PLACES TO VISIT

AT

IDUKKI

A large concrete dam spanning a valley with water behind it, surrounded by forested hills under a cloudy sky.
Dam in a lush green valley with a reservoir behind it, surrounded by forested hills.
A large dam with a curved concrete wall across a body of water, with green hills and mountains in the background.
View of a large dam with a curved concrete wall, holding back water in a reservoir surrounded by hills.
Tropical trees and plants in front of a large dam or water barrier.
Two boats sailing on a wide river surrounded by lush green trees on both sides under a partly cloudy sky.
Scenic view of a large water reservoir surrounded by hills and greenery, with a partly cloudy sky.
A large body of water surrounded by hills and mountains with partly cloudy sky.
A scenic view of a lake surrounded by hills and trees, with a partly cloudy sky overhead.
Dammed river valley with a large concrete dam, surrounded by green hills, and a small building with a blue roof in the foreground.

CHERUTHONI DAM

View of a dam with a blue spillway across a reservoir, surrounded by rocky hills and sparse vegetation.
Large concrete dam with spillways and greenery at the base.
A dam with water flowing through turbines, surrounded by green hills under cloudy skies.
Large concrete dam with water spilling over the top, creating a white waterfall, surrounded by trees and a cloudy sky.
A large dam with water spilling over its gates, surrounded by green hills and mountains in the background.
A mountain range next to a body of water with a dam and some buildings in the foreground.
A large concrete dam with spillways and sluice gates, with trees and a building in the foreground.
A large statue of a man with a beard standing near a dam, holding a staff, with a body of water and hills in the background.
A large body of water with a dam and hills in the background under a blue sky with clouds.

IDUKKI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Kerala’s most scenic and ecologically rich protected areas, located in the heart of Idukki district. Established in 1976, the sanctuary surrounds the famous Idukki Reservoir, formed by the Idukki, Cheruthoni, and Kulamavu dams. The landscape is characterized by forested hills, tranquil waters, and rich biodiversity, offering visitors a peaceful nature experience.

The sanctuary features a mix of tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, and deciduous forests, supporting a wide variety of wildlife. Commonly sighted animals include Asian elephants, sambar deer, barking deer, wild boar, and jungle cats, along with diverse bird species such as hornbills, kingfishers, and woodpeckers. The calm surroundings and scenic beauty make it an ideal destination for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and eco-tourism travelers.

Idukki district is one of Kerala’s most ecologically rich regions, home to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks that preserve a wide variety of flora and fauna. The region offers a unique mix of evergreen forests, grasslands, sholas, and riverine ecosystems, making it a hotspot for wildlife tourism and eco-tourism.

1. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Location: Around Idukki Reservoir, Idukki district

  • Highlights: Tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests; sightings of elephants, sambar deer, wild boar, and diverse bird species

  • Activities: Wildlife observation, nature walks, scenic landscapes

2. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Periyar Tiger Reserve)

  • Location: Thekkady, Idukki

  • Highlights: Famous for Asian elephants, tigers, leopards, and the Periyar Lake

  • Activities: Boat cruises, wildlife spotting, guided forest tours

3. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Location: Near Munnar, Idukki

  • Highlights: Dry deciduous forests; home to grizzled giant squirrels, elephants, and leopards

  • Activities: Trekking, river exploration, wildlife observation

4. Eravikulam National Park

  • Location: Munnar, Idukki

  • Highlights: Habitat of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, rolling grasslands, and Anamudi Peak, the highest in South India

  • Activities: Trekking, photography, eco-tourism

5. Anamudi Shola National Park

  • Location: Near Eravikulam, Idukki

  • Highlights: Montane evergreen shola forests, endemic flora and fauna

  • Activities: Birdwatching, guided nature walks

6. Mathikettan Shola National Park

  • Location: Near Munnar, Idukki

  • Highlights: Shola forests that act as a biodiversity corridor; home to elephants and endemic species

  • Activities: Trekking, wildlife observation, eco-tourism

Idukki district offers an unparalleled opportunity for travelers to explore Kerala’s rich biodiversity, from dense forests and wildlife sanctuaries to serene lakes and hilltop vistas, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and eco-tourists.

Distance from Mundakayam

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located approximately 84 kilometers from Mundakayam. The journey by road takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The route passes through scenic hill roads, tea plantations, and forested landscapes, making the travel experience enjoyable and memorable.

PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Group of yaks walking along a grassy hillside with mountains and forest in the background.
Five birds perched on dead tree branches above water with a background of trees and sky.
Elephant spraying water with its trunk in a river, tropical trees in the background, blue sky with clouds.
A herd of elephants grazing near a river in a lush green landscape.
Six elephants grazing near a waterbody in a green field with trees and hills in the background.
Lush green forest with various trees and shrubs, misty atmosphere, dense foliage, and a moss-covered rock.
View of a river with boats docked along the shore, surrounded by green hills and some trees, with a pathway along the riverbank where people are walking and standing.
Four boats docked along a grassy shoreline with a calm river or lake and a green, tree-covered hill in the background.

Munnar – The Queen of Hill Stations

Munnar, located in Idukki district, Kerala, is a serene hill station set amidst the Western Ghats, often called the "Kashmir of South India." Situated at an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters above sea level, Munnar is famous for its rolling tea plantations, misty valleys, and rich biodiversity. The town offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural heritage, making it a sought-after destination for travelers from across the world.

Natural Beauty

Munnar is surrounded by lush green hills, meandering streams, and tranquil waterfalls. The region’s unique topography creates a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year, ideal for leisure, trekking, and nature photography. Some of the notable natural attractions include:

  • Tea Gardens: Expansive plantations with scenic views and guided tours.

  • Eravikulam National Park: Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and Anamudi Peak, the tallest peak in South India.

  • Waterfalls: Famous waterfalls like Attukal, Lakkam, and Nyayamakad.

  • Lakes & Reservoirs: Kundala Lake and Mattupetty Dam are popular for boating and picnics.

Wildlife & Biodiversity

Munnar’s surrounding forests are part of the Western Ghats UNESCO World Heritage site and host a variety of flora and fauna:

  • Wildlife: Elephants, leopards, tigers (rare), Nilgiri Tahr, sambar deer, and langurs.

  • Birds: Hornbills, Malabar whistling thrush, kingfishers, and many endemic species.

  • Flora: Shola forests, medicinal plants, spices, and flowering shrubs.

Adventure & Activities

Munnar offers multiple outdoor activities for travelers:

  • Trekking & Nature Walks: Routes through hills, shola forests, and tea estates.

  • Boating: Kundala and Mattupetty lakes offer peaceful boating experiences.

  • Photography & Eco-tourism: Perfect for landscape and wildlife photography.

Cultural & Historical Significance

Munnar has a rich colonial history as a major tea-growing region developed during the British era. It also features local Kerala culture, traditional villages, and spice plantations, giving visitors a glimpse of authentic rural life.

Accessibility

  • By Road: 110 km from Kottayam, 140 km from Cochin

  • By Rail: Nearest station at Kottayam (~110 km)

  • By Air: Cochin International Airport (~140 km)

Best Time to Visit

  • October to March: Pleasant weather and clear skies for sightseeing

  • April to June: Lush greenery and ideal for trekking

  • Monsoon (July to September): Scenic waterfalls but may restrict outdoor activities

Munnar is truly a paradise for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and photographers, offering a serene escape amidst the breathtaking hills of Kerala.

Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, located near Munnar in Idukki district, Kerala, is a protected area nestled in the Western Ghats. Spread over approximately 97 km², it is renowned for its rolling grasslands, shola forests, and unique wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Highlights

  • Endangered Species: The sanctuary is famous as the natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr, a rare mountain goat endemic to the Western Ghats.

  • Anamudi Peak: The sanctuary is home to Anamudi, the highest peak in South India, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

  • Flora & Fauna:

    • Flora: Shola forests, grasslands, wildflowers, and medicinal plants

    • Fauna: Nilgiri Tahr, elephants, leopards, deer, and numerous bird species such as Malabar Whistling Thrush and kingfishers

Activities

  • Trekking & Nature Walks: Well-marked trails leading through grasslands and forest patches

  • Wildlife Viewing: Spotting Nilgiri Tahr and other endemic species in their natural habitat

  • Photography: Ideal for landscape and wildlife photography

Accessibility

  • Location: About 9 km from Munnar town, easily accessible by road

  • Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam (~110 km)

  • Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (~140 km)

Best Time to Visit

  • December to March: Clear skies and comfortable weather for trekking and sightseeing

  • April to June: Blooming wildflowers and lush green landscapes

Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for eco-tourists, offering a blend of mountain landscapes, unique wildlife, and serene natural beauty, making it one of Kerala’s most iconic hill stations and wildlife destinations.

Signboard for Eravikulam National Park in Munnar, with lush green hills and tea plantations in the background.
Group of mountain goats standing and sitting on rocks amidst green grass with mountains in the background.
Three young mountain goats standing among tall grass on a hillside with mountains in the background.
Hilly green landscape with a dirt path and wooden fence under a cloudy sky.
Lush green hills and mountains under a blue sky with some clouds.
A scenic mountain landscape with a foreground of purple wildflowers on green grass, cloudy sky, and distant mountains covered in mist.
Three wild goats resting on rocky terrain against a mountain backdrop.
A large hillside with sparse vegetation and a few trees, under a clear blue sky.
A goat standing on a mountain with a scenic background of rolling hills and cloudy sky.
A vast green hillside covered with purple wildflowers against a backdrop of mountains and cloudy sky.
A large mountain with cloud cover, green vegetation at its base, and a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds.
A sign indicating the location of the Tea Museum in Munnar, Kerala, with a scenic view of green tea plantations on rolling hills in the background. An inset image shows tea leaves being processed on machinery.
A yellow house with a gray roof surrounded by lush green tea plantations and trees with hills in the background.
Lush green terraced hillsides with winding roads and mountain backdrop, likely a tea plantation landscape.
Green tea plantation in a valley surrounded by hills and foggy mountains
A pathway running through lush green tea fields with trees and mountains in the background under a blue sky.
Lush green tea plantations on rolling hills with pathways and scattered trees.
Lush green tea plantations covering rolling hills under a partly cloudy sky in a rural landscape.
Lush green terraced tea fields on rolling hills with a winding dirt road and mountain range in the background.
Green tea plantations on rolling hills with misty background
A winding dirt road runs through a lush, green tea plantation on rolling hills.
Elephants walking through a green tea field with neatly arranged rows.
People harvesting tea leaves in a green tea plantation surrounded by trees and mountains.