Idukki the largest district in Kerala also termed the Hilly district of Kerala, is a much sought after Hill Station with a major treasure trove of wildlife, and other tourist delights. The attractions here are many.

The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary spreads over 77 sq. kms and is about 450 - 748 mts above sea level. The Idukki Reservoir formed by three dams extends to 33 sq kms. Idukki Arch Dam is the world's second and Asia's first arch dam.

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 opportunities for treks and mountain walks

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary spread across 777 sq. kms., of which 360 sq. km is thick evergreen forest, 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.

Kumily is a plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady, situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. Being an important shopping centre and spice trade centre with the main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region Kumily is a good stop-over point.

Pandikuzhi a popular picnic spot offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer's delight.

Chellarkovil is a sleepy little village having breathtaking view of the plains and cascading waterfalls.

Vandiperiyar is a major trade centre, and is also home to a number of tea factories.

Vandanmedu is one of the world's largest auction centers for cardamom.

Pullumedu is a hill covered with lush green velvety lawns, rare flora and fauna which can be accessed only by jeep.

Peermede is a famous town full of plantations of tea, cardamom, rubber and coffee in between small streams, meadows and mist-cloaked hilltops. The most delightful trekking trails complement the panoramic landscape. Summer palace and Summer residence of the royal family are the monuments preserved here. Government guest house under the Department of Tourism, offers comfortable accommodation. Tribal settlements here are the Orali, Malapandaram and Malayarayan tribes. The main tribal area here is Plakkathadam which is also known for its trekking trails.

Kuttikanam is another picturesque plantation town surrounded by lush, green hills best for adventure tourism and trekking, or even a lazy holiday.

Thrissanku Hills with its lush greenery and beautiful landscapes is an ideal spot for long walks. The hills offer a breathtaking view of the sunrise and sunset.

Grampi also known as Parunthupara (eagle rock) because of the panoramic view from its high peaks, is also a place one must not miss.

Pattumala is a hill with towering peaks, little streams and ever expanding tea plantations. The Velamkanni Matha Church, built entirely with granite, at the top of the hill is a famous pilgrim centre.

Velvety hills and cool mountain air makes 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.

Sahyadri Ayurvedic Centre is a well-established Ayurvedic Hospital here well known for its curative and rejuvenating treatment packages. The centre has well-appointed treatment accommodation facilities, a unit for manufacturing Ayurvedic medicines and a well-maintained raw drugs museum where more than 200 varieties of rare and endangered herbs are preserved. More than 400 herbs used for medicines are grown in the hospital's own garden spread over 35 acres.

Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. 1600 mts above sea level this famous hill station is a store house of much beauty vide lush tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities making this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower bathes the hills in blue every twelve years. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695 mts. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.

Pothamedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.

Devikulam is another hill station with lovely velvety lawns, exotic flora and fauna and cool mountain air. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.

Pallivasal is the venue of the first Hydro Electric Project in Kerala and a place of immense scenic beauty.

Attukal with lovely cascades of waterfalls and rolling hills, located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long treks.

Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 mts.

Chithirapuram is a hill town famous for tea plantations and home of the Hydel Power Project. With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts, Chithirapuram still displays an old world charm.

Mattupetty is known for its highly specialised dairy farm - the Indo Swiss Livestock Project. Over a 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here. The Mattupetty lake and dam, just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki provides boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam. Speed launch, slow speedboat and motorboats are available on hire.

Lock Heart Gap is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking and is a beautiful holiday spot.

Echo Point got its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo Point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar.

Rajamala is the natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr. Half the world population of the rare mountain goat (Hemitragas hylocres) which is fast becoming extinct is now found here.

Getting here
Nearest Airports here are Madurai (Tamil Nadu) 140 Kms, Kochi (Nedumbassery - 190 Km), Thiruvananthapuram (265 Kms). Nearest Railway Station is Kumarakom 114 kms and Madurai station 136 kms. An excellent road network links the district to all major towns and cities in India.