IDUKKI
HILL STATION
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.
Munnar: (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.
