The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi- Madurai national highway. The Cheeyappara waterfalls cascade down in seven steps. It is a real feast for the eyes. This is also a great place for trekking.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary |
This sanctuary extends over the Thodupuzha and Udumbanchola taluks of Idukki district, spreading over 77 sq.km. and is about 450-748 m. above sea level. The Idukki Reservoir formed by three dams – Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamanu – extends to 33 sq.km. |
Hill View Park |
True to its title it offers a panoramic view of a larger area than one can experience from any high mountain park. Scenes of wild elephants in their natural habital enthralls the visitor. This park is situated adjacent to both Idukki arch dam and Cheruthony dam. Spread over an area of 8 acres of land this aesthetically designed park has a natural water body at the hill top and pedal boating facility is available here. The herbal garden and children’s play area are added attractions. A visit to this park makes Idukki visit a memorable one. |
Nadukani |
Nadukani is an ideal place for one-day picnickers. As the very name indicates, this park offers panoramic view of the a large area of the nearby districts. A two-storied pavilion makes an ideal place for enjoying the landscape and beauty of nature. |
Thommankuthu (17 kms from Thodupuzha) |
The 7 steps waterfall here is a much loved picnic spot. At each step there is a cascade and pool beneath. Thommankuthu is an ideal place for adventure tourism. |
Keezharkuthu (25 kms from Thodupuzha) |
The rain bow waterfalls, which cascade down a rock from a height of about 150 ft is a wonderful attraction of this spot. It can be seen through out the year in full swing. The forest around the spot is home to various medicinal plants. It is an ideal place for rock climbing, mountaineering and camp tracking. |
Thekkady |
The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice-scented plantations. In the Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great apportunities for treks and mountain walks. |
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The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary |
Lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world’s most fascinating natural wildlife reserves – the Periyar wildlife sanctuary. Spread across 777 sq.km, of which 360 sq.km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar wildlife sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the reserve attracts visitors from all over the world. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar dam across the Periyar adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar, however, is the herd of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake. Entry timing: 0600 – 1800 hrs. |
Pandikuzhi (5 kms from Kumily) |
This picturesque spectrum of exotic flora, fauna and gurgling streams is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border. A popular picnic spot, Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer’s delight |
Pullumedu (43 kms from Thekkady, 26 km from Periyar) |
The winding journey to this hill town, along the Periyar river, offers a stunning view of the rolling hills draped in lush greenery. Velvet lawns, rare flora and fauna add to the beauty of Pullumedu which can be accessed only by jeep. The famous Sree Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala and the Makara Jyothi illumination at the shrine are visible from here. Since it is part of the restricted forest zone, special permission to visit Pullumedu has to be obtained from the Wildlife Preservation Officer, Thekkady or the Range Officer, Vallakkadavu. |
Ramakalmedu (40 kms from Thekkady and 75 km from Munnar) |
Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat. The hills top also offers a panoramic view of picturesque villages of Bodi and Cumbum on the Eastern slop of the western ghats. |
Vagamon |
It is a very ideal tourist spot surrounded by the greenery of tea gardens, beautiful meadows, deep puzzling valleys and dales. The enchanting hill station dotted with tea gardens will soon be one of India’s foremost eco-tourism projects.
Grass covered hills, velvet lawns and the cool mountain air make Vagamon a perfect holiday retreat. A curious blend of religious mysticism and European legacies, this hillside village is a haven of tranquility. The chain of three hills – Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurisumala – is a mark of religious harmony. The dairy farm managed by the Kurisumala monks is worth a visit.
Idukki Arch Dam :
This is the world’s second and Asia’s first arch dam, constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills. 550 ft. high and 650 ft. wide, the dam lies close to the Cheruthoni barrage. To its west is the Kulamavu Dam. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located close by.
Thumpachi Calveri Samuchayam :
This is a picnic spot also ideal for mediation, relaxation and watching sunset and is located 35 km away from Thodupuzha.
Kalliyanathandu :
The aerial view of the Idukki reservoir, panoramic view of peaks and forests makes this a splendid tourist spot. It is also an ideal place for mountain climbers and trekkers.
Malankara Reservoir (6 km from Thodupuzha) :
Located on the Thodupuzha-Moolamattom road, this artificial lake is accessible by road. The reservoir is ideal for Boating and fishing.
Thommankuthu (17km from Thodupuzha) :
The 7 steps waterfall here is much loved picnic spot. At each step there is a cascade and Pool beneath. Thommankuthu is an ideal place for adventure tourism.
Keezharkuthu (25 km from Thodupuzha) :
The Rain Bow waterfalls, which cascade down a rock from a height of about 1500 m is a wonderful attraction of this spot. It can be seen through out the year in full swing. The forest around the spot is home to various medicinal plants. It is an ideal place for rock climbing, mountaineering and camp tracking.
Kuttikanam :
Kuttikkanam, the land of lush green tea plantations, lofty peaks and gushing streams, lies in the Peermade village of Idukki district, Kerala, in southern India, 3,500 feet (1,100 m) above the sea level. Clouds gently touch the peaks that flank the verdant slops of Kuttikkanam. Indeed, the streams silvering down from the top hill peaks will fill your hearts with warm feelings.
Peeru Hills :
This idyllic hill station is a favourite haunt of trekkers and picnic teams. The hill is named after Peer Mohammed. the Muslim Sufi saint, who spent his last days here. The masoleum of the saint, the summer palace of the royal family and the residence of the Diwan situated nearby are all worth a visit..
Grampi :
Grampi is also known as Parunthupara (eagle rock) because of the panoramic view from its high peaks. Rocky plains, lush hillsides, forests trekking trails and picturesque views lend charm to this destination. The road to Grampi is flanked by unending stretches of cardamom, tea and coffee plantations.
Pattumala :
Lofty peaks little streams and ever expanding tea plantations are the attractions of this place. Pattumala (which literally means hill draped in silk) is home to the two most famous tea plantations in Kerala – Harrision Malayalam and A V Thomas & Co. The Velankanni Matha Church, built entirely of granite, at the top of the hill is a famous pilgrim centre. The flower garden nearby is a fascinating riot of colours of roses, orchids and anthurium.
Vandanmedu :
The Vandanmedu region is situated at a distance of about 25 Km from Kumily. It is one of the world’s largest auction centers for cardamom. A tour of the town would take you amidst the sprawling cardamom plantations, which is an exciting experience.
The scenic beauty, the foliage and the blissful serenity of Vandanmedu take you more close to nature. Vandanmedu with its abundant supply of fruits and spices inspire your taste buds. Hotels in Vandanmedu provide with the best accommodations, keeping the natural beauty intact. The rooms at the hotels are luxuriously furnished with all modern amenities and include a swimming pool set against the backdrop of nature.
Elappara :
One of the oldest mountain ranges, older than the Himalayas, located at the junction of Tamil Nadu, Kerala. A small settlement, Elappara is in Idukki District, Kerala. It lies around 8 Km from Kuttickanam and 4 km from Vagamon. The place is ideally located on National Highway 220. This picturesque setting is covered by tea plantations. It is famous for the Cardammaom and Tea plantation. Thekkady is few kilometer away. The nearby cities and villages include Upputhara,Vagamon,Kattapana The nearest tourist attractions are Annathampi Mountains,Kozhikanam Church Valley Waterfall near by the Muslim masjid Lake in Tyford. and seminivalley Bungalow. Local taxies and buses connect Elappara with Kottayam Changanacherryr and kattappana and Munnar It can be easily reached from Munnar, via Kattappana. The nearest railway stations are at Kottayam and Ernakulam. Cochin International Airport serves this area
Kulamavu :
Kulamavu is a famous hill station in Idukki District of Kerala. Situated at a height of 3,000 ft above sea level, it is an ideal place for trekking and a quiet relax. Kulamavu is in close proximity to Nadukani, which is about 70 Km from Thodupuzha.
Kulamavu Dam, one of the three dams of Idukki Reservoir Project, is situated at Kulamavu, a famous hill station in Idukki District. It is situated to the west of Idukki Arch Dam, the world’s second arch dam. Kulamavu extends between rocky hills to form the 33 Sq.km reservoir.
Boats are extensively available for the two-hour cruise between Cheruthoni and Kulamavu dams. One can spot wild elephants on the way. Moolamattom underground power station and Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary are the nearby excursions.
Painavu :
Painavu is the headquarters of the Idukki District Painavu, at an altitude of 3,900 ft above sea level, is the headquarters of Idukki District and is 100 km east of Kochi. Surrounded by pristine forests and green hills, Painavu has ample scope for trekking. The reservoir formed by the construction of the Idukki Arch Dam and the dams at Cheruthoni and Kulamavu offers magnificent sight. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary at Kuyilimala and Hill View Park are nearby. Boats are available from here for cruises between Cheruthoni and Kulamavu. In winter and rainy seasons elephants can be spotted moving on the roads. Kallarkutty Dam, Nadukani, Kalliyanathandu, Thommankuthu and Kalvari Mount are the places of interest. Cheruthoni, the junction where Thodupuzha-Kumily road intersect with Adimali-Kattappana road, is only 5 km from Painavu.
Moolamattom :
Moolamattom is one of the prominent towns of Idukki District in Kerala. It lies 19 km from Thodupuzha, a picturesque place on the banks of the Thodupuzha River .
The place is famous as the site of Moolamattom Power Station, the biggest underground Hydro-electric Project in the state. The water from the Idukki Dam is carried by the underground pipes to the power station. The residual water flows to Kudayathurpuzha through tunnel and open channel, and is diverted for irrigation purposes in Muvattupuzha.
Malankara Reservoir :
Malankara Reservoir is an artificial lake located on the Thodupuzha – Moolamattom road. This famous picnic spot is 6 Km from the town of Thodupuzha and is 66 km from Kochi. This artificial lake was formed as part of the Muvattupuzha Valley Irrigation Project.
Malankara Reservoir provides a calm and charming atmosphere with the greenery in the surroundings. Visitors are allowed to enter the dam site with prior permission of the irrigation department. It is ideal for boating and fishing.
Palkulamedu :
Palkulamedu,12 Km from Idukki. It is a place of indescribable natural beauty. This peak lies at a height of 3125 m above sea level. Palkulamedu is an ideal destination for adventure tourism and trekking. Kochi, Alappuzha and other nearby towns can be seen from the top of this peak.
Gavi :
Spread across the beauty of Periyar Tiger Reserve, Gavi is a quiet, beautiful and pristine forest haven. It is at the eastern extreme of the Pathanamthitta District at 3400 ft above MSL. These evergreen forests are abundant with magnificent Wildlife including the tiger, elephants, leopards, bears, Indian gaur, sambar, barking & Mouse deers, lion tailed macaque, other varieties of monkeys, Nilgiri Marten and a lot more.For the nature explorers Gavi offers the complete acquaintance with the flora around including Nageia Wallichinia (Podocarpus Wallichinia), a highly endemic species of the Gymnosperm family seen only around Gavi in the whole Western Ghats ! If you are a birder, the forests around Gavi are home to over 320 species of birds -the great Indian hornbills, sunbirds, woodpeckers, kingfishers and myriads of mynas, dongos, cuckoos and bulbuls-truly any birder’s dream! The sheer beauty of this place is indeed worth a closer look ! Here is nature at its unadulterated best. |
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