IDUKKI

Munnar- The Kashmir of the South

It is one of the attractions that contributed to Kerala''s popularity as a travel destination among domestic and foreign travellers. Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, and perche d about 1600 m above sea level, the hill station of Munnar once
used to be the summer resort of the erstwhile British administration in south India.

This hill station is marked by vast expanses of tea plantations, colonial bungalows, rivulets, waterfalls and cool weather. It is also an ideal destination for trekking and mountain biking.

Let us now explore some of the options in and around Munnar that would provide travellers ample opportunities to enjoy the captivating hill station of Munnar.

  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.

 All the trekking enthusiasts will enjoy climbing this 1100 metres tall hill. This tourist place also has to offer Thangal Para, the Indo-Swiss Project and Kurisumala Ashram. Welcome to a land which would make you come back again and again. So that you could rejuvenate yourself and cherish memories of this enchantingly beautiful land.

If you have not been to Vagamon you have not seen God's Own Country. Vagamon provides unlimited holidaying fantasies round the year, except with the season being slightly off during the monsoons. Vagamon, the final word in your holiday options, provides unlimited holidaying fantasies round the year, except with the season being slightly off during the monsoons. A land, which would make a person come back again and again, so that you could rejuvenate yourself and cherish memories of this enchantingly beautiful land. Water fall This is essentially a lake and it's catchment area, with grassy hillocks stretching into the forest on one side and ending at the cliff on the other. This large tract of land has a small stream originating at the lake and going through. Water falls and the ravine. The steep hill tract which provides access to the water fall area is along the ridge and there can be many pavilions along that to enjoy rain, wind, and the infinite view of the hillscapes. There can also be performance podiums with the mountainous landscape as the background. The stream goes along the ravine and can be developed as a trekking path as it is a rugged route, with rocks and rough undulations. A small facility like a coffee bar and the like would add the richness of the place with more participation. A reservoir up stream would ensure the presence of enough amount of water even during dry season. A stepped path leading to the water fall itself is a thing of interest. Rocky out crop The steep rocky hill tract is almost mountainous in character. The cliff and ravine topography area is ideal for adventure activities that would attract people who like gliding, rope climbing, jumping and the like. There can be viewing pavilions too, as gufas in the vertical surface of the hill which would attract people for staying inside. This can be carved out of the rocks and would provide an adventurous stay. Forest Around 100 acres of forest area could be developed as a holistic health care center with Ayurveda as the theme. Providing treatment, health care facility, rejuvenation centers, yoga and meditation center, naturopathy clinics, herbal garden etc. emphasizing the theme of living with nature and exploring the aeons old way of life. Tree walks, medicines preparation areas, etc. all designed to a character of ashrams. Grassy planes Features: 1. Eucalyptus plantation 2. Road side slope 3. Grassy hills 4. School hill 5. Cliff side The area is rather featureless compared to other parts of the site, with grassy, slowly rolling plains. It has a direct access from the road and slopes down from there ending at the cliff. At present there are plantations of eucalyptus, tea and some agricultural crops here. This plot section can be reserved for residential school or some similar institutional use. The relative flatness of the site and gentle slope is ideal for this. The land is generally buildable also. The area near the main road could be reserved for exploiting the future commercial potential. This long strip can be developed for the future public amenities and facilities that have commercial viability. Land value will also increase as the place develops and demand for plots with accessibility will increase. Camping site A unique type of space with stream, rocky terrain and forest meet. This can be developed to a camping site, a small lake and a special abode, for evening tea and the like. Lake The entertainment center and related activities like boating leisure walking etc. could be organized around the lake. Lawned rolling hills and flowers that grow along the ground can be provided as a part of the landscaping. This should be developed with minimum intervention of built. This place (node) should be developed to communicate the essence of this site, to a passerby along the public road as this portion is visible from the road as a lake between three knolls. A stage for performance, crafts, arts center, pedestrian path etc. can concentrate around this node. Wild Orchid The area is a stretch of rolling hills with green meadows. A unique cottage resort built in a rugged village style and is eco friendly in all features especially in the disposal of water, conservation of resources, building material use and construction techniques. A total of 50 cottages are coming up on one side of a beautiful lake and common facilities like restaurant, theatre etc. on other bank of the lake. How to Reach Vagamon is roughly 100 kms from Cochin, the commercial capital of the State. It is also 64 kms from Kottayam -the nearest railway station. It is easily accessible by road from Kottayam and Cochin. Other tourist attractions around Vagamon like Bird Sanctuary at Kumarakom, Hill resorts at Munnar, Kodaikanal etc. are easily accessible by road from Vagamon.

Eravikulam National Park

One of the main attractions near Munnar is the Eravikulam National Park. Located about 15 km from Munnar, this park is famous for its endangered inhabitant - the Nilgiri Tahr. Spread over an area of 97 sq. km., this park is also home to several species of rare butterflies, animals and birds. A great place for trekking, the park offers a magnificent view of the tea plantations and also the rolling hills caressed by blankets of mists. The park becomes a hot destination when the hill slopes here get covered in a carpet of blue, resulting from the flowering of Neelakurinji. It is a plant endemic to this part of the Western Ghats which blooms once in twelve years. The last time it bloomed was in 2006.

Anamudi Peak

Located inside the Eravikulam National Park is the Anamudi Peak. This is the highest peak in south India standing at a height of over 2700 m. Treks to the peak are allowed with permission from the Forest and Wildlife authorities at Eravikulam.

Mattupetty

Another place of interest, located about 13 km from Munnar Town, is Mattupetty. Situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level, Mattupetty is known for its storage masonry dam and the beautiful lake, which offers pleasurable boat rides, enabling one to enjoy the surrounding hills and landscape. Mattupetty''s fame is also attributed to the dairy farm run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, where one would come across different high yielding breeds of cows. Mattupetty with its lush green tea plantations, rolling grasslands and the Shola forests is also ideal for trekking and is home to a variety of birds.

Pallivasal

Pallivasal, located at about 3 km from Chithirapuram in Munnar is the venue of the first Hydro-electric project in Kerala. It is a place of immense scenic beauty and is often favoured by visitors as a picnic spot.

Chinnakanal

Near the town of Munnar is Chinnakanal and the waterfalls here, popularly known as Power House Waterfalls, cascade down a steep rock 2000 m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic view of the Western Ghat ranges.

Anayirangal

When you have traveled about seven kilometers from Chinnakanal, you reach Anayirangal. Anayirangal, 22 km from Munnar, is a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by tea plantations and evergreen forests.

Top Station

Top Station, which is about 32 km from Munnar is at a height of 1700 m above sea level. It is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. Travellers to Munnar make it a point to visit Top Station to enjoy the panoramic view it offers of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the spots in Munnar to enjoy the Neelakurinji flowers blooming over a vast area.

Tea Museum

Munnar has a legacy of its own when it comes to the origins and evolution of tea plantations. Taking account of this legacy and to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects on the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala''s high ranges, a museum exclusively for tea was opened some years ago by Tata Tea in Munnar. This Tea Museum houses curios, photographs and machineries; all of which have a story to tell on the origins and growth of tea plantations in Munnar. The museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar and is worth a visit.

Idukki Arch Dam 
Idukki Arch Dam is the world's second and Asia's first arch dam, constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills. This dam is about 550 feet high and 650 feet wide, and lies close to the Cheruthoni barrage. The Kulamavu Dam lies to its west and Idukki wildlife sanctuary is located close by.

IdukkiWildlifeSanctuary 

Idukki Wildlife sanctuary extends over the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks of Idukki district. This sanctuary spreads over an area of 77 square km and is located about 450 - 748 m above sea level. The Idukki reservoir is formed by three dams - Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamavo, and extends to 33 square km. Various animals like elephant, bison, sambar deer, wild dog, jungle cat, tiger, wild boar, snakes like cobra, viper, krait and a number of non poisonous snakes and birds like Jungle fowl, myna, laughing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl, woodpecker, kingfisher, etc can be seen in this sanct2C e

Nadukani
Nadukani is an ideal place for one day picnickers. It offers a panoramic view of a large area than one can experience from any high mountain peak. A two-storeyed pavilion makes an ideal place for enjoying the landscape and beauty of nature.






ThumpachiCalveriSamuchyam
Thumpachi Calveri Samuchyam is a picnic spot also ideal for meditation, relaxation and watching sunset.Located approximately 35 km from Thodupuzha, Thumpachi Calveri Samuchayam is a famous spot for meditation and relaxing. The cool and scenic ambiance is also perfect for enjoying sunsets.







Kalliyanathandu
Kalliyanathandu, about 10 km from Idukki is a splendid tourist spot. It offers the aerial view of the Idukki reservoir, panoramic view of the peaks and forests. It is also an ideal place for mountain climbers and trekkers. :350.2

KULAMAVU

Kulamavu lies in Idukki district, Kerala, South India.

Kulamavu is known for its dam which is a part of the Idukki Hydro Electric Project.The Idukki arch dam (Asia’s first arch dam) is supported by two other smaller dams - one at Cheruthoni and the other one at Kulamavu.

Boating in the artificial lake at the dam is an enjoyable experience. Various species of birds have been sighted in this area.Some of the common ones are: darter or snake bird and king fisher.

Being in the lower part of the high ranges of Kerala, Kulamavu enjoys a salubrious climate.Rubber and spice plantations flourish here.With a height of 3,000 ft above the sea level, Kulamavu is one of the famous hill stations in Idukki, Kerala. It is an ideal place for trekking and tourists are sure to enjoy the ariel view of the area while trekking.

Kulamavu Dam, which is one of the three dams of Idukki Reservoir Project, is the main attraction of the Kulamavu. Stationed at the western side of Idukki Arch Dam, the world's second arch dam, Kulamavu extends between rocky hills to form the 33 Sq.km reservoirs.

Boats are also available for 2 hrs cruise between Cheruthoni and Kulamavu dams. Other nearby places of interest includes Moolamattom underground power station and Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary.

CHERUTHONI

Constructed in 1976, the largest concrete gravity dam in Kerala, Cheruthoni, is located close to Idukki Arch Dam. Built across the Periyar River, it is also the third highest dam in India. You can reach Cheruthoni only by jeep. The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), which looks after the dams, rents out boats for the two-hour cruise between Cheruthoni and Kulamavu. Visitors get splendid views of sunrise and sunset from here. With an altitude of about 3900 ft, Cheruthoni Dam is easily accessible from Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Best Season: August to MarchTransport Terminals: 5 kms from PainavuHow to Reach: Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam (133 kms away)
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (132 kms away)

THOMMANKUTHU 

Set in the lush green surroundings, Thommankuthu waterfalls in Idukki district, Kerala is one of the most serene and beautiful cascades of Kerala. Situated about 20 km from Thodupuzha town, this splendid waterfall comes down in seven steps with a cascade and a pool at each step. This enchanting place with its natural splendour is also an ideal venue for adventure tourism. 

To enjoy the panoramic beauty the best way is to undertake a trek that takes one to the top of the mountain, a nearly 12 kilometres climb. Under the present circumstance only one-day tours can be conducted owing to the lack of boarding and lodging facilities. The Chitrakoodam project aims at installing essential and basic facilities here. Boating can be arranged in the serene lake. Fishing, together with horse riding in the valleys and adventure sports are also possible.

This exotic place is congenial for trekking or mountain climbing. Tourists looking for adventure can trek the mountain, which is around 12 km of climbing. Since there are no accommodation facilities available at this site, tourists can enjoy only one-day tours. Tourists can also enjoy boating on the lake. Fishing and horse riding are other options available in this pleasant valley.

If you are interested in visiting this amazing Kerala highlight, you can board a bus from Thodupuzha, 18 km from Thommankuthu. For lodging, there are many hotels, rest houses and restaurants at Thadupuzha. The nearest railway station is Nedumbassery Airport, which is 80km away. The nearest railway stations are at a distance of 60 km away at Kochi and Kottayam.

Best time to visit – June to October i.e. from start till end of Monsoon

HowtoReach :
By Rail: Ernakulam, about 58 km away from Thodupuzha and at a distance of 60 km is the Kochi and Kottayam railway station.
By Air: Cochin International Airport, about 70 km from Thodopuzha.
By road: 20kms from Thodupuzha by Munnar-Thommankuthu bus.

KEEZHARKUTHU 

Keezharkuthu falls, also called as Rain Bow waterfalls is a must see place in Idukki district of Kerala. The waterfalls cascade down a rock from a height of about 1,500m. It can be witnessed throughout the year in full swing. The surrounding forest of the waterfalls is the home of several medicinal plants. The spot is also ideal for enjoying adventurous activities like rock climbing, mountaineering and camp tracking.

Trek to Keezharkuthu

It happened! All my fears were misplaced.

Route

Udumbannoor – Pariyaram – Kaithapara

We started from Udumbannoor at 7AM towards Pariyaram. The trek to Keezharkuthu starts from Pariyaram. And Pariyaram will be the last place to stock up your supplies before you start the trek.

From Pariyaram, we entered the forest. There was hardly any serious trek involved till we reached the turn to Keezharkuthu falls from Kaithapara. There is a winding jeep road towards Kaithapara. If you are very adventurous, you can traverse the hill straight up like we did.

How to reach Udunbannoor

Kerala -> Idukki -> Thodupuzha -> Udumbannoor

Kaithapara-Keezharkuthu

Getting there:

Nearest railway stations: Theni (Tamil Nadu), about 60 km away; Ernakulam about 130 km away.

Nearest airports: Madurai (Tamil Nadu), about 140 km away; Nedumbassery International Airport, about 125 km away.