Idukki
Arch Dam
This is the world's second and Asia's first arch dam, constructed
across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills. 550 ft high and 650
ft wide, the dam lies close to the Cheruthorathi barrage.
To its west is the Kulamavu dam. Idukki wild life sanctuary
is located nearby.
Chinnar
Wild Life Sanctuary
Located at Devikulam taluk of Idukki district Kerala, Chinnar
Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-known reserve that extends over
an area of over 90 sq km. Recognized as a wildlife sanctuary
in 1984, it lies in the rain shadow region of the Western
Ghats. As a result, Chinnar gets only about 48 rainy days
in a year during the months of October and November when Northeast
monsoons are at work.
Apart from being the habitat of the endangered giant grizzled
squirrel in India, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is home
to tigers, elephant, bonnet macaques, gaur, Kraits, spotted
deer, spectacled cobras, sambar, turtles, vipers, little cormorants,
darters and black eagles. The place is also ideal for boating
and trekking.
The sanctuary abounds in a variety of trees, including the
unique thorny scrub forest with Xerophytic species. The flora
of the sanctuary comprises dry deciduous forest, thorny scrub
forests, high sholas and wet grasslands. It is, indeed, a
reservoir of tranquil greenery ensconced the verdant valley.
Among the species of flora include Acacia arabica (Karivelam),
Acacia leucofolia (Velvelam), Santalum album (Chandanam),
Anogeissuslatifolia (Mazhukanjiram), Elaeocarpus recurvatus
(Bhadraksham) and Strobilanthus kunthianus (Neelakurinji).
The rippling topography with breathtaking spectacle of craggy
rocks adds to the scenic grandeur of the sanctuary. Best Season
to visit the sanctuary is from December to April. As far as
accommodation is concerned, private lodges are available at
Marayoor, Munnar and Udumalpetta. You can also find accommodation
in the government guesthouses at Munnar and Udumalpetta.
Eravikulam Wild Life Sanctuary
Eravikulam
Wildlife Sanctuary is a sanctuary set up for the preservation
of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The main inhabitant of the
park is Nilgiri Tahr. Now the park has the largest known population
of Tahrs existing in the world. The park also shelters Atlas
Moth, Elephants, Sambhars, Gaurs, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri,
Langur, Tigers and Leopards.
Spread
across an area of 97 sq. kms, the park exhibits the breathtaking
natural splendor of rolling grasslands and exotic flowers.
Anamudi, the highest peak south of Himalayas, towers over
the sanctuary in majestic pride. The Atlas Moth, largest of
its kind in the world, is a unique possession of the park.
The best time to visit Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is between
October to March.
Established
with an aim to protect the Nilgiri Tahr, the Eravikulam Park
is situated in Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki District. Its
name means the tuft of an elephant and refers to the hairy
top of an elephant's head. The Park was declared as a sanctuary
in 1975 and a National Park in 1978. It is spread over an
area of 97 sq.km. and is situated on the border of Kerala
and Tamil Nadu in the north where it extends as the Annamalai
National Park.
The
park is divided into 3 regions - the core area, the buffer
area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only to the
tourism area, which is in the Rajamala region.
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Thattekad Bird Sanctuary- A Nature
Lover's Paradise
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary also known as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary,
is located in the Ernakulam district of Kerela. Situated on
the banks of the Priver river, Thattekad is amongst most popular
National Parks in Kerala. Spreading over an area of 25.16
sq.kms, the bird sanctuary draws nature lovers from all parts
of the India and world as well.
The bird sanctuary was constituted in 1983 based on the recommendation
made by renowned ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali. He was also
the architect of the Thattekad Bird sanctuary. Dr Ali had
identified 167 birds and 207 birds were identified by his
student, Dr. Sugathan. The Bombay Natural History Society
has also identified 253 types of birds. The picture landscape
is covered with tropical evergreen and deciduous forests and
patches of grasslands. Thattekad is home to around 500 species
of bird species, which include rare birds like the Crimson-Throated
Barbet, Bee-eater, Sunbird, Shrike, Black winged Kite, Night
Heron, Grey heron, Bee-Eater, Fairy Blue-Bird, Grey-Headed
Fishing Eagle, Malabar Shama, Common Grey Hornbill and Malabar
Hornbill. In addition the sanctuary also houses animals, including
mammals and varieties of reptiles.
Prime Attractions
of the Sanctuary
Fauna of the Sanctuary
Most popular birds species found here are Large Falcon, Crow
Pheasant, Indian roller, White-breasted Water Hen, Kite, Cuckoo,
Jungle Nightjar, Common Snipe, Grey Drongo, Baya Sparrow,
Woodpecker, Large Pied Wagtail, Darter, Malabar Trogon, Grey
Jungle Fowl, Indian Hill Myna, Jungle Babbler, Robin Bird
and Hornbill etc. Besides, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is home
to more than 28 varieties of animals and nine varieties of
reptiles. Visitors can spot animals like Elephant, Leopard,
Bear, Porcupine, Python and Cobra etc
Flora of the Sanctuary
The vegetation of the park consists of tropical evergreen,
semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests and trees of Teak,
Rosewood, Mahogany, Venteak, Vellapine, Karanjili, Palley,
Kunthirikam, Bhadraksham, Kanala, Angili, Kambacom, Kurangatti,
Venga and Maruthi etc.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in God’s
Own Country, Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger
Reserve. Periyar wildlife sanctuary has a picturesque lake
at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of
a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours
of the wooded hills, providing a permanent source of water
for the local wildlife. Though it’s a Tiger Reserve,
tourists come here to view the Indian elephants in the act
of ablution and playfulness by the Periyar Lake.
Major Wildlife Attractions in Periyar National Park
Apart from Elephants, the other animals to be seen in the
Periyar sanctuary are Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer,
Mouse Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog and very rarely, a Tiger.
There are, now, an estimated 40 tigers here. Four species
of primates are found at Periyar - the rare lion-tailed macaque,
the Nilgiri Langur, Common Langur And Bonnet Macaque. Periyar
also happens to be the habitat of the elusive Nilgiri Tahr,
which is rarely to be seen.
The
birdlife comprises of Darters, Cormorants, Kingfishers, the
great Malabar Hornbill and racket-tailed Drongoes. The reptilian
population boasts Of Monitor Lizards that can be spotted basking
in the sun, on the rocks along the lakeshore. Visitors who
trek into the Periyar national park often see a Python and
sometimes even a King Cobra.
In
the lap of the mountains, the Periyar wildlife sanctuary's
environ is like a canvas of many shades. The fresh air of
the moist deciduous forest gives one a chance to experience
the peace and serenity and long to return for more.
Other
Attractions in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Kumily : Situated just 4-kms from Periyar,
Kumily is a growing town where tourism is fastly catching
up just like the spice trade, the major occupation of this
small town. The town is also well equipped with the excellent
hotels and resorts for accommodation.
Cradomom
Hills : Periyar and Kumily are the most convenient
points from which visitors can easily explore Kerala's beautiful
Cardamom hills. Guide will approach you at offers of trips
via jeep or taxi to the hills and if you can get a group together,
these trips work out as a good travel value.
Boat
Cruises : Boat cruises make the best option to check
out the wilds of Periyar Sanctuary.Today the Periyar lake
presents an excellent boating spot for tourists. Although
it is unusual to see many animals from the boats, still you
spot a family of Elephants, Wild Boar, and Sambar Deer by
the water's edge. The upper deck is best for wildlife viewing
when taking a boat cruise, but better turn up half an hour
early to get the best seat. To maximise you chances, take
the 7.00 am boat. You can also consider renting your own boat.
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Eravikulam
National Park
Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a sanctuary set up for the
preservation of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The main inhabitant
of the park is Nilgiri Tahr. Now the park has the largest
known population of Tahr's existing in the world. The park
also shelters Atlas Moth, Elephants, Sambhar's, Gaurs, Lion-tailed
Macaque, Nilgiri, Langur, Tigers and Leopards.
Spread across an area of 97 sq. kms, the park exhibits the
breathtaking natural splendor of rolling grasslands and exotic
flowers. Anamudi, the highest peak south of Himalayas, towers
over the sanctuary in majestic pride. The Atlas Moth, largest
of its kind in the world, is a unique possession of the park.
Main Attractions:
The main inhabitant of the Eravikulam park is Nilgiri Tahr.
Now the park has the largest known population of Tahrs existing
in the world.The park also shelters Atlas Moth, Elephants,
Sambhars, Gaurs, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Tigers
and Leopards.
Other
Attractions: Anamudi (2,695
m) is the highest peak in south India and located within the
park area. This is a good place for trekking.
Location:Eravikulam
National Park is situated in the south Indian state of Kerala
in the higher altitudes of the Western Ghats. The park extends
from the latitude 9 40' in the North to the longitude 77 20"
in the East. A part of the Idukki district, Eravikulam is
very near to the scenic hill station of Munnar.
Cheeyappara Water falls
The
Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Neriamangalam
and Adimali on the Kochi - Madurai highway. The Cheeyappara
Falls cascades down in seven steps. It is a real feast for
the eyes. This is also a great place for trekking.
Valara
waterfalls are 10 km from Adimali on the Kochi
- Madurai highway. Valara has a chain of waterfalls surrounded
by thick green forests.
Thekkady
Thekkady Wild life Sanctuary is located in Idukki in the beautiful
and picturesque state of Kerala. Its about 160 miles from
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) and is near the Kerala- Tamil
Nadu border. It lies on the Western Ghats and is aprroximately
4000-5000 ft above sea-level.
One can see deers, monkeys, tigers, herds of elephants and
other exotic flora and fauna here. A boat ride in the lake
surrounding the sanctuary gives one an opputunity to see the
animals. This lake is unique in the sense it is manmade and
one can see partially submerged tree-trunks in the lake. For
the more adventurous, trekking into the jungle would be an
exciting thing to do.
There are bus regular bus services from the major towns and
cities in kerala to Thekkady. The Kerala Tourisn Development
Coporation (KTDC) also have some tourist packages for vacationing
in Thekkady
Idukki Wild Sanctuary
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of 40 kms
from Thodupuzha.This sanctuary extends over the Thodupuzha
and Udumpanchola taluks of Idukki district spreading over
77sq. kms, at 450 - 748m above sea level.
The
Idukki reservoir formed by three dams-Cheruthoni, Idukki and
Kulamavu-extends to 33 sq. km. A picturesque lake, a majestic
arch dam across two hills and roaming herds of elephants and
gaur are sights that lure you to this enchanting canopy of
tropical semi-evergreen and deciduous forests. The fauna also
includes Langur, Leopard and Wild Boar.
The
sanctuary has a large variety of flora and fauna. Among the
mammals, Elephants, Bison, Sambhar, Deer, Wild Dogs, Jungle
Cats, Tiger, Wild Boar etc reptiles such as Cobra, Viper,
Krait and a large number of non- poisonous snakes can be seen.
Jungle
Fowl, Myna, Laughing Thrush, Black Bulbul, Peafowl, Woodpecker,
Kingfisher etc also inhabit the place in large numbers.
Thommankuthu
Thommankuthu is 28 km from Thodupuzha. Thommankutthu is famous
for its numerous waterfalls. This place is ideal for natural
lovers as the seven-step waterfall here is a much loved picnic
spot. At each step, there is a cascade and a pool beneath
to enjoy the panoramic beauty; the best way is to undertake
a trek that takes one to the top of the mountain, a 12 km.
Climb
If you are a nature lover or an adventure seeker, Thommankuthu
is just the right place in Kerala. 20 km away from Thodupuzha,
this site draws the attention of several tourists. The exhilarating
beauty of Thommankuthu waterfalls captures the heart and soul
of every traveler.
Thommankuthu waterfall is a beautiful seven-step waterfall
offering salubrious weather. Amidst verdure foliage, this
shimmering waterfall is a perfect place to spend time in the
lap of nature. Thommankuthu waterfall tours will allow tourist
to savor the wild beauty of forest and stream. Tours to Thommankuthu
Waterfalls in Kerala with Kerala Travel Tourism truly has
something for everyone. If you are looking for an adventurous
vacation, Thommankuthu waterfall tours offer all the adventure
you can handle.
This exotic place is congenial for trekking or mountain climbing.
Tourists looking for adventure can trek the mountain, which
is around 12 km of climbing. Since there are no accommodation
facilities available at this site, tourists can enjoy only
one-day tours. Tourists can also enjoy boating on the lake.
Fishing and horse riding are other options available in this
pleasant valley.
If you are interested in visiting this amazing Kerala highlight,
you can board a bus from Thodupuzha, 18 km from Thommankuthu.
For lodging, there are many hotels, rest houses and restaurants
at Thadupuzha. The nearest railway station is Nedumbassery
Airport, which is 80km away. The nearest railway stations
are at a distance of 60 km away at Kochi
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Hill
View Park
True to its title it offers a panoramic view of a large
area than one can experience from any high mountain park.
Scene of Wild elephants in their natural habital enthrills
the visitor. This park is situated adjacent to both Idukki
Arch Dam and Cheruthony Dam. Spread over an area of 8 acres
of land this aesthetically designed park has a natural water
body at the hill top and pedal boating facility is available
here. The herbal garden and children's play area are added
attractions. A visit to this park makes Idukki visit a memorable
one.
Nadukani
Nadukani, situated at an altitude of 3000 ft, is a charming
hill station in Idukki District, Kerala. It is about 70
km from Thodupuzha and is in close proximity to Kulamavu.
Nadukani(which means 'to see the country') is ideal for
one day picnickers. The northern side is filled with blue
hills vying to touch the sky. The excellent sight of the
Muvattupuzha River (that snakes its way down), Moolamattam
town, Malankara Lake and the Malankara reservoir etches
in the memory for a long time. A two-storied pavilion
provides ideal opportunity to enjoy the landscape. Another
attraction nearby is the Moolamattom underground power
station. You can also get a glimpse of the many rare species
of fauna like the hornbill, wild rabbits, spotted sambhar,
jungle mainah and elephants, as Nadukani forms one of
the boundaries of Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary. Nadukani
is on the Thodupuzha-Idukki route. This picturesque town
is 25 km from Idukki.
Munnar-
The Gateway to the Hill
Munnar - breathtakingly beautiful - a haven of peace and
tranquility - the idyllic tourist destination in God's
own country.
Munnar hills is siatuated at an altitude of 5000 to 8000
Ft above sea level. and is situated at the confluence
of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathani &
Kundala. This beautiful hill station was once the summer
resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India.
Sprawling Tea plantations, picture book towns, winding
lanes, and holiday facilities make this a popular resort
town.
Munnar
also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi , which
towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.
The high ranges of Munnar were earlier known as Kannan
Devan Hills,named after a certain Kannan Devan,who had
been land lord in the Anchanad Valley on the eastern side
of the district. The main cultivation crops in Munnar
are Tea and Coffee
Munnar,
the confluence of the three mountain river systems - Mudrapuzha,
Nallathani ,Kundala. Situated at 1600m above the sea level
this hill station, leaves you with a cold summer sweetness.
Completely dotted with lakes, reservoirs, mountains streams,
scabrous rocks, wooded valleys, wavy grass hills, this
hill station offers a great variety choices at short intervals.
Along the quite drives of Munnar, through the unending
sea of tea plantations, signs of human life itself is
a rare sight apart from similarly attired plantation workers.
The unending dominance of the tea plantations and the
mountain flower Neelakkurinji that bloom once in 12 years
are both synonymous landmarks of Munnar. Playing mists,
soul searching winds, hurling waterfalls, cold monsoons,
picturesque towns, fragrant cardamom bushes, sprawling
tea plantations, shaven silver oaks, indomitable elephant
herds, long winding lanes, the bluish tint of the Neelakkurinji
mountains, floating tunes of early morning radio, strangely
uniform herds of plantation workers.With the mist covering
in the valleys around, the plateau of a resorts sticking
out, it is a heavenly feeling of being on the legendary
flaying machine - Pushpak, floating over the clouds.
Echo
Point Munnar
This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo
phenominon here. Echo point is on the way to Top Station
from Munnar.
Marayur
A rain-shadow village on the eastern slopes of the Western
Ghats, is 40 kms from Munnar on the Udumalapet road. It
holds a lot of nature's blessing to be unfolded before
its visitors.It's also a unique place where tourism meets
adventure. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills
and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit.
By travelling either from Marayur to Munnar or from Munnar
to Marayur, one can feel the enchanting beauty of nature's
blessing to be remembered for life time.
The enchanting beauty of Marayoor offers diversity in
every aspect of the land and culture. Hamlets, rocky hills,
rivers, brook, cave temples, sugar cane fields, waterfalls,Neolithic
period's stone coffins, sandal wood and bamboo forests
are all in store for the visitor. It is the only place
in Kerala having a natural growth of sandal wood trees.
The rare Neelakurinji flower is native to this region.
Peermade
Situated 915 m above sea level, Peermade is on the way
to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. This pleasant hill
station was once the summer retreat of the Maharajas of
Travancore. Peermade is indeed a cool hill resort in Kerala.
Here you will find sprawling tea, coffee, cardamom, rubber
and eucalyptus plantations side by side with natural grasslands
and pine forests.
The
Sufi saint and an associate of the rulers Peer Mohammed
lends his name to Peermade. Peermade thus means the hill
of the Peer. Peermade has since long attracted the trekkers,
nature lovers, picnickers alike. As a hill resort Peermade
has also been providing refuge to the sun scorched souls
from the plains. The idyllic hill resort of Peermade indeed
rejuvenates the mind, body and the soul.
Clouds drop gently on the peaks that flank the verdant
slopes of Peermade. Rich with mile upon mile of plantations
falling away in precise steps. Broken only by spectacular
waterfalls in the distance and wide open grasslands in
places. On a fairly warm day the mercury reads between
five and ten degrees celsius. Little wonder then, that
the former Rajas of Travancore sought this tiny hill station
out as their summer resort. Peermade lies 85 km east of
Kottayam at an altitude of 915m above sea level.
Anakkara
A town near Kumily, Anakkara has recently acquired significance
on its own. The Malanadu Development Society, an institution
committed to rural upliftment through spreading rurally
oriented technology has its nodal office of Idukki District
here. It also runs a milk chilling plant. Anakkara has
a high density of Gober-gas plants, which makes fuel and
excellent manure from Cow-Dung, again contribution of
MDS.
Kattappana
Kattappana's fortunes rise and fall with the swings of
the Pepper market. The mid-eighties saw unprecedented
boom in construction activity- a fallout of the pepper
price boom. This overcrowded town shows how much can be
packed into so little space.
Syrian Catholics are the dominant community. But the landmark
of the town is a magnificent edifice dedicated to Sree
Narayana Guru.
Kattappana
is a glaring example of the dicotomy of Government records
with the actual state of affairs. A good part of this
bustling town teeming with humans and vehicles in all
hours of the day and late into night are forest areas
owned by Government as per records. The state of the cultivated
lands in the surrounding area is no different. Granting
pure Title deeds to the farmers, a vote catching slogan
raised by successive state government have until now been
thawrted by Central Forest laws and court verdicts.
Kumali
As such an insignificant little town, Kumily's importance
is due to its proximity to the Boat Landing of the Periyar
Tiger Reserve or Thekkady, and to its being a border town,
with Tamil Nadu just a call away. Of late, major hotel
groups are zeroing in on Kumily to capitalize on the tourist
boom. Of the tourists of various hues, those obsessed
with the diversity of flora and fauna of the Periyar Reserve
is a growing and dedicated group.
There
are the spice shops- every third shop is one- which is
likely to confer on the town the sobriquet, 'Spice Town'.
Apart from the handful of spices grown in Idukki district,
the traders also have in their stocks an assortment from
all parts of the nation.
Kumily
is the major gateway to Tamil Nadu for Idukki, Kottayam
and Alleppy districts. The Tamil Cardamom plantation in
Idukki and the large population of Tamilian laborers makes
far busy traffic indeed between Kumily and Cumbum in Tamil
Nadu.
Thodupuza-
Gateway of High Ranges
Thodupuzha being the gateway to Idukki district which
is full of Dams and Peaks, Canals and water falls, Wild
sanctuaries and Bird sanctuaries, Tea, Cardamom, Coffee
and Rubber estates attracted a number of national and
inter national tourists.
Thodupuzha is a little, picturesque town situated on the
banks of the Thodupuzha river.The name Thodupuzha might
have been derived from of two Malayalam words, "Thodu"
(which means canal) and "puzha" (which means
river). The conjecture is that a canal eventually became
a river and that this town is close to it. There is yet
another version that the word "Thodu" also means
"touching' and "puzha" means "river",
which makes it a place that touches a river. It is an
ancient town with a history dating back to many centuries
ago. It is a neat, quiet town and the cradle of religious
harmony and peaceful co-existence., Christian churches,
Hindu temples and Muslim mosques abound in Thodupuzha
and co-exist next to each other.
Vandiperiyar
Vandiperiyar is the largest town the river Periyar touches
on its mountainous way to the Idukki reservoir. It is
located 18 km from Thekkady. As a major trade center,
the town is home to a number of tea factories. The Government
Agriculture Farm and Flower Garden are there. The vegetable
markets are mostly on the road sides. Major plantation
groups like RBT, AVT, and Harisson's Malayalam have tea
plantations near Vandiperiyar.
Mattupetty
Mattupetty is situated at a height of 1700 m above sea
level. Mattupetty Lake and Dam is a beautiful picnic spot
with the panoramic view of the tea plantations and the
lake. Boating facilities are available in the reservoir.
Mattupetty is also well known for its highly specialized
dairy farm - the Indo-Swisss Live Stock project. The Shola
forests in and around Mattupetty are ideal for trekking
and are habitat to a variety of birds. Rivulets and cascades
crisscross the terrain here, which again adds more attraction
to the place. Situated at a height of 1700 Mts Mattupetty
is famous for its highly specialised dairy farm, the Indo-swiss
live stock project. Over 100 varietes of high yielding
cattle are reared here.Visitors are allowed into three
of the eleven cattle sheds at the farm. Visit Time : 0900
- 1100 hrs and 1400 - 1530 hrs.
Ramakalmedu
Ramakalmedu is 16 km from Nedumkandam, Thekkady-Munnar
Road. Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make
Ramakalmedu and enchanting retreat. The hilltop also offers
a panoramic view of the picturesque villages of Bodi and
Cumbum on the eastern slope of the Western Ghats. Distance
45 km from Idukki, 40 km from Thekkady and 75 km from
Munnar.
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Idukki Disticts |
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