About Idukki
Idukki - The Spice Garden Of Kerala
A proud home of South India’s highest peak, Anamudi, which stands at a height of 2,695 meters, Idukki is one of the most stunning hill stations in Kerala.Housing 13 other peaks with a height of over 2000 meters, it attracts tourists from across the globe for its wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, spice plantation centers, and mountain treks. And to experience the best of all these natural marvels, include these mesmerizing Idukki tourist places that will add much-needed charm to your holiday in Kerala.
Popular Places In Idukki
Are you planning a trip to Idukki? Idukki is known for its scenic beauty and is believed to be a heaven for nature lovers. Here’s our pick of the best Idukki tourist places for a fun getaway with your friends and family. Take your pick and include them in your Kerala tour itinerary.
IDUKKI ARCH DAM
Constructed across the hills of Kuravan and Kurathi, the Idukki Arch Dam stands tall at a height of about 550 feet. Recognized as the world’s second and Asia’s first arch dam, the massive Idukki Dam can be witnessed in all its glory on the Periyar River. The natural beauty surrounding the dam is breathtaking and is one of the most popular places to see in Idukki.
RAMAKKALMEDU
Ramakkalmedu, a beautiful tourist place with green hills all around, is undoubtedly one of the favorite Idukki destinations, which is also popular for its trekking trails. The view point atop the hill is the highest point in this area, which can be reached by a small trek of 3 to 4 kilometers from Ramakkalmedu Junction. This is one of the best places to visit in Idukki.
.jpg)
.jpg)
VANDANMEDU
Located at a distance of 34 kilometers from the city centre, Vandanmedu is one of the world’s largest auction centers for Cardamom. One of the popular tourist places in Idukki for a one-day trip, Vandanmedu is perched at a height of 4000 ft. on the Thekkady-Munnar route. Be it a laid-back vacation or a fun day out at the cardamom plantation, Vandanmedu is an ideal escape for all travelers.
IDUKKI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Spread across an area of 70 sq. km, the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most famous tourist places in Idukki. Situated at an altitude of 450 to 748 meters, the sanctuary occupies the forest land between the Cheruthoni and Periyar rivers and is a natural habitat for several species of animals. Featuring a picturesque lake around the sanctuary, the whole region is covered by tropical and evergreen trees. This is one of the most popular things to do in Idukki.
CALVARY MOUNT
Anjengo, or Anjuthengo, originally meant a bunch of five coconut trees in Malayalam. The fort here is served by the one-time bastions of the British East India Company, second only to Bombay. Anjengo was raised as a signal station (the Light House) in 1695 for ships and cruises from England. The fort was then one of the major depots for the coir and pepper trade for the British East India Company. Anjengo Fort is situated very close to Varkala town (10–12 km away) and can be easily accessible by an auto ride. Anjengo Fort is a National Heritage Monument tagged with foreign connections (Dutch and Portuguese); the fort shelters quite an old cemetary and burials inside. Visiting the lighthouse is one of the most fun and exciting things to do in Varkala. A walk around the fort is the best way to experience the place and have a look at the pillars and high-rise ceilings that have a history inscribed on them. A walk through the backwater stretch brings more memories to your mind of the historic battlefield between the colonial powers like the Dutch, French, and British in Travancore.The bird's-eye view of the surrounding vistas, the Arabian Sea, and the coastline is breathtaking and makes it among the most ideal things to do in Varkala.
PAINAVU
When it comes to Idukki sightseeing, exploring the picturesque hill resort of Painavu is an ideal and a must-do for all travelers. Painavu, much famed as the headquarters of Idukki district, is one of the famous tourist attractions in Idukki. Perched at an altitude of 3,900 ft. and situated inside the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Painavu is also considered to be a great destination for trekkers.
ILAVEEZHA POONCHIRA
Ilaveezha Poonchira is a lovely valley spread across thousands of acres of land at the foot of three hillocks—Mannakunnu, Kudayathoor Hill, and Thonippara—near Kanjar. Known as one of the best Idukki destinations among all the popular places, Ilaveezha Poonchira is an ideal place for trekking and offers breathtaking views of sunrise and sunset.
THOMMANKUTHU WATERFALLS
The Thommankuthu Waterfalls, located at a distance of 25 km from the town, are one of the best-known places to visit in Idukki. An awe-inspiring seven-step cascading waterfall gushing down from a height of above 300 feet and with a pool at each level, it is one of the best Idukki tourist places to get up and close with nature and to enjoy a bit of trekking as well. This is among the most mesmerizing waterfalls in Kerala.
HILL VIEW PARK
Situated at a distance of less than half a kilometer from the Idukki Dam, Hill View Park is one of the famous tourist places in Idukki and offers magnificent views of the entire landscape. While wild elephant sighting is a common activity here, the 8 acres of Hill View Park also offer enticing opportunities for boating as well.
AYYAPPANCOIL HANGING BRIDGE
The Ayyappancoil Hanging Bridge is a simple yet interesting bridge structure. This is one of the longest hanging bridges in the state. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, taking a stroll on the bridge is a delightful experience. Built across the iconic Periyar River, the Ayyappancoil Hanging Bridge gives you a totally different frame for the landscape with hues of green.
