Basic information

Head quarters

Painavu

Area

4476 sq km

Religions

Hindu, Muslim, Christian

Population

11,07,453

Population Density

259 persons/sq km

Literacy

92.2%

Came into existence

January 26, 1972

Taluks

Devikulam, Udumbanchola, Peerumade and Thodupuzha

Revenue Division

Idukki and Devikulam

Tourist attractions

Thekkady, Munnar, Mattuppetty, Peerumade, Eravikulam National Park, Idukki Arch dam

Altitude

600 m above sea level

Telephone code

Thekkady, Kumily, Peermede: 04869, Munnar: 04865, Chinnakanal: 04868

About

Idukki is a high range district of Kerala whose name is derived from the Malayalam word ‘idukku’ which means narrow gauge. Idukki was long back part of the ancient Chera dynasty. It is the largest district in Kerala and is covered by mountains and dense forests which constitute around 97% of the district. Idukki is located in the middle of Kerala and is surrounded by Tamil Nadu state in the east, Pathanamthitta district in the South, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts in the West and Thrissur district in the North. Idukki is thus a landlocked district.

Idukki is said to have some unique climatic and geographic features. The climate here is generally cold and is subjected to variations in temperature. The area is mostly covered by mountain ranges and there are about 11 peaks here. The major rivers that flow through this district are Periyar, Thodupuzhayar and Thalayar Rivers. The River Pamba also originates from here. The highest peak in India to the south of the Himalaya ranges is the Anamudi peak which lies in this district.

Idukki is connected to other places through roadways. There are no railway stations in this district as the Indian railways do not cross through Idukki. Idukki has the largest hydroelectric power potential among other districts in Kerala. Around 66% of the total power generated in Kerala is from here. There is a dam here called as the Idukki Arch Dam which is the second highest of its type in India. There are educational institutions in Idukki which include schools and colleges. There are many Arts and science colleges and Engineering colleges also.

Idukki is famous for tourism and the natural beauty of Idukki attracts a large number of tourists to this place. Adimali which is popularly known as the ‘Gateway of highranges’ and is the spice city of Kerala lies in Idukki. The hill stations Munnar and Devikulam here are a hotspot for the tourists. Some of the major attractions in Idukki are Cheeyapara waterfalls, Eravikulam National Park, Rajamala, Idukki Arch dam, Thekkady, Thommankuthu waterfalls, Chinnar wildlife Sanctuary etc.

In Idukki there are many areas which are considered as protected areas which include Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kurinjimala Sanctuary, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Anamudi Shola National park, Eravikulam National Park etc. Some of the pilgrim centers in Idukki are Karikkode Devi temple, Mangala Devi Temple, Calvery Mount, Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, St. Antony’s Shrine etc. The economy of Idukki is agriculture and some of the main crops cultivated here include cardamom, tea, rice, pepper, tapioca etc. Animal breeding is also done which is another source of income of the farmers in Idukki.

How to get there

Tourism plays an important role in providing share to the economy. There are several tourism packages…
Ph : 123456