Idukki
Located high among the secluded reserve forests on the Western Ghats, the virgin hill station of Idukki derives its name from the Malayalam word “Idukku” which means a narrow gorge. Set at an altitude of 750 to 2500 meters above sea level, the landscape is fed by the Rivers Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzha. The low green hills of Idukki make way for the gurgling meandering rivers as they flow down its slopes. The Idukki Hydro- electric project at the Idukki Dam satisfies about 66% of the electricity needs of the state of Kerala.The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary which takes up a sprawling 1500 square meters of land is home to an amazing range of wildlife. The main attractions at this verdant hill station include mountains, valleys, dams, wildlife, spice plantations lakes waterfalls all of which would fill one’s mind soul and body.
The wildlife sanctuary is a treasure trove of exotic flora and fauna. Animals like tigers, wild boars, bisons and birds like hornbills peafowl, woodpeckers and so on all live together in harmony. The elephant rides are also a great tourist attraction as well. There are many tea and spice plantations located in this hill station too. The Idukki hill station is also home to various varieties of medicinal plants and different species of orchids too.The Idukki Dam is the second in the world and Asia’s first Arch Dam. It boasts of a height of 555 feet and is constructed on the River Periyar between the ravines of the two mountains, the Kuravanmala and the Kurathimala. Along with the Idukki dam two more Dams were constructed at Cheruthony and Kulamavu. All the three dams together have formed an artificial lake and the reservoir formed by the three dams extends up to 33 square kilometers
The waterfalls of Keezhar Kuthu Thomankuttu and the Rainbow Falls are fantastic picnic spots in this region of the Western Ghats. At the rainbow Waterfalls the water cascades down a rock from a height of 1500 meters. These falls are all situated about 20 to 25 kilometers from Thodupuzha. The seven steps Waterfalls are a great attraction to tourists as there is a cascade and a pool beneath each step. These places are ideal destinations for adventure tourism as well as picnics.The Hill view park which is an aesthetically designed one offers the tourists a panoramic view of the whole area. This park boasts of a natural water body as well where tourists can hire pedal boats for a trip around the area. Idukki hill station is well connected to the other parts of the state by road. There are a number of budget and luxury hotels for the tourist to stay at Idukki and these hotels cater to everyone’s pocket. The nearest airport to Idukki is Cochin at a distance of 160 kilometers and the nearest railway station is Kottayam located at 114 kilometers away.
Read more...
