Idukki district, Kerala, India - Gods Own Country - Tourist and Travel Information

Idukki derived from the Malayalam/Tamil 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 Kulamavu 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.

One of the largest districts of Kerala, Idukki offers diverse attractions from wildlife sanctuaries to hill stations. Spread over an area of 7700 hectares with plenty of wild animals, Idukki wild life Sanctuary attracts everyone. Idukki is a picturesque blend of mountains, streams, spice plantations, and wooded valleys. It derives its name from the Malayalam/Tamil word 'idukku' which means a narrow gorge. The world's second underground Power Station also is in Moolamattam, Idukki District.

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 Idukki 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 its origin here. As a tourist destination, Idukki offers diverse attractions like Wildlife Sanctuaries, Hill Stations, Spice Plantation Tours, Mountain Treks, Elephant Rides, Animal Watching etc.

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Idukki, with altitudes up to 2500 ft above sea level, is one of the most beautiful districts of Kerala in India, Idukki is a district whose name is derived from the Malayalam word 'Idukki' which means a narrow gauge. Flanked by the Western Ghats in the East, the district has many narrow steep-sided valleys, giving credence to the name. The High ranges and wooded valleys are girded by three rivers - Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzha - and their tributaries. The sacred river Pamba also originates from the mountain ranges here. As a tourist destination, Idukki is incomparable - forests, wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, spices & plantation tours, mountain treks, elephant rides and some of the most spectacular landscapes anywhere in India.

While at Idukki you may visit the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary. The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 70 Sq.km close to the Arched Dam. The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary attracts tourists for its forest cover that is rich is both flora and fauna. You may spot animals like the elephant, bison, Sambhar, deer besides a wide variety of snakes and birds like the jungle foul, laughing thrush etc.

This beautiful high range district of Kerala is geographically known for its mountainous hills and dense forests. For the people of Kerala, Idukki is always associated with power generation. About 66% of the State's power needs come from the hydroelectric power projects in Idukki. Idukki accounts for 12.9 percent of the area of Kerala whereas it accounts for only 3.7 percent of the population of the state. About 50% of its area is reserved forests.

A land-locked district, Idukki is one of the most nature rich areas of Kerala

One of the largest districts of Kerala, Idukki 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 Idukki 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, Thodupuzha and Thalayar.

Idukki wildlife sanctuary spreads over an area covered by Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks which is again spread over an area of 77 Sq kilometer with Idukki stationed at a commanding height of 450 -750 meters above sea level. Animals of the order of bisons, jungle cat, wild dog and wild boars etc are there to be witnessed in their natural habitat and in gay abandon.

It is one of the districts in the state which has a number of wild life sanctuaries and offers abundant scope for promotion of Eco tourism if infrastructure facilities and proper promotional activities are provided. It is also famed for its spice production, tea plantations and rubber cultivation. Idukki also boasts of having the highest arch dam in Asia. Idukki is one of the districts in the state where linguistic minority exists. The linguistic minority consists mainly of Tamil origin. They are mainly workers in the tea and cardamom plantations, spread in Peermade, Udumpanchola and Devikulam taluks. The district is highly heterogeneous in the matter of its people in their culture, climate, cropping pattern, physiographic features etc.

There are moments sometimes when you long to get away to peace and tranquility on a virgin landscape where nature shimmers in its freshness with nothing but green rolling hills all around and a morning dew feel that keeps you energetic throughout the day.