There is a beautiful town in Kerala known as “Idukki” which in Tamil/Malayalam means “Idukku” and when translated to English means “narrow gorge”. The Idukki district is supposed to be second largest in the state after “Palakkad”. This scenic town is located on the Western Ghats and is surrounded by mountains all around. It is renowned for its mountainous hills, dense forest, gushing stream, valleys, plantations, and wildlife. This city also has Asia’s first and the world’s second great arch dam which is located across the Periyar river. The landscape in Idukki is perfect for trekking and is an ideal destination for adventure lovers. So if you are true to nature lover or an adventure enthusiast then “Idukki” is a destination that you need to visit.
Read More: 5 ENCHANTING HILL STATIONS IN KERALA
How to reach Idukki?
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Idukki Map
By train:
The Theni Railway Station located at a distance of 60 km away from Idukki is the nearest railway station. The next best option is the Changanacherry Railway Station which offers regular train services. Both these railway stations are well linked to major cities and towns in the country.
By road:
There are a number of bus services i.e. private and government that operate from Cochin to Idukki. Taxi services to Idukki from Cochin bus stand are available.
By flight:
The nearest international airport is in Cochin. The Cochin Airport provides domestic as well international services. There are number of bus and taxi services that operate from this airport to Idukki.
Climate and the best time to visit Idukki
“A pleasant climate” is the apt way of describing the climate in Idukki. The temperature recorded during the summer months of March to May ranging from 25 to 30 degrees. During the monsoons which begin in June and ends in September the rainfall received is heavy with the average rainfall annually received by this region being 250-400 cm. While winters that begin in December and end in February are pleasant with the temperatures varying from 15 degrees to 25 degrees. With the climate being pleasant right throughout the year there is no “ideal time” and so this town can be visited anytime during the year.
Places To Visit Around Idukki
- Muniyara Dolmens: Are beautiful pre historic dolmens located a few kilometres away from Munnar. These dolmens were supposed to be the burial grounds of the earliest inhabitants. The structure of these Dolmens indicates that they were created during nomadic times or even earlier. This site is idea especially for history lovers, archaeologists, and anthropologists.
- Idukki Arch Dam: Is supposedly Asia’s first and the world’s second arch dam. This dam is about 550 feet high and 650 feet wide and is built across the Kuravan and Kurathi Hills. This dam offers a tranquil and picturesque environment and is a real treat to the eyes.
- Echo Point: Is famous for its beautiful tea plantations, spice, and coffee gardens. It is also a place known for its “echoing” i.e. an echo is clearly heard and hence the name “Echo Point”. It also possesses terrains that are ideal for trekking.
- Photo Point: Islocated at a distance of 3 km from Munnar. It is famous for its tea plantation, woods, and rolling hills. This location is also very “photo friendly” and hence the name “Photo Point”. This is also an ideal picnic spot.
- Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary: Is located in Thodupuzha and Udumpancholataluks of the Idukki district. It is located at an altitude of 450 to 748 meters above sea level. This sanctuary is home to animals such as elephants, sambar deer, wild dog, bison, etc and birds such as Malabar grey hornbill, grey jungle fowl, woodpeckers etc.
- Hill View Park: Is a garden which is designed over an area spanning over 8 acres and offers a picturesque view of the landscape of the Idukki region. This park also includes a natural water body as a result of which pedal boating facilities are available.
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