IDUKKI

The scenic beauty of Idukki is unique in every respect. It has nothing to boast of the rise and fall of dynasties, but it has housed a flourishing civilization. The Mangaladevi Temple dedicated to Kannaki of ancient Tamil literature, Marayur Caves known as ‘Muniyaras’ with ancient cave paintings, Muthalakkudam Church built in the 13^th century, Minar mosque built by Vadakkumkoor Rajas etc speak volumes of the civilization that flourished in Idukki. PAINAVU is the district Headquarters.

THE IDUKKI ARCH DAM

The gigantic 780 MW Hydroelectric project is built on the river Periyar, which is flowing through a gorge between two massive mountains called Kuravan Mala and Kurathi Mala. The arch dam is built at this gorge. The Idukki Profect consists of three dams-the 550 feet high arch dam, 454 feet high Cheruthony dam and the Kulamavu dam. This double curvature arch dam is the second highest in India and an engineering marvel.

Cheruthoni is the area around the Idukki and Cheruthoni dams. Boats are available for the two-hour cruise between Cheruthoni and Kulamavu.

THE HILL TOWN OF MUNNAR

Munnar is 130 km south- east of Kochi. Situated at an altitude ranging from 1600 to 1800 meters above sea level, Munnar is surrounded by some of the world's highest tea growing estates. This Hill Station presents south India’s most enchanting mountain scenery. With its craggy peaks, sprawling evergreen tea estates and tranquil rustic atmosphere, Munnar is a delightful alternative to the better known hill stations of Tamil Nadu.Once Munnar had been the favourite summer resort of the European settlers for centuries.

THATTEKKAD BIRD SANCTUARY

This bird sanctuary in Devikulam Taluk is 20 km from Kothamangalam on the Ernakulam – Munnar Road. This 25 sq. km. Sanctuary is formed between the branches of the river Periyar. The vegetation here consists of tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen moist deciduous forests and plantations of teak, rosewood, mahagony etc. The sanctuary is home to the Malabar grey hornbills, woodpeckers, parakeets, falcons and rare species such as Sri Lankan frogmouth and rose-billed roller. There are boat cruises available from Bhoothathankettu to Thattekkad.

To stay and dine: There are a few hotels at Kothamangalam and an Inspection Bungalow at Bhoothathankettu.

MATTUPETTY

Maatupetty, situated at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level, is 13 km away from Munnar. The Indo-Swiss Dairy Project is here. The green meadows, the cattle, the rose garden etc. is an attraction for the tourists.

ERAVIKULAM-RAJAMALAI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

This National Park is home to the largest population of Nilgiri Tahr (a type of mountain goat) existing in the world now, and barking deer, giant Malabar squirrel, sambar, gaur, wolf etc. The highest peak of Kerala, the Anamudi in the southern part of this park provides a magnificent spectacle. A variety of plant life is also present here. The well known medicinal plant ‘Neelakurinji’ is among the rarer species found here. This park is 135 km from Ernakulam and 16 km from Munnar.

THE HILL SATTION OF PEERUMEDU

This small hill station is on the way to Thekkady. It is amidst rubber, tea, coffee and cardamom plantations.

PERIYAR WILD LIFE SANCTUARY

The Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary at Thekkady is a 777 sq. km reserve on the western slopes of the Western Ghats is the most popular wild life sanctuary. A pleasant place to escape from the madding crowds of the cities and towns, a nice place to cruise on the lake, a place to enjoy a jungle walk with an opportunity to see the wild animals. The park is home to antelopes, bison, sambar, wild boar, elephants and a wide variety of birds in addition to tigers and leopards. The journey to Thekkady itself is quite enchanting as the road winds through tranquil countryside, green plantations and thick jungles.

A study of the Periyar Tiger Reserve conducted by the Kerala Forest Research Institute has revealed the richness of diversity of the park. The reserve was found to have some 1965 species of plants signifying that it is easily among the richest areas in plant variety in the world. A parallel could be drawn only with the Agasthyamala region where 3800 species of plants were recorded. The high degree of endemism exhibited by the Reserve makes it all the more important from the point of view of biodiversity conservation. About 150 species of plants which have been placed under various threat categories by the World Conservation Union, have been identified from the Reserve.

The park encompasses a 26 sq. km artificial lake created by the British in1895. The sanctuary offers an enchanting view of the wild life by taking a boat trip in the lake. Jungle walks can also be interesting. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between September and May.

There is a Wildlife Information Centre at Thekkady which is inside the park. The nearest town is Kumily (4 km from the lake) on the Kerala –Tamil Nadu border. Kumily is a 4 hour bus journey from Kottayam [110 km].

MANGALADEVI TEMPLE

Near Thekkady. It provides a magnificent view of the ruined temple The Mangaladevi Temple is dedicated to Kannaki of ancient Tamil literature