The Spice Garden Of Kerala, Idukki: Top Tourist Attractions!

Idukki is a high hill district situated in the western Ghats and falls within the Jurisdiction of the State of Kerala. It is the second largest district of Kerala and is 47 km away from Munnar. Nature has blessed the district with green valleys, mountains, wildlife sanctuaries, and magnificent waterfalls.

Further, Idukki is popular for adventure tourism such as trekking, hiking, and elephant rides. It is also noticed that the dams and hydroelectric plants of Idukki provide more than 70 percent of the electricity to the State. Below we have mentioned a few best places to visit in Idukki.

Moreover, the Idukki district is also known for spices and spice plantations. It is also called the paradise of nature and animal lovers. However, the district is landlocked and does not have any coastal areas. 

Best Places To Visit In Idukki 

1. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

Idukki Wildlife sanctuary is situated about 750 meters above sea level. The sanctuary is around the Idukki Arch dam and also has a reservoir formed by Cheruthoni, kulamavu, and Idukki dams. Further, the wildlife sanctuary is spread over Udumbanchola and Thodupuzha taluks of the Idukki district.

This place is enriched by topical evergreen and deciduous trees and is known for nature’s beauty. Tourists can spot animals like elephants, Sambar deer, tigers, wild boars, wild cats, and various species of poisonous and non-poisonous snakes. This is one of the best places to visit in Idukki.

Moreover, there is various variety of birds including the Malabar grey Hornbill, Woodpeckers, bulbuls, myna, junglefowl, peafowl, and more. The visitors will have an exotic experience of listening to birds chirping. 

2. Idukki Arch Dam

The Idukki Arch dam is located near cheruthoni at a height of about 550 feet in Kerala. This dam is constructed across the kurathi and kuravan hills and is an engineering marvel. Further, it is built over the Periyar river between these two hills.

There is also a forest area surrounding the dam which houses many species. The hydroelectric power plant at the dam supplies electricity to the state which is owned by the Kerala state electricity board. We have added the Idukki arch dam also to our list of best places to visit in Idukki.

Moreover, this is a concrete double curvature parabolic thin arc dam built with the assistance of the Government of Canada.  

3. Keezharkuthu Falls

Keezharkuthu falls is located in the Thodupuzha village of Kerala. It is also called the rainbow waterfalls and is a test of adventure, determination, and endurance.  This waterfall provides a refreshing and scenic experience of mother nature. 

Further, there is lush greenery all around along with tea gardens and the skies cast a rainbow which makes the visitors a paradise of joy. It is a favorite place for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure enthusiasts.

Moreover, the forests are enriched with medical plants and are used for various purposes by the tribals. It is also an ideal place for trekking, camping, and rock climbing. 

4. Ilaveezha Poonchira

Ilaveezha poonchira is situated in the Melukavu village of Kottayam at a distance of 36 km from Idukki and is the prime tourist destination. It is surrounded by three hillocks that include Mankunnu, Kodayathoormala, and Thonippara.

Further, Ilaveezha poonchira means a valley where leaves don’t fall and the specialty of this place is that there are no trees. For visitors, this is the best place to experience Sunrise and Sunset. Moreover, the beautiful hillocks near khanjar are known for trekking and the area has scenic views. This is one of the most attractive places to visit in Idukki.

How about a summer break in this valley when we are free to travel again? #StayHomeStaySafe #travellater #keralatourism

📍 Ilaveezhapoonchira, Kottayam pic.twitter.com/xH3hL9ZAPo

— Kerala Tourism (@KeralaTourism) May 29, 2021

The landscape represents gigantic hills that give a calm and natural place to relax. In addition, the Monsoon season brings out nature’s beauty in the best form with stunning views. Also, this is a beautiful destination for adventure lovers as Kodayathoormala and Thonippara are ideal trekking spots. 

5. Vandanmedu

Vandanmedu is situated to the north of kumily in the high mountain ranges of the Western Ghats. It is on the Thekkady-Munnar route and is famous for cardamom production. This place is also the biggest marketplace for cardamom and has acres of cardamom plantations.

Further, walking through the plantations of cardamom will give a unique aroma that is mesmerizing. The climatic conditions and soil are suitable for spices production. Moreover, there is a dense green forest in the area along with high and rough mountains.

On the other hand, Vandanmedu also has one of the oldest post office buildings that date back to the 20^th century which is now used as staff quarters. 

6. Hill View Park

Hill view park is located about 350 feet from the Idukki dam. This place gives a scenic view of the Idukki Arch dam and the nearby places. Further, this place is great to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. The park is spread over an area of about 8 acres and is a major tourist destination.

At the hilltop, there is also a natural water body, and wild elephants, deer, and bison can be observed. This park also has a herbal garden For visitors there is a boating facility to enjoy the lush greenery of nature and the charming ambiance is ideal to take photographs that cherish the memories. 

7. Thommankuthu Waterfalls

Thommankuthu waterfalls are located in Thodupuzha taluk in the Idukki district of Kerala. It is located in the southern part of the Western Ghats and is spread over an area of 5 km. Further, Thommankuthu represents seven step waterfall that represents water gushing down at a height of about 300 feet.

It is a place to spend the day relaxing with the tunes of water. Moreover, tourists can venture into adventurous activities like trekking, climbing, and camping. The scenic beauty of this place is stunning and the vibe that is created by the gushing waters adds to the beauty. 

8. Nadukani Pavilion

The Nadukani pavilion is a hill viewpoint that is located between Thudupuzha and Idukki. In this context, Nadu means land and Kani means to view, and this term origination from the fact that this place offers a magnificent view.

Further, it is situated at a height of 3000 feet and gives a bird’s eye view of the Idukki and Ernakulam districts.  For Tourists, this spot gives a landscape view of the sparkling waters of the Muvattupuzha river, Malankara reservoir, vagamon hills, Moolamattam town, and the picturesque greenery. 

9. Malankara Dam

The Malankara dam is built across the Thodupuzha river and is located just 7 km from Thodupuzha town. Further, the Malankara dam supports irrigation and is constructed to utilize the water from the Moolamattom powerhouse.

This reservoir dam is also a tourist spot and is suitable for fishing and boating. Moreover, the Malankara lake is an artificial lake formed as a part of the Muvattupuzha valley irrigation project which is around 11 sq. km.

In addition, next to the reservoir, a park is under construction which is around 15 acres. For the visitors this is a quiet place and can enjoy the natural beauty, take photographs and explore along with boating.  

10. Pothamedu Plantations

Pothamedu plantations are located 6 km from Munnar which falls under the Idukki district of Kerala. The lush green beds of coffee, groomed tea gardens and cardamom plantations give a mesmerizing picture of nature’s beauty.

For nature lovers, the dream is true to enjoy the beautiful cloud-covered mountains and ravines and take inspiring photographs. Further adventure lovers can trek and feel refreshed by the natural beauty.    

11. Ramakkalmedu

Ramakkalmedu is a hill station that is situated around 40 km from Thekkady. It is also known as God’s own hill station and is in the Idukki district of Kerala. Further, the Ramakkalmedu hill station is at a height of 3500 feet above sea level.

This place also has historical significance as it is blessed with statues of kuravan and kurathi. For adventure lovers, Ramakkalmedu offers trekking and gets to see the beautiful view of the several hamlets of Tamilnadu. The atmosphere at Ramakkalmedu is pleasant with cool, green hills and fresh mountain air satisfying the visitor.   

12. Kulamavu Dam

Kulamavu dam is located on the Todupuzha-puliyanmala state highway about 24 km from Thodupuzha. The work was completed in 1977 and is operated by the Kerala state electricity board. Further, this is a 100ft gravity dam built of concrete masonry on the river Periyar.

The kulamavu dam is a part of the Idukki hydroelectric project. Moreover, the three dams Idukki Arch dam, Cheruthoni dam, and kulamavu dam together form the Idukki reservoir. An artificial lake is formed after the construction of these three dams and there is vegetation around it. 

The Tourists are charmed by the scenic environment and various varieties of birds that inhabit this place. Kulamavu also offers adventurous trekking and has interesting surroundings to catch the attention of hikers and trekkers.   

13. Mangala Devi Temple

The Mangala Devi Temple is situated in the dense green area of the thick Periyar national park. It is located on the border area of Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the Western Ghats at a height of about 1337 meters above sea level. 

The style of architecture is that of the Pandayas and is constructed with huge stones and granite with scriptures on the stone walls. The deity is that of the Mangaladevi known as Kannaki and is a symbol of moral powers.

It is believed that women can accomplish their needs by having the desire to achieve and this Goddess would aim them. In addition, other idols worshipped include Karippuswamy, Lord Shiva, and Ganesha. 

14. Nedumkandam Hills

Nedumkandam hills are situated 3200 feet above sea level in the Idukki district of Kerala. Nedumkandam is known for its spices production and is the land of coffee, cardamom, and pepper.

This is a small, town that is situated between Munnar and Thettakead bird sanctuary and is popular among the tourists traveling through the kumily- Munnar route. 

15. Kalvari Mount

Kalvari mount is a mountain that is located at a distance of around 5 km from Idukki. This is also known as calvary mount and is a vital tourist destination. The viewpoint on this location at one side offers mesmerizing scenes of the waters of the reservoir that falls between kuravan and kurathi hills.

On the other side, there is also a view of the Kamakshy and Mariyapuram villages, and a must-visit place for tourists to have a fanatic experience. This is an ideal location to explore and rejoice in the cool breeze and chirping sound of the birds.   

Best Time To Visit Idukki

For Tourists, the best time to visit is during the winter months which fall between October to February. At this point in time, the hill stations get covered with mist and the natural beauty is exposed to the maximum.

This place looks beautiful with valleys, forests, and extensive wildlife. However, the rainy season is not the right time to visit this place and may be avoided.  

How To Reach Idukki 

By Road: This is the best way to reach Idukki and has good connectivity of roads. The distance to the Idukki bus station from Munnar is around 45 km and Thekkady is 55 km. The metro city Ernakulam is 100 km from Idukki. 

By Rail: The rail connectivity to Idukki is negligible as Idukki does not have a railway station. Further, tourists can opt to arrive at Ernakulam and Kottayam stations as there are regular services from all major stations. The rest of the journey can be taken by road.

By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International airport at a distance of around 135 km. All domestic and international flights arrive and depart at this airport and are the best choice to arrive from faraway places. 

Conclusion

Idukki is the most beautiful high-range district in the state of Kerala. The people of Kerala are dependent on electricity from this district as more than 70 percent of the supply needs come from this district.  Further, nature has given its touch to the district with green valleys, mountains, wildlife, and breathtaking waterfalls.

There are popular adventure activities at this place such as trekking, hiking, and elephant rides. Moreover, this is a large marketplace for spices and is a spot for nature and animal lovers. 

Tanya Abrol: Interesting Facts About Chak De! India Actress

Brighton Of The East, Digha: Top Spots To Explore In 2023!