One of the most famous hill resorts of the South Indian state of Kerala, Idukki is immensely appealing for travellers seeking an escape to the mist layered mountains and an adventure with a difference. Deriving its name from the Malayalam word Idukki, literally meaning 'a narrow gorge', this hill station never fails to amaze. The meaning holds true, for narrow steep-sided valleys are not a strange phenomenon in this hilly district flanked by the Western Ghats in the East. It is located at 121 km from Kottayam in the southern part of Kerala. Blessed generously by Mother Nature, it offers diverse attractions like wild life sanctuaries, hill stations, spice plantation centers and mountain treks. The mountains of Idukki is the source of the River Pamba in the state. The languages spoken here are Hindi, Malyalam and English.
Idukki is famous for its spice production, tea plantations and rubber cultivation apart from the splendid green mountains and streams. It is one of the main tourist destinations in Kerala surrounded by lush hills, tea plantations and valleys.
The best time to travel to Idukki is anytime of the year except during the monsoon season as the monsoons are heavy in this state. However, the most preferred time is from March to October. The hill resort of Idukki experiences moderate weather throughout the year. Tropical cottons for summer and warm clothes for winter is recommended. Carrying an umbrella is also a wise option.
All foreign visitors are required to carry a passport valid at least for 6 months. Special restrictions apply to Pakistani and Afghan nationals.
Idukki is not directly but well connected by air, rail and road to several tourist places across Kerala.
By Air: Kochi is the nearest airport which caters to the tourists travelling to Idukki in the southern part of Kerala. From there Taxi or bus services can be availed to reach Idukki. Kochi is well linked with the rest of the country.
By Rail: Idukki does not have railway lines. The nearest railway station is at Kottayam which is well connected to other cities of Kerala and a few other major cities. From there one can avail Taxi/Bus services to reach Idukki
By Road: The NH-49 passes through Idukki district. Thodupuzha, the major town in the district, is well connected with other parts of the district and the state. KSRTC operates bus services from Thodupuzha station to several cities including district headquarters, Idukki. Bus services on high range roads are scant. Taxi services are the best and most commonly used option to reach here.
Local Transport:
Within Idukki there are several means of transport, such as local buses, auto rickshaws and taxis at reasonable rates. Many attractions in Idukki are situated in close proximity to each other so one can explore many places on foot. There are many car rental companies offering cars with drivers to move around
At Idukki besides enjoying the enchanting beauty of nature one can visit several sight seeing spots:
Idukki Arch Dam: This boasts of being the first arch dam in India as well as Asia and the World's second. Constructed across the lofts hills of Kuravan and Kurathi, 550 ft high and 650 ft wide, the dam lies close to the Cheruthorathi barrage and to the west is the Kulamavu dam. It has been built across the Periyar River.
Idukki wildlife sanctuary: While at the hill resort of Idukki one can visit the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread over an area of 70 sq. kms and close to the Arched Dam, this Wildlife Sanctuary attracts tourists for its forest cover that is rich is both flora and fauna. Animals like the elephant, bison, sambhar, deer besides a wide variety of snakes and birds like the jungle foul, laughing thrush etc. can be spotted here.
Cheruthani and Moolamattam: Not far away from Idukki these places are worth visiting. From the heights of Cheruthani one may see sights as far as Kochi. At Moolamattam, the powerhouse of the Idukki Hydroelectric Project is a major tourist attraction.
Hill View Park: Located adjacent to the Cheruthoni and Idukki arch dam is the Hill View Park. A picturesque park on a hill top, this park has a beautifully landscaped herbal garden and offers panoramic views of the nearby hills. The park has a natural lake with boating facilities. It also houses a children’s park. The biggest attraction however is the view of the elephants in their natural habitat from this park.
Nadukani Park: Another beautiful park is Nadukani, which offers great view of the hills of the adjoining districts. Nadukani is mostly used as a picnic spot.
Another fine picnic spot is located approximately 35 kilometres from Thodupuzha known as the Thumpachi Calveri Samuchayam. It is famous for its sunset view.
Trekking: The adventure seekers may indulge in trekking and mountain walks at Idukki.
Idukki’s lush green forests makes it a great place for trekking. There are very good trekking trails near the Idukki arch dam and Kulamavu dam offering great views for the tourists. The trails are nice and the summit offers great aerial view of the reservoirs.
Where To Eat:
It is best to rely on the Hotel you are staying at for food in Idukki.
Where To Stay:
Idukki offers a wide range of accommodation options to the tourists including hotels, bungalows and guesthouses to choose from. Green Berg Holiday Resort, PWD Rest House and Inspection Bungalow are few suggested places.
Idukki district has quite a few interesting places nearby Idukki the hill resort. Some of them are:
The hill resort of Peermade: This once used to be the summer retreat of the erstwhile rulers of Tranvancore. Peermade is known for its gorgeous green grasslands, magnificent waterfalls and plantations of tea, coffee, rubber etc.
Periyar wildlife sanctuary: The famous tiger reserve of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkady makes an excellent excursion from Idukki. For the wildlife enthusiast, a tour to the sanctuary is something of an absolute must. The natural vegetation, verdant hills and an artificial lake make the visit to this sanctuary, an experience of a lifetime. Thekkady also offers opportunities to indulge in trekking, elephant rides and boating.
Some of the other places nearby are: Munnar, Madurai and Kochi.
Idukki is full of surprises; the district is so diverse and has so much to offer to all kinds of travellers. Idukki is definitely one of the must visit places in India.
