Idukki is a beautiful hill station located in the Indian state of Kerala. It is surrounded by the Western Ghats and is famous for its natural beauty, wildlife, and adventure activities. This article will be your ultimate guide to Idukki hill station, providing all the information you need to plan your trip.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- How to Reach Idukki
- Best Time to Visit Idukki
- Places to Visit in Idukki
- Idukki Arch Dam
- Mattupetty Dam
- Anamudi Peak
- Eravikulam National Park
- Keezharkuthu Falls
- Kalvari Mount
- Hill View Park
- Tea Gardens
- Things to Do in Idukki
- Trekking
- Wildlife Safari
- Boating
- Elephant Ride
- Jeep Safari
- Accommodation in Idukki
- Food in Idukki
- Safety Tips for Idukki
- Conclusion
- FAQs
How to Reach Idukki
The nearest airport to Idukki is Cochin International Airport, which is around 120 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Idukki. The nearest railway station is Kottayam, which is around 110 km away. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from the railway station to reach Idukki.
Best Time to Visit Idukki
The best time to visit Idukki is from October to February when the weather is pleasant and the hill station is covered in lush greenery. Avoid visiting Idukki during the monsoon season, which starts from June and lasts until September.
Places to Visit in Idukki
Idukki Arch Dam
Idukki Arch Dam is one of the main attractions of Idukki. It is the largest arch dam in Asia and the third-largest in the world. The dam is surrounded by beautiful scenery, and the view from the top is breathtaking.
Mattupetty Dam
Mattupetty Dam is another popular tourist destination in Idukki. It is located around 13 km from Munnar and is surrounded by beautiful hills and tea gardens. You can enjoy boating here and also visit the dairy farm nearby.
Anamudi Peak
Anamudi Peak is the highest peak in South India and is located in the Eravikulam National Park. You can trek to the top of the peak, which offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
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Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam National Park is a must-visit destination in Idukki. It is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and offers beautiful views of the Western Ghats. You can also trek here and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Keezharkuthu Falls
Keezharkuthu Falls, also known as Rainbow Waterfalls, is located around 25 km from Idukki. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and offers a beautiful view of the rainbow that forms in the mist.
Kalvari Mount
Kalvari Mount is a popular pilgrimage site in Idukki. It is located around 5 km from Idukki and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Hill View Park
Hill View Park is a beautiful park located in Idukki. It offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Idukki.
Tea Gardens
Idukki is famous for its tea gardens, and a visit to these gardens is a must when exploring the hill station. You can visit the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, which is one of the highest tea estates in the world, and learn about the process of tea-making. You can also enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea while enjoying the beautiful views of the tea gardens.
Things to Do in Idukki
Apart from visiting the tourist destinations mentioned above, there are many other things you can do in Idukki to make your trip more exciting.
Trekking
Idukki is a paradise for trekkers, with many trekking trails offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. You can trek to the top of Anamudi Peak, visit the Meesapulimala Peak, or explore the Chokramudi Peak.
Wildlife Safari
Idukki is home to many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, where you can go on a safari and spot exotic animals like elephants, tigers, and leopards. Some of the popular wildlife sanctuaries in Idukki are the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Boating
Boating is a popular activity in Idukki, with many beautiful lakes and dams offering boating facilities. You can enjoy boating at the Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Lake, or the Idukki Arch Dam.
Elephant Ride
An elephant ride is a unique experience that you must not miss when visiting Idukki. You can take a ride on an elephant’s back and explore the beautiful forests and hills of Idukki.
Jeep Safari
Jeep safari is another exciting activity that you can enjoy in Idukki. You can take a jeep safari to explore the beautiful hills and valleys of Idukki and spot some exotic wildlife.
Accommodation in Idukki
There are many accommodation options available in Idukki, ranging from budget to luxury. You can choose to stay in hotels, resorts, or homestays, depending on your budget and preferences. Some of the popular hotels in Idukki are the Mountain Club Resort, Thekkady Woods, and Cinnamon Wild Yala.
Food in Idukki
Idukki is known for its delicious food, which is a blend of South Indian and Kerala cuisine. Some of the popular dishes in Idukki are Appam, Puttu, Fish Curry, and Kerala Parotta. You can also enjoy some fresh seafood and local delicacies at the many restaurants and cafes in Idukki.
Safety Tips for Idukki
While visiting Idukki, it is essential to keep some safety tips in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Some of the safety tips are:
- Carry adequate warm clothing and rain gear, as the weather in Idukki can be unpredictable.
- Hire a local guide when trekking or exploring the forests and wildlife sanctuaries.
- Do not venture out alone at night and avoid visiting isolated areas.
- Follow the rules and regulations when visiting the tourist destinations and wildlife sanctuaries.
- Carry a first-aid kit and necessary medications with you.
Conclusion
Idukki is a beautiful hill station that offers something for everyone. From natural beauty to adventure activities and delicious food, Idukki is a must-visit destination in Kerala. With this complete tour guide to Idukki, you can plan your trip and make the most of your visit.
FAQs
- What is the best time to visit Idukki?
- The best time to visit Idukki is from October to February.
- What are the popular tourist destinations in Idukki?
- Some of the popular tourist destinations in Idukki are the Idukki Arch Dam, Mattupetty Dam, and Anamudi Peak
- Can I take a safari in Idukki?
- Yes, you can go on a wildlife safari in Idukki at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- What is the distance between Idukki and Kochi?
- The distance between Idukki and Kochi is approximately 120 km.
- Is Idukki safe for solo travelers?
- Yes, Idukki is generally safe for solo travelers, but it is essential to follow the necessary safety precautions and avoid visiting isolated areas at night. It is also recommended to hire a local guide when trekking or exploring the forests and wildlife sanctuaries.
