Idukki district is a densely forested, mountainous region in the south Indian state of Kerala. In the north, Anamudi mountain towers over Eravikulam National Park, where the rare, blue Neelakurinji flower blooms every 12 years. Nearby, Munnar is a hill station known for its sprawling tea plantations and Tea Museum. Farther south is the vast, curved Idukki Dam and Periyar National Park, a tiger and elephant reserve.
Tourist attractions
Munnar
Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. 1,600 m above sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji.
Kumarakom
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teals, waterfowls, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian Stork visit here in flocks and are a fascinate the visitors.
Thekkady
Nestled in the heart of the protected jungle area, the alluring Thekkady or Periyar Lake is famous for its wide varieties of wildlife. You can also take a boat ride in the reservoir, which offers plenty of chances to spot some rare birds like Malabar Grey Hornbill and Nilgiri Wood Pigeon
Ramakkalmedu
Cool, green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakkalmedu an enchanting retreat. The place gets its name from the impressions of the feet found on the rock surface here, which is believed to be of Rama, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, as told in the Indian epic Ramayana.
Parunthumpara
Parunthumpara or 'Eagle Rock’ is situated near Peermedu in Idukki district, is a place famed for its pristine natural beauty. A trekker's delight offering a bird's eye view of an endless stretch of green forests and the landscape, Parunthumpara is a favourite of off-beat travellers. And if the sky is clear, the visitors can also get a view of the Sabarimala forests from here.
Panchalimedu
Panchalimedu near Kuttikkanam is more of a soft hiking spot rather than a trekking trail. It’s the perfect place to take a day off with your family. About 10 km from Kuttikkanam along the Kottayam – Kumily road you will find this well-preserved piece of nature. Bring your favourite book or people; sit back and relax in the misty meadows.
Kuttikanam
Panchalimedu near Kuttikkanam is more of a soft hiking spot rather than a trekking trail. It’s the perfect place to take a day off with your family. About 10 km from Kuttikkanam along the Kottayam – Kumily road you will find this well-preserved piece of nature. Bring your favourite book or people; sit back and relax in the misty meadows.
Aruvikkuzhi
From Kumarakom you can also pay a visit to the picturesque Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls Located 18km from Kottayam town, 2 km down a mud lane from Kumarakom is this beautiful picnic spot where streams tinkle as they make their way through the landscape and waters roar as they cascade down the mountains from a height of 100 ft.
Anjuruli
Anjuruli, is an emerging tourist destination and a catchment area of Idukki arch dam in Kanchiyar village near Kattappana in the district of Idukki in Kerala state, India. It is highly noted for the 5.5 km (3.4 mi) long circular tunnel that carries water from Erattayar dam near Kattappana to Idukki reservoir.
Idukki Dam
The Idukki Dam is a double curvature Arch dam constructed across the Periyar River in a narrow gorge between two granite hills locally known as Kuravan and Kurathi in Mariyapuram village in Idukki District in Kerala, India.The stored water is used to produce electricity at the Moolamattom Power house, which is located inside nearby rocky caves.
