Attractions in Idukki

Idukki, a land-locked district, is counted in the list of most stunning, calm, and tranquil destinations in Kerala. At Idukki, you cuddle tenderly in the lap of impeccably magnificent natural beauty. Nature showers its majestically enchanting grace in every nook and corner of this utopia. Besides, you also come across numerous astounding mushroom cultivation and dairy farming here, as most of its inhabitants rely on agriculture. There are several areas in the district which are untouched by humans and hence, remain endlessly capped in mist and greenery all round the year. If you deeply explore Idukki, you will encounter ceaselessly dark regions because of dense forests engulfing them. The waters of Idukki are translucent and pure. Apart from these miraculous scenic charms, there are as array of places in Idukki which make this locale a paradise of Kerala. Some of the varied and attracting sites of Idukki are given below.

Munnar
It is a dazzling hill station in Idukki blessed with ultimate appeal and exquisite enchantment. The place has been termed as "Virgin Munnar" because of its divine natural beauty. Munnar lies at the junction of three mountain streams, namely, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala. This enthralling hill station is dotted with vast tea plantations, bizarre small villages, meandering lanes, and tourist entertainment facilities. It beholds great exotic flora, including Neelakurinji, a flower which blooms once in twelve years.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary is a distinct thorny scrub forest, comprising of several xerophytes species. Chinnar is a famous dwelling of the country's endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel. Unlike other sanctuaries of Kerala which receive ample rainfall, Chinner gets barely exiguous showers every year. A visit to this sanctuary is sure to be a memorable experience. Here, you can spot wildlife, like elephants, spotted deer, sambar, hanuman monkeys, and more.

Devikulam
Devikulam is an enrapturing hill resort, situated at 16 km from Munnar. Devikulam and Munnar are collectively known as cousins. This hill resort represents nature in its most untarnished form. It is thickly covered with the aroma of wild flowers and rare herbs; thus, making it a wonderland for any nature admirer. In Devikulam, you can capture immense picturesque surroundings. It has some beautifully surging waterfalls and a stunning lake. The lake is believed to be holy and carries some magical healing powers.

Idukki Arch Dam
The Idukki Arch Dam is constructed across the flabbergasting Kuravan and Kurathi hills. It is the world's second and Asia's first arch dam. The Idukki Dam is situated near the Cheruthoni barrage and extents to an altitude of 550 ft with a width of 650 ft. Visitors can enjoy pedal boating in the river. The dam proves to be a unique, fascinating, and appreciable site in Idukki. Further, you can visit Kulamavu Dam, situated to its west, and Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary located nearby.

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary spreads over Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola talukas of Idukki district. Spread over an area of more than 77 sq km, the sanctuary is about 450-748 m above sea level. It is one of the most alluring and flora-and-fauna-rich wildlife sites in Kerala. One can sight numerous animals here, like elephant, bison, sambar deer, wild dog, jungle cat, tiger, and wild boar. The sanctuary is home to various snakes, such as cobra, viper, krait, and numerous non-poisonous snakes. You can even spot a range of colorful birds like jungle fowl, myna, laughing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl, woodpecker, and kingfisher.

Marayoor
Marayoor, located at a distance of 40 km from Munnar, is the only site in the entire Kerala where sandalwood trees grow naturally. Another appealing trait of this place is the antiques of new Stone Age Civilization, which have been unearthed here. The place enjoys a cool weather and high rainfall. Sandalwood forests and Factory of the Forest Department, Children's Park, Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Thoovanam Waterfalls, Marayoor Jaggery, and century-old cells of Hermits are some amazing places to see here.

Top Station
Top Station is a serene hill station situated about 32 km away from Munnar, on the Munnar-Kodaikanal Road. Nestled at a height of about 1700 m above sea level, this mesmerizing place is the highest point on Munnar-Kodaikanal Road. It has tumbling hills, flourishing greenery, and an unending lining of tea plantations. The dramatic vistas of Western Ghats, coupled with dazzling surroundings and cool winds, refresh the mind and soul of all visitors. You can opt for trekking sessions to get a little closer to its impeccable beauty.

Kuthumkal Waterfalls
The misty Kuthumkal Waterfalls greet with tremendously ravishing vistas of the water, rolling down from startling altitudes. The divine beauty of these waterfalls attracts a large number of tourists annually. The surroundings of the waterfalls are dotted with extreme natural glory and lush greenery. The spectacular and captivating charm of waterfalls, striking the ground from great altitude thrills visitors. The site is a perfect picnic spot, full of fascination and enjoyment.