Idukki is the 2nd largest district in Kerala and still remain untouched by commercial tourism. The location is about 105 km away from the Kochi and 47 km from Munnar. This beautiful High range district also is known for its Mountainous Hills and Dense Forests.
You find many dams and hydroelectric power plants here and about 70% of the State’s Power needs come from the Hydroelectric Power Projects in Idukki. The location is fully surrounded by lush greenery as the half of the district is covered by forests. So there are many hidden places to visit in Idukki. Here we mention some of the major tourist attraction in Idukki. So want to get memorable experience from Kerala trip then visit all these places at least once.
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The location is about 2 km away from the Idukki Bust Station. Hill View Park is one of the best places to visit in Idukki which gives the panoramic view of the Idukki Arch Dam and surrounding places.
One can also spot diverse wildlife in its belt natural habitat. Spread over an area of 8 acres, the park has a natural water body along with boating facilities. Some of the major tourist attraction here is herbal garden and children playground. Overall a beautiful location in Idukki district which you have to visit at least once.
Idukki Arch Dam is one of the highest arch dams in Asia, boasting a hight of 550 ft. The Dam was built over the Periyar River between two hills. A hydroelectric power plant also situated at Dam, which supplies electricity to the entire state. This marvel attracts tourists from all over the world. The forest area surrounding the dam and the reservoir is home to many local species.
It is a seven steps waterfalls which is about 25 km away from the Idukki. One of the best place to spend a day watching the nature and drown in the waters of the falls. Tourist love this location as its offers adventure activity like rock climbing, camping and trekking.
Boating and Horse riding are the two another activity which you can do here. The scenic beauty around this location makes it one of the best places to visit in Idukki.
It is the 2nd highest peak in Southern India. Meesapulimala Peak is about 2641 meters above from the sea level. A perfect location for trekking and hiking, that’s why it is one of major tourist attraction in Idukki district.
There is a long trek which passes through eight hills and the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The whole trek witness the grasslands, wildlife, rainforests, and small waterfalls. So if you are a nature or adventure lover person then don’t forget to view this place.
Kalvari Mount is also known as the Calvary Mount and it is about 10 km away from the Idukki. One of the famous tourist places to visit in Idukki gives the best pictures view of surrounding nature.
The location also offers a charming view of Idukki Reservoir from Idukki to Ayyappancoil on one side and panoramic view of Kamakshi and Mariyapuram villages on the other side. You can also spot elephants in the forests and tea garden on the periphery.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is situated around Idukki Arch Dam which also has a reservoir formed by three dams Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamanu. Spread over 77 sq km the Sanctuary is a home to plenty of endemic flora and fauna.
The terrain of the sanctuary is characterized by steep mountains, valleys and hills. You can spot Elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tiger, wild boar if you are lucky. The Sanctuary also inhabited by various poisonous and non-poisonous snakes. Overall a worth visiting place in Idukki, so don’t miss to explore this location when you are in Kerala.
Murikkady is a very peaceful place which is full of spice and coffee plantations. This is located at a distance of 5 kms near Thekkady in Kerala. One can see an amazing view of the mist, scenery and mountains. The view is simply fantabulous from this point. One can see and smell all sorts of spices which are available. One can enjoy the aromatic smell of the cardamom buds and loaves of pepper dropping off the line of shrubberies. This certainly is meant to be enjoyed as all of this is not visible in our day to day lives.
Spanning over an area of 97 sq. km, Eravikulam National Park introduces you to the biodiversity of grassland. The park is also known as the Rajamalai National Park. Located in Munnar along the Western Ghats, it was initially a hunting preserve of the British planters. It is now primarily a sanctuary for the highly endangered species, Nilgiri Tahr, the wild goat. In addition to Tahr; other creatures such as Sambar Deer, Stripe-Necked Mongoose, and Nilgiri Langur inhabit this park. Predators including Wild Dog, Golden Jackal and the leopard also find refuge here. You can spot different rare species of birds in the park including Yellow-Throated Martin, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Black-and-orange Flycatcher, and Kerala Laughing.
There is a wide range of fauna in the park including 132 species of birds. The park also houses the rare Anamudi (2695 m), the highest peak in South India. As private vehicles are not permitted inside, you have to ride Forest Department’s vehicles to visit the park. The park remains closed for the public during the early months of the yeas as it is usually the calving time of Nilgiri Tahr.
On the banks of the shimmering Periyar river, is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Kerala, Thekkady. You get to see bountiful wildlife, flourishing green forest with high rising trees and abundant plants, gently flowing river and unlimited activities to feed your adventurous souls in the Periyar wildlife sanctuary on the banks of river Periyar. This famous sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve some time back. Take a trek to the forest here to see tigers, indulge in various water sports, fill your eye with the amazing riot of colorful plants and enjoy the awesome aspiring array of other wild animals.
Adding to the allure of the forest is the noteworthy man made wonder, the charming and alluring lake of the Mullaperiyar dam on Periyar river. One must not forget to bow their heads to the Mangala Devi temple in Thekkady. A visit to “Gods own country” is incomplete without a trip to Thekkady.
Mattupetty is a small yet very popular hilly town located at a distance of 13 kms from the well known hills station Munnar. This hilly town is located at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level. In case you are fond of relaxing then this is the place most appropriate for you. There are many interesting tourist attractions in Mattupetty. There are beautiful tea gardens which you could visit. You could visit the Shola forests which are located very closely to Mattupetty for trekking and even enjoy watching a variety of birds there. The view is simply breathtaking from here as you can see rivulets which cross the beautiful terrain.
The Mattupetty Dam is visited quite a big number of tourists and one can even enjoy boating here. There are speed boats and motorboats available for boating and can be hired. The Kundala Lake and Kundala tea plantations are also meant to be visited as these are very well-known tourists destinations. Another major tourist attraction is the Dairy farm which is managed by the Indo-Swiss Livestock project. One can see several varieties of high yielding cattle being look after very nicely in this dairy farm.
Located at Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea, Tata Tea Museum is one of the major tourist attractions in Munnar. Run by the Tata Tea Company, the museum presents the evolution of Munnar tea estates, starting from 1880s and covering the antiquity and pieces of consequent growth of tea plantations. Here the history of tea plantation is told through photographs, machinery and memoirs.
At the entrance of the museum stands a sundial perched on a granite block. Art Industrial School at Nazareth, Tamil Nadu had built this sundial in 1913. There is a tea processing unit adjacent to the museum. The museum features fascinating items of the past era, including antique furniture, the original tea roller (dating back to 1905), wooden bathtub, EPABX of the 1909 telephone system, typewriters & manual calculators and old photographs. You can also visit the Tata Tea factory by taking permission from authorities. A stroll through the plantations will offer you the views of the tea pickers picking up the tea leaves. You can meet and talk to a few. The museum also arranges exciting video screenings to introduce the visitors to the local customs and history.
At a distance of 16 km from the magnificent Munnar sits the beautiful hill station Devikulam. Geographically, it falls in the State of Kerala in the Idukki District. Sita Devi Lake is the main tourist attraction in Devikulam. The legend has it that Goddess Sita bathed in the lake. Known as a popular Hindu pilgrimage, it attracts many devotees from the state and from other nearby places.
The place witnesses maximum footfalls during the summer season, when people from lowlands flock these lush green hills to escape heat and enjoy panoramic views. A beautiful waterfall, named Pallivasal, is another enticing place to visit in Devikulam. The splendid tea plantations also add to the aesthetic appeal of the place. After reaching here you can consider paying a trip to the beautiful Munnar as well.
Sitting pretty at the height of 2695 m, Anamudi Peak is a home to many animals including Leopards, Tigers, macaques and Nilgiri Langurs. Covered with dense forests, the peak serves as an ideal habitat for these animals due to its geographical similarity with their original abode. Lies inside the Eravikulam National Park, this hill has different varieties of flora and fauna along with endangered species. With sufficient facilities available for the tourists, Anamudi Peak is a perfect destination for trekking enthusiasts who are permitted to go there only on foot.
So that’s all about major tourist attraction and places to visit in Idukki. It is a small and peaceful place in Kerala and yet to be discovered. The natural waterfalls, dams and scenic beauty of this place is a perfect combination for family or honeymooners.
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