Introduction

Idukki is one of the most beautiful places in the state of Kerala. It contains huge mountains, Lush green forests, and the smell of spices. When it comes to tourist places, there is no dearth of them in Idukki. Almost every inch of this greenish district looks as if it represents a tourist place in the state.

Although there are numerous places to visit in this district, here I have handpicked 10 of them which in my opinion are the must-go-to places.

1. Idukki Dam

Idukki Dam has the pride of being one of the highest arch dams in Asia. During its commission in 1973, it was the largest arch-shaped dam in the continent of Asia. I highly recommend you to visit this dam to appreciate and wonder about the engineering marvel it is.

Although it comes in the 1st position among places to visit in Idukki, you can’t go there whenever you want. Visitors are allowed only during ‘Onam’ and ‘Christmas’. Previously the number of days the dam would be open for visitors used to be just 10. However, nowadays, almost 1 month of time is given to tourists. You can plan accordingly

There is a small entry fee to enter the dam. As of 2021, the entry fee for adults is 25 rupees and for small children, it is a mere 5 rupees.

Reference link : Idukki dam kerala tourism

2. Munnar – Idukki

Munnar is a hill station in Idukki which is located at a height of 1600 meters (5200 feet) above sea level. There are several places to visit in and around Munnar. If you are a person who wants to chill out in a cold place during summer, then this place is for you!

Munnar is also known for its beautiful tea plantations. The history of Munnar dates back to several centuries and it used to be one of the important commercial hubs during the British colonial era.

If you arrive here during summer it is going to be kind of heaven for you as the place has everything needed to calm you down from the hectic town life.

3. Thekkadi

Thekkadi is a town near Kumily which is located on Kerala-Tamilnadu Border. Here you will get to experience the ‘Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary’ and ‘Tiger Reserve’. It is home to some of the rarest of rare tiger species in India. Spread across 777 square kilometers this wildlife sanctuary is one of the important such places in the country.

There is also a park and a lake where you can go boating with your friends and family. During this journey, if you are lucky enough, you will get to see some wild animals such as wild buffaloes, deers, and even Tigers very close.

4. Ramakkalmedu

This is one of the emerging but beautiful places to visit in Idukki. The main attraction of this place is the statue of Kuravan and Kurathi which depicts the ancient history of Tamilnadu and Kerala.

Also, this place is unique for its ever-blowing wind irrespective of varying seasons. Due to this peculiarity, Ramakkalmedu has been chosen by the government for the production of wind electricity. You can find numerous windmills in and around Ramakkalmedu.

Government has plans to increase the basic amenities available at this place and has already done several things to attract more tourists.

5. Anjuruli or Anchuruli

The place is known for the 5.4-kilometer circular tunnel which carries water from Erattayar to Idukki. This tunnel is regarded as one of the engineering marvels.

6. Chellarkovil Waterfalls

Situated less than 20 kilometers away from Thekkady, this place is one of the top tourist attractions in Idukki. Previously it used to be a usual place with no tourism tag. However, as the place got more attraction due to its specialty, the government invested a lot of time, effort, and money to convert it into a tourist place.

The biggest attraction here is the panoramic view of Tamilnadu one gets from this place. You can see parts of Cumbum, Koodaloor, and Uthamapalayam from here.

Previously there used to be no entry fee. However, now a small entry fee is collected from visitors to have access to here.

7. Gavi – Idukki

Gavi is one of the tourist places to visit in Idukki. Even though it is located in the Pathanamthitta district since it is near Idukki, we have included it in this list.

This place is a small village with a lot of fauna and flora. The top attraction of this place is the presence of the rare ‘Gopher tree’ which has found mention in the Bible. It is believed that the two gopher trees here are the only two of them in India.

You can avail rides using Vans and Some other vehicles by paying a nominal fee.

8. Ottakathalamedu

This place is situated 4 kilometers away from Thekkadi. This is a remote hill station where basic amenities and shops are very rare. This place is suitable to visit if you are here with your friends.

Strong winds often tend to be dangerous if you stand on edges. You will get a breathtaking panoramic view of Thekkady, Kumily, and some other villages in Tamilnadu and Kerala.

9. Mangala Devi Temple – Idukki

Reji Jacob, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsThis is a historic place which is located on the Kerala-Tamilnadu border. The temple is of Kannagi who is believed to have reached here from Madurai after a tussle between her and the then king of Madurai. The place is open for visitors only for one day a year.

Devotees from both Kerala and Tamilnadu visit this place on chithrapowrnami day in the month of April every year. This temple is situated 15 kilometers away from Thekkadi which is accessible either by walk or by Jeep Taxis.

Administrative officers from Kerala and Tamilnadu along with the police force from both states come and participate here.

Reference link : Kerala Tourism – Mangala Devi Kannagi Temple

10. Parunthumpara

This is a small village in Idukki which is located at a distance of 25 kilometers from Thekkadi. This is a hill station that provides the best panoramic view of nearby villages. The main attraction of this place is that ayyappa devotees get to see Makara Jyothi from here.

During the time of Makarajyothi, devotees from various south Indian states assemble here to get the Darshan.

Suicide point and Tagore’s head are also top attractions here. Tagor head resembles the head of ‘Ravindra Natha Tagore’Final NotesIf you are in the Idukki district, you should consider buying spices such as Cardamom and Pepper from here. I have written a comprehensive guide on how to buy cardamom online here. Even if you go back to your home, you can easily purchase it by following the steps given in that article.

Please let me know any of your suggestions and places to add into the list.

Cheers!