Famous Places of Idukki

Idukki district in Kerala is known for its scenic beauty, lush greenery, and rich wildlife. Some of the famous places of Idukki district include:

The Idukki district of Kerala, India, hosts a prominent wildlife sanctuary. Established in 1976, the sanctuary covers an area of approximately 77 square kilometers and nestles in the Western Ghats, offering a rich biodiversity and scenic beauty.

1. Location:

The Idukki and Cheruthoni reservoirs situate the sanctuary, and it spreads across the Idukki and Kattappana taluks. Additionally, the sanctuary lies near the famous Idukki Dam.

2. Flora & Fauna:

The sanctuary is famous for its diverse vegetation, which ranges from tropical forests to deciduous and semi-evergreen forests. It hosts a variety of plant species, including medicinal plants, bamboo, and several species of trees and shrubs. Furthermore, the sanctuary shelters a wide variety of wildlife, including several notable species.

3. Tourism and Activities:

• Trekking: The sanctuary offers trekking opportunities throughout its forests and hilly terrains, allowing visitors to experience the natural beauty and wildlife up close.
• Bird Watching: The sanctuary serves as a prime destination for bird watchers, especially due to its rich birdlife, which includes endemic species.
• Boating: Tourists can enjoy boat rides in the nearby Idukki Reservoir, offering an up-close view of the sanctuary’s natural surroundings.

4. Accessibility:

The sanctuary is easily accessible from major towns such as Idukki, Kattappana, and Thekkady. The nearest railway station lies in Kottayam, approximately 50 kilometers away, and Cochin International Airport is about 120 kilometers from the sanctuary.

The Idukki Dam is one of the most significant and iconic landmarks in Idukki district, Kerala, India. Engineers built it as a double-curve arch dam across the Periyar River, and it stands as one of the largest and most impressive dams in Asia.

1. Location:

The Idukki Dam stands near the town of Idukki, nestled between two granite hills, Kuravan and Kurathi, which provide a breathtaking backdrop. It lies around 15 kilometers from the town of Thekkady and forms an integral part of the Idukki Reservoir.

2. Construction and History:

Engineers completed the construction of the dam in 1976, primarily to generate hydroelectric power. Standing at a height of 168.91 meters (554 feet) and stretching 365 meters (1,198 feet) in length, the dam plays a crucial role in harnessing the energy of the Periyar River. The project was part of the Idukki Hydroelectric Project, which aims to provide electricity through the power of this river.

3. Design and Structure:

The Idukki Dam is an arched structure made from solid concrete, built in the shape of a double curve. The dam’s design is intended to withstand the immense pressure exerted by the water in the reservoir. It creates a reservoir that spans across the Idukki, Cheruthoni, and Kulamavu regions. Furthermore, the dam plays a key role in the irrigation and water supply systems of Kerala. It has the capacity to store around 2.8 billion cubic feet of water.

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is also known as the Periyar Tiger Reserve, is one of the most renowned and biodiverse protected areas in India, located in the Western Ghats in Idukki District, Kerala. It is a part of the larger Periyar Reserve Forest, which is renowned for its rich flora, fauna, and picturesque landscapes.