Idukki Sightseeing
Idukki is an ideal destination for the visitors in Thiruvananthapuram, the city being situated within just about a 5 hours’ driving distance from the city. The total length of the road route from Thiruvananthapuram to Idukki is around 250 Kilometres, which makes it easily reachable also from the other important cities in Kerala. The breathtaking views of drenched greeneries during the monsoons and the panoramic views of the widely popular dams are best enjoyed during the monsoon showers and the winter sunshine.Tourist Attractions in Idukki
The primary tourist attractions in Idukki range from historic sites to natural settings and man-made marvels. Some of the most interesting of these places to explore in Idukki include the Ramakkal, Idukki Dam, Kalvari Mount, Kurisumala Ashram, Anayirankal Dam Reservoir, Cheruthoni Dam, Kulamavu Dam, Hill View Park, Mathikettan Shola National Park, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Sita Devi Lake, Kurinjimala Wildlife Sanctuary, Dolmenoid Cists, Pambadum Shola National Park, Cheeyappara Waterfall, Dreamland Spices Park, Thrissanku Hills, Rajiv Gandhi Children’s Park, Sethuparvathipuram Dam and the Ponmudi Dam.
Ramakkal
Ramakkal is one of the unspoiled attractions in Idukki, which offers fascinating views of the landscaped valleys at the foothills seen beneath. The Kuravan Kurathi Statue is an interesting sculpture that enhances the uniqueness of this place. Trekking, visit to the spice gardens and exploratory trips in the wilds are some of the most interesting activities to be best enjoyed at Ramakkal. The Cumbum Vineyards and the Wind Farm are other beautiful sites that are worth exploring nearby Ramakkal. The Periyar Tiger Forest of Thekkady, Kuttikanam, Munnar and Parunthumpara are other interesting tourist destinations near Ramakkal or Ramakkalmedu apart from the countless spice farms and wildlife habitats.Idukki Dam and Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
The most expansive arch dam of Asia is the Idukki Dam, one of the finest sites to visit in Idukki. Distant views of the dam are extremely stunning and an exclusive boat ride, though for a short duration of just 15 minutes, leaves refreshing and everlasting memories in the minds of the visitors. The Idukki Dam is open for the visitors only during the celebrations of Onam and Christmas. A visit to the Idukki Dam after the first monsoon showers is worth trying, a KSEB pass being a must for getting access into the area.
Set amidst the towering Kurathimala and Kuravanmala hills, the Idukki Dam serves the Moolamattom Power Station for power generation. The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary positioned nearby is another major attraction in this area. The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal destination for the tourists to watch a wide variety of indigenous wildlife forms existing in their natural habitat, one of the prime of these being the Giant Grizzled Squirrel. Tomb of Saint Alphonsa and the Pepper Trails Food Tours are some of the nearby attractions sited close to the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary.
Kurisumala Ashram and other attractions in Idukki
The Kurisumala Ashram in Idukki is a perfect embodiment of peace and divinity being served by the devoted Cistercian priests. The Catholic Church here is a peaceful locale where the visitors can feel and realize the existence of God within us. The hill atop which the Kurisumala Ashram is located gives out the splendid views of the Vagamon Hills. The Anayirankal Dam Reservoir in Chinnakanal is one of the most exotic sites that need to be explored in Idukki. The sentence “Elephants come down” is described in the regional language by the word Anayirankal though it is a rare occasion for the visitors to behold the coming down of the elephants. The views of the reservoir beneath the velvety green wrap of the tea plants with the bluish landscaped hills reaching out to the horizon across the reservoir are hypnotic.
The Cheruthoni Dam is the largest dam of Kerala and like the Idukki Dam this too is open for public viewing only during the festivities. The Kalvari Mount, found within 16 kilometres of Kattappana along the Todupuzha Route offers panoramic views of the Idukki Dam, which can be best enjoyed during the summer months. The monsoon showers and the winter mists make it difficult for the visitors to enjoy a clear view of the distant setting. The Cheeyappara Waterfall, sited along the Kochi-Madurai Highway on one’s way to Munnar is great place to take quick snaps of the cascading water strings whereas the Sita Devi Lake is a charming locale to just admire the views of the serene waters and the Anayirankal reservoir at some distance atop a hill right after a short trek of about 4 kilometres.
