Kerala’s Largest district, Idukki is one of the most nature-rich areas of the State. A landlocked region, here, high ranges and wooded Valleys are girded by three main rivers-Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhayar – and their tributaries. Powering Kerala with one-third of the State’s electricity. Idukki is also famous for its gigantic arch dam. Predominantly populated by tribes, an astonishing 50 percent of its total area is covered by forests. As a tourist destination, the place offers diverse attractions like wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, spice plantation tours, mountain treks, elephant rides etc. Idukki’s numerous trekking trails and spectacular landscape dotted with rich flora and flauna make it a dream destination for nature
enthusiasts.
Munnar
Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. 1600m above sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Goverment in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns,winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic, flora found in the forestsand grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue once in every twelve years, will bloom next in 2018 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.
Mattupetty
just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot.
Eravikulam National Park (Rajamala)
(15 km from Munnar) The 97 Sqkm park is situated in the DevikulamTaluk and is home to the NilgiriTahr.
The Anamudi Peak (2695 m)
Anamudi Peak is located in the southern region of the park.
Sanctuary Visit
The park is divided into three regions – the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area which is in the Rajamala region. The NilgiriTahr can be observed at close quarters here.VisitingTime : 0800 – 1700 hrs. Visitors are not allowed during MonsoonTrekking facilities are available here. Tourism are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi. This is also a place for adventure tourism. Trekking areas : Anamudi, Rajamala
Thekkady
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
(Open 0600 to 1800hrs). Snuggled in the Western Ghats, one of the world’s richest bio-diversity sports, is the fascinating natural wildlife sanctuary of Thekkady – the protected Periyar Tiger Reserve. The splendedartifical lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary in India where you have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat. The greatest attraction of Periyar, however, are the herbs of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake. VasanthaSena – an initiative of the eco-development committee at the Periyar Tiger Reserve Comprises a Voluntary group of tribal women who patrol the reserve to ensure that it remains pristine and poachers are kept at bay.