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Idukki
Hill Stations
A landlocked district, Idukki is one of
the most nature rich areas of Kerala. The high range and wooded valleys are
girded by three main rivers - Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhayar - and
their tributaries.
The river Pamba also has its origin here. As
a tourist destination, Idukki offers diverse attractions like wildlife
sanctuaries, hill stations, spice plantation tours, mountain treks, elephant
rides etc.
Idukki has a large population of tribals who have
unique customs and beliefs and maintain an ethos which an ethos which is
distinctly different from that of the mainstream culture.
Mannar
(55 km from Idukki town): Munnar is situated at the confluence of
three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nasllathanni and Kundala. 1600 m above
sea level, this hill station was the summer resort of the British Government
in South India.
Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns,
winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular hill station. Among
the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the
Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue once every twelve
years, will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South
India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m Anamudi is an ideal spot for
treakking. Tea factory visits: Permission to visit any of the 26 factories
of Tata Tea Ltd. Can be had from the Regional Office at Munnar.
In and around Munnar:
Top Station (32 km from
Munnar):
1700 m above sea level, this is the highest point on the
Munnar - Kodaikanal road. The rare Neelakurunji (Strobilanthus belings to
this region. Top Station also offers a panoramic view of the neighbouring
state of Tamil Nadu.
Mattupetty (13 km from Munnar):
Situated at a height of 1700 m), Mattupetty is famous for its highly
specialized dairy farm - the Indo Swiss Livestock Project. Over a 100
varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into
three of the 11 cattle sheds at the farm.
The Mattupetty lake
and dam, just a short distance from the farm, is a very mountain goat
(hemitragas hylocres) which is fast becoming extinct, is now found in the
Eravikulam - Rajamala region.
Devikulam (15 km from Munnar):
This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and
fauna and the cool mountain air offers a rare picturesque surroundings is a
good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.
Wagamon
(65 km from Idukki town):
Situated at an elevation of 1100 m above
sea level, this hill station is a trekker's delight. Wagamon is surrounded
by beautiful meadows, valleys and tea gardens.
