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THE
GREEN KERALA
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Idukki,
the mountainous district of Kerala, gets its name from
Malayalam word 'idukku', which means a narrow gorge. The
charming district flanked by Western Ghats in the east
is bounded by Thrissur district of Kerala and Coimbatore
district of Tamil Nadu in the north, Madurai and Ramanathapuram
district of Tamil Nadu in the east, Pathanamthitta district
in the south and Kottayam & Ernakulam districts in
the west.
The district consists of majestic mountains and verdant
valleys, about 1500 sq. km. reserved forest area is a
heaven for enchanting wild life and exotic flora. The
district is also the 'Power House' of the State, as about
60% of the States power needs are fulfilled by the hydroelectric
power station at Moolamattom. The Idukki Arch Dam, built
on the Periyar river is first of its kind in the country.
Idukki
is an industrially backward district. Tea industry is
the main industry of the district. Pepper is the most
important commodity produced and exported from Idukki.
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PLACES OF INTEREST
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Munnar
The
beautiful hill station on the western ghats is set in
the State's plantation county retaining an aura
of old world elegance. Munnar, literally means three rivers,
is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams.
Munnar is dotted with lakes, reservoirs, lush forests
and several tea estates. Climbing with the road to the
hills are the pepper, rubber and cardamom
plantations. The plantations lend a distinct aroma to
the cool and bracing climate of the hill resort.
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Idukki
Wildlife Sanctuary
The
sanctuary is located above the Idukki
Arch Dam, covering an area of 70 sq. km. Although
smaller in size it is comparable to Periyar
National Park. The charming lake surrounding the
sanctuary add to the scenic beauty of the region.
It has rich collection of flora and fauna. Sambars
and elephants can be seen here. Best Season
Nov. to May.
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Thattekad
Bird Sanctuary
Located 12 km. from Kothamangalam,
the sanctuary covers an area of 25 sq.
km. stretching between the branches
of river Periyar. There are more than
200 varieties of birds in
the region. Key avifauna include large
falcon, gray jungle fowl etc.
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Eravikulam
Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary
The
famous sanctuary near Munnar is accessible
by road, just 4 km. from the Munnar
Udumalpet road. It is 135 km. from Kochi.
It is situated at the crest of
Anaimalai range. It has the largest population
of Nilgiri Tahr existing in the
world now. Other key fauna include sambar,
barking deer, gaur, giant Malabar squirrel,
tiger, panther, nilgiri langur, lion
tailed macaque, wolf, pigeon, blackbird and
jungle crow etc. A rich and varied variety
of flora can also be seen here. The rare species
popularly known as 'Neelakurinji' grows here.
Chinnar
Wildlife Sanctuary
Located
on the Munnar-Udumalpet road it is 70
km away from Munnar. The sanctuary established
in 1984, is home to wide range
of wildlife species. The area is also ideal
for trekking.
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Mattupetty
It
is located 13 km. from Munnar. Major
tourist attractions here are the Indo-Swiss
Dairy Project, exotic cattle, rose garden
and lush green meadows.
Top
station located on the Kerala's
border of Tami Nadu, it affords a spectacular
view over the Western Ghats.
Kundale is
another tourist attraction of the region.
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Cheruthoni
Perched
at an altitude of 3917 feet above sea
level, this area is around the Idukki
and Cheruthoni dams, near Painavu, the
headquarters of Idukki district. It
affords breathtaking views of the surrounding
areas and on a clear day one can even
see certain parts of far
away Kochi. Cheruthoni is accessible
only by jeep. Boats are rented out
for a two hour cruise between Cheruthoni
and Kulamavu by the Kerala
State Electricity Board, who looks after
the dams.
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Suryanelli
Another
little enchanting hill resort in the
vicinity of Munnar (27km.).
The resort has beautiful lake and tea
plantations. Good Accommodation
facilities are available.
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Devikulam
The
beautiful hill station with lake
and tea plantations is worth
a visit. It is located 16 km.
from Munnar. Devikulam literally
means 'the Pond of Goddess', as
it is believed Sita, the consort
of Sri Rama once bathed in this
lake.
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Malankara
The
Malankara reservoir is an artificial
lake built as a part of Muvattupuzha
Valley Irrigation Project. The
famous picnic spot is located
66 km. from Kochi and 6 km. from
Thodupuzha. The reservoir is ideal
for boating. The Irrigation
Department plans to landscape
the dam and also setup a garden
to boost tourism.
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Peerumed
(Peermade)
The
lovely little hill station
is located on the way to
Thekkady. Formerly the
summer resort of Travancore
Rajas, it is nestled
amidst the rubber, tea,
coffee, pepper and cardamom
plantations interspersed
with waterfalls and
open grass lands.
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Anaimudi
The Anai Mudi Peak
is the highest peak of Southern
India.
Kudayathoor
Mala
The picturesque hillock located
6 km. from the dam
site is ideal for trekking.
Elaveezha Poonchira
Another
popular picnic spot, located
just 6 km. upstream.
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Communication
Lack
of transport facilities
as large tracks
of the district are
covered by forests.
The district has no air
or rail connections. Nearest
air and railhead from Idukki
is at Kochi (132 km.). Important
towns in the district are
well connected by road.
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