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INTRODUCTION

Idukki is popularly known as the spice garden of Kerala and is a splendid hill station which reconfirms the fact of Gods own country. The Asia's first and the world's second great arch dam is in Idukki.Idukki is one of the major tourist attraction of Kerala for it is fully loaded with nature. It is not only a hill station but also a place which have other attentions like wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, spice plantation tours, jungle walks and safaris, mountain treks, elephant rides etc.Apart from all this Idukki also houses a large tribal population like Muthuvan, Malayarayan, Mannan, Paliyan, Urali, Ulladan, Malavedan and Malampandaram.

ORIENTATION

Idukki is a continuation of the Western Gahts situated at an altitude of 750 to 2500 meters. A major area of Idukki is scarred by the rivers Thalayar, Periyar and Thodupuzhayar.

HISTORY

Idukki was initially discovered by the Scottish planter and also wanted to have it as their holiday home.They preferred this area mainly because of their high range pleasant weather. They also built a few bungalows according their Scottish architecture. A lot about Idukki is known in history for it is the home to South India's highest peak, Anamudi, along with 13 other peaks with a height of over 2000 m, and some important rivers like Periyar, Thodupuzhayar and Thalayar.

PLACES OF INTERESTS

THEKKADY

Thekkady is situated at a distance of about 120 km from Kottayam.

Thekkady is supposed to be a famous tourist attraction of South India for it houses major projects like the Periyar lake, wild life sanctuaries and Tiger reserve.

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a wide variety of remarkable birds like Malabar Grey Hornbill, Grey jungle Fowl, pecker, Blue winged parakeet, Ceylon Frog mouth and Rose billed roller etc.

IDUKKI DAM

The Idukki dam adds a lot to this place for this is the first arch dam in India. This dam is situated at distance of about 130 km from Kochi and is constructed on the Periyar river and across the Kuravan-Kurathi hills.

MANGALADEVI TEMPLE

The Mangaladevi Temple situated on the Kerela Tamilnadu boundary is about 13kms from Kumily amidst thick forest. This s a very old temple and is built according to the Pandiyan style of architecture. Once in a year on the Chithira Poornima day a festival along with a pooja is held in the temple premises conducted both by the government of Kerala and Tamilnadu.However entry to this temple is very strict and only with prior permisson.There is no bus routes for this temple other than by jeep from Kumiky.

OBSERVATORY HILLS

This is a beautiful hill located at Nedumkandam. It's a perfect location for people who are interested in watching the heavenly bodies, as the sky here is free from pollution.

IRAVIKKULAM NATIONAL PARK

Iravikkulam National Park spread over 97sq.kms with Barren hills, meadows, rock rafts and wild animals will fascinate any one.

THOMMANKUTHU

Thommankuthu is a waterfall situated at a distance of 21 kms from Thodupuzha.In and around Thommankuthu there are other places of attraction like Meenuliyarmudi, Keezharkuthu and Irukallumud.Thommankuthu is and ideal place for trekking.

KUTHUMKAL WATERFALL

The misty waterfall provides a picturesque view of the water, cascading down from scintillating heights. The sheer beauty of the place allures thousands of visitors every year.

CHERUTHONI

Cheruthoni is situated at a distance of about 5kms from Painavu, which encloses areas in and around Idukki Arch Dam and Cheruthoni Dam.

DEVIKULAM

Devikulam is one of the fascinating destinations in the Gods own country with its breathtaking scenic views and is bestowed with the green slopes touching the skies and hushed clusters of willowy red and blue gum trees.

A visit to Devikulam will make each one of us realize the many facets of nature’s beauty.

The crisp and cool mountain air heavily laden with the fragrance of wild flowers and rare herbs is any nature lover's paradise.

CHINNAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

This Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at a distance of about 50 km away from Devikulam and is the habitat of number of species like elephants, sambars, leopards, and gaurs.

You can also spot the highly endangered species of the Grizzled Giant Squirrel and the Star Tortoise.

The added feature of this Wildlife Sanctuary is the Thoovanam Falls on the river Chinnar.

MATTUPETTY LAKE

Mattupetty lake  is another place of tourist attention at a distance of about 26 kms from Devikulam which is famous for its lush green meadows and one should never miss the speed boat drive here in this lake.

The views of the mist clad mountains and the hillocks from the Mattupetty Lake are breathtakingly beautiful.

The rains add to the charm or the already captivating Mattupetty Lake.

MUNNAR

Munnar is a verdant paradise situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Muthipuzza, Nallathanni, and Kundala.

Sprawling tea plantations, picture booktowns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience.

SHOPPING

Idukki is famous for its tea and spices plantations. So if you want, you can buy different varieties of spices and different varieties of tea. You can get the spices packed in small transparent pouches and take them home. Apart from that, you can always shop for small handicrafts and other knick-knacks that are easily available in the roadside shacks. You can get utility materials made of wood. There are few people selling these at the Mattupetty Dam.

EAT OUTS 1.Gujarathi Marvadi Bhojanalaya Karthika Tourist Home, Thekkady Road Kumali, Idukki - 685602. 2.Sree Mahaveer Restaurant  Government Guest House Road, Munnar, Idukki - 685612. 3.Aranya Nivas(KTDC) Thekkady, Idukky,Kerala, India. 4.Lake Palace(KTDC) Thekkady, Idukky, Kerala, India. 5.Silver Crest Thekkady Road, Kumily, Kerala, India. 6.Carmellia Haven (Tree House) Vandanmedu, Idukki, Kerala, India. 7.Thrisangu Haven Peerumedu, Idukki, Kerala, India. ACCOMMODATION 1.Green Berg Holiday Resorts Pvt. Ltd. Nadukani, Kulamavu PO, Idukki, Kerala Phone/Fax: +91 4862 259954, 259984, 259985. 2.Shalimar Spice Garden Murikkady P.O. Kumily – 685 535 Distt. Idukki, Kerala, India. Tel :- +91 (0) 4869 – 222132, 223232. 3.Thrisangu Haven Kallarackal resorts First floor Near  St. Antonys church Vaduthala post Kerala India 0484- 2436705 4.Lake Palace  Thekkady 7341   091 - 4869 – 222024 5.Spice Village Thekkady 091 - 4869 - 222316 6.Taj Garden Retreat Thekkady 2700 091 - 4869 – 222403 7.Mahindra Resorts Munnar 2100-3000 091 - 4868 – 249224 8.Tea County  Idukki Dist, Munnar, KTDC Hill Resort Munnar, Kerala 685 612 04865 230460 9.Hill View Munnar 091 - 4865 - 230567 10.Michael's Inn., Kumily Post 091 - 4869 - 222355

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HOW TO REACH

By Air

Cochin International Airport, about 190 km and Madhurai about 140 km, are the nearest Airports.

By Trains

There are no rail routes in Idukki. Kottayam (114 km), Theni (60km) and Changanassery (95 km) are the nearest railway stations.

By Road

Idukki has well connected road links between tourist destinations like Ooty, Kodaikanal and Munnar.