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This June head to the potrait town of Idukki. Clad in dense green forests with a background of mountains, this awe-inspiring place is like heaven on earth. It is also the abode of the second largest arch dam in the world. The Idukki Arch Dam, Kulamavu Dam and Cheruthoni Dam are the three important dams in Idukki. A visit to these dams is worth-while as they are located in scenic backdrops. Moreover, a wind energy farm is found in Ramakkalmedu, an important hill station and a tourist hotspot of Idukki.
The Kurinjimala Sanctuary is the home of many rare species of flora and fauna. Tourists come here to see the Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Wood-pigeon, Gaur, Purple Frog Tiger, Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Elephant, Sambar Deer and Neelakurinji. The Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary or Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is the niche of birds as well as many indigenous many reptiles and animals. one can see 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. One can go for trekking expeditions in the Kalvari Mount, Kulamavu and Palkulamedu. So get ready to set out on a picturesque tour of Irresistible Idukki.
How to Reach
The nearest airport to Idukki is the Nedumbasseri or Kochi International Airport. It is 160 km from Idukki. One can hire a taxi or board a bus to reach here. There are frequent buses available to and fro from the airport. The nearest railway station is at Kottayam which is 114 km from Idukki. Bus services are available from Kottayam to reach Idukki. Idukki is connected by 6 state highways that pass through it. It also lies on NH-49. It can be reached through KSRTC bus services as well as cab services. Also do check out the places to stay while you are here.
Photo Courtesy: green umbrella
Cheruthoni Dam
Cheruthoni Dam is a famous dam in Kerala which is situated in the Idukki district. The dam is constructed across the Cheruthoni River which is a tributary of the Periyar River. The dam generates hydro-electric power which is supplied to the nearby places. This is a nice place for photography.
Idukki Arch Dam
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. Apart from being the word's 2nd arch dam, it is famous for the impressive surrounding in which it is constructed.
Kalvari Mount
The Kalvari Mount stands tall 5 km away from Idukki and is placed on the Kattapana -Idukki road. It has a very steep slope and is a tourist hub. It is famous for the procession that takes place here during Good Friday and Lent. It is a popular place for trekking and for picnics. While trekking to the hill, one can spot elephants on the way. The soothing 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.
Photo Courtesy: Ashwin Kumar
Kulamavu
Kulamavu is a popular hill stations in the district of Idukki. It is situated around 3,000 feet above sea level and attracts many tourists with its breath-taking views. It is also wonderful place for trekking. The Kulamavu Dam is one of the three dams of the Idukki Reservoir Project as well.
Photo Courtesy: Reji Jacob
Kurinjimala Sanctuary
The Kurinjimala Sanctuary houses many rare species of flora and fauna. The sanctuary preserves the Neelakurinji plant which is an endangered species. The sanctuary is also the home of various wild animals like elephants, Nilgiri Tahr, gaur and deer. There are other National Parks that surround this sanctuary namely, Eravikulam National Park, Pampadum Shola National Park and Anamudi Shola National Park. Tourists coming here can enjoy the biodiversity this region has to offer. It is also a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Painavu
The small town of Painavu is another attraction in Idukki. This commercial centre is the headqurters of Idukki district and is known for its scenic beauty. Dense green forests surround this small town from where tourists head for trekking expeditions.
Photo Courtesy: Joaquim679
Ramakkalmedu
Ramakkalmedu is a small but popular hill station in the Idukki district and its name translates into 'Land where Lord Rama kept his foot'. One gets a panromic view of Kerala and TamilNadu from here. At a height of 3500 feet above the sea level, one is welcomed by the cool breeze and the sight of the green valley here. Tourists can relax in this hill station and take in the majestic view that lie before them.
Photo Courtesy: Balachand
Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
The Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary also known as the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a sought after place for view various species of birds. Many a bird-watchers come here to get sight of different species of migratory birds. It also houses some endangered species of birds like, peninsular bay, Malabar grey hornbill, rose billed roller, crimson throated barber, crested serpant eagle, great indian hornbill and fairy bluebird.
Thommankuthu Falls
Thommankuthu waterfalls is located 17 km from Thodupuzha town in Idukki district. Although the waterfall is small it is captivating thanks to the scenic backdrop it is set in. The waterfall is also called as the seven step waterfall because it forms seven steps when it descends. The captivating feature about this is that it creates a pool on each of the seven steps. Tourists can indulge in activities like rock climbing, hiking and trekking here. For those who are not in adventure activities they can go boating and fishing here.
Photo Courtesy: Kiran Gopi
