The name, 'Idukki' is supposed derived from 'Idukku' means a narrow gauge. Man, animals and plants live in perfect harmony in this unspoiled natural queen of Kerala. The district is a sierra of domineering Western Ghats with altitude from 2500 to 6700 ft. The highest peak in Kerala, Anamudi, and a dozen peaks stand sentinels to Idukki, the spice kingdom of the state. The district has a forest of 260907 hector, largest area in the district. Several rivers, as Pampa and Manimala, originate from Idukki hills before meandering through the plainlands.
Tourist Spots
Thekkadi, Wildlife Sanctuary and lake. The lake was formed in 1895 when the then Madras government constructed a reservoir across periyar. The wildlife sanctuary was declared Tiger Reserve in 1978.Munnar : 136 km away from Kochi. Tucked away in misty teagardens. Indo-Swiz cattle project, Mattuppetti is near here. Idukki, The first arch-dam in India, inaugurated in 1976, is built between two granite hills across the River PeriyarPeerumedu : a hideaway in the snuggle of tea gardens.Chinnar wildlife sanctuary : On Munnar- Udumelpetta route, 50 km from Munnar.Rajamala : Eravikulam National Park, endangered sambhars can be spotted, 13 km from Munnar.Kumali : Portal of Thekkady, where Kerala and Tamil cultures meet and mingle.Mangaldevi temple 12 km away.Maryur : Famous for sandwood forests. Marayur jaggery is well-known. Sericulture and silk sari weaving are other attractions.Waterfalls : Vallakkuthu waterfalls on Aluva-Munnar road. Thommankuthu falls, 20 km off Thodupuzha. Thenmarikkuthu falls in Udumbenoore. ConveyanceAir : The nearest airport Cochin, 132 km away.Rail : No rail line in the district. Nearest Railway station at Kottayam, 133 km away.Road : Kochi-Madura, N H 49 goes through Idukki district. Thodupuzha, the major town in the district, is well connected with other parts of the district and the state. KSRTC operates bus services from Thodupuzha station to several cities including district headquarters. Bus services on high range roads are scant.