::
Idukki - Tourist Centers |
| ::
Munnar |
 Munnar
is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams
- Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, 1600 m above
sea level. This hill station was once the summer resort
of the erstwhile British Government in South India.
Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding
lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort
town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and
grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower that
bathes the hills in blue every twelve years, will bloom
next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in
South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m. |
|
| ::
Mattupetty (13
kms from Munnar) |
 Situated
at a height of 1700 m, Mattupetty is known for its highly
specialised dairy farm-the Indo Swiss livestock project.
Over a 100 varieties of high-yielding cattle are reared
here. Visitors are allowed into 3 of the 11 cattle sheds
at the farm. Visiting
time: 0900-1100 hrs and 1400-1530 hrs. Rate Rs.5 per
head.
The
Mattupetty lake and dam, just a short distance from
the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot.The sprawling
Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala lake are other
attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki provides boating
facilities on the Mattupetty Dam.Speed launch and motorboats
are available on hire. |
| ::
Echo Point (15
kms from Munnar) |
This
scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon
here. Echo Point is on the way to Top Stations from
Munnar. |
| ::
Eravikulam National Park (15
kms from Munnar) |
The
97 sq. km. park is situated in the Devikulam taluk and
is home to the Nilgiri tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695m)
is located in the southern region of the park. |
| ::
Top Station (32
kms from Munnar) |
1700
m above sea level, this is the highest point on the
Munnar-Kodaikanal road. The rare Nilakurinji (strobilanthus)
belongs to this region. This plant blooms every 12 years
bathing the hill sides in bright blue. Top Station also
offers a panoramic view of the neighboring state of
Tamil Nadu. |
| ::
Marayoor (40
kms from Munnar) |
 This
is the only place in Kerala that has natural growth
of sandal wood trees. The sandal wood factory of the
forest department, the caves (Muniyaras) with murals
and relics from the new stone age civilization and the
children's park spread across a hectare of land under
the canopy of a single Banyan tree are of great interest
to tourist's. Thoovanam waterfalls and Rajiv Gandhi
National Park are also near by. |
| ::
Cheeyappara & Valara Water falls |
The
Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between
Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi- Madurai national
highway. The Cheeyappara waterfalls cascade down in
seven steps. It is a real feast for the eyes. This is
also a great place for trekking. |
| ::
Idukki Arch Dam |
This
is the world's second and Asia's first arch dam, constructed
across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills, 550 ft. high and
650 ft. wide.The dam lies close to the Cheruthoni barrage.
To its west is the Kulamavu Dam. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
is located close by. |
| ::
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary |
This
sanctuary extends over the Thodupuzha and Udumbanchola
taluks of Idukki district, spreading over 77 sq.km.
and is about 450-748 m. above sea level. The Idukki
Reservoir formed by three dams - Cheruthoni, Idukki
and Kulamanu - extends to 33 sq.km. |
| ::
Hill View Park |
True
to its title it offers a panoramic view of a larger
area than one can experience from any high mountain
park. Scenes of wild elephants in their natural habital
enthralls the visitor. This park is situated adjacent
to both Idukki arch dam and Cheruthony dam. Spread over
an area of 8 acres of land this aesthetically designed
park has a natural water body at the hill top and pedal
boating facility is available here. The herbal garden
and children's play area are added attractions. A visit
to this park makes Idukki visit a memorable one. |
| ::
Nadukani |
 Nadukani
is an ideal place for one-day picnickers. As the very
name indicates, this park offers panoramic view of the
a large area of the nearby districts. A two-storied
pavilion makes an ideal place for enjoying the landscape
and beauty of nature. |
| ::
Thommankuthu (17
kms from Thodupuzha) |
The
7 steps waterfall here is a much loved picnic spot.
At each step there is a cascade and pool beneath. Thommankuthu
is an ideal place for adventure tourism. |
| ::
Keezharkuthu (25
kms from Thodupuzha) |
The
rain bow waterfalls, which cascade down a rock from
a height of about 150 ft is a wonderful attraction of
this spot. It can be seen through out the year in full
swing. The forest around the spot is home to various
medicinal plants. It is an ideal place for rock climbing,
mountaineering and camp tracking. |
| ::
Thekkady |
 The
very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of
elephants, unending chains of hills and spice-scented
plantations. In the Periyar forest of Thekkady is one
of the finest wildlife reserves in India and spread
across the entire district are picturesque plantations
and hill towns that hold great apportunities for treks
and mountain walks. |
|
| ::
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary |
|
Lying close to the plantations, in
the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the
world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves -
the Periyar wildlife sanctuary. Spread across 777 sq.km,
of which 360 sq.km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar
wildlife sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve in 1978.
Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and
scenic beauty, the reserve attracts visitors from all
over the world.
 The
splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar
dam across the Periyar adds to the charm of the park.
This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have
the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters
from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest
attraction of Periyar, however, is the herd of wild
elephants that come down to play in the lake. Entry
timing: 0600 - 1800 hrs.
|
| ::
Pandikuzhi (5
kms from Kumily) |
This
picturesque spectrum of exotic flora, fauna and gurgling
streams is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil
Nadu border. A popular picnic spot, Pandikuzhi offers
great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer's
delight |
| ::
Pullumedu (43
kms from Thekkady, 26 km from Periyar) |
 The
winding journey to this hill town, along the Periyar
river, offers a stunning view of the rolling hills draped
in lush greenery. Velvet lawns, rare flora and fauna
add to the beauty of Pullumedu which can be accessed
only by jeep. The famous Sree Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala
and the Makara Jyothi illumination at the shrine are
visible from here. Since it is part of the restricted
forest zone, special permission to visit Pullumedu has
to be obtained from the Wildlife Preservation Officer,
Thekkady or the Range Officer, Vallakkadavu. |
| ::
Ramakalmedu (40
kms from Thekkady and 75 km from Munnar) |
Rolling
green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu
an enchanting retreat. The hills top also offers a panoramic
view of picturesque villages of Bodi and Cumbum on the
Eastern slop of the western ghats. |
| ::
Vagamon |
 It
is a very ideal tourist spot surrounded by the greenery
of tea gardens, beautiful meadows, deep puzzling valleys
and dales. The enchanting hill station dotted with tea
gardens will soon be one of India's foremost eco-tourism
projects.
Grass covered hills, velvet lawns and the cool mountain
air make Vagamon a perfect holiday retreat. A curious
blend of religious mysticism and European legacies, this
hillside village is a haven of tranquility. The chain
of three hills - Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurisumala
- is a mark of religious harmony. The dairy farm managed
by the Kurisumala monks is worth a visit. |
|
