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Hillstations in
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Idukki Hillstation
Idukki Hillstation
A
landlocked district, Idukki is one of the most nature rich areas of Kerala.
The high range 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 who have unique customs and beliefs and maintain
an ethos which an ethos which is distinctly different from that of the
mainstream culture.
Munnar
(55 km from Idukki town): Munnar is situated at the confluence of three
mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nasllathanni and Kundala. 1600 m 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 this 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
treakking. Tea factory visits: Permission to visit any of the 26 factories
of Tata Tea Ltd. Can be had from the Regional Office at Munnar.
In
and around Munnar:Top Station (32 km from Munnar):
1700 m above sea level, this is the highest point on the Munnar -
Kodaikanal road. The rare Neelakurunji (Strobilanthus belings to this
region. Top Station also offers a panoramic view of the neighbouring state
of Tamil Nadu.
Mattupetty (13 km from Munnar): Situated
at a height of 1700 m), Mattupetty is famous for its highly specialized
dairy farm - the Indo Swiss Livestock Project. Over a 100 varieties of high
yielding cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into three of the 11
cattle sheds at the farm.
The
Mattupetty lake and dam, just a short distance from the farm, is a very
mountain goat (hemitragas hylocres) which is fast becoming extinct, is now
found in the Eravikulam - Rajamala region.
Devikulam
(15 km from Munnar):
This idyllic hill station with its velvet
lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air offers a rare
picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for
trout fishing.
Wagamon (65 km from
Idukki town): Situated at an elevation of 1100 m above sea
level, this hill station is a trekker's delight. Wagamon is surrounded by
beautiful meadows, valleys and tea gardens.
