TOURISM IN IDUKKI
TOURISM IN IDUKKI
Idukki is a beautiful nature made
hill station and the main places tio visit are idukki, Munnar and Peerumedu.
Idukki is located near to Kottayam , Kochi
Idukki Arch Dam
Idukki
Dam is the world's second and Asia 's first
arch dam, constructed across the famous Kuravan and Kurathi hills. The Dam
is 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 near by.
The
Hill view park offers a panoramic view of a large area than one can experience
from any high mountain park. Scene of Wild animals in their natural
habitat fulfill the mind’s of the visitor. This park is situated near to
both Idukki Arch Dam and Cheruthony Dam. The view of the Idukki Dam
and Cheruthoni from the park is awesome. Spread over an area of 8 acres of land this naturaly
designed park has a natural water body at the hill top and pedal boating
facility is also available . The herbal garden and children's park are added attractions. There also comfort
station facility available. You never forget the visit to Hill view park.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary(Periyar Wild life
Sanctuary), Thekkady
The
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary includes
Boating and trekking. While the boat
safari we can see many wild animals near to the reservoir. There is also an Information centre
available.
Nadukani
Nadukani is an ideal place for one-day trip.
The park offers the panoramic view
of a large area of the same and nearby
districts. A two storied pavilion makes an ideal place for enjoying the
landscape and beauty of nature.
Thommankuthu Waterfalls
The 7 steps waterfall here is much loved
picnic spot. At each step there is a cascade and Pool beneath. Thommankuthu is
an ideal place for adventure tourism.
Keezharkuthu Waterfalls
The
Rain Bow waterfalls, which cascade down a rock from a height of about 1500 m is
a wonderful attraction of this spot. It can be seen through out the year in
full swing. The forest around the spot is home to various medicinal plants. It
is an ideal place for rock climbing, mountaineering and camp tracking.
Thekkady
The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice-scented plantations. In the Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India
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
Entry timing: 0600 - 1800 hrs.
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
Mangala Devi Temple
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 (Ph.0486-322027).
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 Sree Ayyappa Temple
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.
Plantation Tours
Elephant rides
The Forest Department, Thekkady offers facilities for elephant rides through the jungle. Time: 1000 - 1700 hrs. Duration: 30 Minutes. Fare: Rs.30 per person. Tickets are available from the Wildlife Information Counter. Ph:0486-322028
Trekking
Main trekking areas in Thekkady: Kurisumala near Kumily, Pullumedu, Ottakathalamedu near Kumily, Grampi near Vandiperiyar
The Forest Department conducts daily trels from the boat landing station at Thekkady to the Nellikkampetty area and Manakkavala. Starting: 0700 hrs. Fare: Rs.10 + entrance fee. Booking can be made with the Wildlife Preservation Officer, Thekkady (Ph:0486-322027, 322028)
Boat cruises on the Periyar Lake
Timings: 0700, 0930, 1130, 1400, 1600 hrs. Fare: Lower deck: Rs.50, Upper deck: Rs.90. The Forest Department (Ph:322028) and the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (Ph: 322023) conduct boating trips from Thekkady. Entrance fee at check post: Foreigners: Rs.50 (valid for one day), Domestic tourists: Rs.2.
Distance of Major Towns from Thekkady:
Kumily 4 km (15 min)
Sabarimala via Pullumedu 50 km (2 hrs)
Idukki 65 km (2.5 hrs)
Munnar 106 km (4 hrs)
Peermede 40 km (1 hrs)
Vagamon 70 km (2.5 hrs)
Kumarakom 128 km (4 hrs)
Sabarimala via Erumeli 134 km (4 hrs)
Kodaikanal 149 km (5 hrs)
Alappuzha 164 km (5 hrs)
Kollam 220 km (6 hrs)
Ooty 390 km (11 hrs)
Thiruvananthapuram 265 km (7 hrs)
Accessing
Idukki
By Air
Nearest
Airports Distance from Idukki
Nedumbasseri 160 km
Thiruvananthapuram 265
km
By Rail
Nearest
Railwaystations Distance from Idukki
Kottayam 114 km (4 hrs)
Chenganachery 114 km (4 hrs)
Ernakulam 160 km (4 hrs)
Theni
(Tamilnadu) 60 km (1.5 hrs)
Punalur
(Kollam Dist) 230 km(6 hrs)
MUNNAR
Munnar
is the topmost tourist location in Kerala. Munnar is situated at the confluence
of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. 1600 m above
sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile
British Government in South India . Sprawling
tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make
this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and
grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower that bathes the hills in blue
every twelve years, will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest
peak in South India , Anamudi, which towers
over 2695 m.
Pothamedu
Pothaamedu – (6 km from Munnar) 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
Devilulam (7 km from Munnar) is idyllic hill
stations with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air
is a rare experience. The Sita
Devi Lake
The 97 sq. km. park is situated in the
Devikulam taluk,(15 km away from Munnar) and is home to the Nilgiri tahr. The
Anamudi peak (2695m) is located in the southern region of the park. It is the
most worth place to visit. The climate it awesome. The best time to visit is
early morning.
Pallivasal
This is the venue of the first Hydro
electric Project in Kerala and a place of immense scenic beauty. Its 8 km from
Munnar. One of the nearest hotel is Kochin Tower Inn.
Attukal Waterfalls
A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills,
Attukal(9 km away from Munnar), located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a
feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long treaks.
Nyayamakad
Located between Munnar and Rajamala,
Nyayamakad(10km from Munnar) 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
With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows,
old playgrounds and courts, Chithirapuram (10 km away from Munnar)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
Matupetty
is situated at a height of 1700 m above the sea level. The Mattupetty lake and
dam 13 km away from Munnar is a very beautiful picnic spot. The sprawling
Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala lake are other attractions in the area.
DTPC Idukki provides boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam. Speed boats,
Pedal boats and motor boats are
available on hire.
Mattupetty
is also 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: 09.00 am to 11.00 pm
and 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm.
Rajamala
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. It is 15km away from
Munnar.
Kundala
Kundala (20 km away from Munnar) 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.
Lock Heart
Gap
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.
Anayirankal
It is a lush green carpet of tea plants. A
trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirankal
Dam( 22km awayfrom Munnar) is surrounded by the Tata Tea Plantations and
evergreen forests.
Top
station
1700 m above sea level, this is the highest
point on the Munnar (32 km from Munnar)
- Kodaikanal road. The rare Nilakurinji
(strobilanthus) belongs to this region. This plant blooms every 12 years making
the hill sides in bright blue. Top Station also offers a panoramic view of the
neighboring state of Tamilnadu.
Marayoor
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
Cheeyappara
Waterfalls
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.
Peerumedu
Peerumedu is a famous plantation town, takes its name from Peer
Mohammed - Sulfi saint and close associate of the erstwhile royal family of
Travancore. Wide vistas of Tea, cardamom, rubber and coffee plantation
interspersed with silver cascades, sculptural rocks, meadows and mist-cloaked
hilltops make Peerumedu an unforgettable experience. The most delightful
trekking trials complement the panoramic landscape. Monuments like the summer
residence of the royal family add to the splendour of the land. The summer
residence is converted in to the government guesthouses under the Department of
Tourism, offers comfortable accommodation.
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
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. It is 4 km from Peermedu and 0.5
km from Kuttikkanam.
Vagamon
Grass-covered hills, velvet lawns and the
cool mountain air make Vagamon (25 km from Peermede) 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.
Accessing Peermedu
Few
Major Towns Distance
from Peermedu
Kumily 40
km
Thekkady 44
km
Kottayam 75
km
Alappuzha 114
km
Punalur 155 km
Thiruvananthapuram 225 km
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