This winter, are you looking for a place to unwind in the lap of nature, away from the hustle-bustle of urban life? Idukki checks all the boxes! By Angira Kar
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Idukki, the second largest and yet the least populated district of Kerala is the perfect weekend getaway choice for those who want to experience the pristine beauty of the hills this winter season, without compromising on social distancing during the pandemic.
Home to many wildlife sanctuaries, vibrant tribal cultures, and breathtaking sceneries, Idukki offers a plethora of thrilling adventure sports, most exciting one being a trek through the forests that cover almost half its area.
Arguably, the most famous of these is the engineering marvel of Idukki Arch Dam. Considered as one of Asia’s biggest dams, this construction is located on the Periyar river in a narrow gorge, between two granite hills namely the Kuravan Mala and the Kurathi Mala. The Idukki Arch Dam serves the purposes of hydropower generation and irrigation, among others. The grandeur of this dam is guaranteed to take your breath away.
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Another major attraction is the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary. Blanketed by tropical evergreen and deciduous forests, you will get a golden chance to witness a large variety of flora and fauna here. There is also a lake in the sanctuary where you can enjoy boat-rides with your loved ones amidst the scenic mountainous terrains. The Hill View Park and Kulamavu Dam are two other attractions that lie in close vicinity to the Idukki dam. While the former is a stunning garden, the latter is known to house a beautiful lake surrounded by panoramic landscapes, ideal for a picnic or trek.
Set in the beauteous town of Munnar, another wildlife sanctuary is the Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, which is also proclaimed as a national park. Among many rare animal species, this sanctuary is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The place also houses the famous Neelakurinji flowers that turn the hills into a dreamy shade of blue once in every 12 years, hence attracting thousands of tourists from all over the world. Situated on top of the Eravikulam National Park is the Anamudi Peak. Home to the largest surviving population of Asian elephants, this is the highest peak of the Western Ghats and South India.
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Another gleaming hill station of the Idukki district is the Nadukani hills. Imagine the sight of a silvery falls making its way through enchanting blue hills kissing the skies! Just an hour and a half away from here lies Palkulamedu, an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts and trekkers. The pleasing weather and the canopy of the evergreen forests here will make your trekking experience worth remembering. As you go further, in just about two hours or so you will reach Vagamon, which offers activities such as paragliding, rock-climbing, and trekking through the forests.
Apart from these tourist attractions, you can also check out the picture-perfect towns of Thekkady, Marayur, and Ramakkalmedu.
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Best time to visit: Winter, spanning from late October to February, is the best season to explore Idukki. The weather is mostly cool and pleasant but can get extremely cold, occasionally. So, make sure to carry warm winter-wear to keep yourself cosy. Although it doesn’t snow as heavily as other hill stations, you may still get to witness a pleasant light snowfall if you’re lucky.
Getting There: Reach the nearest Cochin Airport, well connected to all major cities, such as Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, etc. From there you can easily hire a cab that will drive you through the delightful routes to Idukki. The district is well connected via road to nearby cities like Kottayam, Kochi, Kollam, Kattappana, Kumily, Moolamattam, Munnar, and Thodupuzha. You can also take public buses facilitated by the Kerala State Road Control Cooperation to your destination. The nearest railway station is Theni, which is 83 kilometres from Idukki and is well connected to major cities like Kodaikanal, Palani, Chennai, Bengaluru, etc.
Stay: Chandys Windy Woods, Elixir Hills, Blanket Hotel & Spa, Fragrant Nature Munnar, The Tall Trees Munnar, and The Fog Munnar Resorts & Spa are some good options.
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Related: The Scenic Beaches Of Kerala Have Finally Reopened!
