Idukki is Kerala’s spice garden. Most of Idukki is made up of the Sahya hills, which makes it one of the most natural places in Kerala. Idukki’s high mountains and wooded valleys are home to many different kinds of attractions, such as wildlife reserves, hill stations, tours of spice plantations, jungle walks and safaris, mountain treks, elephant rides, and so on. Idukki is home to a big population of tribals, the main tribes being Muthuvan, Malayarayan, Mannan, Paliyan, Urali, Ulladan, Malavedan and Malampandaram.
Idukki Climate
Kerala’s second-largest district is Idukki.The District is 97% mountainous and forested.The district borders Kerala districts Pathanamthitta to the south, Kottayam to the south-west, Ernakulam to the north-west, Thrissur to the north, and Tamilnadu districts Coimbature, Dindigul, and Theni to the east. Periyar, Thodupuzhayar, and Thalayar are prominent district rivers. Since the district is mostly forested, its fauna and flora are diverse. Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kurinjimala Sanctuary, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Shola National Park, Pampadum Shola, and Thattekad Bird Sanctuary.
Idukki District’s climate varies. The western midland section of the district has a moderate climate with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 27°C with no seasonal change. The eastern highland areas of the district have a chilly climate with temperatures ranging from minus 1 to 15 degrees C in November/January and 5 to 15 degrees C in March/April.
Idukki's list of places to see
Idukki is a district that can only be reached by road. It is one of the most natural places in Kerala. High mountain ranges and wooded areas are surrounded by three main rivers: Periyar, Thalayar, and Thodupuzhayar.This area is also where the River Pamba starts.Idukki has a wide range of things to do, such as wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, dams, tours of special plantations, mountain hikes, elephant rides, and more. Some of the famous places are-
Idukki Dam
With a potential of 780 MW, the Idukki hydroelectric project is the largest of its kind in the State. It is one of the highest ten-arch dams in the world, and after the Tehri Dam in Uttarakhand and the Bhakra Nangal Dam in Himachal Pradesh, it is the third highest in India.
Indira Gandhi, who was Prime Minister of India at the time, opened the Rs. 107.5 crore projects in 1976. It was built and run by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). The project took 220 million man days to finish.
Hill View Park
Hill View Park is one of the tourist spots in Idukki. It is 2 km from the Idukki Bus stand and is a beautiful, well-run park. The park’s 8 acres are filled with hundreds of different kinds of crotons, flowers, medicinal plants, and other woods that amaze tourists.
The Hill View Park has a natural area of water where people can ride boats. From the lookout, you can see both Idukki and Cheruthoni dams, as well as the hills on all four sides and the lush greenery.
The Park is open all year and can be reached by easy slopes, even though it is 350 feet above the level of water in the Dam. The Hill View Park is nice because it has a play place for kids and a garden with herbs.
Idukki wildlife sanctuary
Idukki district has some of Kerala’s best natural resources, and the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is a great example. The Cheruthoni and Periyar Rivers surround the refuge, which is between 450 and 750 m above sea level. Beautiful boat rides can be taken on the lake that surrounds the refuge. The place is made even more beautiful by the tropical evergreen and deciduous trees.
People can see elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tigers, wild boars, and many types of snakes, such as cobras, vipers, kraits, and many other snakes that are not dangerous. There are also many kinds of birds, like the Grey Jungle Fowl, Malabar Grey Hornbill, woodpeckers, and bulbuls. The famous Idukki Arch Dam is right next to the reserve.
Thommanamkothu Waterfall
Thommankuthu Waterfalls is a less-known tourist spot in Idukki district, Kerala that is surrounded by thick woods. It is near the town of Thodupuzha and can be seen in one day from Munnar.
Thommankuthu Falls is not just one big waterfall. Instead, it is a group of seven smaller waterfalls that fall in seven steps over a distance of 12 km. It flows into the Kannadiyaar River. And every stream makes a pool where you can swim.
Some places also have places where you can go swimming, fishing, rock climbing, and do other things.
This seven-step waterfall is one of Kerala’s most famous places for ecotourism, and most people come here to go hiking. If you go deep into the forest, you’ll find caves and places where tribes live, as well as a river that runs through it.
Even if you don’t go all the way to the last waterfall, you can still see some amazing things from the different sites in the area. Walk through the lush green forest, take a break in a hut, and listen to the birds singing.
Kalvari Mount
Kalvari Mount, commonly known as Calvary Mount, is a high top and Christian pilgrimage place 10 kilometres from Idukki Bus Stand. It’s a major Idukki attraction.
Kalvari Mount, also known as Kalliyanathandu, provides a spectacular aerial perspective of the Idukki Reservoir and its surrounding hills and forests. The viewpoint located near Thankamani Junction on Thodupuzha-Puliyanmala highway. It is a must-see in Idukki. Christian pilgrims climb the hillside during Lent.
Mountaineers and trekkers love it. Trekkers will enjoy low-hanging clouds, mild breezes, occasional chirping birds, and herds of elephants. Professional trekkers climb the steep hilltop. The neighbouring Tea Factory serves the best tea for hikers and travelers.
Idukki transport
Idukki only has road transport for goods and people. District roads total 8000 km. The district has NH-49. Few state highways cross the District.In Kattappana, Kumily, Moolamattam, Munnar, and Thodupuzha, KSRTC operates five units.
Railways– The mountainous Idukki District has no rail lines. Kottayam, Theni, and Changanassery are the closest railway stations to the city.