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This beautiful high range district of Kerala is geographically known for its mountainous hills and dense forests. For the people of Kerala, Idukki is always associated with power generation. About 66% of the State's power needs come from the hydroelectric power projects in Idukki. Idukki accounts for 12.9 percent of the area of Kerala whereas it accounts for only 3.7 percent of the population of the state. About 50% of its area is reserved forests.
There are moments sometimes when you long to get away to peace and tranquility on a virgin landscape where nature shimmers in its freshness with nothing but green rolling hills all around and a morning dew feel that keeps you energetic throughout the day.
A land-locked district, Idukki is one of the most nature rich areas of Kerala.
The name Idukki has been derived from the Malayalam word 'idukku' meaning narrow gorge. The district was formed on January 26, 1972 carving out Devikulam, Peerumedu and Udumbanchola taluks from the erstwhile Kottayam district and Thodupuzha taluk from the erstwhile Ernakulam district.
Located in the southern part of Kerala, Idukki is a landlocked district spread over an area of 5019 sq.kms. Blessed generously by Mother Nature, Idukki offers diverse attractions like wild life sanctuaries, hill stations, spice plantation centers and mountain treks .
It is one of the districts in the state which has a number of wild life sanctuaries and offers abundant scope for promotion of eco tourism if infrastructure facilities and proper promotional activities are provided. It is also famed for its spice production, tea plantations and rubber cultivation. Idukki also boasts of having the highest arch dam in Asia. Idukki is one of the districts in the state where linguistic minority exists. The linguistic minority consists mainly of Tamil origin. They are mainly workers in the tea and cardamom plantations, spread in Peermade, Udumbanchola and Devikulam taluks. The district is highly heterogeneous in the matter of its people in their culture, climate, cropping pattern, physiographic features etc.
:: Cheeyappara & Valara Water falls
The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi- Madurai national 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.
:: 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.
:: HillViewPark
True to its title it offers a panoramic view of a larger area than one can experience from any high mountain park. Scenes of wild elephants in their natural habital enthralls 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 |
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:: Thommankuthu (17 kms from Thodupuzha) |
The 7 steps waterfall here is a much loved picnic spot. At each step there is a cascade and pool beneath. Thommankuthu is an ideal place for adventure tourism. |
:: Keezharkuthu (25 kms from Thodupuzha) |
The rain bow waterfalls, which cascade down a rock from a height of about 150 ft 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. |
Nadukani is an ideal place for one-day picnickers. As the very name indicates, this park offers panoramic view of the a large area of the nearby districts. A two-storied pavilion makes an ideal place for enjoying the landscape and beauty of nature.