Dense forests and mountainous hills, hill resorts and wildlife sanctuaries, rubber plantations and tea factories, the versatility of natural beauty that Idukki offers is something that can rarely be found in any other place in the country. The tranquil beauty of this mountainous district of Kerala on the Western Ghats, make the district a common interest for romantic people.
Always fresh and green and fed by the three rivers Periyar, Thodupuzha and Thalayar along with their tributaries, Idukki is a major tourist destination in Kerala. A treasure trove for world famous, best quality spices and home for tea plantations that cover the hills like a blanket of greenery, make Idukki a calm, tranquil and serene travel destination. You can read more about Kerala tour packages
Idukki is very well connected to all the major cities in the state and the neighbouring states as well. The roads are very good in condition and the journey is also very beautiful with lush green landscapes surrounding your route. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation has 8 bus routes to Idukki from different parts of Kerala. However, if you are travelling to and from the cities like Kochi, Kottayam, Kattappana, Kollam, Moolamattom, Kumily, Munnar, and Thodupuzha, you can choose to drive, as cab services are easily available in these cities.
The nearest railway station from the district of Idukki is Theni, which is about 60 km away from the city centre. You can take trains from the major cities Chennai, Bangalore, Kodaikanal etc. to reach Theni. From there, you can take a taxi or a cab to reach Idukki. The other railway station that is a bit far, but with way more well connected railway network is Kottayam, which is 114 km away from Idukki. Trains from all over the country come to Kottayam. You can take a bus or a cab from Kottayam to reach Idukki.
Kochi International Airport is the nearest airport from Idukki and it is located 110 km away from Idukki. You can get domestic as well as international flights to and from Kochi and from there, you can take a bus or hire a can to reach Idukki.
Like most of the southern districts and states in India, in Idukki also, the best time to visit is during the winter season. Idukki is one of those places in Kerala that experience the chill and the cold. If you want to enjoy the beauty of this state, especially the beauty of Idukki, winter is the best time as the temperature stays around 10 to 15 degrees. Sometimes, it is even lower in temperature, making it amazing for trekking.
Unlike the rest of the state of Kerala where it is mostly the sea coast, Idukki is a hill station and even summers are pleasant here. The days are sunny and the evenings are breezy. So, even summers are not bad a time to visit Idukki. The entire region is green by summer and the view is stunning.
During monsoon, the hill station of Idukki receives a lot of rainfall. The entire region becomes fresh and rain-washed with green everywhere. However, due to excessive rainfall, it becomes difficult to roam about the hilly regions or even trekking becomes difficult in Idukki. And since trekking is an important part of Idukki tourism, very few people visit Idukki during this time. But of course, hotel rates are low during monsoon as it is off season for tourism.
The Idukki Arch Dam is the most important places of interest in this region. The dam is built across the Periyar River, between the huge granite-rock made Kurathi Mala hills and Kuravan Mala. This arch dam is first of its kind in Asia and second in the entire world and is magnificent. It is 650 feet wide and 550 feet in height. The dam is home to a variety of wildlife and lush greenery.
The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is just adjacent to the Idukki Arch Dam. The vast forest region between Periyar and Cheruthoni rivers is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The lake in between adds to the beauty of the place.
Located in the Thekkady region, the 925 sq. km. vast Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on the banks of the Periyar river is a must visit place here. The best part of this wildlife sanctuary is that even if you visit this place during monsoon, you will be able to visit it, as it remains open even in monsoon. Check out Kerala wildlife tours
When you visit Idukki, you must visit a place from where you can enjoy the beauty of the entire region and the Hill View Park is the place that you should visit for that. This natural garden along with Cheruthoni and Idukki Dams is located on top the hills and you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view from top of this garden, with children’s play area and a lake for boating here.
Munnar is the most popular hill station in Idukki district. Hills covered with tea plantation and clouds touching the hilly roads re the most beautiful views that you will ever experience, when you are in Munnar.
Trekking is a major attraction in Idukki. The hills are not too difficult and hence, perfect for casual trekkers. But, for that you must come to Idukki during winter or summer as during monsoon, trekking is an absolute no!
Whether it is in the lake by the Idukki wildlife Sanctuary or the water body atop the Hill View Park, boating is a common activity that you can expect.
Idukki is a hill station and is fed by the water of many rivers. Rainfall is also quite abundant in this district and hence, there are many waterfalls in Idukki. Going for a relaxed picnic by some waterfalls is a common activity in this region. Read more Travel destinations in kerala
From hill resorts to hotels to holiday homes, you will get a number of accommodation choices in all the popular tourist destinations across Idukki. Communication to all the places of interest is also quite easy from different parts of Idukki.
