Monday, June 21, 2010

Idukki, District, Kerala

Kerala is Known as "The God's own Country", definitely the Name came from Idukki District. Yes, Obviously the "God'd own District" with A landlocked district, Idukki is one of the most nature rich areas of Kerala. High ranges and wooded valleys are girded by three main rivers - Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhayar - and their tributaries. The River Pamba also has its origin here.

Tourism:


Idukki is known for the splendid green mountains, streams and spices. It is one of the a main tourist destinations in Kerala with its hill stations, Devikulam and Munnar, surrounded by lush hills, tea plantations and valleys. Mattupetty, is the headquarters of the Indo-Swiss Cattle Project, about 11 km away from Munnar.
AttractionGeography
IdukkiNotable for the first double curvature Arch dam in India and wild life sanctuary.
Attached to Idukki dam there are two other dams Kulamavu and Cheruthony.
Idukki Reservoir is formed by these three dams.
The underground power station is at Moolamattom beneath Nadukani hills.
The sanctuary formed in 1978 spread over Thodupuzha and Udumbanchola taluks and located 40 K.M from Thodupuzha town.
Idukki wild life sanctuary spread over an area of 7700 hectares with plenty of wild animals.
The Malankara lake spread over about 11sq km in Thodupuzha – Moolamattom route (6 K.M from Thodupuzha)
ThekkadyThekkady is one of the finest wild life reserves in India – the Periyar wild life sanctuary spread over an area of 777 Sq. K.M of which 360 km2 is thick ever green forest.
The Periyar wild life sanctuary was declared as a Tiger Reserve in 1978. The Mullaperiyar Dam built across the river Periyar with Surki mix before 121 years, still exist as a wonder to the tourists.
Mangaladevi TempleThe temple is located 15 km from Thekkady The ancient temple built in Pandian style stands in the dense forest at the top of a peak 1337 meters above the sea level.
It is situated in Tamil Nadu Kerala boundary.
The visitors are allowed on the Chithrapournami festival day.
The peak commands a panoramic view of the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats. and the towns and villages of Tamil Nadu.
Kattappanais the spice city of Kerala.
Kattappana is the centre of all type of spices.
It is the centre of cardamom and peper market.
It is a nice place to stay.
It is situated at the centre of Idukki.
It is easy to go to any part of Idukki as there good transport facilities available here.
Idukki dam is just 25 km, Thekkedy is 38 km away from Kattappana.
Kattappana is the commercial capital of Idukki.
ThommankuthuThommankuthu is a chain of cascades 17 km off Thodupuzha in KarimannoorPanchayath.
This is a remote place with beautiful scenery of seven step water fall.
This is developing to an important Tourist spot in the district.
MunnarSituated 55 K.M from Idukki Town at an elevation of 1524m in above the mean sea level and on the confluence of three mountain streams Kannimalayar, Nallathanni and Kundala.
It is health resort especially in summer season.
It is the centre of Tea Industry and also the Head quarters of the Kannan Devan Hill produce Company (now owned by Tata Tea Company).
Munnar also has the highest peak in South India Anamudi.
MattupettyThe Indoswiss Project for the development of livestock is located at Mattupetty 15 km from Munnar.
The Mattupetty lake and Kundala dam are other attraction.
It is known for its highly specialised dairy farm.
Eravikulam National Park(15 km North of Munnar) The 97 km2 park is situated in the Devikulam taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr.
The Anamudi peaks is located in the southern region of the part.
The park is divided into three regions.
The core area, the butter area and the tourism area.
Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area which is the Rajamala region.
The Eravikulam was declared as a National Park in 1978.
RajamalaPart of Eravikulam wild life sanctuary 14 km from Munnar.
Neelekurinji unique with its feature of keeping the rhythm of flowering in twelve years.
The only place where ibes (Varayad) is seen.
Pallivasal8 km from Munnar is the venue of the first hydroelectric project in Kerala and place for immense scenic beauty.
MarayoorSituated 42 km North east to Munnar, and important place in Munnar - Udumalpetta Road.
There is a megalithic burial sites consisting of dolments and cists.
This is a remote village of Devikulam taluk on the eastern slope of Western Ghats.
This is the only place in Kerala where natural growth of sandal tree is seen.
Chinnar wild life sanctuaryChinnar wild life sanctuary having an area of 90.4 22 km2 is located in the rainshadow region on either side of Marayoor-Udumalpetta road.
This is the second habitat of the endangered giant grizzled squirrel of India.
The location of the sanctuary offers the unique advantage of watching its fascinating wild life at close quarters from the road without venturing deep into the jungle.
RamakkalmeduLocated about 16 km from Nedumkandom on Munnar-Thekkady route.
The hamlet bordering Tamil Nadu gives a panoramic view of Tamil Nadu villages and towns around Bodi and Cumbum on the eastern side of Western Ghats, the proposed site for power generation from winds.
Nadukani Tower (Near Moolamattom)Panoramic view of Moolamattom Power house, hills and villages over a vast area of Thodupuzha taluk is available from this tower.
Kalvari Mount (between Idukki & Kattappana)An enchanting atmosphere with a charming view of Idukki Reservoir from Idukki to Ayyappancovil on one side of the hill and Panoramic view of Kamakshy and Mariyapuram panchaya ts on the other side.
MeenuliyanparaOnly pedestrian path for about 10 km from Mullaringad in Vannappuram Panchayath from where we can see Cochin Port and parts of Trichur district.
An enchanting atmosphere and natural beauty.
Malankara DamThe Dam is constructed across Thodupuzha river 5 km from Thodupuzha for irrigation purpose.
The tail water from Moolamattom Power house is stored here.
The banks of the Reservoir can be developed to a beautiful tourist attraction.
Efforts are made in this direction by the Tourism organisations.
AnakkaraThis is one among the developed area in Idukki district which has a Govt School, Montfort English Medium School, Nalanda English Medium School and a Church run school for special kids located.
Anakkara Siva Parvati Temple, Chittanpara Ganapathi Temple, St. Thomas Church, Anakkara Vikasana Sangham are located here.
Aruvikkuzhi & Pandikkuzhy (border to TN) near Chellarkovil is hardly 4 km from here.
The near by junction Sulthankada is notable for Cardamom plantations.
Also, SreeSankara (which is a Ayurvedic resort) is located at Sulthankada.
As per the new survey, the proposed Airport will be made in the paddyfields of Sulthankada, Pampupara and Anakkara







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