IDUKKI

Meesapulimala is an Indian peak, the next south of the second highest peak of the Western Ghats on the border of Idukki district, Kerala state. Its peak is 2,640 metres above sea level. The name derives from its appearance from the southwest of a leopard with prominent whiskers. It is located in between the Anaimalai Hills and Palani Hills near Suryanelli around 20 km away from Munnar. The Kolukkumalai tea estate, Top Station and Tipadamala is also nearby. Treks to the peak via Rhodo Valley can be organized through the Kerala Forest Development Corporation in Munnar. The trekking path from Kolukkumalai to Meesapulimala is highly restricted. Wildlife including the Nilgiri tahr, sambar deer, wild gaur, wild dogs and even the sloth bear.

The Idukki Dam is a double curvature arch dam constructed across the Periyar River in a narrow gorge between two granite hills locally known as Kuravan and Kurathi in Idukki district, Kerala, India. At 168.91 metres, it is one of the highest arch dams in Asia. It is constructed and owned by the Kerala State Electricity Board. It supports a 780 MW hydroelectric power station in Moolamattom, which started generating power on 4 October 1975. The dam type is a concrete, double curvature parabolic, thin arc dam. The Indo-Canadian project was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on February 17, 1976. This dam was constructed along with two other dams at Cheruthoni and Kulamavu. Together, the three dams and Two saddle dams, Kulamavu Saddle Dam and Kulamavu Saddle Dam have created an artificial lake that is 60 km² in area. The stored water is used to produce electricity at the Moolamattom Power house, which is located inside nearby rocky caves. Narakakkanam, Azhutha, Vazhikkadavu, Vadakkepuzha and Kuttiar diversion schemes were later added to augment the Idukki reservoir

Kalvari or Calvary Mount, one of the Idukki tourist places, is a mountain situated at a distance of 5 km from Idukki. The Kalyanathandu viewpoint on Calvary Mount offers stunning visuals of the serene waters of the reservoir between Kuravan and Kurathi Hills and the Idukki dam. The trekkers and travelers can take a break at the nearby Tea Factory that offers the finest tea. The path from the Viewpoint to the hilltop is very steep and windy and throws a gauntlet to the trekkers. The Kalavary Mount presents an enticing picture of the Idukki reservoir from Idukki to Ayyappanccovil on one side and pictorial view of the quaint Kamakshy and Mariyapuram hamlets on the other side.The trekkers will be treated to a fascinating experience of low-hung clouds, cool breeze, occasional chirping birds, and hordes of sauntering elephants.

Situated amongst the gushing locations in Western Ghats Land and providing an enchanting view of the semi-evergreen forests grasslands, Anchuruli Waterfalls (also spelt as Anjuruli) is a surreal location definitely worth visiting. The water that comes from Erattayar River is used for the Idukki hydro-electric project. A tunnel which is 2 km long passes through Erattayar and Anchuruli carrying water to the lake. Though the tunnel is dangerous, it is a fun place to take a stroll at especially for all the adventure lovers.

eriyar Wildlife Sanctuary, wildlife preserve in south-central Kerala state, southern India. The sanctuary is noted for herds of Asian elephants, sometimes having 50 members. In addition, bonnet monkeys, nilgai (Indian antelope), langurs, porcupines, sloth bears, tigers, leopards, barking deer, gray jungle fowl, kingfishers, great Indian hornbills, and southern grackles are found in the preserve. Extending over an area of 297 square miles (770 square km), the sanctuary encompasses Periyar Lake, formed in the early 1900s by impounding the Periyar River, and is located near the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border about 73 miles (118 km) south of Ernakulam and 170 miles (274 km) northeast of Thiruvananthapuram. At an elevation of about 4,600 feet (1,600 metres), the hilly topography has produced a lakeshore varied by numerous creeks, bays, and promontories. The vegetal cover is tropical evergreen and deciduous, with patches of dense forest including jackfruit, teak, and kokam (tropical evergreen [Garcinia indica]) trees that produce a dark purple, plumlike fruit). Most of the grassland is now planted with eucalyptus.

The Mudra Cultural centre is popular for Kalaripayattu martial arts and Kathalkali performances.Kathakali shows at this cultural centre are highly entertaining. Make-up and costume starts 30 minutes before each show. Use of still cameras is free and welcome. Arrive early for a good seat. There also two Kalarippayattu performances every night.There is a 1 hour show in the evening from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The price starts from INR 200 per hour. Basically originated in south India, the ancient martial art- Kalaripayattu, is a souvenir to the present sophisticated world. As per the myths, this is a 3000 year old art form accredited to sagacious Parasurama - the master of all martial art forms who is attributed as the re-claimer of Kerala from the Arabian Sea. The area of the centre is designed in a very enchanting way, while keeping in mind the safety and security of the audiences. Martial arts performed here is not just for entertaining purpose but also to teach people self defense practices in a very efficient manner. The activity takes place in a spacious and beautifully designed gallery offering its guests clear vision of the programme from a safe distance. Numerous spectacular performances can be seen at the centre which will leave you spellbound. The show can be seen with your family as well as friends and enjoyed to the fullest. This place is easily accessible by all modes of transport. You can also get hired vehicles such as private cabs, taxis and auto to reach their easily from the nearest city centre.

Green Park Ayurvedic and Spices Plantation offers a chance to sync with nature. We provide a natural and silent atmosphere which enhances fresh breathe and a pleasure mind. Green Park is 100% eco friendly including with farm, honey bee colony, natural fish aquarium, artificial paddy field, suspension bridge, cardamom processing unit, fruit plantation, green house for vegetables,

1100 meters above sea, far way from the loud city culture, lush greenery and serenity to gift every visitor, Vagamon could be your quiet offbeat hill station in Kerala away from maddening tourist crowds. If you are a forest lover, the first place you should visit in Vagamon is the Vagamon Pine forest, which is the major tourist attraction of this place. A very popular spot for movie shootings, Vagamon forest is actually a man-made forest which was created during the British era. The forest overlooks the entire Vagamon valley and is a beautiful place where you can go for a long walk, or just sit under a pine tree and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

Kerala’s Idukki district is famous for its sprawling tea plantations that stretch across numerous hills in a carpet of greenery. The British planters changed the very face of the quaint hill station when they started the plantations of tea, coffee, spices and fruit trees that, even to this day, cover the hills of Idukki. We bring to you high-resolution images of the tea gardens littering the misty peaks of Idukki.

Periyar Lake cruise is a refreshing way to explore the wilderness of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala. The lovely Periyar Lake is an artificial water body created a hundred years back. The dam restricted the Periyar River, which has led to the creation of the lake of unrivaled beauty and the life source of blessed species. The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation and the Periyar Forest Department organized the Periyar Boat Cruise. The 2-3 hours cruise is incredible for the amazing sights of the panorama apart from exploring the species at Periyar Reserve. While cruising the waters, one can easily view the animals who come to the lake shores to quench their thirst. Also, you can spot elephants, deer, and reptiles. Moreover, abundant water birds make homes on the tree trunks submerged in the waters. Spotting the ferocious tigers is the icing on the cake.