Idukki

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History Idukki derived from the Malayalam word 'idukku' meaning narrow gorge, was formed on January 26, 1972 carving out Devikulam, Peerumedu and Udumbanchola taluks from the erstwhile Kottayam district and Thodupuzha taluk from the erstwhile Ernakulam district. Located in the southern part of Kerala, Idukki is a landlocked district spread over an area of 5019 sq.kms. Blessed generously by Mother Nature, Idukki offers diverse attractions like wild life sanctuaries, hill stations, spice plantation centers and mountain treks uses, chiefly significant in the Coir industry.	idukki Idukki, the beautiful hill station of Kerala derives its name from a Malayalam word 'idukku', which means narrow gorge. Idukki is known as the land of massive mountains, variegated valleys and splendid streams. Located in the southern portion of Kerala, Idukki offers diverse tourist attractions like hill ranges, mountain treks, spice plantations, virgin beauty of nature and wild life sanctuaries. The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is the prime attraction of the hill town of Idukki. It is spread over an area of 70 sq km in the vicinity of the Arched Dam. The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in green forest cover and vibrant flora and fauna. Tourist may easily spot animals like the elephant, bison, sambhar, deer etc. you may also find a wide variety of snakes and birds like the jungle foul, laughing thrush etc. Very near to the hill station of Idukki, is another hill station called Peermade. Peermade was summer resort of the former Tranvancore rulers. Peermade is worthy of visit for its green grasslands, wonderful waterfalls and pleasant plantations of tea, coffee and rubber. Thekkady is at a distance of almost 65 km from Idukki. The place is visited for unspoilt beauty of the nature and vast wildlife population. Thekkady is famous for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary where you can find the artificial lakes, hills and plantations along with the fauna and avifauna. Trekking, elephant rides and boating can be indulged in while at Thekkady. From Idukki, you may also visit the hill station of Munnar, which is at a distance of 70 km. The place has the beauty enhanced by the tea plantations, nice town planning, winding lanes and perfect climatic conditions. Kerala Hub offers tour packages, tour booking, hotel packages and hotel booking for beaches resorts in Kerala. To book a hotel or tour, or for more information, please fill up the form below.
Idukki Arch Dam  Idukki Arch Dam 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 Cheruthoni barrage. To its west is the Kulamavu Dam. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located closeby.	Thekkady Wildlife Thekkady, located 65 km from Idukki is one of finest wildlife reserves in India. Spread across Idukki is picturesque plantations and holds great opportunities for treks and mountain walks. This bird sanctuary is a peninsular land of 25 sq. km formed between the branches of River Periyar. The rivers are rich in fish life and are shallow for most of the year. The avifauna includes both resting indigenous birds and water birds. The most notable of the birds are Malabar grey hornbill, grey jungle fowl, heron, egret, jungle myna, wood pecker, rose winged and blue winged parakeet. Rare birds like Ceylon frog-mouth, rose billed roller etc. are also seen. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves - the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread across 777 sq km, of which 360 sq. km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar, however, are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.
Munnar  Munnar is situated at a distance of 70 km from Idukki is 1600 meter above the sea level. This 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 is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue 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 trekking.
CSI Christ Church The history of Munnar CSI Christ Church is unique. Its real history begins with a cemetery which is attached to it. Mrs. Eleanor Knight, the wife of H.M Knight, the General Manager of the plantation was buried there in 1894. After the buriel of Mrs. Knight, some other British were also buried there. Later on Knight presented that area as a place of burial. It was formally consecrated on April 15th 1900 on Easter Day by Rt. Rev. Noel Hodges. The foundation stone of the church was laid on March 1910 by Sir. A. K. Muir. It was dedicated on Easter day April 16th in the year 1911 by Rev. W.F.B Hoysted who was the chaplain at that time. The British handed over the church to CSI North Kerala Diocese when they left the High Range in the year 1981. Till then both the Indians and British worshipped in the same church at different times. Now it is the head quarters of CSI Munnar Pastorate which has nearly 1000 Tamil families and 18 out station churches.
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. Kattappana deserves the lime light for another reason. It is home to Sebastian Joseph Njallani, a semi-literate farmer whose achievement in popularizing the superior variety of Cardamom now known as 'Njallani' developed in his farm, has eclipsed the feats of established Research Organisations.