Idukki
A landlocked district, idukki is one of the most nature rich areas
of kerala The high ranges and wooded valleys are girded by three main
rivers- periyar, thalayar and thodupuzhayar- and their tributaries.
The river pamba
also has its origin here. As a tourist destination, idukki offers
diverse attractions like wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, spice
plantation tours, mountain treks, elephant rides etc. Idukki has a
large population of tribals who have unique customs and beliefs and
maintain an ethos which is distinctly different from that of the mainstream
culture.
Ramakalmedu (16 kms from Nedumkandam)
Rolling green hills and fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu
an enchanting retreat. The hilltop also offers a panoramic view
of the picturesque villages of Bodi and Kambam on the Eastern slope
of the Western ghats. One can enjoy the splendid beauty of nature.
This is an ideal place for trekkers and mountain climbers.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
For the nature and the animal lovers an excursion to Thekkady
from Idukki is an excellent option. Thekkady has the Periyar Wildlife
Sanctuary
where the plantations, jungles, mountains and an artificial lake
come together with the fauna and avian to make the trip to the Tiger
Reserve unforgettable. While at Thekkady you may also indulge in
trekking, elephant rides and boating.
Peermade
In The Vicinity of Idukki there is the hill station Called Peermade.
The summer retreat of the erstwhile rules of Tranvancore Peermade
is worth visiting for its gorgeous green grasslands, wonderful waterfalls
and plantations of tea, coffee, rubber etc.
Munnar
There is the hill Station of Munnar where you may savor the
nature at its
best. The tea estates, forests and the wildlife are the major tourist
attractions at Munnar.
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 located closeby.
The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary extends over the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks
of Idukki district, spreading over 77 sq. km and is about 450 -
748 m above sea level. The Idukki Reservoir formed by three Dams
- Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamavu extends to 33 sq km.
Thommankuthu waterfalls (17 kms from Thodupuzha)
The seven step waterfall here is a much loved picnic spot . At each
step there
is a cascade and a pool beneath . Thommankuthu is an ideal place
for adventure tourism. (This is also a tricky spot and visitors
are advised to exercise caution !)
Cheeyappara
The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Neriamangalam
and Adimali on the Kochi - Madurai highway.
Devikulam (7 kms from Munnar)
This idylicc hill station with its velvet lawns , exotic flora and
fauna and the cool mountain air offers a rare experience to visitors.
The Sita Devi lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings
is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal trout fishing.
Valara (10 kms from Adimali on the Kochi-Madurai highway)
Valara has a chain of waterfalls surrounded by thick green forests.
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