|
Districts in Kerala
Idukki - House of spices :
The name, 'Idukki' is supposed derived from 'Idukku' means a narrow gauge. Man, animals and plants live in perfect harmony in this unspoiled natural queen of Kerala. The district is a sierra of domineering Western Ghats with altitude from 2500 to 6700 ft. The highest peak in Kerala, Anamudi, and a dozen peaks stand sentinels to Idukki, the spice kingdom of the state. The district has a forest of 260907 hector, largest area in the district. Several rivers, as Pampa and Manimala, originate from Idukki hills before meandering through the plainlands. Tourist Spots Wildlife Sanctuary and lake. The lake was formed in 1895 when the then Madras government constructed a reservoir across periyar. The wildlife sanctuary was declared Tiger Reserve in 1978. GENERAL INFORMATION Places to Visit : The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Open 06:00 - 18:00 hrs) Munnar : 136 km away from Kochi. Tucked away in misty teagardens. Indo-Swiz cattle project, Mattuppetti is near here.
Places to visit :
Pothamedu : One of the major plantation hubs of Munnar, Pothamedu is situated at a distance of around 6 km from the town. Views of coffee, tee, and cardamom plantations are excellent from this place. It is an ideal place for trekking and hiking amidst lush mountains, rolling hills, and breathtaking scenery. Pallivasal : A place of immense scenic beauty, Pallivasal is situated around 8 km from Munnar. It has the distinction of being home to the first hydropower project in Kerala. Attukal : An ideal place for long trekking, Attukal is situated between Munnar and Pallivasal. The place is a feast for the eyes with its panoramic waterfalls and rolling hills. Devikulam : Devikulam is an out-of-the-world experience among exotic flora and fauna, cool mountain air, and velvet lawns. An idyllic hill station, Devikulam is located at a distance of around 7 km from Munnar. The Sita Devi Lake situated here is an ideal picnic spot with its picturesque surroundings, mineral water, and trout-fishing facilities. Nyayamakad : An excellent picnic and trekking point, Nyayamakad is situated at a distance of 10 km from Munnar near Rajamala. Nyayamakad is a land of scintillating waterfalls with water cascading down from a height of around 1,600 metres.
Mattupetty Lake : Created by a small hydroelectric dam project, this lake is situated at a distance of around 13 km away from Munnar. The dam is flanked by steep rolling hills and woods all around. A cattle breeding centre-cum-dairy project (a joint project between India and Switzerland) situated here offers a realistic insight into the modern cattle breeding industry. Rajamala : A precious but little-known place situated at a distance of 15 km from Munnar, Rajamala is home to almost half the population of Nilgiri tahrs (a rare mountain goat). In fact, the Eravikulam-Rajamala region is the natural habitat of this almost extinct species with around 1,000 of them staying here. Chithirapuram : This small hill station exudes an old-world charm with its old playgrounds and courts, bungalows, and sleepy little cottages that point to its colonial past. Situated at a distance of around 10 km from Munnar, Chithirapuram is home to Pallivasal hydel power project. Echo Point : As its name suggests, the place has a natural echo phenomenon. It is situated at a distance of around 15 km from Munnar on the way to Top Station. Weekend Trips/Excursions : The Nilgiri region is known for its breathtaking landscape and natural splendour. Anayirankal is a well-known plantation site with some excellent views. Top Station offers panoramic views from an altitude of 2,200 metres. Marayoor Lake is one of the most known picnic spots in the state. Cheeyappara is a famous waterfall near Munnar. Meenuli is known for its large rock extending over an area of 500 acres. Nadukani is an excellent viewpoint.
Anayirankal : Surrounded by lush tea plantations and evergreen forests, Anayirankal is situated at a distance of around 22 km from Munnar. A visit to the splendid reservoir and the Anayirankal dam gives excellent views. Top Station : Situated at an altitude of 2,200 m, Top Station offers wonderful views of the valley down below and panoramic landscape. The hilltop is situated at a distance of around 41 km north from Munnar town on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border. According to a local belief, the place derived its name from Middle Station and Lower Station, both lying down the valley, which were once connected to this place via a ropeway. Marayoor : Around 40 km from Munnar, Marayoor has many firsts to its credit. It is the only place in Kerala with natural growth of sandalwood trees, natural caves with murals, and relics from Later Stone Age civilisation. There is a sandalwood factory of the Forest Department of Kerala and a children's park extending across one hectare of land under the canopy of a single Banyan tree, all of which attract tourists in large numbers. Some nearby destinations such as Thoovanam and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also of great interest. Cheeyappara : Located between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi-Madurai Highway, Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are a treat to the eyes. The fall cascades down in seven steps making it unique. Meenuli : Meenuli is an ideal place for trekking with its huge rock extending over 500 acres in area and two acres of evergreen forests upon it. From the top of the rock, one can see the Lower Periyar Area, Bhoothathankettu and even up to Ernakulam on a fine day.
Nadukani : Situated at an altitude of 3,000 ft. above sea level, Nadukani offers excellent views of the Moolamattam town, Malankara lake, etc. It is a natural dream heaven lilted with green-clad hills, silvery streams, valley, and paddy fields. Enhancing the mysticism of the place are a beautiful lake and murmuring grooves, all promising a new life. You can encounter many rare species here like the hornbill, wild rabbits, spotted sambhar, jungle mainah and elephants, to name a few. Peerumedu : A hideaway in the snuggle of tea gardens. Chinnar wildlife sanctuary : On Munnar- Udumelpetta route, 50 km from Munnar. Kumali : Portal of Thekkady, where Kerala and Tamil cultures meet and mingle.Mangaldevi temple 12 km away. Maryur : Famous for sandwood forests. Marayur jaggery is well-known. Sericulture and silk sari weaving are other attractions. Waterfalls : Vallakkuthu waterfalls on Aluva-Munnar road. Thommankuthu falls, 20 km off Thodupuzha. Thenmarikkuthu falls in Udumbenoore.
|
The places in and around Munnar abound in beautiful landscapes and cool pleasant atmosphere. Besides tea and other plantations, the old-world charm of Colonial establishments attracts visitors to this place all the year round. Pothamedu is known for its plantation business apart from trekking and hiking options amidst sylvan surroundings. Devikulam is an idyllic hill station near Munnar. Pallivasal is home to the first hydropower project in Kerala. Attukal has several panoramic waterfalls and offers trekking options. Nyayamakad is again a well-known picnic spot around Munnar. Mettupetty has an artificial lake built by a small hydroelectric project. Rajamala is known as the natural habitat of endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Chitthirapuram is a small hill station that was once the favourite of the British while Echo Point is known for the natural echo effect it produces.