Thodupuzha.Net - The complete portal for Kerala, The Gateway of High ranges, God's own city in the gods own country, One of the fastest growing cities in Kerala

No doubt IDUKKI is Keralas's very own Eden and it is nature's very own private retreat.With its matchless scenic beauty the district has tremendous tourist potentialities. It is the largest district of Kerala with the lowest density of population. The district is marked by undulating hills and Valleys. The tallest peak in rest of India-Anamudi after the Himalayas is in Idukki district. Idukki district is also the perfect relaxation destination due its salubrious climatic conditions and bountiful nature.

Here the sky is bluer .The flora greener and the air is fresh. All kinds of wild animals with the exception of lions abound in the forest of Idukki. The grass lands of Peerumedu are a heaven of carnivora like the tiger and the leopard. The striped goat seen in Marayur region and Rajamala is found nowhere else in the world. The forest glades of Idukki resound in day time with the sweet voices of birds. Here, virgin forest dances to the tunes of gurgling lakes. "That is why,' if there is a heaven in God's own country', that is Idukki".

Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary,Thekkady

The most renowned destination is the Periyar Wild Sanctuary at Thekkady, of India's magor sanctuary areas. The drive to Thekkady itself is enchanting as the road winds through tranquil countryside, rich plantations and thick jungles.he sanctuary offers a lovely and comfortable way to see the animals via boat rides on the man make lake,which the wildlife areas encircled.

In addition to the wildlife, there are water and land birds galore here, and one can sometimes find dedicated bird watchers setting out for two weeks of serious observations .There are two KTDC run lodges within the sanctuary, the main Aranya Nivas stone lodge at the head of the lake, and the romantic lake palace on a small island/promontory up the lake, reachable only by boat. The Lake Palace was the former Maharaja's summer palace and will satisfy the most dedicated romantics.Though the sanctuary is open throughout the year, the best season is from September to May.

Idukki Wild Life Sanctuary

A game reserves comparable, though smaller to Periyar is the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, just above the Idukki Arch dam. This comprises 70 sq. Kms. of forest land between the Periyar and Charuthoni,situated around the sanctuary. The wildlife here is similar to that at Thekkady.

Eravikulam-Rajamalai Wild Life Sanctuary

Eravikulam is another wildlife sanctuary proclaimed as a national park since it supports the largest popularation of Nilagiri Tahr existing in the world now. Anamudi park, the highest point south of the Himalayas, falls in the southern part of this park. The park is 135 km from Cochin and is accessible by road.

A wide variety of plant life is present here. The popularly known Neelakurinjy is one of the rare species grown here. The Nilagiri Tahr is seen on the high lands and rocky regions of this national park. Sambar, Barking Deer, Gaur, Giant,Malabar Squirrel, Tiger, Panther, Black Bird, Jungle Crow etc. are also seen here.

The sanctuary is accessible by road,just 4 km from the Munnar - Udumalapet road, and can be reached within 15 minutes by car from Munnar.

Cheruthoni

Cheruthoni is the area around the Idukki and Cheruthoni dams, near Painavu, the headquarters of Idukki district situated 3917 feet above sea leval. On a clear day one can see certain part of faraway Cochin. You can reach Cheruthoni only by jeep. The Kerala State Eletricity Board , which looks after the dams, rents out boats for the two-hour cruise between Cheruthoni and Kulamavu.

Munnar-hill station

Munnar is beautiful, peaceful hill station covered with unending expanse is of tea plantations. Located 133 kms from 1600 to 1800 meters above sea level, Munnar boasts of the highest peak in South India -Anamudi 2695 meters high. Munnar the favorite summer resort of European settlers for centuries look its place on the tourism map of India only recently.

TOP STATION:-Situated at a distance of 32 Kms from Munnar. The stark contrast of these laterite, rocky mountains of top station with greeneries elsewhere is really striking. The rare and attractive Neelakurinji (Strobilatanthes) flowers in this region. There are about 46 varieties of this plant in Kerala and Strobilanthes seen in Munnar region takes twelve years to flower. The flowering season lasts for about one month.T he whole area baths in the violet of the Kurinji flowres during this season

Mattupetty

At an elevation of 1700 mts above the sea level, this place is 13 kms away from Munnar. It is also the seat of the Indo-Swiss Dairy Project where the green meadows, the exotic cattle and the rose garden attracts a lot of tourists.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

The bird sanctuary in Devikulam Taluk lies on the northern bank of the Periyar river. The area of the sanctuary is 25 sq.km, formed between the branches of River Periyar. The presence of more than 200 varities of birds in this areas attracted the world renowned ornithologist Dr.Salim Ali whose effort are also believed to be used in the formation of this sanctuary. Important birds found here include large Falcon, Gray Jungle Fowl, White Brested Water Hen, Hornbill etc.

Thommankuthu Waterfall

Thommankuthu is a chain of cascades about 15km from Thodupuzha. The serene and pristine beauty of the forest and stream attracts hundreds of tourists to this place.There are mainly seven waterfalls and a number of caves.It is an ideal place for eco-tourism .Trucking facility is available through DTPC information centre.

Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary

A thomy srub jungle presents no where elde makes this sanctuary unique. There is awild range of animals and good number of birds in this sanctuary. Animals include Elephant,Gaur,Sambar,Porcupine, Lion Tailed monkey etc. Birds like Jungle Fowl,Spotted Dove,Kerala laughing thrush etc is seen here. The sanctuary is situated on either side of the Marayoor-Udumalpet road and is hence accessible by road.

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