Kerala Destinations

Idukki Arch Dam: This is the world's second and Asia's first arch dam, constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills. 550 ft. high and 650 ft. wide, the Dam lies close to the Cheruthoni barrage. To its west is the Kulamavu Dam. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located close by.

The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary extends over the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks of Idukki district, spreading over 77 sq. km and is about 450 - 748 m above sea level. The Idukki Reservoir formed by three Dams - Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamavu extends to 33 sq km.

Idukki has a large population of tribals, the main tribes being Muthuvan, Malayarayan, Mannan, Paliyan, Urali, Ulladan, Malavedan and Malampandaram. The tribes of Kerala have unique customs and beliefs and maintain an ethos which is distinctly different from that of the mainstream culture.

Hill Station of Idukki: Munnar: Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. 1600m above sea level, this hill station was the summer resort of the British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes, and holiday facilities make Munnar a popular hill station. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue once every twelve years will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking. Other places to see around Munnar are: Pothamedu, Devikulam, Pallivasal, Attukal, Mattupetty dam, Top-station, tea factory, etc

Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady: One of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, this is noted for its geomorphology, wildlife and beautiful landscape. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. The sanctuary has over 1800 flowering plants including 171 grass species. Over 140 species of orchids could be found here. There are 35 species of mammals including wild elephants, gaurs, langur, sambar deer, and wild boars that can be sighted from the boats, the Nilgiri tahr in the higher rocky areas, the endangered lion tailed macaque confined to the evergreen interiors, bonnet macaque, Malabar giant squirrel, tiger, jungle cat, sloth bear, etc. There are also about 265 species of birds including migrants. The hornbill, stork, woodpecker, kingfisher, raptor, darter, cormorant, grackle, cluster etc. Reptiles like cobra, viper, krait, a number of non-poisonous snakes, bi-colored frogs and crocodiles could be spotted while trekking in the sanctuary.

Kumarakom: (10 km from Kottayam): A voyage north of Alappuzha takes you to the rich green, sleepy little village of Kumarakom on the Vembanad Lake. An enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, Kumarakom provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. An exclusive attraction of this much sought after backwater resort is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is an ornithologist's paradise and a favorite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. A cruise along the Vembanad lake is the best way to view the bird life.

Varkala: Varkala is a seaside resort and spa, as well as an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. High cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline. This place is highly recommended to be visited during sunset and also at sunrise. The 2000-year old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Nature Care Centre are the two main attractions here.

Thiruvananthapuram / Trivandrum: The southernmost district of the state, is bounded by the wooded highlands of the Western Ghats in the east and the northeast, and the Arabian Sea in the west. A long shoreline with secluded, internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches, hill stations and a rich cultural heritage make this district a much sought after tourist destination. The serene backwater stretch of Thiruvallam, Veli Tourist Village, Akkulam Boat Club and the Kovalam beach are the must see places.

Wayanad: Wayanad is one of the districts in Kerala that has been able to retain its pristine nature. Hidden away in the hills of this land are some of the oldest tribes, as yet untouched by civilisation. Wayanad is known for its picturesque mist clad hill stations, sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions. The leading tourist centres of South India like Ooty, Mysore, Coorg, Kozhikode and Kannur are around this region.

Luxuriant plantations of coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber stretch over the hills of Wayanad as far as the eye can see., With the fast-flowing rivers- Panamaram, Mananthavady and kabini- cutting across the undulating panorama and lending picture-postcard look to the whole region. The north eastern tip of Kerala. Its pretty image notwithstanding, perhaps what the visitor finds most endearing about this quaint little hill station is its large tribal population and their fascinating lifestyles.

Including revered monarchs of barely fifty -strong tribes. An in -vogue barter system. And ancient rituals. Not surprisingly, based on evidences still found on these hills, historians contend that civilization existed in these parts at least a thousand years before Christ.