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| General Information about IDUKKI |
Idukki : Spice Land of Kerala.
Area : 5,019 Sq. km.
Altitude : 2200 Mts.
Language : Malayalam & English.
Best Time to Visit : August to March.
State : Kerala.
STD Code : 04863. |
About Idukki
Idukki is one among the 14 districts of Kerala state, India. Idukki is greatly known for the splendid green mountains, streams and spices. It is also a main tourist destination in Kerala with its hill stations and valleys. Idukki district was formed in 28 January 1972. Idukki is one of the most beautiful districts of Kerala in India. High ranges and wooded valleys are girded by three rivers - Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhyar - and their tributaries. The sacred river Pamba also originates from the mountain ranges here. As a tourist destination, Idukki is incomparable - forests, wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, spices & plantation tours, mountain treks, elephant rides and some of the most spectacular landscapes anywhere in India.
Idukki also has the largest arch dam in India, the Idukki Dam , constructed for the Idukki Hydro Electric Power Project in 1969 with the cooperation of the Canadian Government. This single project powers almost half of the entire state and some parts of neighbouring states.
Idukki has a large population of tribals, the main tribes being Muthuvan, Malayarayan, Mannan, Paliyan, Urali, Ulladan, Malavedan and Malampandaram. The tribes of Kerala have unique customs and beliefs and maintain an ethos which is distinctly different from that of the mainstream culture. Idukki can also claim its place in the sun in the world of spices. It was the pepper and cardamom harvested from these regions which put India on the map of the ancient world. The tradition endures to this day. Idukki is today the source of most of the world's spices. The turn of the century also saw huge tea estates coming up in Munnar, a hill station about 5000-6000 feet above sea level.
HOW TO REACH
By Air : The nearest airport Cochin, 132 km away.
By Rail : Nearest Railway station at Kottayam, 133 km away.
By Road : Kochi-Madura, N H 49 goes through Idukki district. Thodupuzha, the major town in the district, is well connected with other parts of the district and the state.
PLACES TO VISIT IN IDUKKI
• 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 closeby.
• 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.
• Munnar : 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.
• Nadukani : 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.
• Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls : 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.
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