Tourist Destinations in Idukki, Kerala, India

Mist laden hills, enchanting valleys, gushing streams, cascades, rolling grasslands, sprawling plantations, colonial bungalows, wildlife and many more makes Idukki, a landlocked district in Central Kerala a unique destination for travellers. The hilly terrain, which has the highest point in South India- Anaimudi offers ample scope for trekking, other adventures sports. It is one of the districts in Kerala with a predominant tribal population. With the famous hill station Munnar as its crowning glory, Idukki also has numerous other places of interest that adds to the destination value of the district.

Accessing Idukki

Culture Zones

Mangala Devi Temple

Pullumedu

Sahyadri Ayurvedic Centre

Kalvari Mount

HISTORIC ZONES

Peeru Hills

Marayoor

In and around Peerumede

Mangala Devi Temple (15 km from Thekkady)

This ancient temple is hidden in the

dense woods at the top of a peak 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.

Mangala Devi Temple

Pullumedu (43 km from Thekkady,)

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 Jyothiilluminations 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

Sahyadri Ayurvedic Centre A well-established Ayurvedic Hospital, Sahyadri,

managed by the Peermede Development Society in Pallikunnu, is well known for its curative and rejuvenating treatment packages.

The centre has well-appointed treatment accommodation facilities, a unit for manufacturing Ayurvedic medicines and a well-maintained raw drugs museum where more than 200 varieties 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.

This is a famous pilgrim

centre on the way to

Kattappana.

Peeru Hills (4 km from Peermede; 1 km from Kuttikanam)

• This idyllic hill station is a favourite 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 Diwansituated nearby are all worth a visit.

Peeru Hills

Marayoor

The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

• This sanctuary extends over the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola 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 Kulamavu - extends to 33 sq km.

• Animals: Elephant, bison, sambar deer, wild dog, jungle cat, tiger, wild boar etc.Snakes: Cobra, viper, krait and a number of non poisonous snakes.Birds: Jungle fowl, myna, laughing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl, woodpecker, kingfisher etc.

Nadukani is an ideal place for one-day

picnickers. True to its title it offers a

panoramic view of a large area than one

can experience from any high mountain

park. 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 meditation, relaxation and watching sunset.

Kulamav ,Cheruthoni & Painav Painav: Scenic beauty,

trekking point,

evergreen forest.

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 River 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, is the herds of wild

elephants that come down to play in the lake.

Flora: Over 1965 flowering plants including 171 grass species, 143 species of orchids, the only South Indian conifer PodocarpusWallichianus.

FaunaMammals: Thirty five species including the wild elephant, gaur, sambar deer and wild boar which can be sighted from the boats the NilgiriTahr in the higher rocky areas the endangered lion-tailed macaque confined to the evergreen interiors the bonnet macaque, Malabar giant squirrel, flying squirrel, tiger, jungle cat, sloth bear etc.

PlantationsTea, cardamom, pepper and coffee plantations surround the PeriyarWildlife Sanctuary

Birds265 species including migrants. The hornbill, stork, woodpecker, kingfisher, raptor, cormorant, grackle, darter etc.

ReptilesCobra, viper, krait, a number of non-poisonous snakes, and the monitor lizard.

AmphibiansFrogs, toads and limbless caecilians include the colourful Malabar gliding frog, common Indian toad, fungoidfrog and bicoloured frog.

Pisces (fish)The Periyar lake and streams have several species of fish including the masheer, the famous and endangered game fish of India. The otter, the only mammal of the lake, can be frequently spotted from the boat.

This plantation town, closely associated

with Thekkady, is situated on the outskirts

of the Periyar Sanctuary. An important

shopping centre and 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.

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.

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 rose plants,

orchids and anthuria.

Vandanmedu (25 km from Kumily)

This is one of the world's largest auction

centres for cardamom. A walk through the

sprawling cardamom plantations of

Vandanmedu is a heady experience.

Things to do in Thekkady

Plantation tours are arranged from the District Tourism Information Office at Thekkady Jn. in Kumily.

Tours cover cardamom, pepper, coffee and tea plantations, tea factories, tribal settlements and the surrounding hill regions.

The Forest Department conducts daily treks from the boat landing station at Thekkady to the Nellikkampetty area and Manakkavala.

Elephant rides: The Forest Department, Thekkady offers facilities for elephant rides through the jungle. Tickets are available from the Wildlife Information Counter.

Trekking: Main trekking areas in Thekkady: Kurisumalanear Kumily PullumeduOttakathalamedu: 5 km from KumilyGrampi near Vandiperiyar.

A place for adventure tourism and trekking, or even a

langourous, tranquil break. This picturesque

plantation town washed in the fragrance of

cardamom is surrounded by lush, green hills.

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.

Grampi (5 km from Peermede; 10 km from Vandiperiyar)

Grampi is also known as Parunthupara eagle rock because of the panoramic view from its high peaks.

Rocky plains, lush hillsides, forests, trekking trails and picturesque views lend charm to this destination.

The road to Grampi is flanked by unending stretches of cardamom, tea and coffee plantations.

Parunthumpara

A hillock that gives a fascinating view of the Peermede mountain range.

Lofty peaks, little streams and ever expanding tea

plantations are the attractions of this place.

Pattumala (which literally means hill draped in

silk) is home to the two most famous tea

plantations - Harrisons Malayalam and AV Thomas

& Co. The Velamkanni Matha Church, built

entirely of granite, at the top of the hill is a famous

pilgrim centre. The flower garden nearby is a

fascinating riot of colours, of roses, orchids and

anthurium.

Vagamon (25 km from Peermede)

Grass covered hills, velvet lawns and the cool mountain air make Vagamona perfect holiday retreat. A curious blend of religious mysticism and European legacies, this hillside village is a haven of tranquility. The chain of three hills - Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurisumala - is a mark of religious harmony. The dairy farm managed by the Kurisumala monks is worth a visit.

Vagamon online.co

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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, Kodayathoormal

and Thonippara - makes this place ideal for trekking.

Things to do in Peermede

Peermede and surrounding areas are

ideal for trekking, cycling and horse

riding. Trekking sites: Peeru Hills,

Kalthotti, Vagamon, Karandakapara

Hills, Grampi (Parunthupara), Memala

Plantation visits: Tea, coffee,

cardamom, rubber etc. Trips to

Meloram, Nallathanni, Panchalimedu,

Valanjamkanam Waterfalls etc. Visits

to tea factories in and around

Peermede.

Top Station- Munnar

This idyllic hill station 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.

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.

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 KundalaLake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukkiprovides boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam. Speed launch, slow speedboat and motorboats are available on hire.

Mattupetty

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 Station 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 (2695 m) is located in the southern region of the park.

Sanctuary visit: The park is divided into three regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area which is in the Rajamala region. The Nilgiri Tahr can be observed at close quarters here.

Nilgiri Tahr @ Eravikulam National Park

Kundala is a picturesque town on the way to Top Station. The Golf Course, which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd., is located here. The Kundala artificial dam is another attraction. AruvikkadWaterfall is also near Kundala.

Thommankuthu (17 km from

Thodupuzha)

The seven step waterfall here is a much loved

picnic spot. At each step there is a cascade and a

pool beneath. Thommankuthu is an ideal place

for adventure tourism. Other attractions: Pedal

boating, forest trekking, camping, bathing in the

waterfall.

KEEZHARKUTH (25 KM FROM THODUPUZHA):

The Rainbow waterfalls which cascade down

a rock from a height of about 1500 mt is a

wonderful attraction of this spot. It can be

seen throughout the year in full swing.

The forest around this spot is home to

various medicinal plants. It is an ideal place

for rock climbing, mountaineering and camp

trekking.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (60 km from Munnar)

Situated on the Tamil Nadu border,

the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is

spread across 90.44 sq. km.

Accessing Chinnar

Munnar - Udumalpetta Road: 60 km

Coimbatore - Udumalpetta - Chinnar

Road: 100 km Kochi - Chinnar: 190

km Prambikulam via Pollachi -

Chinnar Pollachi - Chinnar via

Udumalpetta: 60 km Kottayam -

Chinnar: 208 km.

Chinnar Wildlife - Tahr

THANK

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NAKUL N A

BELBIN BABY

ABHIJITH C G