Created on 26 January 1972, Idukki came into existence as one of the 14 districts of Kerala state India. The meaning of the word Idukki is Gorge and the name was derived from the narrow gorge. Idukki is the second largest district in Kerala and has an area of 4479 kilometer square. It stands second to Palakkad. Idukki tour packages are beautiful and is covered massively by mountains and hills.
Idukki has Pathanamthitta in the South, Kottayam to the Southwest, Ernakulum to the northwest and Trissur to the North, Coimbatore and Dindigul in the east.Idukki district is reachable by road only. Anamudi the highest peak in India falls in the Kuttampuzha panchayat of Adimali in the Kannan devan hills village of Devikulam Taluk. There are thirteen more peaks within the district that exceed the height of 2000 meter. Asia’s largest arch dam is located at Idukki town of Idukki Taluk.
Idukki Dam
The Periyar river flows through the gorge formed between two huge rocks called Kuruvan and Kurathi. This is where you can find the magnificent arch dam. Idukki is a perfect location for adventure seekers, outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers to plan a vacation to. Idukki has several interesting places in close vicinity that also contribute to the reasons for choosing Idukki as a destination for that much deserved break.
Idukki tour packages offer trips for family, kids, newly wed couples especially in close vicinity lies the famous hill station Munnar. Once the summer resort of the British government in southern part of India, Munnar continues to invite tourists from different parts of the globe. More than 5000 feet above sea level, the hill station offers scenic and picturesque landscapes.
Village tourism
A remote village on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats is Marayur, where the relic of the new Stone Age civilization was found. Marayur attracts tourists for the Muniyaras that are ancient stone cabins and Marayur is the only place you will find naturally growing sandalwood trees.
A favorite tourist place both Ellakal and Pothupara are prominent tourist’s attractions. Thattekad bird sanctuary on the northbankof the Periyar river is home to variety of bird species. Dr Salim Ali and hiscontributions were the reason for the existence of the Thattekad sanctuary. Plantations of teak, mahogany, rose etc. are dominantly found here. The sanctuary is an ornithologist’s paradise. In close distance is another wildlife sanctuary “The Eravikulam wild life sanctuary. Known to be the home of the famous Nilgiri tahr in the world, Eravikulam wildlife sanctuary is covered with grassland mostly. With a flowering cycle of once in twelve years the famous Neelakurinji grows here in the Eravikulam national park.
From Idukki wildlife sanctuary, Idukki reservoir dam to the wooded valleys, Anamudi peak and verdant mountains- Idukki makes for an interesting and beautiful holiday destination.