Idukki Attractions - Tourist Places To Visit In Idukki

The Hill View Park is just 1.5 km from Idukki. The park is situated on a knoll and spreads on an area of 8 acres. This beautifully furnished park has a natural lake that enhances its charm. As the name of the park suggests, it presents a mesmerising view of the surrounding places. From this place you can view deer, bisons and wild elephants in their natural habitats.

You can also experience an exciting boat ride on the lake. The park has a herbal garden where you are sure to get bewitched. A children’s playground is also added to keep the tiny tots busy. Hill View Park lies near the Idukki Arch Dam and Cheruthony Dam.

The park is at a 350 ft height above the dam water level. A visit to Idukki is incomplete without a visit to this place. Do not forget to carry binoculars and cameras. You will have memories to cherish.

The Idukki Arch Dam attracts many visitors from far and near every day. It is the second arch dam in the world and the first in Asia. The dam is beautifully built between the Kuravanmala and Kurathimala hills on the Periyar river. It is a hydro-electric power station that constitutes of 5 rivers, 20 other dams, an underground power generator and underground tunnels.

The Idukki Arch Dam stands 550 ft tall and covers an area of 650 ft width. It is situated near the Cheruthoni barrage, and the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary lies close to the dam. Apart from being the word’s 2nd arch dam, the dam is famous for the impressive surrounding in which it is constructed. The best time of the year to visit this place is from August to March when the water gushes out in full force.

Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, otherwise known as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, is situated at Ernakulam. It is the most sought after place for those who love to watch the winged-creatures. This sanctuary also is a home for many indigenous reptiles and animals.

Various species of migratory birds come here during the months of November to June. Hence, during this period many bird-watchers visit this place. Many species of endangered birds such as peninsular bay owl, Malabar grey hornbill, rose billed roller, crimson throated barber, crested serpent eagle, great Indian hornbill and fairy bluebird exist here and attract many visitors.

Apart from these birds, you can visit the Taxidermic Museum and check the animal rehabitation centre. Driving is not allowed in this sanctuary. You can hire a guide to help you explore this place. Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary remains open from 8 am to 6 pm.

Thommankuthu Falls is a 1500 m waterfall which is located 17 km from Thodupuzha town in Idukki district. It is small, but a very captivating waterfall. Many tourists come here to see this waterfall and the scenic backdrop. The waterfall is named after Thomman, a tribal leader.

This noted man was swept off by the gushing water of this waterfall while he was crossing the river. This waterfall is always called the 7 steps waterfall. While the waterfall descends down, it forms seven steps. Each of these steps again makes a pool. The beauty of the Thommankuthu Falls lies in these steps.

The place offers many heart-pumping activities such as rock climbing, hiking and trekking. If you are not a fan of these activities, you can try boating, fishing and horse riding.

Malankara Reservoir is an artificial lake. It covers an area of 11 km. It is a perfect getaway to spend a day in nature. It is a perfect place for an idle boat ride and fishing. It is situated in the Idukki district, around 6 km from the town of Thodupuzha. The Malankara Dam is one crucial irrigation project of Kerala. Malankara Reservoir is a perfect place for boat rides as well as fishing. Shutterbugs would love to visit this place.

The Kalvari Mount stands tall 5 km away from Idukki and is placed on the Kattapana –Idukki road. Kalvari Mount has a very steep slope and is a tourist hotspot. The place is famous for the procession during Good Friday and Lent.

During the month of April, devotees march in a procession carrying crosses to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It gives you a mesmerising view of the nearby places. From one angle you can see the Idukki Arch Dam to Ayyappancovil. From another view you can see the Kamakshy and Mariyapuram villages.

Kalvari Mount is a popular tourist hotspot as it is ideal for trekking and for picnics. If you are trekking to the hill, you can even spot elephants on your way. The breeze and the chirping birds will make you forgot all your worries and there are small huts around the area, making an overnight stay possible in the hills.

Thumpachi Calveri Samuchayam is a nice 35 km ride from the town of Thodupuzha, a beautiful small town on the banks of the river Thodupuzha. If you are a lover of natural beauty, it is recommended to include Thumpachi in your itinerary. The place is ideal for picnics and outings with family and friends.

Schedule a tour to this place while you are holidaying in Idukki district. This is a perfect place to find inner peace. Revive yourself by meditating and relaxing amidst nature. Go for long walks and enjoy the panoramic landscape around you. There are a number of good hotels near the place where you can stay overnight.

Painavu is another attraction of Idukki. Being the headquarters of Idukki district, it is also an important commercial centre. The Idukki Arch Dam and Cheruthoni Dam are both situated at around 7 km away from this place.

The place is known for its picturesque and pleasing ambiance. Dense evergreen forests girdle this small town. Visitors come from far and near for trekking expeditions in the forests. The best season to visit the area is after shower, during the months of September and January.

The Kulamavu is one of the most popular hill stations in the district of Idukki. It lies around 3,000 ft above sea level. This place attracts many tourists with its breath-taking views. It is also a wonderful place for trekking. The Kulamavu Dam is one of the three dams of the Idukki Reservoir Project. This dam draws many tourists to this place.

Kulamavu is a 33 sq km reservoir that lies between rocky hills. You can avail boat rides to cruise between the Kulamavu dam and Cheruthoni. The Moolamattom underground power station which is situated nearby is another place worth seeing. The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary can also be visited from Kulamavu. The famous Nadukani Ghats is just 70 km away from Kulamavu.

The Keezharkuthu Falls is located around 25 km from the sleepy town of Thodupuzha. This mesmering fall is also famous by the name 'The Rain Bow Waterfalls'. Keezharkuthu Falls gushes down from a height of 1500 m. The fall looks like originating from a rock.

The waterfall cascades down in full force throughout the year. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forest which is the home to many important plants with medicinal properties. This is a perfect retreat for adventurous activities such as trekking, camping, rock climbing and mountaineering. This is a place where the shutterbugs would love to hang around.

Kurinjimala Sanctuary is the home to many rare species of flora and fauna. It covers areas of Idukki district as well as Vattavada and Kottakamboor villages in Devakulam Taluk. Moreover, it preserves the Neelakurinji plant in an area of around 32 sq km, which is an endangered species.

At the Neelakurinji Fest of 2006, this place was declared a sanctuary. The blooming of the Neelakurinji in that year drew nearly 1,000,000 visitors to Munnar and neighbouring places. The sanctuary also protects the unique biodiversity of the area and is the abode of animals like elephants, Nilgiri Tahr, Gaur, deer and Strobilanthes Kunthiana.

The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary lies near the Kurinjimala Sanctuary and Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. The other National parks near the sanctuary include Eravikulam National Park, Pampadum Shola National Park and Anamudi Shola National Park. The upcoming Palani Hills National Park will be in the east direction.

Nedumkandam Hill sits 3200 ft above the sea level at the Udumbanchola Taluk in Idukki. This small town is situated between Munnar and the Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, extending for 3 km along the road.

It can be called the land of coffee, cardamom and pepper. It is one of the fastest growing towns in Kerala. This place has been recently inhabited by farmers who have come from different parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. If you have to have a relaxed holiday, come to this place.

There are many wonderful places to explore in the vicinity of Nedumkandam Hill. You can go for picnics at Kailasapara, Kallumekallu, Neyyandimala Ramakkalmedu and Mankuthimedu and enjoy the enchanting scenery. You can also visit the Thooval Falls and listen to the sound of music in nature.

Ramakkalmedu is one of the must-visit tourist hotspots in Idukki. It is a panoramic hill station of historical importance. It houses the Statue of Kurathi and the Monument of Kuravar. These two entities of the past are a portrayal of the Sangam Period.

The meaning of Ramakkalmedu is “Land where Lord Rama kept his foot” as it is believed that Lord Rama came here searching for his wife and placed his foot on the edge of Ramakkalmedu.

Ramakkalmedu is situated 3500 ft above the sea level and lies on the Western Ghats. From this hill station you can have a breathtaking view of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The verdant mountains and the cool breeze and the green valley make this small hill station a favourite place for visitors. The soothing cool breeze is always present in this place irrespective of seasons.

Cheruthoni Dam is another famous dam of Kerala which is situated in the Idukki district. The dam is constructed across the Cheruthoni river. This river is an important tributary of the Periyar river. This dam generates hydro-electric power which is supplied to the nearby places.

The villages that are powered by this dam are Karimban, Manjappara Vazhathope, Thadiyanpadu and Maniyarankudi. It is the third dam of the Idukki Reservoir Project. This is a nice place for photography.

Palkulamedu is located around 12 km away from Idukki. It is a peak that stands at a towering height of 3125 m above sea level. Palkulamedu is a tourist attraction because of its pristine hills and verdant valleys that surround it. You can visit this peak any time of the year. You can go for hiking and trekking here. Palkulamedu is highly recommended for nature lovers and those whose passion is photography.