Idukki derived from the Malayalam word 'idukku' meaning narrow gorge, was formed on January 26, 1972 carving out Devikulam, Peerumedu and Udumbanchola taluks from the erstwhile Kottayam district and Thodupuzha taluk from the erstwhile Ernakulam district.
Idukki is situated at the top of Western Ghats surrounded by mountains. The Asia's first and the world's second great arch dam is in Idukki. This arch dam built across the Kuravan Kurathi mountain is wonderful and beyond description. Attached to this dam of 650 feet length and 550 feet height, two other dams are also there in Kulmavu and Cherunthony.
Located in the southern part of Kerala, Idukki is a landlocked district spread over an area of 5019 sq.kms. Blessed generously by Mother Nature, Idukki offers diverse attractions like wild life sanctuaries, hill stations, spice plantation centers and mountain treks uses, chiefly significant in the Coir industry. One of the most famous hill resorts of South India, Idukki is immensely appealing for travelers seeking an escape to the mist layered mountains and an adventure with a difference. Deriving its name from the Malayalam word Idukki literally meaning 'a narrow gorge', this hill station will never fail to amaze you. The mountains of Idukki are the source of the River Pamba.
Spread over an area of 7700 hectares with plenty of wild animals, Idukki wild life Sanctuary attracts everyone.
The world's second underground Power Station also is in Moolamattam, Idukki District One of the largest districts of Kerala, Idduki offers diverse attractions from wildlife sanctuaries to hill stations. Idukki is a picturesque blend of mountains, streams, spice plantations, and wooded valleys. It derives its name from the Malayalam word idukku which means a narrow gorge.
The town of Idukki flourished after its discovery by Scottish planters, who liked this place on account of its high range, and left behind some fine bungalows. It is also home to South India's highest peak, Anamudi, along with 13 other peaks with a height of over 2000 m, and some important rivers like Periyar, Thodupuzhayar and Thalayar.
Idukki has a large population of tribals, the main tribes being Muthuvan, Malayarayan, Mannan, Paliyan, Urali, Ulladan, Malavedan and Malampandaram. The tribes of Kerala have unique customs and beliefs and maintain an ethos which is distinctly different from that of the mainstream culture.
A Landlocked District, Idukki Is One of The Most Nature Rich Areas Of Kerala. High Ranges And Wooded Valleys Are Girded By Three Main Rivers - Periyar, Thalayar And Thodupuzhayar And Their Tributaries. The River Pamba Also Has It Origin Here. As A Tourist Destination, Idukki Offers Diverse Attractions Like Wildlife Sanctuaries, Hill Stations, Spice Plantation Tours Mountain Treks, Elephant Rides Etc.
Idukki Quick facts
Idukki Geography and Climate
Idukki has an area of 5,105.22 km² (1,971.1 sq mi) and is the second largest District of Kerala. Rugged mountains and forests cover about 97 percent of the total area of the District. The district borders the Kerala districts of Pathanamthitta to the south, Kottayam to the southwest, Ernakulam to the northwest and Thrissur to the north and Coimbature, Dindigul and Theni Districts in Tamilnadu to the east.
Anamudi, the highest peak in India south of Himalayas, is in the Kuttampuzha Panchayat of Adimali Block, in the K.D.H Village of Devikulam taluk. 13 other peaks in the district exceed a height of 2,000 m (6,562 ft). The Periyar, Thodupuzhayar and Thalayar are the important rivers of the district.
dukki the hilly district of the state, has many unique topographical and geographical characteristics. The hiranges vary in attitude from 2500 feet above the mean sea level in Kulamavu to more than 5000 feet above the MSL in Munnar. There are eleven peaks in this district, which exceed a height of 6000 feet above the MSL. The highest peak in Kerala, Anamudy is in the K.D.H village of Devikulam taluk . Two types of soil are found in the district. The High land area is covered by forest soil (Alluvial soil) and the other parts by laterite soil. The climate in the district undergoes a sudden variation as we go from west to east. The highland regions is having a comparatively cold climate. Annual rainfall in this district vary from 250 cms to 425 cms. Munnar, Devikulam, Pallivasal, Vellathooval etc. are places getting high rainfall while Marayoor, Kanthalloor, Vattavada, Thaliar etc experience low rainfall. Marayoor and Kanthalloor are virtually rainshadow areas lying the eastern side of western ghats.
Best time to visit Idukki
Best Time to Visit
An ideal climate, with temperatures not fluctuating too much, contributes to the tranquil setting of the hill resort of Idukki. As the hill station experiences mild climate throughout the year, you can visit it all round the year.
Idukki Distance(s)
Kochi – 65 km, Ernakulam – 57 km, Thekkady - 60 km, Munnar - 50 km, Thodupuzha - 60 km, Neriyamangalam - 22 km, Vellathooval - 33 km.
Onam : Onam the most typical Kerala Festival, which coincides with the month of harvest season is an occasion for spontaneous revelry. It falls in the month of Chingam (August-September). It celebrates the home coming of Mahabali, the legendary king who ruled over Kerala in an age of plenty and was pushed down to the infernal regions (Patala) by Vishnu in the form of Vamana.
Onam is being celebrated as a National Festival under Government auspices. It synchronises with the tourist week celebrations in the State. The Onam celebration starts formally on the day of Atham asterism. The image of Thrikkakara Appan (Vishnu in the form of Vamana) is installed in every Hindu home during the Onam season. Children go around collecting flowers for the decoration of the front portion of their house in different designs and forms which change from day to day. The most important days of the Onam festival are Uthradom and Thiruvonam days. On the latter, a grand feast is held in every home. Onam also provides an occasion for family get-togethers for the Keralites.
Christmas and Easter are the main festivals of Christains. Christmas falls on December 25th and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Holy Mass is held in all churches in the State. The Christmas Tree is decorated in chruches and homes. The appearance of Santa Claus and the distribution of presents are highlights of the celebration. There is a feast in every Christian Home with meat as a special item. Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It falls in the month of April. The Maramon Convention held every year in March on the river bed at Maramon under the auspices of the Marthoma Church is the biggest gathering of the Christians in Asia and the second biggest in the World.
Bakrid (Idul Azha) and Ramzan (Idul Fitr) are the major muslim festivals. Muslims enjoy a hearty feast on Bakrid Day. The famous Haj is performed after Idul Azha. Id-ul-Fittr is celebrated after the conclusion of Ramzan fast when muslims give up all kinds of food and drink during day and spend major part of the night in prayer. Miladi Sherif (Nabi Dinam) in April commemorates the birth of the Prophet. Muharam is another festival celebrated on the 10th day of the month of Muharam-the forbidden month which marks the beginning of the Hijira Year.
The Chandanakudam at Beemapally near Trivandrum is one of the most colourful of muslim festivals in Kerala. It is said to be the death anniversary of Beema Beevi, a devout pilgrim lady who came to Kerala from Mecca. The festival begins on the 1st of Jamadul Akhar of the Hijira Era (October) and lasts ten days. Carrying earthern pots smeared with sandal wood paste and the mouth of the pot lightly closed with a jasmine garland around the edges, thousands of pilgrims go around the mosque and the hallowed tomb of the devout lady in procession, the earthern pot with money is placed at the tomb as an offering.
Idukki Culture
Idukki - Culture
The district of Idukki has a mixed culture due to the large scale migration to the district from other parts of Kerala and from the Neighboring Tamilnadu. There are 245 tribal settlements in the District of which 74 are in Thodupuzha; 11 in Peermedu; 126 in Devikulam and 34 in Udumbanchola Taluks. Almost all the scheduled tribes are living in the extreme remote hilly banks and in the deep interiors of thickly growing forests of this district. According to the latest census around 11516 Scheduled tribal families are living in the district.
The main inhabitants of the district are the scheduled tribes, which include Malayarayan, Mannan, Muthuvan, Oorali, Paliyan, Hilpulayan, Malapandaram, Ulladan and Malayan. Among the scheduled tribes Malayarayans out class all the other factions in socio-economical and educational aspects. .
Among the most celebrated festivals in Idukki, the Adimali Fest is the most prominent tourism and agricultural festival of the High ranges since 1991. Every year the festival is celebrated during the last week of December, at Adimali.
The agricultural fair and exhibition is a part and parcel of the Adimali Fest. Hundreds of farmers bring their super size products for display. Exhibition stalls of various Government Departments, Institutions and Agencies are of great attraction along with the exhibition-cum-sales stalls of the trade fair
The agricultural fairl at Thodupuzha is also note worthy and is held every year under the aegis of the agricultural society..
Idukki Religious Places
Munnar CSI Christ Church
The history of Munnar CSI Christ Church is unique. Its real history begins with a cemetery which is attached to it. Mrs. Eleanor Knight, the wife of H.M Knight, the General Manager of the plantation was buried there in 1894. After the buriel of Mrs. Knight, some other British were also buried there. Later on Knight presented that area as a place of burial. It was formally consecrated on April 15th 1900 on Easter Day by Rt. Rev. Noel Hodges. The foundation stone of the church was laid on March 1910 by Sir. A. K. Muir. It was dedicated on Easter day April 16th in the year 1911 by Rev. W.F.B Hoysted who was the chaplain at that time. The British handed over the church to CSI North Kerala Diocese when they left the High Range in the year 1981. Till then both the Indians and British worshipped in the same church at different times. Now it is the head quarters of CSI Munnar Pastorate which has nearly 1000 Tamil families and 18 out station churches.
:: Karikkode Devi Temple
This is the oldest Temple in the district and many people used to visit here on its festival days. This temple is located in Thodupuzha.
:: Calvery Mount
This is a famous pilgrim centre on the way to Kattappana and it resembles mount Calvery where Jesus Christ was crucified.
:: Mangala Devi Temple
The ancient temple, 15Kms from Thekkady, 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 and visitors are allowed here only on Chitra Pournami festival day. The peak commands a panoramic view of the eastern slopes of the Ghats and small hill villages of Tamil Nadu.
:: Sree Aiyappa Temple
This Temple is dedicated to Lord Ayappa. It is situated at Anachal, 15 KM from Munnar. The six day annual festival commences with the ceremonial hoisting of the temple flag (Kodiyettam). On the last two days processions with traditionally decorated elephants lend colour and majesty. Art forms like 'Ottanthullal' enliven the temple premises. The traditional 'Thookkam', a ritual is also conducted.
Sree Krishna Swamy Temple
The temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna , is located at the heart of Thodupuzha town . It celebrates a ten day festival every year . On the first day , a concert by renowned musician is presented . 'Chakyarkoothu' is held on the 4th , 5th and 6th days of the festival. 'Kathakali' performances are also held on 5th and 6th days . The most auspicious days of the festival are the 7th , 8th and 9th. Procession. participated by five caparisoned elephants and temple percussion music are held in the mornings and evenings on these days.
ST.Antonys Shrine
The St.Antonys shrine of Santhigram parish stands tall at Nalumukku on the Erattayar - Thankamani road in Idukki district. It falls in the diocese of Kothamangalam. Today it has grown to become a pilgrimage centre and thousands of devotees visit this church to attend the liturgical services in honour of St.Antony and Infant Jesus held every Tuesday and first Friday respectively . By the divine plan of God, it has turned out to be a place where people of all faiths come together and listen to the word of God. Since 1965 devotional prayers are being offered there. There after the priests in charge have made pain-staking efforts to bring up this place into what it is today . It was blessed by Rev.Fr.Mathew Kochuparambil bishop of Dimshu in 1984.
:: St. George C.S.I. Church
This is the oldest church in the district and was built by the British.. The church was founded by Rev. Henry Baker Jr. in 1869. All the churches in the tea garden areas were once linked to this pallikkunnu church. This church has a unique place among Europeans as many British planters and veterans sleep in eternal peace in its cemetery
Idukki Monuments
Monuments :
The famous monument of Kottayam is Poonjar Palace famous in the world for its rare collections of antiques, rock cut lamps, sculptures etc. of the bygone era. This monument of Kottayam is also famous for an amazing replica of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple.
Adventure sports and activities have become an important ingredient of modern tourism. Throughout history, humans had a spirit of adventure and face more and more challenges. The early adventurers explored most of the new world. As time went by people pursued adventure sports as a means of recreation, physical fitness and an element of daring and risk. They wanted to experience nature and sports developed for sky, water and land. Generally all adventure sports are classified into three broad groups:
Aerial: like aviation, parachuting, sky diving, hang gliding, paragliding, parasailing, bungee jumping, abseiling, ballooning, sky surfing etc.
Aquatic: white water sports like rafting, canoeing and kayaking and flat-water sports like water polo, water skiing, surfing, wind surfing, boating, scuba diving, snorkeling etc.
Terrestrial: like trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing, ice climbing, skiing, mountain biking, motor biking, safari, caving, camping, angling, cycling and so on.
Adventure Tourism in Kerala: Kerala blessed with a varied terrain and lush nature has immense potential for adventure-based tourism. But it is a sad fact that much potential for this remains untapped. Aerial based sports are only symbolic in existence in Kerala. Facilities for water sports like wind surfing are available in many leading beach destinations like Kovalam. Scuba diving and snorkeling facilities are available in Lakshadweep islands. There is a water sports training center at Aalapuzha. The backwaters of Kerala, notably in Aalapuzha and Kumarakom have good facilities for sports like canoeing, kayaking etc. Boating facilities are available at almost every major reservoir in the state.
Land based or terrestrial sports have great potential in Kerala, from north to south as the state has a stretch of mountain ranges, which form part of the Western Ghats. All the inland districts of Kerala have virgin and unspoilt land suitable for trekking and rock climbing. Thekkadi, Munnar and Waynad are good bases for trekking activities. Neyyar, Peppara, Agastya koodam biological park (Trivandrum), Thenmala (Kollam), Ayyampara, Wagamon, Elaveezhapoonchira, Panchalimedu, Kuttikanam (Kottayam), Thekkadi, Lock Heart Gap Munnar, Meenuli, Kudayathurmala (Iddukki), Bhootathankettu, Thattekkadu (Ernakulam), Atirappalli, Vazhachal (Trissur), Nelliampathy, Parambikulam, Silent valley (Palakkad), Addyanpara (Malappuram), Vellarimala, Tusharagiri, Kakkayam (Kozhikode), Kuruvai island, Chembra peak, Brahmagiri (Waynad), Aralam (Kannur), Ranipuram, Kottancheri (Kasargod) etc. are good places for trekking. The more adventurous can trek to risky spots like waterfalls located deep inside forests such as Aruvi falls (Trivandrum), Maramala (Kottayam), Atirappalli and Vazhachal (Trissur), Dhoni and Meenvallam (Palakkad). There is a mountain sports training center near Munnar.
Adventure Tourism in the neighbouring region:
The three hill stations of the Nilgiris –Ooty, Coonoor and Kotagiri as well as Kodaikanal are excellent base points. The Blue Mountains is quite rich in terms of having natural landscapes suitable for all the three types of adventure activities.
Hang gliding is possible at Kalahatty Ghats with an exhilarating 25km cross-country rally being held annually. The relatively new paragliding has been introduced in the region recently. White water coracle rafting is a most exciting water sport and is being organized by many package tour firms. River rafting in the Nilgiris is mainly in the river Moyar.
Both day and night ride on elephants or bullock cart safari in the wildlife reserves. Mudumalai, Mukuruthi, Segur etc. are the chief wildlife reserves in the region. Adventurous and risky jeep and bike rides in the rugged mountain terrain of the Western Ghats are becoming quite popular among the youth today. Rock climbing is another exciting and popular sport and there are many fantastic rock formations at Parson’s valley, Kodanad near Kotagiri as well as near Coimbatore. Indoor climbing walls are also available. Cave exploration has emerged as a fascinating sport and there are a number of caves noted for their ancient paintings and a
Idukki Shopping
Shopping: Best quality black, white and green pepper, fenugneek, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, coriander and cloves get in nice packs at Thekkady abd Kumily.
Idukki Museum and Hill Stations
HILL PALACE MUSEUM, THRIPUNITHURA - Situated 12 Km away from Ernakulam, it is the largest archeological museum in Kerala. Set on top of a hillock, this prodigious palace-turned-museum displays 13 categories of exhibits, including paintings, carvings and other royal antiquities donated by the Cochin and Travancore royal families. The Heritage museum located on the rear side of the palace buildings, familiarizes with the traditional lifestyles of ancient Kerala. A deer park with spotted deer, sambhar and peacocks is enticing. The museum premises have also been converted into a botanical garden with exotic tropical trees from Central America to Australia. Tripunithura was the headquarters of the Maharaja of Cochin and his palace.
HISTORY MUSEUM - Just 8 km from Ernakulam, the museum showcases historical episodes from the Neolithic to the modern era through life size figures. Light’n’sound shows, gallery of paintings and sculptures, larger-than-life mural reproductions of Indian art are added attraction.
Gardens and Parks at Idukki
Wagamon (65 km from Idukki town):
Situated at an elevation of 1100 m above sea level, this hill station is a trekker's delight. Wagamon is surrounded by beautiful meadows, valleys and tea gardens.
Idukki has a large population of tribals, the main tribes being Muthuvan, Malayarayan, Mannan, Paliyan, Urali, Ulladan, Malavedan and Malampandaram. The tribes of Kerala have unique customs and beliefs and maintain an ethos which is distinctly different from that of the mainstream culture.
PEERUMEDU - is a hide-away in the snuggle of tea gardens. A hilarious experience of nature.
Lake at Idukki
Rivers and Lakes of Idukki :
Idukki Offers Diverse Attractions Like Wildlife SanctuariesThe Periyar, Thodupuzhayar and Thalayar are the important rivers of Idukki along with Devikulam, Eravikulam and Elaveezha Poonchira are three fresh water lakes in Idukki that attracted the domestic and international tourists to this spice land of Kerala.
Idukki Seasonals
Season & Weather
The hill resort of Idukki experiences moderate weather throughout the year. The seasonal changes cause much temperature variation thereby making Idukki the perfect place to be visited anytime of the year. The climate in the district undergoes a sudden variation as we go from West to East. The western parts of the district comprising midland area experiences moderate climate, temperature varying between 21degree C to 27degree C with minimum seasonal variation. The eastern parts of the district located in the highland have a comparatively cold climate with temperature varying between minus 1 degree C to 15 degree C in November January and 5 degree C to 15 degree C during March/April.
The district receives plenty of rains from both the South- West monsoon during June-August and the North- East monsoon during October - November. The normal rainfall is 3265 mm. As common to other parts of the state, the Idukki district also experiences both the southwest monsoon and North-East Monsoon during June-July and October -November respectively. The former is more predominant with June experiencing the maximum rainfall. The annual rainfall in the district varies from 250 to 425 cms. The western region of Devikulam taluk gets more rainfall, which goes even upto 500cms. The Eastern and Northeastern regions of the district get very low rainfall normally upto 150 cms. Munnar, Devikulam, Pallivasal, Vellathooval etc. are places getting high rainfall.
Carry your camera and Binoculars- The beautiful places you share with your family or partner at Kerala needs to be frozen in time. Your camera is therefore a must. Binoculars are most important if you are planning to hit the wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala.
Carry tanning cream and sun guard lotions -The beaches in Kerala are marvelous getaways for tourists. But the bright omnipresent sun is ready to give you a perfect tan. Use the sun as you prefer. Get a tan, or get away from it.
Try out authentic Kerala Cuisine - The spices of Kerala make a lip smacking table. Do not miss it.
Sail out on a local Fishing Boat - If you want the rustic experience, abandon the resort yacht and sail hire a local fisherman to take you out o the seas.
Coconut Water - The coconuts in Kerala are mind blowing. The sweetness of their water puts sugar syrup to shame. Remember that.
Clothes- wear soft cotton clothing on the beaches. For the hill stations carry light warm clothing as the nights can get chilly. Winters bring cold nights on the Western Ghats.
Houseboats- the best way to explore the Backwaters is on a houseboat.
Onam - the harvest festival in Kerala is celebrated during August-September. The famous boat races take place on the 5 th day of Onam usually in the first week of September. Those interested to witness the races are advised to visit during his time.
Shopping - in Kerala you can shop for coir articles since that is a prominent industry in Kerala. Trinkets made of wood, sandalwood, buffalo horn make perfect souvenirs for your loved ones back home. If you are an ayurveda therapy buff you can buy medicines and massage oils from kerala.
Idukki Tourist Offices
District Tourist Information Office, Department of Tourism, Thekkady junction, Kumily 0486-2322620
District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Civil Station, Painavu
0486-2232248
The view from the National Park that is situated 7000 ft above sea level is absolutely breathtaking.
Cheruthoni: The area surrounds Iddukki arch dam and Cheruthoni dam. The Idduki Arch Dam is the solitary Arch Dam in India. The area is scenic and greenic.
Moolamattom: The underground power house of Idukki Hydro Electric Project is situated here, 40 km away from Idukki. Visitors allowed to enter the Power Station with permission from Kerala State Electricity Board.
Perumedu: 75 km away from Kot tayam. A hill station. The Summer Palace of erstwhile Rajas of Travancore, an important monument, is here. It is on the way to Periyar Wildelife Sanctuary....Click here to see more about Perumedu
Kuttikkanam:Kuttikkanam, situated near Peermedu is also a plantation town where most of the area’s Resorts located. Peermedu Development Society-run Sahyadri Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical Factory and Treatment Centre are located here. Here treatment with accommodation is available. The Ayurvedic Factory, a km away from Treatment Centre, is open to visitors to have a close look at multi-staged processing of ingredients into medicinal concoction and decoction. Watching the process is informative and interesting.
Vandanmedu: Vandanmedu is 25 km from Kumily. It is one of the largest auction centres in the world for cardamom. A simple leisure walk through the sprawling cardamom plantations gives exciting experience.
Pullumedu: This hill town is located at 43 km from Thekkady. The winding journey to Pullumedu is along the Periyar river. The stunning view of the exciting hills draped in lush-green is an unforgettable experience. Velvet lawns, flora and fauna amplify the glamour of Pullumedu.
Thommankuthu Waterfalls: 38 km from Idukki. The waterfalls here unbox an enchanting sight. The area is highly picturesque.
Kumily: Kumily is a hill twon situated on the Kerala-Tamilnadu border. The entry point to Periyar Tiger Reserve is Kumily. Kumily is a spice centre. Almost all shops here stock spice packs. Super quality spices are available here.The Kottayam-Kumily state highway ends here.
Thekkady: Thekkady is king of jungles. The drumming calls of Nilgiri langur, probably a coded message to the denizens of the forest to be alert and careful, will greet the visitors who enter the forests. Moving further, barking deers, a characteristic alarm signal to the inmate species, may shake the visitors. Amongst Thekkady’s worthy inhabitants, there is an exclusive charm in watching the majestic tuskers and the bright-eyed tigers in their exclusive kingdom. It is meaningless to think of returning without a sweet brush with animals.That is fun.
It is mandatory to have a guide. Most of the guides are poachers turned. The poachers were roped in as protectors as part of eco-tourism and rehabilitation. The sprawling Periyar Tiger Reserve, in an area of 777 sq km, is rated as one of the 18 hot spots in the world in bio-diversity. Its tropical rain forests present world’s most ancient and complex environments. Home to elephants, tigers, leopards, deers, gaurs, antelopes, variety of reptiles and birds of numerous species. The location is ideal and adaptive. Amidst mountain ranges, valleys, lakes and rivers – superb dramatic settings. The largest sanctuary in the State, it is in the south end of Western Ghats with splendid cardamom hills, in an altitude upto 6000 ft. The boathouse is the starting point. Just 2 km from the entry gate. Eco-tourism centre is near the boathouse. Booking is to be made here for guide, treks, boat rides and other activities.
350 sq km core area is declared as National Park. The Pamba river flows through the west side.
The sanctuary’s forests fall in three categories – evergreen, grassland and moist decidous. Each forest is the haven of specific species. The plant species include teak, rosewood, bamboo and orchids....Click here to see more
Tiger Spotting: In most of the sanctuaries the sighting of animals is luck or a matter of chance. But, at Thekkady Reserve the story is different. The chance to come across is plenty. Spotting a leopard, gaur, sambar or chital is usual. The majestic animal, gaur, is the largest size, weighing upto 1000 kgs, in Western Ghats. Sambar, the big among deer, is easily sighted in groups or singly. Chital is seen in groups only.
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