Breathtaking Idukki beckons

Hills, valleys, and forests aplenty, Idukki is a land of tantalizing sights. Sights that you can never get enough of, sights that can woo you like no other. There is something for everyone here, and that is guaranteed! **Thekkady:** A favourite haunt of wildlife enthusiasts, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady spans an area of 777 sq. km. Thekkady is 4 km away from the Kumily Town that lays on the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border. A boat Safari that takes you through the reservoir is a sure shot way to catch a glimpse of some wild bison, wild elephants and other animals and that too at a close range. Kumily is a 110 km drive from Kottayam and for those coming from Kochi, the 160 km Kaduthuruthy – Pala route is the best way to reach Thekkady. **Munnar:** Known as the Kashmir of the South, Munnar is known for its salubrious climate all year round, rolling green hills and the picturesque tea estates. The mass blooming of the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthus) flower that takes place once in 12 years is another Munnar speciality. Don’t miss out on the boating at the Mattupetty reservoir, the Top Station, Blossom Park, Eco Point and the Kundala Dam. Munnar is a 95 km drive away from Thodupuzha. **Ramakkalmedu:** At 3630 feet above sea level, Ramakkalmedu is a sight to behold with its spectacular sunrises and sunsets, the panoramic views of Tamil Nadu, the gusty wind that blows at a speed of 35 km per hour throughout, and the night time scenery. The famous sculpture of the Kuravan and Kurathi couple that stands at an impressive height of 37 feet is located at Ramakkalmedu. From Kottayam, Ramakkalmedu is 160 km away. **Thommankuthu:** The land of enchanting waterfalls. Ezhunilakutthu, Koovamalakuthu, Thekkanthonikuthu, Palunkalakuthu and Thommankutthu are the popular waterfalls here. The best time to visit is from September to February. You can reach the falls from Thodupuzha in 18 km and from Muvattupuzha it is 35 km away. **Idukki Dam:** Idukki is a district that is known for its numerous dams. And throughout your journey here, you are bound to come across many dams. The route that takes you to the Idukki Arch Dam goes over the Kulamavu Dam. You will require special permission to visit the Arch Dam. The dam is open to the public only on important days or on festival days. Boating facility is available at the reservoir. **Wagamon Ranges:** The Wagamon hill station is located on the Kottayam-Idukki border, around 25 km away from Peerumedu. Cool climate and calm, serene surroundings is what attracts tourists to this sleepy town. Wagamon is also a trekker’s paradise. Kolahalamedu, Pine Forests, Happy Valley gorge, Wagamon waterfalls and Kurisumala are some of the attractions here. **Marayur, Kanthaloor, Chinnar:** A 45 km travel along the Munnar-Udumalpet road will take you to a treasure trove of Sandalwood forests, and this is Marayur. For the historical buffs, Marayur has much to offer in the form of ancient Megalithic Dolmens or Muniyaras, rock paintings, rock edicts and engravings. Another 16 km from Marayur and you can reach Kanthaloor, which is a fruit and vegetable haven. The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located 18 km north of Marayur. The Sanctuary shares its western border with Eravikulam National Park and is famous for wildlife tourism. You can see Wild Elephants, Bison, Leopards, Tigers, Sambar Deer’s, Spotted Deer’s, Tahrs and Monkeys.