Idukki is a beautiful town in the Idukki district near the headquarter of Painavu in Kerala. Idukki is such a destination created in 1972 in Kerala, and it is one of the best destinations that is enriched in greenery. Undoubtedly, this place can be an excellent holiday destination for its beautiful charm. Therefore, this post will discuss the 10 best tourist destinations to visit in Idukki.
Check out this list of 10 Best Tourist Destinations to Visit in Idukki:
1. Hill View Park
If you are recently married and want to spend some time with your partner, standing at the top of a hill enjoying the view will be the best option. Hill View Park is such a destination that will surely win your heart due to the spectacular views of the Dams.
As the name of this park shows, you will be able to get a good view from a hill when you visit there. The area provides an excellent panoramic view of the area below, where you can see elephants in their natural habitat.
This park is situated near the Idukki arch dam and the Cheruthoni dam. In the complex of this park, you can see a natural water body. Here you will get boating facilities too. Also, you can bring your children too as there you will get a children’s playground.
- Best Time to Visit: September to March.
- How to Reach: Located 1.5 km from Idukki town, easily accessible by road. The nearest railway station is Kottayam, around 120 km away.
- Key Attractions: Offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills, the Idukki Dam, and the Periyar River. A well-maintained park with a boating facility.
- Travel Tips: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best views. Carry a camera for capturing the scenic vistas.
2. Idukki Arch Dam
Do you want to float in the water with your love? Or are you searching for some beautiful water scenery photos that help you gain lots of likes on different social media platforms? If so, then Arch Dam will be the best choice for you. Indeed, it is a majestic and awe-inspiring dam. It is situated at an altitude of 167.68 meters.
Kerala Government constructed this dam in 1975. The surrounding beauty of this dam will surely captivate you. The mesmerizing beauty of this place will draw you towards this place again and again.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- How to Reach: Located around 43 km from Thodupuzha, accessible by road. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport.
- Key Attractions: Asia’s first arch dam, spanning the Kuravan and Kurathi hills. The dam provides a breathtaking view of the reservoir and surrounding greenery.
- Travel Tips: Photography is restricted, so be mindful of the rules. Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Cheruthoni and Kulamavu dams for a complete experience.
3. Mangala Devi Temple
A historical temple situated at 1337m above sea level. It is one of the famous temples dedicated to Mangala Devi. This temple is located in the dense forests of Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Idukki district of Kerala and the Tamil Nadu state border.
Apart from Mangala Devi, here you can see the idols of Lord Shiva, Ganesh, and Lord Karuppuswamy. During the Chitrapournami festival, the devotees can visit the idols and offer their prayers. As the temple is spread over a massive 12 kilometers, you can visit the entire temple with a jeep.
According to the locals, there are many historical stories attached to this place, making this place one of the unforgettable places to visit in Idukki.
Read also: Explore South India in October: Top Travel Destinations
- Best Time to Visit: April (during the annual Chithira Pournami festival) and November to March.
- How to Reach: Located 15 km from Thekkady, accessible by a jeep ride through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Key Attractions: An ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Mangala Devi, set at an altitude of 1,337 meters, offering stunning views of the Western Ghats and nearby villages.
- Travel Tips: The temple is open to the public only during the Chithira Pournami festival. The jeep ride can be bumpy, so prepare accordingly.
4. Kulamavu Dam
It is one of the most recommended places to visit in Idukki. If you imagine hiking or trekking, this will be the right place. Kulamavu is a popular hill station for all love birds, which offers the perfect place to boost your excitement and fill your blood with new energy.
It is one of the triumvirate dams of the Idukki reservoir project. It was constructed in 1961 to restrict water flow into the Kallivalli rivulet. This dam was built on the Periyar River. Kulamavu is one of the best places to visit in Idukki. For its spectacular beauty, you must visit this place.
- Best Time to Visit: September to March.
- How to Reach: Located about 33 km from Idukki, accessible by road.
- Key Attractions: A part of the Idukki Hydroelectric Project, offering picturesque views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
- Travel Tips: Ideal for picnics and short treks around the dam. Visit during the monsoon or post-monsoon season to see the reservoir in its full glory.
Read also: Discover Kerala in October: Top Travel Destinations
5. Nadukani
It is another one of the famous hills situated 25KM away from Idukki, and this place is renowned for its big mountain. So, if you have a fantasy about hill climbing, choose this place. It is a beautiful hill where three rivers meet, and many rare species of animals and plants can be seen.
Here you can get a bird’s-eye view of the Idukki and Ernakulam districts. From this place, you can get the picturesque landscape of the sparkling waters of the Muvattupuzha River, Malankara Reservoir, and the Moolamattom town. The spectacular views of the sky-high mountains will surely captivate your heart. If you are an adventure enthusiast, you must visit this place.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- How to Reach: Located around 25 km from Idukki, accessible by road.
- Key Attractions: A picturesque viewpoint offering a 360-degree view of the mountains, forests, and nearby villages.
- Travel Tips: Carry binoculars to enjoy the distant views of the Periyar River and surrounding landscape. Ideal for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
6. Anakkara
It is a small village in the Idukki district famous for its beauty. This village has many beautiful farms and different types of wildlife sanctuaries on the Kumily-Munnar state highway. This place is renowned for beautiful scenarios and various species of flora and fauna.
This small village is spread over only 50 square kilometers of area. From the Idukki wildlife sanctuary, this village is situated within 18 kilometers only. This village is mainly famous for the spectacular views of the picturesque waterfalls and spice plantations. When you come to this place, visit Ottakathalamedu, which offers a panoramic view.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- How to Reach: Located about 18 km from Thekkady, accessible by road.
- Key Attractions: A small village known for its spice plantations and scenic beauty. Visitors can tour pepper, cardamom, and coffee plantations.
- Travel Tips: Take a guided tour of the spice plantations to learn about the cultivation process. Buy fresh spices directly from the farms.
7. Thommankuthu Falls
It is one of the famous and beautiful falls you can visit with your partner or family. The beauty of this farm will win your heart. This location is best suited for trekkers and rock climbers. This waterfall got its name after Thomman fell into the waterfall while crossing the river.
It is also reckoned as the seven-step waterfall as it has seven water cascades and pools. The entire area has accessible caves and rocks that are amazing for performing various adventurous activities like camping and rock climbing.
Besides all those facilities, you can do many more activities with your partner to make this trip memorable. Horse riding and fishing are common facilities available this fall, which make your trip more exciting. Check out the list of the Top 11 Waterfalls in Kerala.
- Best Time to Visit: September to February.
- How to Reach: Located about 20 km from Thodupuzha, accessible by road.
- Key Attractions: A seven-step waterfall with pools at each level, set amidst dense forests. Ideal for trekking and picnics.
- Travel Tips: The trek to the falls can be challenging, especially during the monsoon. Wear sturdy shoes and carry water and snacks. Swimming is possible in some of the pools but exercise caution.
8. Murikkady
It is another one of the famous places where you can enjoy your holidays. This place is renowned for the plantation of coffee, tea, cardamom, and pepper. You can visit this place and observe the beautiful farms and plantation processes of tea and coffee and drink those beverages.
This place is also famous for the royal filter coffee and spice tea. For its spectacular beauty, it can be a perfect picnic spot. This beautiful destination of the Idukki district is only 5 kilometers away from Thekkady. Here you can observe the beautiful lush green trees and mountains.
Also, the fresh fragrance of the species, tea, and coffee will always make you feel refreshed. To witness this place’s incredible beauty, you should surely visit this destination of Idukki.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- How to Reach: Located 5 km from Thekkady, accessible by road.
- Key Attractions: Known for its spice, coffee, and tea plantations, offering scenic views of rolling hills covered with lush greenery.
- Travel Tips: Ideal for a day trip or a short stop while exploring Thekkady. Visit a plantation estate for a guided tour and buy fresh produce directly from the source.
9. Meesapulimala
It is the second-highest peak in south India, making it an ideal place for trekking. The starting point of the trek is Silent valley, and after 8Km of trekking, you can get grasslands. Wildlife, rainforests, and small waterfalls can be noticed in this single mountain.
In short, almost all types of natural experiences are available on this mountain. That’s why it is the most recommended place if you want to visit Idukki. It is situated at an altitude of 2640 meters.
For its height and surroundings, it is a paradise for trekkers. It is located near Munnar town. The peak of this mountain is made of a total of eight peaks. The beauty of this mountain is appreciable.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February.
- How to Reach: The base camp for the trek is at Rhodo Valley, about 20 km from Munnar. The nearest railway station is Aluva, and the nearest airport is Cochin International Airport.
- Key Attractions: The second-highest peak in Kerala, offering a challenging trek with breathtaking views of the Western Ghats, Rhododendron forests, and high-altitude grasslands.
- Travel Tips: The trek requires moderate to high fitness levels. It’s advisable to go with a guide or join an organized trekking group. Carry warm clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly at higher altitudes.
10. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
If you want to flee away from the hustle and bustle of the cities, then Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary will be the perfect destination for you. This wildlife sanctuary is located at 450 to 750 feet above sea level.
This sanctuary is housed amidst the picturesque settings of tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests and meadows. Here you can see hordes of wild elephants.
Also here you can see other animals like sambar, wild dogs, deer, wild boars, jungle cats, and tigers. Several reptiles like viper, cobra, and krait are also available in this wildlife sanctuary. You can check out our article about the best wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Kerala here
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- How to Reach: Located about 40 km from Thodupuzha, accessible by road.
- Key Attractions: Home to a variety of wildlife including elephants, sambar deer, bison, and diverse bird species. The sanctuary also offers boat rides on the Periyar River.
- Travel Tips: Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to spot wildlife. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for trekking, and carry binoculars for bird watching.
Conclusion
Hope you read all the information given above and now you know the best tourist places to Visit in Idukki. All the sites mentioned above are best to visit, and these destinations will make your holidays memorable. So, to explore the tremendous beauty of the Idukki district, you must visit these places. Surely these places will draw you towards this charming destination again and again.
More Information on Kerala:
- North Kerala Top 16 Famous Places to See
- 10 Most Famous Destinations to Visit in Idukki, Kerala
- Top 10 Popular Honeymoon Resorts in Kerala
- List of the Kerala Wildlife National Park
- Famous Ayurveda Spas & Wellness Centres in Kerala
- Kerala Most Beautiful Honeymoon Destinations
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are the best tourist places to visit in Idukki?
Some of the best tourist places to visit in Idukki include the Idukki Arch Dam, Munnar, Thekkady, Vagamon, and the Hill View Park. These spots offer stunning views, rich wildlife, and serene landscapes.
2. What is Idukki famous for?
Idukki is famous for its picturesque landscapes, tea plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, and the Idukki Arch Dam, which is one of the highest arch dams in Asia.
3. What are the must-see viewpoints in Idukki?
The Idukki Arch Dam View Point, Kalvari Mount, and Ramakkalmedu are must-see viewpoints in Idukki, offering breathtaking views of the Western Ghats and surrounding valleys.
4. Are there any famous temples in Idukki?
Yes, the Mangala Devi Temple and Sree Ayyappa Temple are famous temples in Idukki, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike for their spiritual significance and scenic locations.
5. What are the top activities to do in Idukki?
In Idukki, you can enjoy activities like trekking, boating in the Periyar Lake, visiting tea plantations, and exploring wildlife sanctuaries such as Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
6. What is the best time to visit Idukki?
The best time to visit Idukki is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
7. How far is Idukki from Ernakulam, and what are the nearby attractions?
Idukki is about 100 km from Ernakulam. Nearby attractions include Munnar, known for its tea plantations, and Thekkady, famous for its wildlife and Periyar Lake.
8. What are the best places to visit in Idukki for a one-day trip?
For a one-day trip in Idukki, you can visit the Idukki Arch Dam, Hill View Park, and the Painavu Dam. These places are close to each other and offer a great mix of nature and adventure.
9. Are there any good trekking spots in Idukki?
Yes, Idukki offers excellent trekking spots like Meesapulimala, Ramakkalmedu, and the trails around the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, which are perfect for adventure enthusiasts.
10. What makes Idukki a unique tourist destination in Kerala?
Idukki is unique for its untouched natural beauty, high-altitude landscapes, and rich biodiversity. The combination of scenic hills, dams, and wildlife makes it a top destination in Kerala for nature lovers.
