Idukki

Idukki is a significant tourist destination in the map of Kerala. The hill station is immensely appealing for travelers seeking an escape to the mist layered mountains. Situated on the panoramic heights of the Western Ghats, the district is surrounded by mountains. The name ‘Idukki’ is the modified version of the Malayalam word ‘Idukku’, literally meaning ‘a narrow gorge’. Idukki district is not very big in area. However, even in the small area, you will find stupendous variety of flora and abundant wildlife. Since the hill station is one of the hotspots for tourists coming to Kerala, it is well connected to the nearby districts of the state, via road. In fact, the transportation system here is impeccably accurate and punctual.

Apart from the natural beauty, a few other manmade things are also popular in Idukki, such as the spice plantations and architecturally perfect monuments. The hill station is a place for adventure with a difference. Idukki's mountains and forests cover almost 97% of its area. The mountains in this part of Kerala rise to an average height of 2000mts. Anamudi, the tallest peak in South India, is also located near the hill station. Historical evidences support the fact that Idukki was once a part of the Chera dynasty. Later, it was ruled by the Kingdom of Vembolinad from 9th to 12th century AD. However, not much is in the scriptures about the ancient history of the place. The place owes its beauty to array of beautiful bungalows and tea factories, which belong to European planters. European planters visited this region in the 19th century and began modernization, to get the maximum out of the plantations. With this rich history, Idukki surely is one of the must-visit hill stations in Kerala.

The Idukki hill station is bordered on three sides by mountains and it is also girded by three rivers namely Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhyar and their tributaries. Pamba also originates from the mountains here, it is considered sacred by people who live in Kerala. Idukki is splendid with natural landscapes, elephant rides and a number of mountain treks. The landscapes are anyways incomparable and unique all across India. Idukki also has an arch dam which is Asia's first such dam and world's second. Along with this dam of 650 feet length and 550 feet height, two other dams are also located in Kulmavu and Cherunthony, which form a habitat for exotic flora and fauna. Idukki is one of the nature's richest places in the world.