Idukki is one of the 14 districts of the Indian state of Kerala. It is also regarded as the most prominent hill stations in India. Idukki is a land locked district overflowing with the beauty of nature. Famously called the hilly district of Kerala, Idukki is well-recognized for its wildlife sanctuaries. It is one of the vital parts of the tourism industry of the state and forms one of the most visited tourist destination in Kerala. It is watered by three rivers including Thalayar, Periyar and Thodupuzhayar as well as their tributaries. There is some history attached to the Idukki hill station. The name of this hill station is believed to have been derived from `Idukku` which means a narrow gorge in the Malayalam language. It is the second largest district of Kerala with the lowest population density.
Location of Idukki
Idukki is situated at an altitude of 750 to 2500 meters above the level of sea. The entire area of Idukki is scarred by the rivers Thalayar, Periyar and Thodupuzhayar. The hill station in Kerala forms a part of the Western Ghats.
Demography of Idduki
Idduki is 416th among the 640 districts of India with a population of 1,107,453. Idukki has a sex ratio of 1006 females for every 1000 males and a literacy rate of 92.2 percent. The district has a population density of 254 inhabitants per square kilometer.
Tourism in Idukki
In Kerala, Idukki is known for several tea plantations along the hill slopes. The natural surroundings and the wilderness make Idukki a prominent destination for those interested in the wildlife beauty. Apart from that, there are several other places for tourism and they are:
Munnar: Munnar was the summer resort of the British Government in the south Indian region. The town is situated at the convergence of three mountain streams- Muthirappuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala.Munnar has some of the largest tea plantations in the world. This hill station is more than 5000 feet above sea level and it is a well-known tourist attraction, which is popular for its scenic and picturesque landscapes.
Idduki Wildlife Sanctuary: Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary spreads over an area of 105.364 sq km in the Thodupuzha, Idukki and Udumpanchola taluks of the Idduki district. Situated at an altitude of 450-748 meters above sea level, this sanctuary occupies the forest land between the Cheruthoni and Periyar rivers. There is a scenic lake around the sanctuary. Elephants, sambar deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, wild boar etc. are seen here apart from various species of snakes including cobra, viper, kraits and numerous non-poisonous ones. Birds include grey jungle fowls, Malabar grey hornbill, several species of woodpeckers, bulbuls, flycatchers, etc. This wildlife sanctuary is similar to that of Thekkady, which is adjacent to Idukki Arch Dam.
Thommankuthu Waterfalls: This waterfall is located near Thodupuzha and is named after the great hunter, Mr. Thommachen Kuruvinakunnel. He let the world know about this beautiful waterfall in the jungle in the late 1920s. Thommachen Waterfalls also played a big part in the discovery of the site for the Idukki Dam.
Other Tourist Places in Idduki
Apart from the above mentioned places, Idduki are surrounded by some other popular tourist spots and they are Vagamon, Ramakkalmedu, Thekkady, Marayur, Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Kurinjimala Sanctuary, Cheeyappara waterfalls etc.
Dams in Idduki
Idukki Arch-Dam
Cheruthoni
Mullapperiyar
Ponmudy
Kallarkutty
Kundala
Mattuppetti
Aanayirangal
Bhoothathankettu
Sengulam
Lower Periyar
Malankara
Kallar (Nedumkandam)
Kulamavu
Munnar Head Works
Erattayar
Uluppuni
Kochu Pamba
Visiting Information on Idukki
The railway station close to Idukki is at Kottayam, which is located at a distance of 133 kilometers. The nearest airport is located at a distance of 132 kilometers from Idukki at Cochin. One can reach this hill station by road also via National Highway 16.
