Mist laden hills, enchanting valleys, gushing streams, cascades, rolling grasslands, sprawling plantations, colonial bungalows, wildlife and many more makes Idukki, a landlocked district in Central Kerala a unique destination for travellers. The hilly terrain, which has the highest point in South India- Anaimudi offers ample scope for trekking, other adventures sports. It is one of the districts in Kerala with a predominant tribal population. With the famous hill station Munnar as its crowning glory, Idukki also has numerous other places of interest that adds to the destination value of the district.
Accessing Idukki
Culture Zones
Mangala Devi Temple
Pullumedu
Sahyadri Ayurvedic Centre
Kalvari Mount
HISTORIC ZONES
Peeru Hills
Marayoor
In and around Peerumede
Mangala Devi Temple (15 km from Thekkady)
This ancient temple is hidden in the
dense woods at the top of a peak 1337
m above sea level. The temple is built in
the traditional Kerala style of
architecture. Visitors are allowed here
only on the Chithra Pournami festival
day. The peak commands a panoramic
view of the eastern slopes of the ghats
and some hill villages of Tamil Nadu.
Mangala Devi Temple
Pullumedu (43 km from Thekkady,)
The winding journey to this hill town, along the Periyar River, offers a stunning view of the rolling hills draped in lush greenery. Velvet lawns, rare flora and fauna add to the beauty of Pullumedu, which can be accessed only by jeep.
The famous Sree Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala and the Makara Jyothiilluminations at the shrine are visible from here. Since it is part of the restricted forest zone, special permission to visit Pullumedu has to be obtained from the Wildlife Preservation Officer
Sahyadri Ayurvedic Centre A well-established Ayurvedic Hospital, Sahyadri,
managed by the Peermede Development Society in Pallikunnu, is well known for its curative and rejuvenating treatment packages.
The centre has well-appointed treatment accommodation facilities, a unit for manufacturing Ayurvedic medicines and a well-maintained raw drugs museum where more than 200 varieties of rare and endangered herbs are preserved. More than 400 herbs used for medicines are grown in the hospital's own garden spread over 35 acres.
This is a famous pilgrim
centre on the way to
Kattappana.
Peeru Hills (4 km from Peermede; 1 km from Kuttikanam)
• This idyllic hill station is a favourite haunt of trekkers and picnickers.
• The hill is named after Peer Mohammed, the Sufi saint, who spent his last days here. The Mausoleum of the saint, the summer palace of the royal family and the residence of the Diwansituated nearby are all worth a visit.
Peeru Hills
Marayoor
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.
• Animals: Elephant, bison, sambar deer, wild dog, jungle cat, tiger, wild boar etc.Snakes: Cobra, viper, krait and a number of non poisonous snakes.Birds: Jungle fowl, myna, laughing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl, woodpecker, kingfisher etc.
Nadukani is an ideal place for one-day
picnickers. True to its title it offers a
panoramic view of a large area than one
can experience from any high mountain
park. A two-storyed pavilion makes an
ideal place for enjoying the landscape and
beauty of nature.
Thumpachi Calveri Samuchayam
This is a picnic spot also ideal for meditation, relaxation and watching sunset.
Kulamav ,Cheruthoni & Painav Painav: Scenic beauty,
trekking point,
evergreen forest.
Lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves - the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread across 777 sq. km, of which 360 sq. km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world.
The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across
the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. This is the only
sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of
viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the
lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar, however, is the herds of wild
elephants that come down to play in the lake.
Flora: Over 1965 flowering plants including 171 grass species, 143 species of orchids, the only South Indian conifer PodocarpusWallichianus.
FaunaMammals: Thirty five species including the wild elephant, gaur, sambar deer and wild boar which can be sighted from the boats the NilgiriTahr in the higher rocky areas the endangered lion-tailed macaque confined to the evergreen interiors the bonnet macaque, Malabar giant squirrel, flying squirrel, tiger, jungle cat, sloth bear etc.
PlantationsTea, cardamom, pepper and coffee plantations surround the PeriyarWildlife Sanctuary
Birds265 species including migrants. The hornbill, stork, woodpecker, kingfisher, raptor, cormorant, grackle, darter etc.
ReptilesCobra, viper, krait, a number of non-poisonous snakes, and the monitor lizard.
AmphibiansFrogs, toads and limbless caecilians include the colourful Malabar gliding frog, common Indian toad, fungoidfrog and bicoloured frog.
Pisces (fish)The Periyar lake and streams have several species of fish including the masheer, the famous and endangered game fish of India. The otter, the only mammal of the lake, can be frequently spotted from the boat.
This plantation town, closely associated
with Thekkady, is situated on the outskirts
of the Periyar Sanctuary. An important
shopping centre and spice trade centre,
the main bus station and most of the
medium range accommodation in the
Periyar region are in Kumily.
Murikkady (5 km from Thekkady)
Washed in fresh spice scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.
Pandikuzhi (5 km from Kumily)
This picturesque spectrum of exotic flora,
fauna and gurgling streams is cradled
between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu
border.
A popular picnic spot, Pandikuzhi offers
great opportunities for trekking and is a
photographer's delight.
CHELLARKOVIL (15 KM FROM KUMILY)
This sleepy little village with its breathtaking view of the plains and cascading waterfalls is a feast for the eyes.
The village slopes down to the famous coconut groves of Cumbum in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
The River Periyar flowing through the centre
of this town nourishes its vast tea, coffee and
pepper plantations.
A major trade centre, Vandiperiyar is also
home to a number of tea factories. The
Government Agriculture Farm and Flower
Garden have a delightful array of rose plants,
orchids and anthuria.
Vandanmedu (25 km from Kumily)
This is one of the world's largest auction
centres for cardamom. A walk through the
sprawling cardamom plantations of
Vandanmedu is a heady experience.
Things to do in Thekkady
Plantation tours are arranged from the District Tourism Information Office at Thekkady Jn. in Kumily.
Tours cover cardamom, pepper, coffee and tea plantations, tea factories, tribal settlements and the surrounding hill regions.
The Forest Department conducts daily treks from the boat landing station at Thekkady to the Nellikkampetty area and Manakkavala.
Elephant rides: The Forest Department, Thekkady offers facilities for elephant rides through the jungle. Tickets are available from the Wildlife Information Counter.
Trekking: Main trekking areas in Thekkady: Kurisumalanear Kumily PullumeduOttakathalamedu: 5 km from KumilyGrampi near Vandiperiyar.
A place for adventure tourism and trekking, or even a
langourous, tranquil break. This picturesque
plantation town washed in the fragrance of
cardamom is surrounded by lush, green hills.
The rolling hills, the lovely landscape and the
gentle breeze make this an ideal spot for long
walks. The hills offer a breathtaking view of
the sunrise and sunset.
Grampi (5 km from Peermede; 10 km from Vandiperiyar)
Grampi is also known as Parunthupara eagle rock because of the panoramic view from its high peaks.
Rocky plains, lush hillsides, forests, trekking trails and picturesque views lend charm to this destination.
The road to Grampi is flanked by unending stretches of cardamom, tea and coffee plantations.
Parunthumpara
A hillock that gives a fascinating view of the Peermede mountain range.
Lofty peaks, little streams and ever expanding tea
plantations are the attractions of this place.
Pattumala (which literally means hill draped in
silk) is home to the two most famous tea
plantations - Harrisons Malayalam and AV Thomas
& Co. The Velamkanni Matha Church, built
entirely of granite, at the top of the hill is a famous
pilgrim centre. The flower garden nearby is a
fascinating riot of colours, of roses, orchids and
anthurium.
Vagamon (25 km from Peermede)
Grass covered hills, velvet lawns and the cool mountain air make Vagamona perfect holiday retreat. A curious blend of religious mysticism and European legacies, this hillside village is a haven of tranquility. The chain of three hills - Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurisumala - is a mark of religious harmony. The dairy farm managed by the Kurisumala monks is worth a visit.
Vagamon online.co
m
Ilaveezhapoonchira(55 km from Kottayam, 20 km from Thodupuzha)
This is another picnic spot located in the midst of
beautiful hillocks near Kanjar. It is easily accessible
from Palai in Kottayam district. Surrounded by three
enchanting hillocks - Mankunnu, Kodayathoormal
and Thonippara - makes this place ideal for trekking.
Things to do in Peermede
Peermede and surrounding areas are
ideal for trekking, cycling and horse
riding. Trekking sites: Peeru Hills,
Kalthotti, Vagamon, Karandakapara
Hills, Grampi (Parunthupara), Memala
Plantation visits: Tea, coffee,
cardamom, rubber etc. Trips to
Meloram, Nallathanni, Panchalimedu,
Valanjamkanam Waterfalls etc. Visits
to tea factories in and around
Peermede.
Top Station- Munnar
This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience.
The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.
PALLIVASAL (8 KM FROM MUNNAR)
This is the venue of the first Hydro Electric Project
in Kerala and a place of immense scenic beauty.
MATTUPETTY (13 KM FROM MUNNAR)
Situated at a height of 1700 m, Mattupetty is known for its highly specialised dairy farm - the Indo Swiss Livestock Project. Over a 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into 3 of the 11 cattle sheds at the farm.
The Mattupetty lake and dam, just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the KundalaLake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukkiprovides boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam. Speed launch, slow speedboat and motorboats are available on hire.
Mattupetty
Echo Point (15 km from Munnar)
This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo Point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar.
Eravikulam National Park (15 km from Munnar)
The 97 sq. km. park is situated in the Devikulam taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695 m) is located in the southern region of the park.
Sanctuary visit: The park is divided into three regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area which is in the Rajamala region. The Nilgiri Tahr can be observed at close quarters here.
Nilgiri Tahr @ Eravikulam National Park
Kundala is a picturesque town on the way to Top Station. The Golf Course, which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd., is located here. The Kundala artificial dam is another attraction. AruvikkadWaterfall is also near Kundala.
Thommankuthu (17 km 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. Other attractions: Pedal
boating, forest trekking, camping, bathing in the
waterfall.
KEEZHARKUTH (25 KM FROM THODUPUZHA):
The Rainbow waterfalls which cascade down
a rock from a height of about 1500 mt is a
wonderful attraction of this spot. It can be
seen throughout the year in full swing.
The forest around this spot is home to
various medicinal plants. It is an ideal place
for rock climbing, mountaineering and camp
trekking.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (60 km from Munnar)
Situated on the Tamil Nadu border,
the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is
spread across 90.44 sq. km.
Accessing Chinnar
Munnar - Udumalpetta Road: 60 km
Coimbatore - Udumalpetta - Chinnar
Road: 100 km Kochi - Chinnar: 190
km Prambikulam via Pollachi -
Chinnar Pollachi - Chinnar via
Udumalpetta: 60 km Kottayam -
Chinnar: 208 km.
Chinnar Wildlife - Tahr
THANK
S
NAKUL N A
BELBIN BABY
ABHIJITH C G