Idukki
 Idukki,
the unspoiled natural queen of Kerala is a tourist paradise. Idukki is
the most gifted district of Kerala. About 1500 Sq.Km. of its area is
reserved forest, much of which is home to a variety of flora and fauna.
This forest area house wild life like, tigers, deer, Indian bisons and
monkeys. Streams, valleys and hills combine to make Idukki an ideal
year-round holiday destination.
Accommodation at Idukki:
Green Berg Resort
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
The minimum temperature would be 22.5°C and maximum 37.5°C.
The best season to visit would be from August to March
Places of visit from Idukki
The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
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.
Idukki Arch Dam
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 Cheruthoni barrage. To its west is the Kulamavu
Dam. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located closeby.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in
Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife
reserves - the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread across 777 sq km, of
which 360 sq. km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife
Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its
geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve
attracts visitors from all over the world.
Munnar
Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams -
Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. 1600 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. This flower which bathes the hills in blue every twelve
years, will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in
South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot
for trekking.
Devikulam
(7 km from Munnar): This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns,
exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience.
The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings
is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.
Mattupetty
(13 km from Munnar): Situated at a height of 1700 m, Mattupetty is
known for its highly specialised dairy farm - the Indo Swiss Livestock
Project. Over a 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here.
Visitors are allowed into 3 of the 11 cattle sheds at the farm. Visit
time: 0900 - 1100 hrs and 1400 - 1530 hrs. Rate Rs. 5/- per head. Ph:
530389.
Echo Point
(15 km from Munnar): This scenic place gets its name from the
natural echo phenomenon here. Echo Point is on the way to Top Station
from Munnar.
Eravikulam National Park
(15 km from Munnar): The 97 sq. km. park is situated in the
Devikulam taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695
m) is located in the southern region of the park.
Rajamala
(15 km from Munnar): This is the natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr.
Half the world population of the rare mountain goat (Hemitragas hylocres)
which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here. The Nilgiri Tahrs are
today reduced to small herds found in the Eravikulam - Rajamala region.
The total number of Nilgiri Tahrs in Rajamala is estimated at 1317.
Access
Air: The nearest airport is at Cochin, 132 km away.
Rail: The nearest railway station is at Kottayam, 133 km away.
Road: Easily approachable by all major highways and roads in
Kerala
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