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The name
'Idukki' is derived from the Malayalam word 'idukku',
which means a narrow gorge. Idukki district was formed on
January 26, 1972 carving out Devikulam, Peerumedu and
Udumbanchola taluks from the erstwhile Kottayam district
and Thodupuzha taluk from the erstwhile Ernakulam
district. Situated in the southern part of Kerala.
Idukki is
a landlocked district spread over an area of 5019 sq.kms.
Blessed generously by Mother Nature, Idukki offers diverse
attractions like wild life sanctuaries, hill stations,
spice plantation centres and mountain treks uses, chiefly
significant in the Coir industry.
Access
:
Air
: The nearest airport is at Kochi 132 km away.
Rail :The nearest railway station is at
Kottayam, 133 km away.
Road :Idukki can be reached by moterable
roads from most parts of Kerala.
Places
of Interest in Idduki : 
Idukki
valley: A small hill town
surrounded by a spread of beautiful, wooden valleys and
meandering streams. Located 121 km away from Kottayam,
famed for its arched dam built across the Periyar River.
Idukki
Wildlife Sanctuary: The most nature rich areas of
Kerala are in Idukki. This sanctuary lies adjacent to the
world renowned Idukki Arch Dam. Located at an altitude of
450-748 mt above sea level, this sanctuary occupies the
forestland between the Cheruthoni River and the Periyar
River. There is a scenic lake around the sanctuary,
covered by an enchanting canopy of tropical evergreen and
deciduous trees, and offers boat rides.
The wildlife found here is similar to that of Thekkady.
Birds include jungle fowl, myna, laughing thrush, black
bulbul, peafowl, woodpecker, kingfisher etc. Elephants,
bisons, bear, wild boars, sambar wild dogs, jungle cats,
tiger, wild boar etc are seen here apart from various
species of snakes including cobra, viper, kraits and
numerous non-poisonous ones. The lake on the three sides
of the sanctuary offers a panoramic view to the tourists.
Peermede:
The famous plantation town takes
its name from Peer Mohammed, Sufi saint and associate of
the erstwhile royal family of Travancore. 
Peermede offers an unforgettable experience for the
visitor as its wide vistas of tea, cardamom, rubber and
coffee plantations interspersed with silver cascades,
sculptural rocks, meadows and mist-cloaked hilltops make
it an enchanting land. The most delightful trekking trails
complement the panoramic landscape. Monuments like the
summer palace and summer residence of the royal family add
to the splendor of the land. The summer residence now
converted into a government guesthouse under the
Department of Tourism, offers comfortable accommodation.
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 situated near by.
The
Idukki Reservoir formed by three dams, namely, Cheruthoni,
Idukki and Kulamavu extends to 33 sq.kms.
Thekkady:
Located at distance of 65 km from Idukki. This bird
sanctuary is a peninsular land of 25 sq. km formed between
the branches of River Periyar. The rivers are rich in fish
life and are shallow for most of the year. The avifauna
includes both resting indigenous birds and water birds.
The most notable of the birds are Malabar grey hornbill,
grey jungle fowl, heron, egret, jungle myna, woodpecker,
and rose winged and blue winged parakeet. Rare birds like
Ceylon frogmouth, rose-billed roller etc. are also seen.
Munnar:
It is at a distance of 70 km.  from
Idukki.1600 mt above sea level. Munnar is situated at the
confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha,
Nallathanni and Kundala. 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. Anamudi is an ideal
spot for trekking.
Moolamatton:
Located at a distance of 40 km from Idukki. One can view
the working of the Moolamatton hydroelectric station, as
the Idukki Hydroelectric Project's underground powerhouse
is located here.
Chinnar
Wildlife Sanctuary: Situated in
the rain shadow area of the Western Ghats. Chinnar
Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique thorny scrub forest with
xerophyte species. Chinnar is the habitat of the
endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India.
Unlike other sanctuaries, Chinnar has only 48 rainy days
in a year. Dry deciduous forests, high sholas and wet
grasslands are also found here. As one travels from
Karimuthi to Chinnar Elephants, Spotted Deer, Sambhar,
Hanuman monkey and even Peacocks can be seen on either
sides of the road.
In 1984 it was declared as a wildlife sanctuary and is
spread over an area of 90,422 sq.kms. The undulated
terrain with rocky patches adds to the scenic splendour of
the sanctuary.
Observatory
Hills: Beautiful hill situated at Nedumkandam. It's a
perfect location for people who are interested in watching
the heavenly bodies, as the sky here is clear.
Kuthumkal
Waterfalls: Misty waterfall provides a picturesque
view of the water, cascading down from scintillating
heights. The sheer beauty of the place attracts thousands
of visitors every year.
Places
of Interest in Alappuzha >> Access
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