Idukki District

Idukki district is one of the 14 districts in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is the largest district in Kerala, nestled in the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats. The district includes two municipal towns, Kattappana and Thodupuzha, and is divided into five taluks.

The government established Idukki district on January 26, 1972, by incorporating Peerumade, Udumbanchola, and Devikulam taluks from the former High Range division of Kottayam district, and Thodupuzha taluk from Ernakulam district. Initially headquartered in Kottayam city, the division’s administration moved to Kuyilimala near Painavu and Cheruthoni in June 1976. The official administrative languages are Malayalam and English, with Tamil being the second most spoken language in the district.

Idukki district meets around 66% of Kerala’s power needs through various hydroelectric power projects. The district is renowned for cultivating cash crops and spices, which has earned it the title “The Spice Garden of Kerala.” A large portion of Idukki is protected as reserved forests and wildlife sanctuaries.  Major rivers originating in the district include the Periyar River and the Pamba River.

Despite being the largest district in terms of area, Idukki has the lowest population density in Kerala. The district’s mountainous terrain results in a lower urban population compared to the rural population. The 2,695 meters (8,842 feet) high Anamudi peak, the highest point in India outside the Himalayas, is located in northern Idukki. The Idukki Dam, one of the highest arch dams in Asia, is another notable feature.