Idukki

State: Kerala

Main languages: Malayalam

 

History:

 

The Idukki town is located near the Idukki Dam on the Periyar River. It is one of the 14 districts of the state with district headquarters is at Kuyilimala in Painavu. It is said that the high range of Idukki attracted Scottish planters in the 19th century. These planners had left behind some bungalows in an around Munnar that are still quite notable due to their architectural beauty. One of the most beautiful sites here is the Ladbroke House, which has been named after the Ladbroke Square in London. The region also had a railway line almost a century back. This had started with the KDHP office at Munnar. The track extended up to Top Station near the Tamil Nadu border. Though the torrential rain and storm of 1924 destroyed the major part of the rail system, the regions of the Mattupetty dam still has the remains of the rail lines.

 

Geography:

 

The district of Idukki has an area of 5,105.22 km² and is the second largest District of Kerala. The region is covered rugged mountains and forests covering about 97 percent of the total area. The highest peak in the area is the Anamudi, which is known as Himalayas of south India. The Periyar, Thodupuzhayar and Thalayar are vital rivers of the district. 

 

Demographics:

 

As per the 2001 census of India the city had a population of 1,129,221. 

 

Climate:

 

The region has a pleasant climate through out the year with rainfalls during the monsoons. Although slight drizzle at any point of the year is not uncommon, the region remains pleasant due to the rugged terrains and natural cover.

 

Economy:

 

The temperature in Idukki is ideal for agro climatic conditions. These include the cultivation of crops like rubber, coconut, tea, coffee, cardamom, pepper, etc. Due to the rich agricultural products here the district acquired 2nd place in the state in agriculture produces. There are various small and marginal farmers predominant here along with the large holdings of plantations of tea, cardamom etc. owned by corporate groups. But many areas still are not under cultivation due to the lack of irrigation facilities and benefits. Animal husbandry is the next best occupation for the residents of this area. The region is also known as `Spices District` and a 'Technology Mission' due to the development of spices. It also has the largest arch dam in India

 

 

Tourism:

 

The region is also known as the creation of God's natural beauty with Tea Gardens in the north. The hilly areas have Cardamom plantation. There are various protected areas here like the river in the Marayoor region of northwestern Idukki which has the Kurinjimala Sanctuary to the east, Periyar Tiger Reserve in the south, the nar Wildlife Sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park and Anamudi Shola National Park to the north, Pampadum Shola National Park and Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in the west. These areas are the homes for some rare animal species. The region is a popular tourist destination due to the lush hills, tea plantations and valleys. The Swiss cattle project is also located near the town. The places to visit in the district also include Kattappana, Munnar, Murickassery, Kulamavu, Kumili, Moolamattom, Nedumkandam, Painavu, Parathode, Thekkady and many other small towns.

 

Transportation: 

 

The nearest airports are the Nedumbasseri, 160 km away and Madurai airport. Roads are well maintained here and connect to some of the important railheads nearby.