With the Sahya ranges occupying the majority of the geographical region, the district has within its boundary the highest mountain peak and the chief area of forestland in the state. Most of the tourist attractions in Idukki encompass the ideal climate and ambience to embrace thriving plant life and exotic wildlife. There are ample of sanctuaries and national parks and most of them arrange tours, jungle walks and safaris for travelers. The massive mountain ranges that form a background for most regions also offer challenging trekking spots and charming picnic locations. Idukki also has many magnificent beautiful waterfalls, a naturally shaped sandalwood forest, and India’s first arch-dam. The hill station Munnar, with its amazing views, well run dedicated dairy farm, and lush green carpet of tea plantations are one of the hotspots in Idukki.
Thekkady
One of the finest wildlife sanctuaries of the nation, Thekkady is inclusive with exotic flora, fauna, and evergreen forest. The vast area of 777 sq kms of forest has a beautiful sanctuary in it, and is the biggest in India. It has earned a unique place as one of the hotspots on any tourist’s agenda.
The 360sq kms of thick forest in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary offers residence to a ample variety of notable birds like Malabar Grey Hornbill, Grey Jungle Fowl, Heron, Egret, Jungle Myna, Wood Pecker, Rose Winged and Blue Winged Parakeet, Ceylon Frog-Mouth and Rose Billed Roller. The fascinating spot where guests can often spot countless kinds of wild animals is also a renowned Tiger reserve. The guided tours approved by the sanctuary offer opportunities to observe these animals at close residence. Walks through the acres of plantations and up the hilly area give outstanding trekking opportunities. The Periyar River surrounds a huge part of the sanctuary. Distant from the numerous varieties of fish here, the river is also distinguished for the extended lovely boat rides that are arranged by the sanctuary. These rides are a further brilliant method to find out the innumerable flora and fauna that flourish in and around the water. Rowing along the marvelously created Mullaperiyar dam, one can always manage to mark herds of wild elephants frolicking in the river water.
Kumily
This is a noted town situated four kms from Thekkady, close to the Periyar sanctuary. Acres of verdant plantations comprise majority of the town. Plantation town is positioned on the outer edge of the Periyar sanctuary. Kumily is also one of the top places to shop for spices.
Murikkady- 5 km from Thekkady
Murikkady is a gorgeous spot famous for its well looked after coffee plantations. Cardamom and pepper are also widely grown here. The place is a noteworthy dealer to the many spice shops at Kumily.
Pandikuzhi- 5 kms from Kumily
The stunning location of Pandikuzhi is located at the border of the state. It is now mounting to be a well-liked sightseer destination and a captivating vacation spot. Pandikuzhi is renowned for the various species of bird and animal life and rare plants and herbs that flourish there. The landscape of the place makes it a tempting holiday location for trekkers and adventure travelers as well.
Mangala Devi Temple– 15 kms from Thekkady
This is a prominent temple in Idukki. The temple is a classic example of temple architecture of prehistoric Kerala. The well-preserved relic of this ancient Devi temple is situated upon a small hill that stands about 1337 m above sea level. The lengthy way through the thick forest and up the dilapidated steps leading to the temple makes the trip a exquisite trek.
Chellarkovil- 15 kms from Kumily
This beautiful village shares its boundaries with Tamil Nadu. The place presents guests with an incredible chance to monitor the characteristic life of common people settled in the villages at high ranges. The picturesque extravaganza including acres of lavish fields, plains and gurgling waterfalls make it a much sought out tourist destination.
Vandiperiyar – 18 kms from Thekkady
With a lot of tea processing sites and factories, Vandiperiyar stands out as a chief trade and profitable center of the district and the state. There are many stunning nurseries here. It is also the chosen site for the operations and research by the Government Agriculture Farm and Flower Garden.
Munnar – 70 kms from Idukki
Munnar, was the most well-liked summer resorts during the British supremacy and is still a very well recognized hill station. Positioned at an altitude of 1800m above sea level, this ‘Kashmir of the East’ is the foremost hill resort in the State.
The cool weather here is ideal for cultivating tea. It is home to one of the major tea plantations in the world- the Kannan Devan Tea Plantations. The sight of mist-topped tea plantations stretch across acres of Munnar, is indeed calming to the eye.
The most impressive view would certainly be that of thousands of the exotic blue flower- Neelakurinji, that inundate the hills every 12 years. Countless lovely spots are ideal for rock climbing and trekking as well. The noisy waterfalls, gurgling streams and rows of tiny cottages add more life and colour to the glowing picturesque spot of Munnar.
Pothamedu – 6 kms from Munnar
This is an admired site with trekkers and adventure travelers. The marvelously gorgeous mountainous place has many hills making it an ideal spot to set out on challenging treks and mountain walks. Pothamedu is also known for the fine-looking tea and coffee plantations and the lush cardamom plantations.
Devikulam – 7 kms from Munnar
The chill weather, fresh air exclusive to high ranges, acres of green lawns, exotic wildlife, and the stunning Sita Devi Lake, all attract sightseers from all over the sphere. Sita Devi Lake is known for its mineral water also offers boating and fishing services.
Chithirapuram – 10 kms from Munnar
Picturesque Chithirapuram is the location for the Pallyvasal Hydel Power Project. Long arrays of beautiful cottages, bungalows, shopping areas, playgrounds and courts, all designed in an old town’s style, and gives one the mood of being part of a delicate painting. Several lovely tea plantations make the spot even more unusual.
Mattupetty – 13 kms from Munnar
Mattupetty, located at an altitude of 1700 m, is particularly recognized for its highly specialized dairy farm – the Indo Swiss Livestock Project. Over a 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here.The Mattupetty also has a lake and dam, just a short distance from the farm. These are beautiful holiday spots and the boat cruises (Speed launch, slow speedboat and motorboats) along the dam are quite popular. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lake are other attractions in the locality.
Lock Heart Gap
This is a spot in Mattupetty. The place is perfect for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain atmosphere, the mist-clad hills and panoramic vision make it commendable of a visit.
Echo Point – 15 kms from Munnar
This is a very picturesque place and it gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo Point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar
Iravikkulam National Park
The 97sq kms area of Iravikkulam National Park holds exotic scenery inclusive with green meadows, thick forests, tall rock and mountains. The innumerable species of animals and birds here contain numerous uncommon ones as well. A lot strange vegetation can also be found in the park.
Anamudy
This is the highest mountain peak in the state. The huge mountain that stands as tall as 2694metres is positioned on the southern boarder of the Iravikulam national park. It offers superb opportunities for trekking.
Other Attractions
The Hydro Electric Project at Pallivasal (8 km from Munnar) breathtaking waterfalls at Attukal (9 km from Munnar) and Nyayamakad (10 km from Munnar) are other attractions.
The beautiful tea plantations at Peerumed, the Wildlife Sanctuary at Chinnar (60kms away from Devikulam) and the splendid falls at Thommankuthu (21 kms from Thodupuzha) are also much wanted tourist destinations.
Meenuliyarmudi, Keezharkuthu and Irukallumud near Thommankuthu are also famous small tourist centers. Kuttikkanam and Vagaman are magnificent hill stations and are known as Kerala’s Kodaikanal.
