Idukki

The Idukki dam is constructed across the Periyar River, in a valley between the Kuravan and Kurathi hills in Kerala. The awe-inspiring, majestic dam, which stands at 167.68 meters (550 ft), is one of the highest arch dams in Asia. The dam, which is one of the Idukki tourist places, constructed by the Kerala government in 1975 and supports 780 MW hydroelectric power station that draws electricity from this dam.The sheer magnitude of the structure along with the mountains, verdant vegetation, and 60 sq. km placid lake, which is created by the 3 dams, Idukki dam, Cheruthoni and Kulamavu, captivate the visitors.Distance: 33 km from Idukki Dist.Timings: Public Holidays, Saturdays and Sundays.Entry Fees: Rs 25 for adults and Rs 5 for children. The tariff for a 15-minute boat ride for 5 persons is Rs. 600.

Away from the hustle and bustle of the cities, the Idukki Wildlife is located in the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks of Idukki at an altitude of 450 – 750 ft above the sea level.The sanctuary, flanked on 3 sides by the tranquil waters of Idukki Lake, is housed amidst picturesque settings of tropical evergreen & semi-evergreen forests, meadows, and deciduous trees.The Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the places to visit in Idukki, houses hordes of wild elephants.The other species from the animal kingdom include bison, sambar, deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, Malabar Giant Squirrel, wild boars, and tigers. Reptilians such as Cobra, viper, krait, etc will bewilder the visitor, while avian species Malabar grey hornbill, Purple Sunbird, Golden Oriole, and Black bulbul enchant him.Best time to visit: The most favorable time to visit Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is between December to April.Distance: Painavu P.O. Idukki–685603. 40 km from Thodupuzha, Idukki.Timings: All day.Entry fee: None.

Ilaveezha Poonchira, the Shangri-La of Kerala, situated in Melukavu village in Kottayam district is one of the places to visit in Idukki. Located at the foothills of the 3 floral hillocks – Mankunnu, Kudayathur, and Thonippara Hills at Kanjar, the bewitching valley is spread across thousands of acres.“Ila-veezha Poonchira” which means “the pond of flowers where the leaves do not fall” has its roots in Mahabharata. The rains during the monsoon season transmogrify the valley and present an enthralling and hypnotic effect on the visitors. Words fall short to explain the beatitudes of the play of colors on the horizon during the Sunrise and Sunset. Ilaveezha Poonchira is also an ideal destination for trekking.Distance: 36 km from IdukkiTimings: All day.Entry fee: None.

The cascading waters from a height of 1500 meters amidst the hills enveloped in lush greenery, adorns the skies with rainbows that takes the visitors’ breath away. A favorable hunting ground for photographers, the Keezharkuthu falls also referred to as rainbow falls immerse the visitors in an inexplicable experience.The contiguous forests are believed to be endowed with medicinal plants and herbs, which are used by tribal inhabitants from centuries. It is also home for rich fauna.The rocky terrain of the Keezharkuthu, one of the Idukki tourist places, is renowned for its exploration activities such as rock climbing, mountaineering, camping, and trekking.The place is also close to a number of tourist hotspots like Thommankuthu waterfalls, Kalvari Mount, and Ramakkalmedu Peak.Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Keezharkuthu Waterfalls is during monsoons though one can visit throughout the year.Distance: 30 km from Idukki.Timings: All day.Entry fee: None.

Hill View Park, one of the Idukki tourist places, located at a distance of 2 km from Idukki Bus stand, is a magnificent and well-managed park. The park, stretching over 8 acres enthralls the visitors with hundreds of varieties of crotons, flowers, medicinal plants, and other woods.The Hill View Park houses a natural water body, where visitors can enjoy boat rides. The view from the watchtower of both the dams, Idukki and Cheruthoni, the surrounding hills on all four sides and the lush greenery takes the breath away.The Park remains open throughout the year and can be accessed through gentle slopes, though it is stationed at 350 ft above the level of Dam water. The herbal garden and children’s play area add appeal to the Hill View Park.Distance: 2 km from Idukki.Entry Fees: Rs. 10 for adults and Rs. 5 for Children.

Valara Waterfalls, is one of the places to visit in Idukki, is located on Munnar-Kochi Highway. The gushing waters from a series of waterfalls, falling from an altitude of 1000 meters provide an alluring view.Nestled in the verdant vegetation featuring various types of woods and multitude of the animal kingdom, it is an ideal place for nature lovers and bird watchers.The rocky hillocks that dot the place is a hub for adrenaline-pumping activities like trekking, rock climbing etc. The monsoon and post-monsoon periods witness a heavy tourist turnout due to the spectacular scenic beauty of the falls and surrounding flora.It is a favorite getaway for photographers, honeymooners, and romantic persons.Distance: 42 km from Munnar.

Vandanmedu is located 25 km north of Kumily, on the Thekkady-Munnar Highway. The place is famous for rich spices like cardamom and it is said to be the biggest auction centers for Cardamom. The visitors traversing the plantations can enjoy the aroma of cardamom wafting through the air.The place is also a budding commercial center and is known for its historic colonial-era buildings. The anchel office constructed in the early 20th century by the British housed the first post office in Idukki.Distance: 45 km from Munnar.

Nadukani, one of the Idukki tourist places, is situated between Thodupuzha and Idukki in the vicinity of Kulamavu. Nadukani Pavilion, a 2-storey building constructed and managed by the State Electricity Board, atop a hill is encompassed by the vast stretches of hayfields flanked by gargantuan rocks.Situated at an altitude of 3000 ft, it offers bird’s-eye view of the Idukki and Ernakulam districts. Standing atop the Nadukani Pavilion, one can view the picturesque landscape spanning the sparkling waters of Muvattupuzha River, the Moolamattam town, Malankara Reservoir, the imposing sky-high mountains, and the verdant vegetation.It is an ideal getaway for picnics. The adventure enthusiasts throng this place as it offers limitless trekking options in the hill forests nearby.Best time to visit: The most favorable time to visit Naukani is around October to January.Distance: 70 km from Thodupuzha and 25 km from Idukki.Entry Fees: Nominal entrance fee is collected.