Idukki Tourist Places, Things to do, Itinerary & Travel Guide

Idukki Tourist Places: Idukki district is located in the western ghats of Kerala. It is known for its thick forests, rich flora and fauna surrounded by mountains. This district boasts diverse attractions like the Idukki Arch Dam, Munnar tea plantations and Periyar wildlife.

Idukki Tourist Places, Things to do, Itinerary & Travel Guide

Idukki is one of those districts that club nature with adventure. So it doesn’t matter if you want to relax or explore the town or do adventures, Idukki offers it all. In this article, I’m going to explain everything related to the Idukki travel guide.

How to Reach Idukki

By Air:

Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Idukki. It is located around 98 km from the district. Once you land at the airport, you can either hire a private taxi or board a public bus to reach Idukki. Being an international airport, it is well-connected to all major cities in the country.

By Train:

While Idukki doesn’t have its own railway station, the nearest railway station to Idukki is located in Kottayam which is around 110 km away. This station is well connected to all major cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Delhi. Once you reach the station, you can either hire a private taxi or board a public bus to reach Idukki. It hardly takes 3 hrs to travel to Idukki in a private taxi.

By Road:

This district is well connected to all major cities in Kerala. Government-run buses are available all the time from Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Kottayam. Even private buses are available but they are a little bit more pricey compared to the state ones. If you want more comfortable rides, then you can prefer renting a car and exploring nature along the way to Idukki.

Suggested Read: Kollam Tourist Places

Best time to visit Idukki

Winter season (October to March)

The best time of the year to visit Idukki is in the winter. The temperature during this period will be between 15 c to 25 c making it the ideal weather to do outdoor activities and sightseeing. Also because it being post-monsoon, the mountains and landscape will be filled with the vibrant colours of green.

Monsoon season (June to September)

If you want to witness the waterfalls in its peak beauty then the monsoon season is the perfect time for you. You will be able to enjoy the lush greenery and the majestic mountain covered with greens all over. However, if you have any outdoor plans you might get interrupted because of heavy rains. Note that there is a danger of landslides here due to heavy rainfall. So plan your trip accordingly.

Summer season (April to May)

Even though Idukki is a mountainside district, temperatures during summer can reach up to 30c. While it is a relief for people coming from high-temperature cities, it can get quite draining if you are planning to do any outdoor activities like trekking. If you just want to relax in your hotel or resort, then you opt to travel in summer. You can also get discounts for your stay as summer is totally an off-beat time.

Suggested Read: Thekkady Tourist Places

Things to do in Idukki

There are so many things to do in Idukki. I’m mentioning below the things to do while you are here.

Visit Idukki Arch Dam

If there is any Iconic place in Idukki, then it has to be Idukki Arch Dam. It is Asia’s first and the world’s second Arch Dam. This massive dam is built between the Kuravan and Kurathi mountains. From the top of the dam, you will be able to witness a beautiful panoramic view of the surroundings. This dam is also one of the major sources of electricity in Kerala. If you want to witness the dam in its absolute beauty, then I would recommend visiting it during the monsoon season.

Explore Munnar Hill station

Munnar is located at around 40 km from Idukki. It is one of the most famous hill stations in India. You cannot just visit Kerala and miss Munnar. There are tea stations all over the town spanning kilometres. Just take a guided tour and learn about how the local people grow the tea plants, harvesting and processing. Of course, have a cup of fresh tea brewed right in front of you. There is also Eravikulam National Park in Munnar. If you are lucky, then you can spot endangered Nilgiri Tahr here. You can also take boat rides in Mattupetty dam.

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Ramakkalmedu trekking

If you are an adventure enthusiast, then Ramakkalmedu trekking is something you will cherish for a lifetime. This trek is famously known for its strong winds and breathtaking views. While the difficulty of the trek is moderate, once you reach the top you will feel every bit of the trek is worth it. You can just relax at the top enjoying the majestic views.

Wildlife Safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

If you are a photography enthusiast or wildlife lover, then don’t forget to visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is spread over 925 square kilometres and is home to over 300 species of birds. You can also spot elephants, tigers and sambar deer here.

If you are not willing to walk, then you can simply enjoy a boat ride in Periyar Lake watching the wildlife from a distance. I would recommend visiting this sanctuary during the early morning hours or late evening hours when there is more chance of you spotting the wildlife.

Suggested Read: Varkala Tourist Places

Visit Thommankuthu waterfalls

Thommankuthu Waterfalls is a cascade of seven waterfalls located in dense forests. If you are an adventurous enthusiast, then visiting this place is a no-brainer for you. You can do a whole range of activities like trekking, rock climbing and swimming. You can also just sit here in peace and relax for some time being lost in nature.

Kalvari Mount

Kalvari Mount is an underrated destination in Idukki. From the viewpoint, you can enjoy the panoramic views of Idukki reservoir and adjacent hills. This is a perfect spot if you want to take a walk or birdwatching or do nature photography. Visit here during the sunrise or sunset and you will be amazed at the beauty of the mountains.

Suggested Read: Kolukkumalai Peak Travel Guide

Accommodation

There are different types of accommodation here in Idukki depending on your budget and comfort levels. If you are not bothered about your budget and want the best facilities and views, then there are many luxury resorts providing scenery views of hill stations and tea plantations. You can also get spa services, private pools and guided tours. Spice Tree Munnar, Mountain Club Resort Munnar and Fragrant Nature Munnar are the best luxury resorts here.

If you want something on a moderate budget, then there are multiple homestays and budget hotels. You will be greeted with warm hospitality by the local people and will also get the chance to experience the local culture and customs. Green View Homestay, Idukki Gardens Homestay and Thushara Homestay are some of the best homestays here.

Conclusion

Idukki is a peek into the beauty of nature. Whether it’s majestic mountains or beautiful waterfalls or huge dams, Idukki got it all. It doesn’t matter if you want to do outdoor activities here or just relax in the mountains, Idukki offers the best of these. Visit here and make memories for a lifetime. If you have any queries regarding this article or Idukki in general, then please do comment below. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible with the best solution.