, situated 3500 ft above the sea level, presents a bird’s eye view of the countryside of the neighboring Tamil Nadu State. The striking feature of the Ramakkalmedu is the historical monument of Kuravan and Kurathi, a huge statue that illustrates the Sangam period of Kerala.
Rama-Kal-medu literally means “Land of Rama’s stone” or “ Land where Lord Rama set his holy foot”. Another unique feature of Ramakkalmedu is the prevailing wind conditions, irrespective of the seasons. It offers excellent trekking options to adventure enthusiasts. Other attractions include Frog-rock, Turtle –Rock etc.
Distance: 40 km from Thekkady.
Timings: All day.
Entry fee: None.
Another of the Idukki tourist places, Sita Devi Lake, is located at an altitude of 1800 meters (5900 ft) above the sea level. The lake also referred to as Devikulam, which means lake of the Goddess, is supposedly linked to the epic Ramayana. According to the myth, it is said that Goddess Sita Devi, the consort of Lord Rama, had bathed in these waters.
Tourists prefer to take a dip in the waters of this lake, not only due to its sacredness but also because of the purported curative powers of its mineral waters. The distant cloud-capped the Blue Mountains, the velvety rolling evergreen hills, and the natural vegetation of slim red, blue, and yellow gum trees hypnotize the visitors.
This makes it a wonderful picnic spot. Its pristine waters also make it be a perfect place for trout fishing. Devikulam is a trekkers’ haven.
Distance: 5 km from Munnar.
Timings: All day.
Entry fee: None.
Kulamavu Dam, one of the triumvirate dams of the Idukki reservoir project, is constructed in 1961 to restrict the flow of water into Kallivally rivulet. The 100 ft gravity dam built of concrete or stone masonry on the Periyar River stretches out between rocky mountains and forms 33 sq.km reservoir. Kulamavu, one of the places to visit in Idukki, is also a famous hill station in Idukki district.
The 60 sq. km artificial lake formed as a result of the construction of the 3 dams, add scenic beauty to the rugged rocky terrain and verdant vegetation around it.
The hill station charms the visitors with the picturesque countryside, rubber and spice plantations. The visitors go gaga over the various species of birds such as darter or snakebird, kingfisher etc. that inhabit the hill station. Kaulamavu offers remarkable trekking trails with equally enchanting environs that kick the adrenalin of hiking or trekking fanatics.
Distance: 5 km from Periyar river, Idukki
Timings: All day.
Entry fee: None.
Mangala Devi temple is a historic temple situated in the dense forests of Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Idukki district of Kerala bordering Tamil Nadu State. The fable prevalent among the natives elucidates that Kannagi, a devout Tamil woman, had wreaked destruction on the Pandyan dynasty through her curse for unjustly executing her husband, Kovalan in a theft case.
Kannagi is extolled as the epitome of chastity and is bestowed the position of the goddess. The ancient Tamilakam King, Chera Chenguttuvan, constructed this temple, around 2000 yrs ago. So, the temple is known for Pandiyan architecture.
Apart from Mangala Devi, the idols of Lord Shiva, Lord Karuppuswamy and sanctorium of Ganesh adorn the temple.Only during Chitrapournami festival, which falls in the Summer season (April/May), the devotees can visit and offer the prayers. The 12 km stretch to the temple can be accessed only through Jeep.To visit the Mangala Devi during other times prior special permission must be sought from the forest ranger.
Distance: 60 km from Pazhiyankudi, Idukki
Timings: All day.
Entry fee: None.
Nedumkandam Hill, one of the Idukki tourist places, is located at 3200 ft above the sea level at the taluk headquarters of Nedumkandam in Idukki district. The place is popularly known as the land of spices produces coffee, cardamom, and pepper.
The Hill offers a panoramic view of the countryside with cloud-covered mountains, lush green rolling hills, plantations of cardamom and pepper, and pristine air. The other tourist spots in the proximity are Kailasapara, Kallumekallu, Neyyandimala, Ramakkalamedu, Thooval falls etc.
Distance: 40 km from Thekkady.
Timings: All day.
Entry fee: None.
Painavu
Kalvari or Calvary Mount, one of the Idukki tourist places, is a mountain situated at a distance of 5 km from Idukki. The Kalyanathandu viewpoint on Calvary Mount offers stunning visuals of the serene waters of the reservoir between Kuravan and Kurathi Hills and the Idukki dam.
The trekkers and travelers can take a break at the nearby Tea Factory that offers the finest tea. The path from the Viewpoint to the hilltop is very steep and windy and throws a gauntlet to the trekkers.
The Kalavary Mount presents an enticing picture of the Idukki reservoir from Idukki to Ayyappanccovil on one side and pictorial view of the quaint Kamakshy and Mariyapuram hamlets on the other side.The trekkers will be treated to a fascinating experience of low-hung clouds, cool breeze, occasional chirping birds, and hordes of sauntering elephants.
Distance: 5 km from Idukki.
Timings: All day.
Entry fee: None.
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