A landlocked district, Idukki is one of the most nature rich areas of Kerala. High ranges and wooded valleys are girded by three main rivers - Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhayar - and their tributaries. The river Pamba also has its origin here.
As a tourist destination, Idukki offers diverse attractions like wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, spice plantation tours, mountain treks, elephant rides etc.
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.
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 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 closeby.
Animals:
Elephant, bison, sambar deer, wild dog, jungle cat, tiger, wild boar etc.
Snakes:
Cobra, viper, krait and a number of non poisonous snakes.
Birds:
Jungle fowl, myna, laughing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl, woodpecker, kingfisher etc.
