Places to see in Idukki

This is one of the most picturesque and at the same time important tourist destination sin the city in Kerala. Blessed with sylvan natural ecosystem and Iddukki is known for the mountainous ranges at the same the densely wodded forest jungles that are a highlight of the same.  The region is named after a deep gouge that is Iddukki, however the region is invariably blessed with natural beauty that is at time in comprehensible.  The feeling and ambience of this natural ecology is simply heavenly and the zenith of opportunities for travelers to relax, explore and rejuvenate.



Hence the places to see in Iddukki are:

Idukki Arch dam- The Iddukki arch Dam is not only endowed with immense natural beauty but is an architectural marvel in itself.  This is also one of the main centers for hydropower generation.  The world’s second largest and at the same time the first in Asia. From one side of the reservoir tourist can get a glimpse of the entire region surrounded by lush green vegetation wooded forests that are feast for the sense. In the mystic environment the forests appears to be thick covers of green that surround the reservoir. This dam also includes the hydro electric power stations and area around the arch dam is also synonymous for a variety of birds like mynas, Bulbils, pea fall, woodpeckers and kingfishers and is also known for animals as well.  The environment around the places it is peaceful and tranquil and at the same offers a unruffled experience.

Idukki Wildlife sanctuary- The wild sanctuary is vast and sprawls across the Taluka of Thodapuzha and Udumbanchola over 77 sq kms. The wildlife sanctuary covers the forests lands over the rivers of Cheruthoni and the Periyar Rivers.  The landscape of the forests consists mainly of dense deciduous and evergreen tropical forests. The wildlife sanctuary offers nature in its finest and sublime form and is known for the elephants, wild dogs, Bison, the biggest Indian deer that is the Sambhar. Apart from that region is also known for its reptiles and wide variety of flora and fauna.

Hill view park- The Hill view park is also known for its picturesque and panoramic view that it offers to visiting tourists. The High view park is quaint and at the same time is filled with quietude that is serene and visitor almost feels at ease in the bosom of nature.  From the view point visitor can get a glimpse of the entire green valley surrounded and spread out. The most popular attraction being the herd of elephants venturing out in the habitat which is one of the beautiful and charming of sights to behold.  Apart from that at the bottom there are facilities for boating, a herbal park and playing nd recreational space for children.  The hill view park is also one of the most esthetically planned park in as such the entire premise has been developed without causing even the slightest  change to the a natural cycle or disturbing the  balance of the ecology.

Nadukani- Nadukani Situated in the pristine and sylvan environment is a perfect picnic spot and  also offers prospects for trekking.  Situated at an altitude of 3000 feet above sea level upon a peak the point is preferred by tourists. The reasons being the tranquility and the solitude that brings individuals closer to nature. At the same time for those who prefer exploring the nature and the routes of terrain there are possibilities for trekking and as such tourists can also trek through the prescribed trails.

Blossom International Park- Located over a landscape of 16 acres the Blossom International Park is known for a wide variety of flowers and plant species. The place can simply be called a flowering valley for the abundance of flowers that are available in the region. The place is also  ideal for recreational activities that includes cycling trekking and at the same time  roller skating and other recreational. For campers there are facilities to pitch camp in the area and as such also serves a perfect experience of the great outdoors.

Devikulam lake- Devikulam or the Sita Devi lake as it is called is one of the most quaint and picturesque settings in Idukki. It is believed that the Sita Devi bathed in this lake in the years of the exile. The lake is known for the clear blue waters and the evergreen cover that surrounds the area adjoining the lake.  The cool mountains, wooded lawns and  cool ambience of the environment is worth experiencing.  The lake also serves as an idealistic picnic destination and good picnic spot. The area in and around lake is owned by Tata Tea lands.

Kalvary Mount- This a popular tourists destination in the both for the immaculate mountain setting . The resorts in Kalvary Mountains were a popular summer abode for the British. Form the point visitors and tourists can catch a glimpse of Iddukki to Ayyapankoil to one side and from kamakshi to Mariyanpuram villages.  The mountain is ideal for trekking. The place is named Calvary as it is the  as in the season lent and specially during Good Friday when devotees carry crosses and in devout contemplation of the way of the cross.

Kundala- The Sethuparvathipuram Dam makes the Kundala is a must visit spot in Idukki.  Kundala is also known for the boating facilities and also for the Kundala Golf club and the also a cup of tea which is an important part of Idukki.  The club houses and the structures in and around the place are reminiscent of the glorious colonial past.

Kurisumala Ashram- The Kurisumala ashram is a catholic monastery situated in Idukki. The catholic monastery combines the elements of Indian approaches to religions devotions to Christian spirituality. This is ashram has attracted monks and the religious who have frequented the hills in search and reorientation and recollection. Fr Bede Griffith is remembered for the Cistercian abbey that was built in 1958.  

Kurisumala- Kurisumala is a religious place and is known for the 14 crosses that adorn the pilgrimage center. The Church is situated on the top of the mountain. Along the trekking part of the mountain there are fourteen crosses that represent the fourteen Stations of the Cross that follow up all the way to the shrine. The scenic beauty and the quaint surroundings in and around the place is also a captivating site.

Managaldevi temple- The ancient rock cut temple of Mangal temple is actually situated in the forests of Thekaddy.  Situated on the borders of Kerala and Tamilnadu.  The temple is dedicated to Kanakkai t he celebrated heroine of Tamil classic Chilappathikaram. This historic monument is believed to have been built by the Chera king cheran chenguttuvan. Granite slabs with which the temple is built have the inscriptions (vattezhuthu) and the images of elephants, peacocks, dancers etc. According to the believers, an abandoned tunnel which is seen inside the temple leads to Madurai temple.

Maryayoor- Maryayoor not only grows the finest sandalwood in the world, but is also a famous archaeological site. The caves found here, home to tribals, are also considered holy as sages are said to have meditated here in the distant past. Hence, the name, 'Muniyaras'.

Mattupetty- Situated at an elevation of 1700 meters above sea level Mattupetty is gifted with charming beauty and captivating landscape.  A favorite haunt of weekend picnickers. The Mattupetty Lake (created by the small hydroelectric dam), flanked by steep wooded hills, is a tranquil picnic spot where boating is the big draw. A speedboat cruise to the far end of the lake invariably ensures a glimpse of wild elephants. Other nearby attractions are Echo Point and Kundala Lake.

Mount Carmel church- This is also one of the first catholic churches in the high ranges.  The church is dedicated to St. Anthony. It is believed that during the floods of the church was shelters ofr the residents of the village. It has also been recorded that the waters receded once they approached the basement . This is often attributed to the miraculous power of St. Anthony.

Orange and vegetable farm- This is a thriving farm located on sprawling  237 acres of land and is known for the oranges and vegetables. It is also known for the  Fruit preservation and is used to make delicious jams and  squashes that are preserved here.

Pine Hills- This valley in Kolahalamedu, with its groves of pine trees, is a protected area. There are boards cautioning tourists to keep from littering the forest.

The mystic and  quaint ecology of Idukki revitalizes  and enchants the senses and  is certainly a unique destination for travelers. Most of all the city is also known for its pristine and in clandestine beauty that  is unparallel and surely is a perfect stopover specially for those in search of peace and tranquility.