Idukki- Kerala

One of the most famous hill resorts of South India, Idukki is immensely appealing for travelers seeking an escape to the mist layered mountains and an adventure with a difference. Deriving its name from the Malayalam word Idukki literally meaning 'a narrow gorge', this hill station will never fail to amaze you. The mountains of Idukki are the source of the River Pamba.

Location

121 km from Kottayam in the southern part of Kerala Idukki lies en route to Munnar.

Sight Seeing

Apart from getting mesmerized by the breathtaking scenic beauty of Idukki, you can visit many sightseeing highlights of the hill resort.

Asia's biggest arched dam, Idukki Dam built across Periyar River, is an absolute must on the list of attractions. Another major tourist attraction is the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary Occupying an area 70 sq. km the sanctuary is the natural habitat for the elephant, bison, sambhar, deer as well as a wide variety of snakes and birds like the jungle foul, laughing thrush etc.

Not far away from Idukki are the Cheruthani and Moolamattam, which deserve a visit.

You can have views of the surroundings from the heights of Cheruthani and far away the city of Cochin. At Moolamattam is famous for being home to the powerhouse of the Idukki Hydroelectric Project.

The mountains of Idukki are the perfect place for the adventure seekers to indulge in trekking.

Excursions


The famous tiger reserve of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkady makes an excellent excursion from Idukki. For the wildlife enthusiast, a tour to the sanctuary is something of an absolute must. The natural vegetation, verdant hills and an artificial lake make a visit to this sanctuary an experience once in a lifetime. Thekkady also offers you opportunities to indulge in trekking, elephant rides and boating.

Another famous place fit for excursion from Idukki is another the hill resort of Peermade, once the summer retreat of the erstwhile rules of Tranvancore. Peermade is known for its gorgeous green grasslands, magnificent waterfalls and plantations of tea, coffee, rubber et al.

Experience the nature at its exuberant best at the hill resort of Munnar. Munnar abounds with the tea plantations, forests and the wildlife.

Accommodation

Idukki offers a wide range of accommodation options to the tourists including hotels, bungalows and guesthouses.

Best Time to Visit

An ideal climate, with temperatures not fluctuating too much, contributes to the tranquil setting of the hill resort of Idukki. As the hill station experiences mild climate throughout the year, you can visit it all round the year.

How to reach here

Kottayam is the nearest airport which caters to the air transport to Idukki.

Rail and bus services connect Idukki with other places in Kerala as well as India.