Idukki
Hill Stations
A landlocked district, Idukki is one of the most
nature rich areas of Kerala. The high range 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 etc.
Idukki has a large population
of tribals who have unique customs and beliefs and maintain an ethos which an
ethos which is distinctly different from that of the mainstream culture.
Mannar (55 km from Idukki town): Munnar is situated at the confluence
of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nasllathanni and Kundala. 1600 m above
sea level, this hill station was the summer resort of the British Government in
South India.
Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding
lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular hill station. Among the exotic
flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower
which bathes the hills in blue once 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 treakking. Tea factory visits: Permission
to visit any of the 26 factories of Tata Tea Ltd. Can be had from the Regional
Office at Munnar.
In and around Munnar:
Top Station
(32 km from Munnar): 1700 m above sea level, this is the highest point
on the Munnar - Kodaikanal road. The rare Neelakurunji (Strobilanthus belings
to this region. Top Station also offers a panoramic view of the neighbouring state
of Tamil Nadu.
Mattupetty (13 km from Munnar): Situated
at a height of 1700 m), Mattupetty is famous for its highly specialized dairy
farm - the Indo Swiss Livestock Project. Over a 100 varieties of high yielding
cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into three of the 11 cattle sheds
at the farm.
The Mattupetty lake and dam, just a short distance from
the farm, is a very mountain goat (hemitragas hylocres) which is fast becoming
extinct, is now found in the Eravikulam - Rajamala region.
Devikulam
(15 km from Munnar): This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns,
exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air offers a rare picturesque surroundings
is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.
Wagamon
(65 km from Idukki town): Situated at an elevation of 1100 m above sea
level, this hill station is a trekker's delight. Wagamon is surrounded by beautiful
meadows, valleys and tea gardens.
Kerala Travel Guide
Alleppey Travel Guide
Cochin Travel Guide
Calicut Travel Guide
Idukki Travel Guide Kasaragod
Travel Guide Kollam
Travel Guide Kannur
Travel Guide Munnar
Travel Guide Malappuram
Travel Guide Palakkad
Travel Guide Thekaddy
Travel Guide Trichur
Travel Guide Trivandrum
Travel Guide Wayanad
Travel Guide