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Idukki is one of the most beautiful and serene places in Kerala. At Idukki, you will find yourself in the lap of nature, so close to haven. Tourist attractions in Idukki are varied and interesting. Let’s have a look on some of the famous tourist attractions in Idukki district.

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Munnar
Due to its beautiful surroundings and so natural, Munnar has been christened as ‘Virgin Munnar’, in the tourism and travel industry. Munnar is well known for tea plantations and beautiful hills. Increasing fame and the growth of visitors may soon account to deletion of this description.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique thorny scrub forest with numerous xerophytes species. Chinnar is well known for the habitat of the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India.

Devikulam
Located 16 km from Munnar, Devikulam symbolizes nature in her unspoiled state and glory. At Devikulam, the crisp and cool mountain air heavily loaded with the fragrance of wild flowers and rare herbs is any nature lover’s paradise and makes it one of the most serene and beautiful places in Kerala.

Idukki Dam
The Idukki dam, built across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills is the world’s second and Asia’s first arch dam. The Idukki dam, lying close to the cheruthoni barrage is 550 ft high and 650 ft. wide. The Idukki arch Dam is also one of the attractions of Idukki district and attracts a large number of visitors.

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary extends over the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluka of Idukki district. The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 77 sq km and is about 450-748 m above sea level. It is one of the most beautiful and flora and fauna rich wildlife in Kerala.

Marayoor
Marayoor is about 40 kilometers away from Munnar. It is interesting to note that Marayoor is the only place in Kerala which has a natural growth of sandal wood trees. Another attraction here is the relics of new Stone Age civilization, which have been unearthed here.

Top Station
Top Station, the tranquil hill station is located about 32 km from Munnar, on the Munnar-Kodaikanal Road. Perched at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level, Top Station is the highest point on Munnar-Kodaikanal Road and one of the most famous hill spots in Kerala.

Kuthumkal Waterfalls
The Kuthumkal waterfall provides a picturesque view of the water, cascading down from dazzling heights. The utter beauty of the place attracts thousands of tourists every year. This is truly nature at its best!

Places to see

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Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)
The palace built by the Portuguese as a gift to the king of Cochin, is a wonderful treat for travelers with historic interest. The Portuguese designed oriental style double storied quadrangular monument of 1555 A.D, later the abode of the royal Cochin rulers-this is a perfect place to appreciate cultural influences on architecture .

Jewish Synagogue
This is at present the well preserved monument that was constructed by the Jews in late 16th century, raided by the Portuguese and later rebuilt by the Dutch. The synagogue still preserves some ancient religious scriptures. It is so famous a tourist attraction that the surrounding area is known as Jew town. Many antiques are available on sale here and it is also a center for spice trade.

The synagogue is open Sunday to Friday, from 10am to noon and from 3 to 5pm.IST

Bolghatty Palace
This elegant palace is situated away from the hustle of the city, on the Bolghatty Island. The palace that was once used by the Dutch is now well furnished and maintained as a hotel. The island also has a park and golf course. The serene atmosphere and the splendid view from there make it a perfect getaway. Frequent boat service is available from the mainland.

Fort Kochi beach
This is the cultural center at Kochi,here one can find many monuments that stand out as instances that speak about Kerala’s history and also of foreign influences on the architecture of the land. Along the beach, one can find the famous fishing nets lined up. These nets are replica of those used during the times of Chinese ruler Kublai Khan. Kochi is the only place in India that you can spot these.

Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithura
The first on the list for those interested in history and archeology, this is now the largest archaeological museum in Kerala and is the official residence of the Kochi royal family. The complex is a reflection of traditional architectural style of Kerala. Full-fledged ethno-archaeological articles and artifacts belonging to the Kochi royal family are all a luxury that the visitors to the place get to relish. In addition there are numerous species of flora including rare medicinal plants around the area,

Kochi, Saturday 04 December 2010: Former Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) chairman E. Sreedharan expressed hope of getting Union government sanction for Kochi metro rail project by January 2011. Speaking to an interview to a Private News channel, Sreedharan said the delay in Central government sanction is the present problem faced by the project.

“The project can be completed within three and a half years, once the union government provides sanction. Preliminary preparatory works for the project has already been initiated.

The cost has increased as the delay continues. The present estimate is 3500 crores. Widening of roads in Kochi including MG road is part of the process. The works are expected to be complete by 18 months.
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