Perched atop a mountain, amid the splendid heights of Western Ghats, covered in dense forests sheltering a thriving wildlife, and deep valleys echoing the fierce gush of cascading streams, Idukki is indeed a treasure trove of nature. The narrow sloping streets, the quaint colonial cottages, and the fragrant tea and coffee plantations all add to its beauty. With these mesmerizing sights and the soothing wafts of cool mountain air, this mesmerizing city is sure to enchant you.
Its name is derived from the Malayalam word ‘idukku’, which means a narrow gorge. The city gained prominence during the 19th century when tea and rubber plantations were developed by European owners. Located in the southern state of Kerala, today, Idukki is among the highlights of eco-tourism.
Endowed with a thick cover of wilderness, Idukki is paradise for nature lovers and explorers. The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary provides an excellent premise to spot wild fauna and observe exotic flora. Some of its inhabitants include the tiger, bison, sambar deer, black bulbul, jungle fowl and woodpecker, among many others. The Periyar River flowing through the region creates many waterfalls and dams that are among the must-visit attractions of Idukki. The majestic heights of the Western Ghats are also ideal for thrilling adventure sports such as trekking and mountain climbing.
A visit to Idukki is incomplete without touring its famous plantations of rubber, tea, coffee and spice. Shoppers have much to delight them in Idukki. The markets are filled with fine quality tea, coffee and spices, such as cardamom and cinnamon, sourced from the city's own plantations. You can also buy fragrant wooden crafts made from the rare sandalwood and rosewood found in Idukki’s resource-rich forests.
Buses are the main mode of local transport in Idukki. Bus services operated by the government as well as private owners are easily available. You can also hire a private chauffeur-driven vehicle for sightseeing. Some rentals allow you to hire self-driven cars and motorcycles for exploring the city. However, this may not be safe if you are unfamiliar with driving on the hilly tracts and roads surrounded by dense forests.
On a daily basis there are approximately 165 flights that operate at Cochin International Airport.Air India, SpiceJet and IndiGo are the most popular airline brands that fly frequently to this airport.
By road Idukki is surrounded by Valparai, Bodinayakanur, Kambam which are 22.61 km, 23.57 km, 26.9 km away respectively. These places are ideal spots for people to plan their short weekend break.
Idukki has a total of 9 hotels.There are 9 hotels in Idukki with the popular ones being etc.