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.

Location:

Located in the middle part of Kerala, the District is bound on the East by Madurai District of Tamil Nadu State while on the West by Ernakulam and Kottayam Districts of Kerala. In the South it is the Pathanamthitta District, while on the North it is bound by Trichur and Coimbatore Districts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu States respectively.

Access:

Air:Nearest Airports are Madurai (Tamil Nadu) 140 Kms, Kochi (Nedumbassery - 190 Km), Thiruvananthapuram (265 Kms).
Rail:Nearest Railway Station is Kumarakom 114 kms and Madurai station is about 136 kms.
Road: An excellent road network links the district to all major towns and cities in india.

History:

The district's name, 'Idukki' is supposed to be derived from the Malayalam word 'Idukku' which means a narrow gorge. Periyar which is one of the largest rivers of Kerala, flowing through Idukki gorge formed between the two high massive rocks called "Kuravan" and "Kurathi", is the site of the gigantic Idukki arch dam.

Climate:

Sprawling over an area of 5,061 sq. kms. the district is marked by undulating hills and valleys. The high ranges vary in altitude from 2500 ft. above mean sea level in Kulamavu to more than 5,000 ft. above M.S.L. in Munnar. The highest peak in Kerala, Anamudi is in the district. It is 8,841 ft. high.

Wildlife Sancturies :

This sanctuary extends over the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks of Idukki district, spreading over 77 sq. km and is about 450 - 748 m above sea level. The Idukki Reservoir formed by three Dams - Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamavu extends to 33 sq km.

Observatory Hills :
This is a beautiful hill located at Nedumkandam. Those people who have interest in watching the stars and planets come here to spent their time at this hill. This hill gives them a non-polluted clear sky.

It is a beautiful waterfall found in this district. Always, water mist is found near the falls because of, water falling on the rocks.

This is the world's second and Asia's first arch dam, constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills. 550 ft high and 650 ft wide, the dam lies close to the Cheruthorathi barrage. To its west is the Kulamavu dam. Idukki wild life sanctuary is located nearby.

Birds: Malabar Hornbill, hill myna
Animals: Elephants, tigers, lion tailed macaques, Indian bison, monkeys .

Thekkady Thekkady, India's largest Wildlife Sanctuary, 114kms off Kottayam and 190kms off Kochi, is a dream destination for any tourist visiting in India. This sanctuary spread over an area of 777sq. Kms, surrounded by an artificial lake over an area of 25sq.Kms.

Mangaladevi Temple This temple is 13km. from Kumily.elephants, the tiger and the bison. If you wish to visit the temple , you will need special permission from the Chief Conservator of Forests (Ph-No 325385) Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvananthapuram. The only way to temple is by jeep from Kumily.

Peerumed With its abundant natural beauty, this place awaits the tourists who come to sip the natural beauty., escaping from the stress and strain of life. Barren hills densed with tea estates add more beauty to the place.

Iravikkulam National Park Iravikkulam National Park spread over 97sq.kms with Barren hills, meadows, rock rafts and wild animals will fascinate any one.

Chinnar Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is 60Kms away from Devikulam.

Thommankuthu The place, Thommankuthu, famous for its numerous waterfalls, is situated at a distance of 21 kms from Thodupuzha. As this place is suitable for trekking, adventurous youth are attracted to this place. Meenuliyarmudi (at vannapuram panchayathu), Keezharkuthu (Uumpannoor) and Irukallumud (Velliyammattom) are other famous small tourist centres near Thommankuthu.

Excursions :

Thekkady (famous for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, 60 km), Peermade (hill station full of rubber, tea, coffee, pepper and cardamom plantations, interspersed with waterfalls and open grasslands. Formerly the summer palace of the Travancore Rajas, 103 km), Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary (just above the Idukki dam), Munnar (hill station).

Rivers and Lakes :

Periyar, Thodupuzhayar and Thalayar are the three important rivers of the district. Though the Pamba river originates from the district it mostly runs through the Pathanamthitta district. Devikulam, Eravikulam and Elaveezha Poonchira are three fresh water lakes in Idukki.