Idukki is one of the fourteen districts of the Indian state of Kerala. It is also regarded as the most prominent hill stations in India. Idukki is a land locked district in Kerala state overflowing with the beauty of nature. The tranquil and serene beauty of Idukki has earned for it the status of one of the most beautiful spectacular place on earth. The place is a suitable destination for a romantic getaway. Famously called the hilly district of Kerala, Idukki is well-recognized for its wildlife sanctuaries. It is one of the vital parts of the tourism industry of the state and forms one of the most visited tourist destination in Kerala. It is watered by three rivers including Thalayar, Periyar and Thodupuzhayar as well as their tributaries. There is some history attached to the Idukki hill station. The name of this hill station is believed to have derived from `Idukku` which means a narrow gorge in the Malayalam language.

Location of Idukki
Idukki is situated at an altitude of 750 to 2500 meters above the level of sea. The entire area of Idukki is scarred by the rivers Thalayar, Periyar and Thodupuzhayar. The hill station in Kerala forms a part of the Western Ghats.

Tourist Places in Idukki
In Kerala, Idukki is known for several tea plantations along the hill slopes. The natural surroundings and the wilderness make Idukki a prominent destination for those interested in the wildlife beauty. One of the most-visited Indian hill stations, Idukki offers pleasurable elephant rides in the lap of nature. The place is also a store house of a variety of rich spices famous all over the world. One can avail a tour of the hill station to enjoy the scenic beauty and the wilderness of this peaceful spot. Apart from this, Idukki is also has some historical importance. The Periyar River flowing alongside the hill station and in between the two huge rocks of the place, justifying the name Idukki, which means a narrow gorge in the Malayalam language.

One of the leading Indian wildlife sanctuaries is there in Idukki. This sanctuary covers an area of 777 kilometers or more, sheltering wild species of wild animals including giant, deer and Malabar squirrel in the wilderness. This hill station is home to a large variety of floras, which adds beauty to the place. There are various other tourist attractions in Idukki. A number of prominent tourist destinations in this place include Idduki Arch Dam, Hill View Park, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Nadukani, Kulamavu, Painavu, Thumpachi Calveri Samuchayam, Cheruthoni, Malankara Reservoir, Kalliyanathandu, Thommankuthu, Palkulamedu, Keezharkuthu, Kalvarimount, etc.

Other major attractions in Idukki include the Kuthumkal Waterfalls. It offers a colourful sight of the water, flowing down from glittering heights. The absolute beauty of the place tempts a large number of visitors every year. Observatory Hills is one of the beautiful hills situated at Nedumkandam. It is a suitable place for people who like to watch celestial bodies, since the sky is free of pollution from this hill.

Another major attraction of Idukki is the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. It comprises of a unique thorny scrub forest having xerophytes species. This sanctuary is the habitat of the steadily diminishing endangered Giant Grizzled India Squirrel. Devikulam is situated at a distance of sixteen kilometres from Munnar. This hill station presents nature with all her glory. The cool and crisp mountain air carrying the fragrance of rare herbs and wild flowers form a paradise in the earth.

Visiting Information on Idukki
How to reach Idukki
By Rail: The railway station close to Idukki hill station in Kerala is at Kottayam, which is located at a distance of 133 kilometers.

By Air: The nearest airport is located at a distance of 132 kilometers from Idukki at Cochin.

By Road: One can reach this hill station by mortable roads from various parts of the state of Kerala.

There are several easy accommodations available close to the Idukki hill station. One can avail a bungalow, hotel or the guesthouse which offers comfortable accommodation in Idukki.

A visit to the famous hill stations of Idukki one will definitely be delighted by the wildlife sanctuaries, dams, hill stations, mountain treks, spice plantation and elephant rides. The people living in Idukki have accepted agriculture as their primary occupation and the major agricultural practices include dairy farming, mushroom cultivation and floriculture, which are practiced on a large scale in Idukki.