Best Places To Stay in Idukki

The Idukki dam is constructed across the Periyar River, in a valley between the Kuravan and Kurathi hills in Kerala. The awe-inspiring, majestic dam, which stands at 167.68 meters (550 ft), is one of the highest arch dams in Asia. The dam, which is one of the Idukki tourist places, constructed by the Kerala government in 1975 and supports 780 MW hydroelectric power station that draws electricity from this dam.The sheer magnitude of the structure along with the mountains, verdant vegetation, and 60 sq. km placid lake, which is created by the 3 dams, Idukki dam, Cheruthoni and Kulamavu, captivate the visitors.Distance: 33 km from Idukki Dist.Timings: Public Holidays, Saturdays and Sundays.Entry Fees: Rs 25 for adults and Rs 5 for children. The tariff for a 15-minute boat ride for 5 persons is Rs. 600.

Away from the hustle and bustle of the cities, the Idukki Wildlife is located in the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks of Idukki at an altitude of 450 – 750 ft above the sea level.The sanctuary, flanked on 3 sides by the tranquil waters of Idukki Lake, is housed amidst picturesque settings of tropical evergreen & semi-evergreen forests, meadows, and deciduous trees.The Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the places to visit in Idukki, houses hordes of wild elephants.The other species from the animal kingdom include bison, sambar, deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, Malabar Giant Squirrel, wild boars, and tigers. Reptilians such as Cobra, viper, krait, etc will bewilder the visitor, while avian species Malabar grey hornbill, Purple Sunbird, Golden Oriole, and Black bulbul enchant him.Best time to visit: The most favorable time to visit Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is between December to April.Distance: Painavu P.O. Idukki–685603. 40 km from Thodupuzha, Idukki.Timings: All day.Entry fee: None.

Ilaveezha Poonchira, the Shangri-La of Kerala, situated in Melukavu village in Kottayam district is one of the places to visit in Idukki. Located at the foothills of the 3 floral hillocks – Mankunnu, Kudayathur, and Thonippara Hills at Kanjar, the bewitching valley is spread across thousands of acres.“Ila-veezha Poonchira” which means “the pond of flowers where the leaves do not fall” has its roots in Mahabharata. The rains during the monsoon season transmogrify the valley and present an enthralling and hypnotic effect on the visitors. Words fall short to explain the beatitudes of the play of colors on the horizon during the Sunrise and Sunset. Ilaveezha Poonchira is also an ideal destination for trekking.Distance: 36 km from IdukkiTimings: All day.Entry fee: None.