ernakulam to idukki tourist places

Places to Visit in Idukki | Idukki Tourism

Idukki the landlocked hill district in Western Ghat is a place blessed with beauty and tranquility. Idukki one of Kerala’s nature rich areas with the land of massive mountains, green valleys and splendid streams located in the southern portion of Kerala is a paradise of nature and animal lovers.

Idukki is among the most visited places in Kerala with misty hills and valleys covered with the greenery of spice plantations, wildlife sanctuaries and stunning waterfalls. The virgin charm of Idukki is irresistible.

Apart from the scenic beauty this place offers adventure tourism. It's the best place for trekking and hiking. Mountain trekking in Idukki is very popular. High ranges and wooded valleys of Idukki is girded by three main rivers in Kerala - Periyar, Thalayar, Thodupuzha - and their tributaries. The great River Pamba also has its origin in Idukki. Elephant rides is a speciality of Idukki.

Places to Visit in Idukki

The journey to Idukki itself is an exciting experience. There are 12 hairpin bends on this stretch. There is a well in the middle of the road near the fifth hairpin bend. Every sight in Idukki is attractive. From waterfalls to reservoirs, wildlife sanctuaries to religious centres each and every spot is a different experience.

The most popular destinations in Kerala like Munnar, Thekkady and Peerumedu are located in Idukki district.

Munnar an enchanting hill station with enclosed calm of serenity and beauty draws thousands of tourists from different parts of the world. This heavenly beautiful hill station of Kerala situated at an altitude of about 1600 meter from the sea level was once the summer resort of British government in South India. The colonial Bungalows in Munnar reflects the glorious past of the place.

The pleasant climate and the laid back attitude of the hills made it an ideal holiday spot. The cool climate and the romantic ambiance of Munnar made it one of the most preferred honeymoon destination in South India . Munnar lies at Idukki district in the confluence of three rivers Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala.

The valleys in Munnar covered with coffee, tea and spice plantations, the mountain streams, wide variety of flora and fauna is a delight to watch. Neelakurinji flower one of the rarest and most beautiful flower which blooms once in twelve years is found here. When it blooms it covers the entire region with its beautiful violet colour.

Some of the must visit places in and around Munnar include Eravikulam National Park, Pothamedu, Mattupetty, Devikulam, Pallivasal, Chinnakanal, Tea Museum, Attukal etc.

2. Thekkady

Thekkady is a naturally beautiful land located on Idukki district of Kerala. It’s a place full of surprises. Nature has blessed this place with all beautiful attractions. You will be amused by the scenic spots, clear waterways and the peaceful ambiance of Thekkady. A walk through the spice scented plantations of Thekkady enjoying the green valleys and the chilling weather will be an unforgettable experience.

One unique thing about Thekkady is that this is the only place where you can witness wildlife in close quarters. Thekkady is one of the finest natural wildlife reserve in the world. You can see large herd of elephants playing in the lake, tigers and so many other animals and birds in Thekkady. Thekkady is an ideal place for adventure tourism .

3. Ilaveezhapoonchira

Ilaveezhapoonchira situated atop Kudayathoor Mala is one of the most excellent places in Idukki district of Kerala to witness the sunrise and sunset. Ilaveezhapoonchira literally means pond of flowers atop a hill where no leaves fall. This is true as there is no trees around and only green grassland. This is a wonderful picnic spot situated in the midst of the fabulous hillocks.

The velvet valleys of Ilaveezhapoonchira spreads across thousands of acres.The green landscape punctuated by gigantic hills with enclosed calm and serenity is an ideal place to relax. This beautiful spot is surrounded by three enchanting hillocks Mannakunnu, Kodayathoormala and Thonippara.

Ilaveezhapoonchira is famous among adventure lovers. The three hillocks make it an ideal place for trekking. This hamlet is among the highest peaks in Kerala . The Kudayathoor Mala rises 3680 feet high. Monsoon add an elegant charm to this place. During the monsoons the valleys fill up to form a scenic lake.

4. Malankara Dam

Malankara Reservoir is an artificial lake on the Moolamattom - Idukki route. Spread over an area of 11 km the reservoir is a popular picnic spot. The buses on this route stop here at the dam entrance for the visitors to enjoy the view of the catchment area and green surrounds.

5. Kurusha Para

The Hillock of Kurusha Para, a steep climb about 2685 feet above is a stunning beauty which offers breathtaking view of the Malankara Reservoir and the plantations around. The journey to this place through windy roads and hilly areas itself is a thrilling experience.

6. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is an important destination in Idukki. Unlike other wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala Chinner gets barely scanty rainfall every year. This sanctuary is a distinct thorny scrub forest, consisting of several xerophytes species.

Chinnar is also a famous dwelling of the country's endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel. This sanctuary also offers you the sight of elephants, spotted deer, sambar, hanuman monkeys, and more. This sanctuary will be an unforgettable experience for all.

7. Peerumedu

Peerumedu is a small beautiful hill station, snuggled at an altitude of 914 m above sea level, on way to Thekkady. This famous plantation town is rich with Coffee, tea, pepper, cardamom and rubber.

Peerumedu is the most fertile and wonderful part of Western Ghat . The stunning waterfalls and verdant grasslands in Peerumedu attracts so many tourists to this part of Idukki. This cool wonderful land is an amazing sight to visit.

8. Hill View Park

As the name suggests the sight from this park explores a vast area of the beautiful land unlike from any high mountain park. Spread over an area of 8 acres of land this beautifully designed park has a natural water body at the hilltop.

One can also see Wild elephants in their natural habitat. This park is situated close to Idukki Arch Dam and Cheruthoni Dam. The park has a herbal garden and children's play area. You can enjoy pedal boating facility in Hill View Park.

9. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary spreads over an area of more than 77 sq km is about 450-748 m above sea level. This wildlife sanctuary spreads over Thodupuzha and Udumbanchola taluk of Idukki has a rich variety of flora and fauna.

One can enjoy the sight of animals like elephant, bison, sambar deer, wild dog, jungle cat, tiger, wild boar, various poisonous snakes like cobra and viper and non-poisonous snakes too.

Apart from animals and snakes the sanctuary offers you a wide variety of colorful birds like jungle fowl, myna, laughing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl, woodpecker, and kingfisher.

10. Idukki Arch Dam

Idukki Arch Dam constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills is the world's second and Asia's first arch dam. The Idukki Dam is situated near the Cheruthoni barrage and extents to an altitude of 550 ft with a width of 650 ft. This huge wonderful dam is a unique, fascinating site in Idukki.

There is an interesting story behind the origin of the dam. It is believed that Lord Rama cursed two natives Koravan (man) and Korathi (woman) to stones for staring at Sita while she was bathing. They begged Rama for Mercy as they never stayed separate. Lord Rama then blessed them that they will stay together for the years to come.

It's the Arch Dam, which connects the two hillocks Kuravan Mala and Kurathi Mala together. The Natives in here believes that its dam which reunites them. Kulamavu Dam, and Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located nearby Idukki Arch Dam. There is an option for pedal boating in the dam.

11. Waterfalls in Idukki

The famous picnic spot Thommankuthu is a series of cascading waterfalls. This seven step waterfalls surrounded by ancient caves is a pristine natural beauty. Another one The Rainbow Waterfalls amidst lush green forest also worth a visit.

The exotic Kuthumkal Waterfall rolling down from startling altitudes is a scenic spot surrounded by the lush greenery of nature. The divine beauty of these waterfalls is a refreshing experience. The elegant charm and the wild beauty of waterfalls draws thousands of tourists every year.

12. Religious Centres in Idukki

As per the history Central Idukki was once part of the Keezhmalainad Kingdom and later conquered by the Vadakkumkoor Kings who ruled Karikode, 3 km from the centre of Thodupuzha Town.

Due to its proximity to the dynasty’s ruling centre there are many temples and mosques in here. The famous places of worship in here are Annamalai Temple, Karikode Bhagavathy, Krishnaswamy Temple, Uravappara Temple, Nainar Masjid, St Thomas Church and Kalvari Mount.

Where To Stay in Idukki

There are excellent staying options spread across the region. Nestled among the hills these hotels and resorts are best place to stay in Idukki. From budget to luxury there are a variety of options. You can choose as per your need and budget.

Some of the best staying options in Idukki are The River Bank resort, Greenberg Resort, The Pimenta resort, Edassery Resort, Maurya Monarch, Gemini Tourist Complex and Hotel Stoneage.

Places to Eat in Idukki

There are so many good restaurants in Idukki. There are traditional Kerala as well as Multi cuisine restaurants. Some of the best place to eat are Hotel Aarathi, Gopuram, Hotel Woodlands, Pappen’s Restaurant, Maurya Monarch, Sicilia Hotel etc.

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Places to Visit in Idukki

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Here are some of the best places to visit in Idukki:

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

Away from the hustle and bustle of the cities, the Idukki Wildlife is located in the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks of Idukki at an altitude of 450 – 750 ft above the sea level. The sanctuary, flanked on 3 sides by the tranquil waters of Idukki Lake, is housed amidst picturesque settings of tropical evergreen & semi-evergreen forests, meadows, and deciduous trees. The Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the  places to visit in Idukki, houses hordes of wild elephants. The other species from the animal kingdom include bison, sambar, deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, Malabar Giant Squirrel, wild boars, and tigers. Reptilians such as Cobra, viper, krait, etc will bewilder the visitor, while avian species Malabar grey hornbill, Purple Sunbird, Golden Oriole, and Black bulbul enchant him. Distance:  40 km from Thodupuzha, Idukki. Timings:  All day. Entry fee:  None.

Idukki Arch Dam

The Idukki dam is constructed across the Periyar River, in a valley between the Kuravan and Kurathi hills in Kerala. The awe-inspiring, majestic dam, which stands at 167.68 meters (550 ft), is one of the highest arch dams in Asia. The dam, which is one of the  Idukki tourist places, constructed by the Kerala government in 1975 and supports 780 MW hydroelectric power station that draws electricity from this dam. The sheer magnitude of the structure along with the mountains, verdant vegetation, and 60 sq. km placid lake, which is created by the 3 dams, Idukki dam, Cheruthoni and Kulamavu, captivate the visitors. Distance:   33 km from   Idukki Dist. Timings: Public Holidays, Saturdays and Sundays. Entry Fees:  Rs 25 for adults and Rs 5 for children. The tariff for a 15-minute boat ride for 5 persons is Rs. 600.

Best of Kerala

Ilaveezha Poonchira

Ilaveezha Poonchira, the Shangri-La of Kerala, situated in Melukavu village in Kottayam district is one of the  places to visit in Idukki. Located at the foothills of the 3 floral hillocks – Mankunnu, Kudayathur, and Thonippara Hills at Kanjar, the bewitching valley is spread across thousands of acres. “Ila-veezha Poonchira” which means “the pond of flowers where the leaves do not fall” has its roots in Mahabharata. The rains during the monsoon season transmogrify the valley and present an enthralling and hypnotic effect on the visitors. Words fall short to explain the beatitudes of the play of colors on the horizon during the Sunrise and Sunset. Ilaveezha Poonchira is also an ideal destination for trekking. Distance:   36 km from Idukki Timings:  All day. Entry fee:  None.

Keezharkuthu Falls

The cascading waters from a height of 1500 meters amidst the hills enveloped in lush greenery, adorns the skies with rainbows that takes the visitors’ breath away. A favorable hunting ground for photographers, the Keezharkuthu falls also referred to as rainbow falls immerse the visitors in an inexplicable experience. The contiguous forests are believed to be endowed with medicinal plants and herbs, which are used by tribal inhabitants from centuries. It is also home for rich fauna. The rocky terrain of the Keezharkuthu, one of the Idukki tourist places, is renowned for its exploration activities such as rock climbing, mountaineering, camping, and trekking. The place is also close to a number of tourist hotspots like Thommankuthu waterfalls, Kalvari Mount, and Ramakkalmedu Peak. Distance:  30 km from Idukki. Timings:  All day. Entry fee:  None.

Best of Munnar

Hill View Park

Hill View Park, one of the Idukki tourist places, located at a distance of 2 km from Idukki Bus stand, is a magnificent and well-managed park. The park, stretching over 8 acres enthralls the visitors with hundreds of varieties of crotons, flowers, medicinal plants, and other woods. The Hill View Park houses a natural water body, where visitors can enjoy boat rides. The view from the watchtower of both the dams, Idukki and Cheruthoni, the surrounding hills on all four sides and  the lush greenery takes the breath away. The Park remains open throughout the year and can be accessed through gentle slopes, though it is stationed at 350 ft above the level of Dam water. The herbal garden and children’s play area add appeal to the Hill View Park. Distance: 2 km from Idukki. Timings:  9:30  AM to 6 PM Entry Fees: Rs. 10 for adults and Rs. 5 for Children.

Valara Waterfalls

Valara Waterfalls, is one of the places to visit in Idukki, is located on Munnar-Kochi Highway. The gushing waters from a series of waterfalls, falling from an altitude of 1000 meters provide an alluring view. Nestled in the verdant vegetation featuring various types of woods and multitude of the animal kingdom, it is an ideal place for nature lovers and bird watchers. The rocky hillocks that dot the place is a hub for adrenaline-pumping activities like trekking, rock climbing etc. The monsoon and post-monsoon periods witness a heavy tourist turnout due to the spectacular scenic beauty of the falls and surrounding flora. It is a favorite getaway for photographers, honeymooners, and romantic persons. Distance : 42 km from Munnar. Timings:  All day. Entry fee:  None.

Top Experiences To Do in Valara Waterfalls

Best of Wayanad

Vandanmedu is located 25 km north of Kumily, on the Thekkady-Munnar Highway. The place is famous for rich spices like cardamom and it is said to be the biggest auction centers for Cardamom. The visitors traversing the plantations can enjoy the aroma of cardamom wafting through the air. The place is also a budding commercial center and is known for its historic colonial-era buildings. The anchel office constructed in the early 20th   century by the British housed the first post office in Idukki. Distance :  45 km from Munnar. Timings:  All day. Entry fee:  None.

Nadukani Pavilion

Nadukani, one of the  Idukki tourist places, is situated between Thodupuzha and Idukki in the vicinity of Kulamavu. Nadukani Pavilion, a 2-storey building constructed and managed by the State Electricity Board, atop a hill is encompassed by the vast stretches of hayfields flanked by gargantuan rocks. Situated at an altitude of 3000 ft, it offers bird’s-eye view of the Idukki and Ernakulam districts. Standing atop the Nadukani Pavilion, one can view the picturesque landscape spanning the sparkling waters of Muvattupuzha River, the Moolamattam town, Malankara Reservoir, the imposing sky-high mountains, and the verdant vegetation. It is an ideal getaway for picnics. The adventure enthusiasts throng this place as it offers limitless trekking options in the hill forests nearby. Distance : 70   km from Thodupuzha and 25 km from Idukki. Timings: All day. Entry Fees:   Nominal entrance fee is collected.

Best of Alleppey

Gavi, an eco-tourist spot introduces the visitors to a beguiling scenic beauty that is untouched by the unscrupulous reach of modern humankind. Gavi is home to very rare flora. The only 2 Gopher trees that are believed to be in India, are present in the Gavi forest region. It is also home to Nageia Wallichinia, an endemic variety of the Gymnosperm family. It is domicile to endangered species like Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed Macaque. The visitors feel amazed and frightened at the hordes of Kerala’s own regal elephants sauntering in the region. Gaur, sambar deer, barking deer, Mouse deer, Wild dogs, tigers, and various species of snakes co-inhibit the region. More than 260 kinds of birds, which include Great pied hornbill, mynas, cuckoos, bulbuls, woodpeckers, kingfishers etc, are a feast to the eyes of the bird watchers. Distance:  28 km from Kumily near Thekkady. Timings: All day. Entry Fees:   Rs 25/- per Adult and Rs 50/- per vehicle. Cameras & Video cameras are charged Rs 25 & 100 resp.

Thommankuthu Waterfalls

Thommankuthu Waterfalls is a series of 12 falls or kuthus (locally known) spread over an area of 5 kms and fall from a height of 40 meters. The 12 falls that vary in height and pass through the lush evergreen forests, presents a remarkable sight. The waterfall is eponymous of its founder, Thommachan Kuruvinakunnel, who introduced this beautiful falls to the world. The rich flora and fauna around the waterfall hypnotize the visitors. It is an alluring destination for trekking as it takes you through caves and sleepy hamlets of the tribals. The visitors can enjoy a bath at the falls in summer, but not during the monsoon as the level of water increases. Distance : 20 km from Thodupuzha Timings: All day. Entry Fees:  Rs 10/- per Adult and Rs 5/- per child

Best of Kochi

Pothamedu Plantations

Pothamedu Plantations, one of the  places to visit in Idukki, bedazzles the tourists with its lush greenery. The lush green beds of coffee, the groomed tea gardens, and the wood-shaded cardamom plantations imprint an unforgettable picture in the minds of the visitors. The nature lovers lose track of the time gazing at the beautiful environs of the cloud covered mountains and ravines soaked in a blanket of greenery. The trekkers, hikers, and walkers feel soothed and refreshed by the panoramic beauty of the surroundings. The Muthirapuzha River and Idukki arch dam can be viewed by the tourists from the Pothamedu viewpoint if the atmosphere is clear and devoid of mist. It is a great getaway for photo fanatics to capture captivating pictures of this dreamland. Distance :   6 km from Munnar. Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM Entry fees: None

Malankara Dam

Malankara Dam is built on the Thodupuzha River, which is the tributary of the Muvattupuzha river, for irrigation purpose. Malankara Lake, an artificial lake formed as a part of the Muvattupuzha valley irrigation project is spread over 11 sq.kms. The visitors can enjoy boating and fishing in the lake. The Malankara Dam is open for tourists throughout the year. A park is under construction in the area adjoining the reservoir, admeasuring 15 acres. Distance: 52 km from Kottayam. Timings:  All day. Entry fees:  None

Best of Thekkady

Ramakkalmedu

Ramakkalmedu, situated 3500 ft above the sea level, presents a bird’s eye view of the countryside of the neighboring Tamil Nadu State. The striking feature of the Ramakkalmedu is the historical monument of Kuravan and Kurathi, a huge statue that illustrates the Sangam period of Kerala. Rama-Kal-medu literally means “Land of Rama’s stone” or “ Land where Lord Rama set his holy foot”. Another unique feature of Ramakkalmedu is the prevailing wind conditions, irrespective of the seasons. It offers excellent trekking options to adventure enthusiasts. Other attractions include Frog-rock, Turtle –Rock etc. Distance :  40 km from Thekkady. Timings:  All day. Entry fee:  None.

Sita Devi Lake

Another of the  Idukki tourist places, Sita Devi Lake, is located at an altitude of 1800 meters (5900 ft) above the sea level. The lake also referred to as Devikulam, which means lake of the Goddess, is supposedly linked to the epic Ramayana. According to the myth, it is said that Goddess Sita Devi, the consort of Lord Rama, had bathed in these waters. Tourists prefer to take a dip in the waters of this lake, not only due to its sacredness but also because of the purported curative powers of its mineral waters. The distant cloud-capped the Blue Mountains, the velvety rolling evergreen hills, and the natural vegetation of slim red, blue, and yellow gum trees hypnotize the visitors. This makes it a wonderful picnic spot. Its pristine waters also make it be a perfect place for trout fishing. Devikulam is a trekkers’ haven. Distance :   5 km from Munnar. Timings:  All day. Entry fee:  None.

Best of Varkala

Kulamavu Dam

Kulamavu Dam, one of the triumvirate dams of the Idukki reservoir project, is constructed in 1961 to restrict the flow of water into Kallivally rivulet. The 100 ft gravity dam built of concrete or stone masonry on the Periyar River stretches out between rocky mountains and forms 33 sq.km reservoir. Kulamavu, one of the  places to visit in Idukki, is also a famous hill station in Idukki district. The 60 sq. km artificial lake formed as a result of the construction of the 3 dams, add scenic beauty to the rugged rocky terrain and verdant vegetation around it. The hill station charms the visitors with the picturesque countryside, rubber and spice plantations. The visitors go gaga over the various species of birds such as darter or snakebird, kingfisher etc. that inhabit the hill station. Kaulamavu offers remarkable trekking trails with equally enchanting environs that kick the adrenalin of hiking or trekking fanatics. Distance :  5 km from  Periyar river, Idukki Timings:  All day. Entry fee:  None.

Mangala Devi Temple

Mangala Devi temple is a historic temple situated in the dense forests of Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Idukki district of Kerala bordering Tamil Nadu State. The fable prevalent among the natives elucidates that Kannagi, a devout Tamil woman, had wreaked destruction on the Pandyan dynasty through her curse for unjustly executing her husband, Kovalan in a theft case. Kannagi is extolled as the epitome of chastity and is bestowed the position of the goddess. The ancient Tamilakam King, Chera Chenguttuvan, constructed this temple, around 2000 yrs ago. So, the temple is known for Pandiyan architecture. Apart from Mangala Devi, the idols of Lord Shiva, Lord Karuppuswamy and sanctorium of Ganesh adorn the temple. Only during Chitrapournami festival, which falls in the Summer season (April/May), the devotees can visit and offer the prayers. The 12 km stretch to the temple can be accessed only through Jeep. To visit the Mangala Devi during other times prior special permission must be sought from the forest ranger. Distance: 60 km from   Pazhiyankudi, Idukki Timings:  All day. Entry fee:  None.

Best of Thrissur

Nedumkandam Hills

Nedumkandam Hill, one of the Idukki tourist places, is located at 3200 ft above the sea level at the taluk headquarters of Nedumkandam in Idukki district. The place is popularly known as the land of spices produces coffee, cardamom, and pepper. The Hill offers a panoramic view of the countryside with cloud-covered mountains, lush green rolling hills, plantations of cardamom and pepper, and pristine air. The other tourist spots in the proximity are Kailasapara, Kallumekallu, Neyyandimala, Ramakkalamedu, Thooval falls etc. Distance: 40 km from Thekkady. Timings:  All day. Entry fee:  None.

Painavu, one of the popular places to visit in Idukki , is located at a height of 3,900 ft above the sea level, inside the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary. Painavu, encircled by the expansive forest cover and mountainous range, is a favorite spot for trekking enthusiasts. The tracts take the trekkers through the resplendent forests, plantations, and quaint hamlets. An important commercial center, Painavu, is accessible only by road and is closest to other tourist hubs of Idukki like Idukki Arch Dam, Cheruthoni Dam, and Kulamavu. The sight of elephants sauntering on the roads during winter and rainy seasons will astound the visitors. Distance: 114 km from Ernakulam Railway station and 98 from Kottayam. Timings:  All day. Entry fee:  None.

Kalvari Mount

Kalvari or Calvary Mount, one of the  Idukki tourist places, is a mountain situated at a distance of 5 km from Idukki. The Kalyanathandu viewpoint on Calvary Mount offers stunning visuals of the serene waters of the reservoir between Kuravan and Kurathi Hills and the Idukki dam. The trekkers and travelers can take a break at the nearby Tea Factory that offers the finest tea. The path from the Viewpoint to the hilltop is very steep and windy and throws a gauntlet to the trekkers. The Kalavary Mount presents an enticing picture of the Idukki reservoir from Idukki to Ayyappanccovil on one side and pictorial view of the quaint Kamakshy and Mariyapuram hamlets on the other side. The trekkers will be treated to a fascinating experience of low-hung clouds, cool breeze, occasional chirping birds, and hordes of sauntering elephants. Distance: 5  km from Idukki. Timings:  All day. Entry fee:  None.

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• Discover These Top 19 Idukki Tourist Places To Make Your Trip Memorable In 2024

21 Jun 2023

A proud home of South India’s highest peak, Anamudi that stands at a height of 2,695 meters, Idukki is one of the most stunning hill stations in Kerala. Housing 13 other peaks with a height of over 2000 meters, it attracts tourist from across the globe for its wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, spice plantation centers, and mountain treks. And to experience the best of all these natural marvels, include these mesmerizing Idukki tourist places that will add the much needed charm to your holiday in Kerala .

19 Popular Idukki Tourist Places

Are you planning a trip to Idukki? Idukki is known for its scenic beauty and is believed to be a heaven for nature lovers. Here’s our pick of the best Idukki tourist places for a fun getaway with your friends and family. Take your pick and include them in your Kerala tour itinerary.

1. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

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Spread across an area of 70 sq. km, the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the famous tourist places in Idukki . Situated at an altitude of 450 to 748 meters, the sanctuary occupies the forest land between the Cheruthoni and Periyar rivers and is a natural habitat for several species of animals. Featuring a picturesque lake around the sanctuary, the whole region is covered by tropical, and evergreen trees. This is one of the most popular things to do in Idukki . 

Location: Vellappara, Painavu, Idukki, Kerala 685603 Timings: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM

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2. Idukki Arch Dam: Peaceful Glances

Constructed across the hills of Kuravan and Kurathi, the Idukki Arch Dam stands tall at a height of about 550 ft. Recognized as the world’s second and Asia’s first arch dam, the massive Idukki Dam can be witnessed in all its glory on the Periyar river. The natural beauty surrounding the dam is breathtaking and is one of the most popular places to see in Idukki .

Location: Near Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Idukki, Kerala 685602 Timings: N/A

3. Calvary Mount

Of the many popular Idukki places to visit, the Kalvari Mount is a must-visit and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Idukki for couples . Offering charismatic views of the gorgeous landscape that stretches from the Idukki Reservoir to the famous Ayyappancoil, your visit to Idukki is totally incomplete without visiting the Calvary Mount Viewpoint. This place is surrounded by beautiful homestays in Idukki offering a perfect vacation.

Location: Near Idukki Reservoir, Idukki, India Timings: N/A

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When it comes to Idukki sightseeing , exploring the picturesque hill resort of Painavu is an ideal and a must-thing to do for all travelers. Much famed as the headquarters of Idukki district, Painavu is one of the famous tourist attractions in Idukki . Perched at an altitude of 3,900 ft. and situated inside the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Painavu is also considered to be a great destination for trekkers.

Location: Idukki District, Kerala Timings: N/A

5. Ilaveezha Poonchira

Ilaveezha Poonchira is a lovely valley spread across thousands of acres of land at the foot of three hillocks – Mannakunnu, Kudayathoor Hill, and Thonippara near Kanjar. Known as one of the best Idukki destinations among all the popular places, Ilaveezha Poonchira is an ideal place for trekking and offers breathtaking views of sunrise and sunset.

Location: Ilaveezha Poonchira, Idukki, Kerala 686652 Timings: N/A

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6. Thommankuthu Waterfalls

The Thommankuthu Waterfalls located at a distance of 25 kms from the town, is one of the well-known places to visit in Idukki . An awe-inspiring seven-step cascading waterfall gushing down from a height of above 300 feet and with a pool at each level, it is one of the best Idukki tourist places to get up and close with nature, and to enjoy a bit of trekking as well. This is amongst the most mesmerizing waterfalls in Kerala . 

Location: Thodupuzha, Idukki, Kerala 685581 Timings: N/A

7. Hill View Park

Situated at a distance of less than half a kilometer from the Idukki Dam, Hill View Park is one of the famous places to visit in Idukki in 1 day, that offers magnificent views of the entire landscape. While wild elephant sighting is a common activity here, the 8 acres of Hill View Park also offers enticing opportunities for boating as well.

Location: Idukki Twp, Kerala 685602 Timings: Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM

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8. Ramakkalmedu

A beautiful tourist place with green hills all around, Ramakkalmedu is undoubtedly one of the favorite Idukki destinations which also popular for its trekking trails. The view point atop the hill is the highest point in this area which can be reached by a small trek of 3 to 4 kilometers from Ramakkalmedu Junction. This is one of the best places to visit in Idukki . 

Location: Nedumkandam, Idukki, Kerala 685552 Timings: N/A

9. Vandanmedu

Located at a distance of 34 kilometers from the city centre, Vandanmedu is one of the world’s largest auction centers for Cardamom. One of the popular tourist places in Idukki for one day trip , Vandanmedu is perched at an height of 4000 ft. on the Thekkady-Munnar route. Be it a laid-back vacation or a fun day out at the cardamom plantation, Vandanmedu is an ideal escape for all travelers.

Location: Udumbanchola, Idukki, Kerala Timings: N/A

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10. Keezharkuthu Falls

Much famed as the Rainbow Waterfalls, the cascading Keezharkuthu Waterfalls offers surreal views as it gushes down from a height of above 1500 meters. Considered to be one of the famous Idukki tourist places , it also happens to be an ideal place for rock climbing and mountaineering. This is one of the best places to visit in Idukki . 

Location: Idukki, Kerala 685602 Timings: Monday to Sunday – 24 Hours

11. Mangala Devi Temple

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Mangala Devi Temple is a historic shrine in the Idukki district and is located near the border of Tamil Nadu. It sits at an altitude of 1337 meters above the sea level. This site is popular among pilgrims and travelers alike. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mangala Devi. Perched on a hill, it offers spellbinding views of the lush surroundings. Its location and the rugged old structure makes it one of the most interesting tourist places in Idukki district, Kerala .

Location: Idukki, Tamil Nadu 685509 Timings: N/A

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12. Ayyappancoil Hanging Bridge

Ayyappancoil Hanging Bridge is a simple yet interesting bridge structure. This is one of the longest hanging bridges in the state. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, taking a stroll on the bridge is a delightful experience. Built across the iconic Periyar River, Ayyappancoil Hanging Bridge gives you a totally different frame the landscape with hues of green.

Location: Mattukatta, Ayyappancoil, Kerala 685511 Timings: N/A

13. Anchuruli Waterfalls

Anchuruli Waterfalls located in the Kanchiyar village of Idukki district. This is a very unique waterfall which is a part of the Idukki arch dam. This includes a 4km long circular tunnel which takes water from Erattayar Dam to the Idukki reservoir. The force of flow keeps changing and one can even see light at the end of the tunnel during lower flow.  The surrounding region is covered with semi-evergreen forest grasslands. Its increasing popularity is making it listing it among Idukki’s most famous tourist places .

Location: Anchuruli, Idukki District, Kattappana, Kerala Timings: 6am – 6pm

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14. Anakkara

Anakkara is a small village in Idukki district, covering an area of mere 50 square meters. The lush green suburb is a picturesque place to visit. Located just 18 kilometers away from Idukki wildlife sanctuary, the climate and landscape of Anakkara is what attracts tourists. This offbeat destination is known for its spice plantations and cascades. This is one of the best places to visit in Idukki . 

Location: Idukki Timings: N/A

Gavi, one of the most beautiful places in India is a serene village embedded amid the tea estates and dense forests. The place is known for its lush green surroundings. Gavi is just 14km from the Periyar Tiger reserve and is known for its mesmerising sceneries and wildlife. This is undoubtedly one of the best Idukki tourist places . Morning rides are popular here where you will be glancing at the magnificent views of the sprawling tea estates. The place is known for its nature and attracts many adventure lovers from around the world every year. 

Location: Pathanamthitta district, Kerala Timings: N/A

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16. Kulamavu

If you’re a hiking or trekking junkie, Kulamavu is surely a paradise for you. It is a hill-station known for offering the perfect terrain for an adrenaline kick. With some amazing trekking trails, the place is also adorned with equally enchanting surroundings. Do take a local guide before heading on this enthralling expedition.

Location: Kulamavu, Idukki, Kerala Timings: N/A

17. Nadukani

Nadukani is a hill station nestled at an altitude of 3000 ft above sea level. It is located 25 km from Idukki and is home to some rare kind of fauna. If you are nature lover and love capturing exquisite sites in your camera then you must head to this mesmerizing place during exploring Idukki tourist spots . 

Location: Malappuram District, Kerala Timings: N/A

18. Anakarra Falls

Anakarra Falls are located in the peaceful village located in Idukki district and covers an area of nearly 50 square kilometers. It is located nearly 18 kilometers from Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary and is famous for its unique spice plantations and stunning waterfalls. You can also take a trek to this beautiful village and capture the true vibe of this mystic place. This is surely one of the best Idukki tourist places . 

Location: Vandanmettu, Chakkupallam Village Panchayats in the Udumbanchola Thaluk of Idukki District Timings: N/A

19. Periyar National Park

Image Credit: Bernard Gagnon for Wikimedia Commons

Close to the southern part of India, Periyar National Park is located in Periyar of Idukki district, which stretches around the banks of the huge artificial lake. The park is known for the residence of elephants. If you look forward to engaging yourself in some interesting activities, there are ample options available for the same to make this trip a memorable one. Travellers can take rides on the motorized ferry, can choose boat rides that operate throughout the day or can select the bamboo rafting.

Location : Kerala Timings: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm

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Mesmerized much? If so then what are you waiting for? Make a plan for a short getaway to reboot yourself by exploring the tourist places of Idukki and cherish the experiences during the trip for the rest of your life. Include the above Idukki sightseeing places in your itinerary and let TravelTriangle plan a personalized Kerala holiday for you!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Idukki Tourist Places

What is Idukki famous for?

Idukki district is famous for its rich flora and fauna. It is home to the popular Eravikulam National Park and is characterized by the Anamudi mountain. Idukki is one of the greenest districts of Kerala.

Which is the most beautiful place in Idukki?

Idukki district in Kerala is blessed with incomparable natural beauty. Munnar, Vagamon, Periyar National Park, and Eravikulam National Park, are some of the most beautiful places in Idukki.

Is the Idukki Dam open for the public now?

Yes, India`s first arch dam – the Idukki dam- is open to the public for a nominal fee of INR 25 per person (adults).

What is the specialty of Idukki?

Idukki is a marvelous high range district in the Indian state of Kerala that draws travelers with its rugged hills and dense forests. Idukki is a land-locked district that is famous as one of the most nature rich areas in Kerala.

What is the best time to visit Idukki?

The winter season from November to February is the best time to visit Idukki as the weather is pleasant during this time for exploring and indulging in the many activities here.

What is the climate in Idukki?

Idukki has a tropical climate and receives a significant amount of rainfall in most of the months throughout the year. The average annual temperature in Idukki remains around 24.5°C.

How many national parks are there in Idukki?

There are about 5 major national parks in the Idukki district. These are: 1. Eravikulam National Park 2. Silent Valley National Park 3. Pampadum Shola National Park 4. Mathikettan Shola National Park 5. Anamudi Shola National Park

What are the top attractions to visit in Idukki?

Idukki is known for its lush greenery and rich flora and fauna. Attracting a larger number of tourists every year, the place is filled with great sightseeing points. Some of the major attractions to explore on your next trip to Idukki include Hill View Dam, Idduki Dam, Kalvari Mount, Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Meesapulimala, Ramakkalmedu, and much more.

What are the most popular things to do in Idukki with children?

Idukki is filled with great sightseeing points and things to do. Some of the fun things to do in Idukki with your children would be to take a day tour and visit all the major places, go for an elephant safari, and indulge in activities like boating.

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"Spice Garden of Kerala"

Idukki tourism.

Nestled amidst the lush Western Ghats of Kerala, Idukki is a captivating destination renowned for its scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and abundant natural resources. Situated approximately 140 kilometers from Kochi , Idukki offers a refreshing escape into the lap of nature, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and those seeking tranquility away from the bustling city life.

Idukki is famed for its sprawling tea plantations, serene backwaters, and majestic mountains, providing visitors with stunning panoramic views and opportunities for trekking, boating, and wildlife spotting. The district is home to several popular attractions, including the Idukki Arch Dam , one of the tallest arch dams in Asia, and the enchanting hill station of Munnar, known for its tea gardens and cool climate. Additionally, visitors can explore the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary , which is home to a variety of exotic flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, and rare bird species. Anamudi , which is the highest peak in India, south of the Himalayas, is also located in Idukki. The cuisine of Idukki is as diverse as its landscape, with mouthwatering dishes influenced by Kerala's rich culinary heritage. Visitors can savor traditional Kerala delicacies such as appam, puttu, and fish curry, as well as indulge in fresh seafood sourced from the nearby coastal areas. The local markets in Idukki offer a range of spices, tea, and handicrafts, providing travelers with the opportunity to take home a piece of Kerala's vibrant culture. With its breathtaking scenery, rich biodiversity, and warm hospitality, Idukki offers a truly immersive experience for visitors seeking to connect with nature and explore the beauty of God's Own Country. Whether embarking on a scenic drive through the winding mountain roads, embarking on a thrilling trek through dense forests, or simply unwinding amidst the tranquility of its backwaters, Idukki promises an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, relaxation, and discovery. 

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Places to Visit in Idukki

Places to Visit in Idukki: Nestled amidst the enchanting Western Ghats in the southern state of Kerala, Idukki is a hidden gem that beckons travelers with its untouched beauty and serene landscapes. With its lush green hills, cascading waterfalls, picturesque lakes, and abundant wildlife, Idukki offers a truly immersive experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

This post is a guide to explore the captivating attractions and activities that this idyllic region has to offer. From exploring majestic hill stations to discovering wildlife sanctuaries, from indulging in spiritual retreats to embarking on thrilling treks, Idukki promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of nature’s paradise. Join us as we embark on an exploration of the captivating places to visit in Idukki.

Idukki, a district located in the Indian state of Kerala, offers a wide range of natural attractions and scenic landscapes.

If you’re looking for peace and spirituality, you can visit all the places in Idukki through our great Kerala Tour Packages deal!

Here are some notable places to visit in Idukki:

1. idukki arch dam.

Explore the Idukki Arch Dam, one of the largest arch dams in Asia. Enjoy the panoramic views of the reservoir and surrounding hills. The dam stands tall across the Periyar River and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and the vast reservoir it creates. Visitors can marvel at its impressive structure, learn about its construction, and enjoy the serene beauty of the reservoir and the lush greenery around it.

Visit the popular hill station of Munnar, known for its tea plantations, misty hills, and pleasant weather. Enjoy scenic drives, trekking, cascading waterfalls and wildlife spotting in the nearby Eravikulam National Park. Visitors can explore the tea estates, visit the Eravikulam National Park to spot endangered Nilgiri Tahr, witness stunning sunrises at Top Station, and enjoy boating at Mattupetty Dam. Munnar is a well-liked vacation spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers due to its warm climate and gorgeous surroundings.

3. Periyar National Park

It is a renowned wildlife sanctuary and tiger reserve. Spread across a vast area, the park is known for its diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can embark on thrilling jungle safaris, boat rides on Periyar Lake, and nature walks to spot wildlife such as elephants, tigers, sambar deer, and various bird species. The lush green forests, picturesque landscapes, and abundant wildlife make Periyar National Park a must-visit destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.

4. Ramakkalmedu

Witness the picturesque beauty of Ramakkalmedu, known for its rolling hills, windmills, and panoramic views of the Western Ghats. It is also believed to be the site where Lord Rama placed his feet.. The place is believed to have mythological significance and is associated with Lord Rama. Visitors can explore the massive statue of Lord Kuravan and Kurathi, go trekking through the picturesque landscape, and witness stunning sunrises and sunsets. Ramakkalmedu’s tranquil ambiance, stunning natural beauty, and cultural significance make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and spirituality seekers.

5. Kalvarimount

Visit Kalvarimount, a hilltop offering breathtaking views of the Idukki Reservoir and surrounding landscapes. It is a perfect spot for photography and enjoying the serene ambiance. The name “Kalvarimount” translates to “Mount of Calvary,” and it is known for its religious significance. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views, capture beautiful photographs, and experience the serene ambiance. The hilltop is an ideal spot for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking a tranquil escape in the lap of nature.

6. Keezharkuthu Falls

Enjoy the scenic beauty of Keezharkuthu Falls, also known as the Rainbow Waterfalls. Witness the cascading waterfall amidst lush greenery and relax in its natural pool. Keezharkuthu Falls is nature’s own spa, offering a rejuvenating experience like no other.

7. Anchuruli Tunnel

Explore the hidden gem of Anchuruli Tunnel, a man-made tunnel located near Kattappana. This tunnel is carved through a rock and is used for irrigation purposes. The surrounding landscape is picturesque.

8. Kuthumkal Waterfalls

Discover the beauty of Kuthumkal Waterfalls, nestled amidst dense forests. The waterfall cascades down from a height and provides a refreshing experience.

9. Thommankuthu Waterfalls

Trek through the forests and explore the seven-step Thommankuthu Waterfalls. The scenic beauty and serene environment make it an ideal place for nature lovers and trekkers.

10. Painavu

Visit Painavu, the administrative headquarters of Idukki district. It offers beautiful views of the reservoir and is a starting point for various trekking trails.

11. Mangala Devi Temple

An ancient Hindu temple located in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Idukki district, Kerala, India. Situated at an elevation of 1,337 meters, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Mangala Devi. It is known for its religious significance and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills and forests. However, the temple is open to the public only during the annual festival called “Chithrapournami,” which usually falls in the month of April. It is a sacred and serene place for devotees and nature enthusiasts alike.

13. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

Birdwatchers rejoice! Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for avian enthusiasts. With over 300 species of birds, including rare and endangered ones, this sanctuary is a treat for the eyes and ears. Take a leisurely walk along the trails, listen to the melodious chirping of birds, and spot colorful feathered creatures in their natural habitat. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for anyone with an appreciation for the beauty of birds.

14. Anamudi Peak

For those seeking adventure and breathtaking views, Anamudi Peak is a must-visit. Standing tall as the highest peak in South India, it offers a thrilling trekking experience amidst the mist-covered mountains. As you hike to the summit, be prepared to be mesmerized by panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and tea plantations. Anamudi Peak is a treat for adventure enthusiasts and nature admirers alike.

15. Mattupetty Dam

Take a boat ride on the tranquil waters of the lake, surrounded by the misty hills, and let the serenity wash over you. The dam itself is a marvel of engineering, providing irrigation water to the nearby farms. This scenic spot is perfect for a leisurely picnic or simply unwinding amidst nature’s splendor.

These are just a few of the attractions in Idukki district. With its abundance of natural beauty and serene landscapes, Idukki offers a unique and refreshing experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Idukki truly stands as a testament to nature’s unrivaled beauty. With its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage, this destination offers a unique and memorable experience for every traveler. Whether you seek tranquility amidst the misty hills, adventures in the wilderness, or a spiritual escape, Idukki has something to offer everyone. So, pack your bags, venture into the lap of nature, and immerse yourself in the wonders of Idukki a place that will leave you spellbound and yearning to return.

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Idukki tourist places.

Idukki offers a diverse experience like wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, dams, spice plantation tours, mountain treks, elephant rides, etc. A lot of canals, backwaters, beaches, and lagoons along with its lush greenery made Alleppey a perfect destination to explore life and culture. 

Suryanelli in Kerala is a resort town in the Chinnakanal village in Idukki district. Located at a distance of around 50 km from Munnar, Suryanelli is famous for its tea and cardamom plantations and stunning vistas of mountains, waterfalls and sunrise. The forest here is home to many endangered animals, including Nilgiri Marten, a native here

Vagamon is an Indian hill station and a revenue village primarily located in Peerumedu taluk of Idukki district Vagamon is a tiny plantation township in Central Travancore, Vagamon has an overtone of green. With a never-ending line of lush green hills, breathtaking ravines and meandering rivulets. A perfect tourist place situated 1200 meters above the sea level spot surrounded by the greenery of tea gardens

Valara Waterfalls

The Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls are among the best trekking locations in Idukki district. Many people come across these waterfalls on the way to Munnar and it is slowly turning into a tourist hotbed. Valara features a chain of waterfalls falling from a height of about 1000 feet and provide a magnificent view. These waterfalls are surrounded by lush, dense forests that are home to a variety of animals and birds

Panchalimedu

Panchalimedu is a hill station and view point near Kuttikkanam in Peerumedu tehsil of Idukki district in the Indian state of Kerala. On the Makar Sankranti day Situated almost 2,500 feet above sea level, Panchalimedu is one of the best modelled differently-abled friendly destinations in Kerala. The hike is rather an easy one and can be completed by elders and children. A rock-laid walkway takes one to the summit. There are many benches and some pillared halls en route to the hilltop. Bring your favourite book or people; sit back and relax in the misty meadows.

Pothamedu View Point

For adventure seekers, nature lovers, and hikers, Pothanmedu is a place worth visiting. It is known for its scenic environs, which offers a panoramic view of Munnar and adjoining valleys, soaked in the blanket of greenery. Though the place remains misty most of the time, but, if the atmosphere is clear, one can catch a glimpse of the Muthirapuzha River and Idukki Arch Dam, which is around 60 km away from Munnar This stunning location is perfect for tourists, who love to view the refreshing plantations of coffee, tea, and cardamom and feel the serenity of the place with their eyes and body drenched in the glory of lush green valleys.

Thommankuthu Falls

Thommankuthu  is a waterfall located in Thodupuzha Thaluk in Idukki District of the southern state of Kerala The place is famous for its plethora of picnic spots. Trekking aficionados can avail of a local guide to lead them through the woods here. There are also boating and fishing options available in the area and this gives one a great view of the valley. It is indeed a pristine jewel that is slowly gaining the attention of our visitors.

Thumpachi Calveri Samuchayam

​ Thumpachi Calveri Samuchayam is situated 35 km from Thodupuzha in Idukki district of Kerala. It is a picnic spot also ideal for meditation, relaxation and watching the sunset. If you are a lover of natural beauty, it is recommended to include Thumpachi in your itinerary. The place is ideal for picnics and outings with family and friends.

Vattavada is known as the market of Kerala, because they are in front of vegetable producing. The trekking routes to Vattavada are connected to many other important destinations in the area. A trek here can get you to other tourist favourites like Kodaikanal, Top Station, Mattupetty, Kanthaloor and Meesapulimala. People love walking these trails to soak in the beautiful natural vegetation. The locals are friendly and are always ready to help in any way they can.  

Periyar National Park

Periyar National Park, also known as Periyar Tiger Reserve, is in the mountainous Western Ghats of Kerala, southern India. This wildlife sanctuary is home to tigers and a significant elephant population Apart from Elephants, the other animals can be found in the Periyar Sanctuary are, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Gaur, Mouse Deer, Dole or Barking Deer, Indian Wild Dog and Tiger. There are, now estimated counts of 40 tigers in the Periyar National Park. The major four species of primates are also found at Periyar - the rare lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri Langur, Gee's Golden Langur, Common Langur and Bonnet Macaque. Periyar is also being considered as the habitat of the elusive Nilgiri Tahr, which can rarely be seen but commends its presence.

Parunthumpara

Parunthumpara is a village in the Indian state of Kerala's Idukki District. It is a small scenic location near Wagamon en route to Peerumedu is a place famed for its pristine natural beauty. A trekker's delight offering a bird's eye view of an endless stretch of green forests and the landscape, Parunthumpara is a favourite of off-beat travellers. And if the sky is clear, the visitors can also get a view of the Sabarimala forests from here.

Ramakkalmedu

Power house falls.

Power House waterfalls at Munnar in Idukki district of Kerala, is situated on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades down a steep rock 2000 m above sea level.The water of Sita Devi Lake is believed to have healing powers. So does the waterfall. And as you stand by the falling water, you will feel relieved of all your stress. You can also take a dip in the small pool at the bottom of Power House Falls and relax.

Malankara Dam

​ Malankara Reservoir is an artificial lake, formed as a part of Muvattupuzha Valley Irrigation Project. It is located in Idukki District, on the Thodupuzha – Moolamattom road. Malankara is at a distance of 66 kms from “The Queen of Arabia” – Cochin City and 7 kms from Thodupuzha, which is the gateway to top tourist destinations like Munnar, Vagamon, Thekkadi, Idukki Dam, Peerumedu, Elaveezhapoonchira ,Thommankuthu waterfalls etc. Munnar is a hill retreat known for its picturesque landscape. Idukki which is famous for arch dam, wildlife sanctuary and also facilitates for forest visit and trekking. The proximity of these destinations will synergize the tourism potential of Malankara.

Mathikettan Shola National Park

Mathikettan Shola National Park is a 12.82 km² national park in Poopara village of Udumbanchola taluk in Idukki district of Kerala state. It is home to beautiful and rare animals like tigers, panthers, wild elephants, giant grizzled squirrel, flying squirrels, spotted deer and Nilgiri tahrs. The park abounds in snakes such asking cobras, pythons, vipers and rat snakes, turtles, crocodiles and lizards. The national park is a biodiversity hotspot and plays a vital role in safeguarding wildlife in the region. The terrain acts as a natural defense in the protection of the animals and protects their natural habitat.

Perched atop Nadukani, the mountains and the rivers seem like ancient beings, lying in deep slumber with a host of greenery on all sides as spectators. The bird’s eye view from this hill station in idukki and kottayamis sought out annually by people numbering into the thousands. Nobody wishes to miss out on the panoramic view of mountain ranges on one side and that of the River Muvattupuzha on the other. Gigantic rocks are your companions, over 3000 ft. above sea level, and it is a visual worth embracing at least once in your lifetime.

Idukki Arch Dam

The Idukki Dam, located in Kerala, India, is a 168.91 m (554 ft) tall arch dam. The dam stands between the two mountains – Kuravanmala (839)m and Kurathimala (925)m. It was constructed and is owned by the Kerala State Electricity Board. It supports a 780 MW hydroelectric power station At 167.68 metres, it is one of the highest arch dams in Asia and third tallest arch dam. It started generating power on 4 October 1975.[1] Technically, the dam type is a concrete double curvature parabolic, thin arc dam.

Ramakkalmedu is a hill station and a hamlet in Idukki district in the Indian state of Kerala. The place is noted for its panoramic beauty and numerous windmills Reaching an astounding height of 3,500ft above the sea level, the Ramakkalmedu trek offers panoramic views of several hamlets of Tamil Nadu. Acclaimed as one of the most exciting trekking destinations in Kerala, the hill is also perched with historical statues of Kuravar and Kurathi. According to the legends, when Lord Rama was searching for Ravana, he stepped onto the Ramakkalmedu peak and thus it got its name!

Mattupetty Dam

Mattupetty Dam, near Munnar in Idukki District, is a storage Concrete Gravity dam built in the mountains of Kerala, India to conserve water for hydroelectricity The most attractive part of Mattupetty dam is its still water which reflects the tea garden around. You can engage yourself with water sport activities like speed boating organized by district Tourism Promotion Council of Idukki (Munnar) and enjoy the pretty natural surroundings of this beautiful dam. Adventure lovers also have options here like trekking in the Shola forest.

Meesapulimala

Meesapulimala is an Indian peak, the next south of the second highest peak of the Western Ghats on the Idukki District and Theni District border. Its peak is 2,640 metres above sea level. The name derives from its appearance from the southwest of a tiger with prominent whiskers Meesappulimala a destination for the highly adventurous is the second highest peak in the Western Ghats and a trekking trail via Rhodo Valley. 

Pampadum Shola National Park

Pampadum Shola National Park is the smallest national park in Idukki district of Kerala in India. It is on the border with Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu The fauna includes several   threatened, rare or endemic species. The numbers of rare and endemic species found were high when the extent of Shola forest is taken into consideration. The species Parantica nilgiriensis (Nymphalidae) which is restricted to some hills of South India and listed as threatened by IUCN was recorded to be highly abundant in the area. Besides this, other rare species include Libythea lepita, Pantoporia ranga, Rohana pariasatis, Zipoetis saintis and Jamides dalecto. There are about 14 species of birds, 9 species of mammals, 100 species of butterflies and 93 species of moths recorded from the Shola. The important animals found in the Park are elephant, gaur, leopard, wild boar, sambar and common langur.

Kalvari Mount

Kalvari or Calvary Mount, one of the Idukki tourist places, is a mountain situated at a distance of 5 km from Idukki. The Kalyanathandu viewpoint on Calvary Mount offers stunning visuals of the serene waters of the reservoir between Kuravan and Kurathi Hills and the Idukki dam.The trekkers and travelers can take a break at the nearby Tea Factory that offers the finest tea. The path from the Viewpoint to the hilltop is very steep and windy and throws a gauntlet to the trekkers.

Keezharkuthu Falls

Kanthalloor.

Kanthalloor is a village in Devikulam taluk of Idukki district in the Indian state of Kerala.It is a village nestled in the Western Ghats of India. Kanthaloor is famous for its wide variety of crops which are not seen in the other parts of kerala. It is the only place in South India where apples are grown. it also includes varieties of Orange, Strawberry, Blackberry, Plums, Gooseberry

Kulamavu Dam

Situated on the Thodupuzha-Puliyanmala state highway, Kulamavu Dam is a gravity/masonry dam on the Periyar river. The water stored in it was used for the production of electricity at the power house in Moolamattom. The 100 ft gravity dam built of concrete or stone masonry on the Periyar River stretches out between rocky mountains and forms 33 sq.km reservoir. 

Ayyapancoil Hanging Bridge

A bridge that is one of a kind and attracts numerous tourists on a daily basis, the Ayyapancoil Hanging Bridge is one of the longest hanging bridges in Kerala During rainy season, the surroundings would be filled with water from idukki dam which is a visual treat to the tourists.  A very nice holiday destination for families, friends, or even for single explorers. idukki district has much more unexplored destinations which is serene and blessed with ethic beauty.

Keezharkuthu waterfalls which is situated in Udumbannoor village in Idukki district is popularly known as Rainbow waterfalls. It is an ideal picnic spot and also a place for rock climbing, mountaineering This natural phenomenon can be observed throughout the year. People are informed on a visit here that the forest they are surrounded by has many a medicinal plant that has been used by its tribal inhabitants for centuries. It is naturally endowed with rock formations that make it ideal for a number of enthralling activities that include rock climbing, mountaineering, camping and trekking.

Kuttikkanam

Kuttikkanam, is a hill station It is 3,500 feet above sea level and surrounded by lush green tea plantations. It is within the territory of Peermade. Kanjirappally and Mundakayam are the nearest towns the number of animals that can be spotted alongside the various species of fauna and the pleasant climate add to the positives of it

Chathurangapara ViewPoint

Located on the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Chathurangapara is a hilltop viewpoint in the Idukki district of Kerala. This viewpoint is a nature lover's paradise. Surrounded by windmills, Chathurangapara provides a panorama of the entire Idukki hill station. While the viewpoint is open 24hrs of the day Exceptional landscapes and breathtaking views of popular places to visit in Idukki like Chathurangapara View Point will leave you mesmerized. 

Eravikulam National Park

Cheruthoni dam.

The Cheruthoni Dam, located in Idukki District, Kerala is a 138m tall concrete gravity dam. This dam was constructed in 1976 as part of the Idukki Hydroelectric Project along with two other dams Idukki and Kulamavu. The water impounded by these three dams of Idukki, Cheruthoni & Kulamavu has formed a single reservoir spread over 60 sq.km on a height of 2300 ft above Mean Sea Level. The Idukki Dam is a double curvature arch dam constructed across Periyar River in a narrow gorge between two granite hills and is the tallest double curvature arch dam in Asia.

Cheeyappara Waterfalls

The Cheeyappara Waterfall is on the Kochi - Madurai Highway, between Neriamangalam and Adimali. It is in Idukki district, Kerala, India. The Cheeyappara Waterfall cascades down in seven steps. This is also a great place for trekking The sound of gushing water, the mist, the white froth, and swirling waters at the bottom the waterfall add charm to the place. The 2 acres stretch of evergreen forests on the huge mountain lends enchantment to the waterfalls. The rocky terrain allures mountaineers and trekkers to a testing battle.

Anamudi Peak

​ Anamudi, the 2,695-m high mountain which stands tall in the Eravikulam National Park is the pride of Kerala. It is the highest point in India outside the Himalayan Mountain Ranges. Anamudi, together with the Eravikulam Park, is home to one of the largest surviving populations of Asian elephants, Gaurs and the Nilgiri Tahrs. The mountain, covered with evergreen forests and inhabited by endemic flora and fauna and a vibrant avian life, is a paradise in the wild. The green forest is also the source of some large and scenic rivers in Kerala and the nearby State of Tamil Nadu.

​ Perched 7000 ft. above sea level, is break taking in the size and diversity of flora and fauna. A former hunting preserve of the British planters, the Park today exemplifies wildlife at its best. It was declared a Sanctuary in 1975 with the intention of protecting the indigenous population of Nilgiri Tahr (highly endangered mountain goat). However, in 1978, it was declared as a National Park considering it’s ecological, faunal, geomorphological and Zoological Significance. This is also the land of “Neelakurinji”, the flower that blooms once in twelve years. The Park is breath takingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best of mountain ranges in the Alps.  With the highest peak south of the Himalayas – the Anamudi, located here, nature enthusiasts have ample opportunities for trekking expeditions and wildlife spotting.

Hill View Park

Lush green park with a wide variety of flowering plants, pedal boating & views of the Idukki Dam. Located just about a kilometre from the Idukki city centre, the Hill View Park is set up approximately 350 feet from the Idukki dam. As the name suggests, Hill View Park is one such places in Idukki that offers spectacular views of the Cheruthoni and Idukki Dams.

Anamudi Shola National Park

The Park is surrounded by Eravikulam National Park, Pambadum Shola National Park, Chinnar Wildlife sanctuary, Mathikettan Shola National Park. It is supervised by Kerala Wildlife and Forest department and Munnar Wildlife Division, along with other National Parks and Sanctuary like Erevikulam National Park, Mathikettan Shola National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Pambadum Shola National Park and the Kurinjimala Sanctuary

Anchuruli Waterfalls

Anchuruli is an off beat destination near Kattappana. This is around 8km from Kattapana towards idukki township. This is a beautiful place for photography and to see sun set between 3.00pm - 6.00pm. The only drawback is no safety for the visitors to climb down to the tunnel view area and anybody can go inside the tunnel without any restrictions The water that comes from Erattayar River is used for the Idukki hydro-electric project. A tunnel which is 2 km long passes through Erattayar and Anchuruli carrying water to the lake. Though the tunnel is dangerous, it is a fun place to take a stroll at especially for all the adventure lovers.

Anakkara is a geographic area of around 50 square kilometres that spans across Vandanmedu, Chakkupallam Panchayats in the Udumbanchola Taluk of Idukki District. Anakkara is the administrative capital of Chakkupallam Grama Panchayat and Anakkara Revenue Village

Nearest District Tourist Places

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Idukki Tourism | best tourist places in Idukki | unexplored places in Idukki |

10 Best Places to Visit in Idukki, Kerala

Idukki is a beautiful town in the Idukki district near the headquarter of Painavu in Kerala . Idukki is such a destination created in 1972 in Kerala, and it is one of the best destinations that is enriched in greenery. Undoubtedly, this place can be an excellent holiday destination for its beautiful charm. Therefore, this post will discuss the 10 best tourist destinations to visit in Idukki.

Table of Contents

Check out this list of 10 Best Tourist Destinations to Visit in Idukki:

1. hill view park.

If you are recently married and want to spend some time with your partner, standing at the top of a hill enjoying the view will be the best option. Hill View Park is such a destination that will surely win your heart due to the spectacular views of the Dams .

As the name of this park shows, you will be able to get a good view from a hill when you visit there. The area provides an excellent panoramic view of the area below, where you can see elephants in their natural habitat.

This park is situated near the Idukki arch dam and the Cheruthoni dam. In the complex of this park, you can see a natural water body. Here you will get boating facilities too. Also, you can bring your children too as there you will get a children’s playground.

2. Idukki Arch Dam

Do you want to float in the water with your love? Or are you searching for some beautiful water scenery photos that help you gain lots of likes on different social media platforms? If so, then Arch Dam will be the best choice for you. Indeed, it is a majestic and awe-inspiring dam. It is situated at an altitude of 167.68 meters.

Kerala Government constructed this dam in 1975. The surrounding beauty of this dam will surely captivate you. The mesmerizing beauty of this place will draw you towards this place again and again.

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3. Mangala Devi Temple

A historical temple situated at 1337m above sea level. It is one of the famous temples dedicated to Mangala Devi. This temple is located in the dense forests of Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Idukki district of Kerala and the Tamil Nadu state border.

Apart from Mangala Devi, here you can see the idols of Lord Shiva , Ganesh, and Lord Karuppuswamy. During the Chitrapournami festival, the devotees can visit the idols and offer their prayers. As the temple is spread over a massive 12 kilometers, you can visit the entire temple with a jeep.

According to the locals, there are many historical stories attached to this place, making this place one of the unforgettable places to visit in Idukki.

4. Kulamavu Dam

It is one of the most recommended places to visit in Idukki. If you imagine hiking or trekking, this will be the right place. Kulamavu is a popular hill station for all love birds, which offers the perfect place to boost your excitement and fill your blood with new energy.

It is one of the triumvirate dams of the Idukki reservoir project. It was constructed in 1961 to restrict water flow into the Kallivalli rivulet. This dam was built on the Periyar River. Kulamavu is one of the best places to visit in Idukki. For its spectacular beauty, you must visit this place.

5. Nadukani

It is another one of the famous hills situated 25KM away from Idukki, and this place is renowned for its big mountain. So, if you have a fantasy about hill climbing, choose this place. It is a beautiful hill where three rivers meet, and many rare species of animals and plants can be seen.

Here you can get a bird’s-eye view of the Idukki and Ernakulam districts. From this place, you can get the picturesque landscape of the sparkling waters of the Muvattupuzha River, Malankara Reservoir, and the Moolamattom town. The spectacular views of the sky-high mountains will surely captivate your heart. If you are an adventure enthusiast, you must visit this place.

6. Anakkara

It is a small village in the Idukki district famous for its beauty. This village has many beautiful farms and different types of wildlife sanctuaries on the Kumily-Munnar state highway. This place is renowned for beautiful scenarios and various species of flora and fauna.

This small village is spread over only 50 square kilometers of area. From the Idukki wildlife sanctuary, this village is situated within 18 kilometers only. This village is mainly famous for the spectacular views of the picturesque waterfalls and spice plantations. When you come to this place, visit Ottakathalamedu, which offers a panoramic view.

7. Thommankuthu Falls

It is one of the famous and beautiful falls you can visit with your partner or family. The beauty of this farm will win your heart. This location is best suited for trekkers and rock climbers. This waterfall got its name after Thomman fell into the waterfall while crossing the river.

It is also reckoned as the seven-step waterfall as it has seven water cascades and pools. The entire area has accessible caves and rocks that are amazing for performing various adventurous activities like camping and rock climbing.

Besides all those facilities, you can do many more activities with your partner to make this trip memorable. Horse riding and fishing are common facilities available this fall, which make your trip more exciting. Check out the list of the Top 11 Waterfalls in Kerala.

8. Murikkady

It is another one of the famous places where you can enjoy your holidays. This place is renowned for the plantation of coffee, tea, cardamom, and pepper. You can visit this place and observe the beautiful farms and plantation processes of tea and coffee and drink those beverages.

This place is also famous for the royal filter coffee and spice tea. For its spectacular beauty, it can be a perfect picnic spot. This beautiful destination of the Idukki district is only 5 kilometers away from Thekkady . Here you can observe the beautiful lush green trees and mountains.

Also, the fresh fragrance of the species, tea, and coffee will always make you feel refreshed. To witness this place’s incredible beauty, you should surely visit this destination of Idukki.

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9. Meesapulimala

It is the second-highest peak in south India, making it an ideal place for trekking. The starting point of the trek is Silent valley, and after 8Km of trekking, you can get grasslands. Wildlife, rainforests, and small waterfalls can be noticed in this single mountain.

In short, almost all types of natural experiences are available on this mountain. That’s why it is the most recommended place if you want to visit Idukki. It is situated at an altitude of 2640 meters.

For its height and surroundings, it is a paradise for trekkers. It is located near Munnar town . The peak of this mountain is made of a total of eight peaks. The beauty of this mountain is appreciable.

10. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

If you want to flee away from the hustle and bustle of the cities, then Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary will be the perfect destination for you. This wildlife sanctuary is located at 450 to 750 feet above sea level.

This sanctuary is housed amidst the picturesque settings of tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests and meadows. Here you can see hordes of wild elephants.

Also here you can see other animals like sambar, wild dogs, deer, wild boars, jungle cats, and tigers. Several reptiles like viper, cobra, and krait are also available in this wildlife sanctuary.  You can check out our article about the best wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Kerala here

Hope you read all the information given above and now you know the best tourist places to Visit in Idukki . All the sites mentioned above are best to visit, and these destinations will make your holidays memorable. So, to explore the tremendous beauty of the Idukki district, you must visit these places. Surely these places will draw you towards this charming destination again and again.

More Information on Kerala:

• North Kerala Top 16 Famous Places to See
• 10 Most Famous Destinations to Visit in Idukki, Kerala
• Top 10 Popular Honeymoon Resorts in Kerala
• List of the Kerala Wildlife National Park
• Famous Ayurveda Spas & Wellness Centres in Kerala
• Kerala Most Beautiful Honeymoon Destinations

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Tusk Travel Team

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18 Top Tourist Places to Visit in Idukki

• Idukki Overview
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#1 of 18 Places to Visit in Idukki

At a distance of around 2 km from Idukki Bus Station, the Idukki Arch Dam is a double curvature arch dam located in Idukki, Kerala. It is the world's second and Asia's first arch dam, and among the prime places to visit as part of Idukki holiday packages . The Idukki Dam was constructed in 1975 across the Periyar River in a narrow gorge between two granite hills locally known as Kuravan and Kurathi in Kerala, India. At 168.91 m, it is one of the highest arch dams in Asia. It is constructed and owned by the Kerala State Electricity Board. The Reservoir is formed by three dams, namely, Idukki, Cheruthoni, and Kulamavu. Together, the three dams have created an artificial lake that is 60 sq. km in area. The stored water is used to produce electricity at the Moolamattom Powerhouse, which is located about 43 km from Idukki Dam, among the prime Idukki tourist places . The .....

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Kalvari Mount / Calvary Mount

#2 of 18 Places to Visit in Idukki

At a distance of 10 km from Idukki Bus Stand, Kalvari Mount, also known as Calvary Mount is a mountain peak, and a popular Christian pilgrimage site situated in Idukki. It is one of the important places of sightseeing in Idukki. Also known as Kalliyanathandu, Kalvari Mount is a stunning vantage point that offers an aerial view of the Idukki Reservoir and its surrounding peaks and forests. The viewpoint is situated near Thankamani Junction on Thodupuzha - Puliyanmala highway. It is one of the most scenic places that one must-visit during Idukki trip. During Lent, the area turns into a pilgrimage center as Christians go in a procession up the hillock. It is also an ideal place for mountain climbers and trekkers. The trekkers will be treated to a fascinating experience of low-hung clouds, cool breeze, occasional chirping birds, and hordes of sauntering elephants. However, the hillock has a very steep slope and is mostly scaled by professional trekkers. The trekkers and travelers .....

Ilaveezha Poonchira

#3 of 18 Places to Visit in Idukki

At a distance of 36 km from Idukki, and 48 km from Kottayam, Ilaveezha Poonchira is a beautiful valley situated at Melukavu village in the Kottayam district of Kerala. It is one of the best places to visit near Idukki uring your Idukki tour . The stunning valley of Ilaveezha Poonchira is spread across thousands of acres at the foot of three hillocks - Mankunnu, Kudayathur Hill, and Thonippara near Kanjar. During the monsoons, the valley between a complex of mountains fills up to form a large pond. Ilaveezha Poonchira means 'the pond of flowers where the leaves do not fall'. Legends say that the pool here was a bathing place for Draupadi, the legendary heroine of Mahabharata. Surrounded by hillocks raised above 3000 feet from sea level, Ilaveezha Poonchira is an ideal place for trekking in Kerala . This is also one of the best places in Kerala to witness both the sunrise .....

Thommankuthu Waterfalls

#4 of 18 Places to Visit in Idukki

At a distance of 20 km from Thodupuzha, 25 km from Idukki, and 48 km from Munnar, Thommankuthu is a mesmerizing waterfall located in Thodupuzha taluk in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. It is one of the stunning waterfalls near Kochi , ad among the must-visit places as part of Idukki tour packages . Situated in the southern part of Western Ghats, Thomankoothu a series of 12 falls or kuthus (locally known) spread over an area of 5 km and fall from a height of 40 m. The 12 falls that vary in height and pass through the lush evergreen forests, present a remarkable sight. It is the best place to spend a day watching nature and drown in the waters of the falls. The rich flora and fauna around the waterfall hypnotize the visitors. It is an alluring destination for trekking as it takes you through caves and sleepy hamlets of the tribals. There are also boating and fishing .....

Ramakalamedu

#5 of 18 Places to Visit in Idukki

At a distance of 40 Kms from Idukki , 38 Kms from Kumily, 57 Kms from Munnar, 15 Kms from Nadumkandam & 18 Kms from Kambam (on NH220 towards Palani), Ramakkalmedu is a lovely tourist place with rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air. The hilltop also offers a panoramic view of the picturesque villages of Kambam and surrounding places on the slope of the Western Ghats. Kerala Tourism Department has provided additional facilities for tourists with resting points & statues of Kuravan & Kurathi (local tribes) at Ramakkalmedu. Ramakkalmedu is also a great trekking destination. The view point on top of the hill is the highest point in this area, which can be reached by 3-4 Kms trek from the Ramakkalmedu Junction. This place is connected by bus service from Munnar , Kottayam and Ernakulam.

#6 of 18 Places to Visit in Idukki

At a distance of 4 km from Kumily, 54 km from Idukki, 82 km from Munnar, 111 km from Kottayam, 136 km from Madurai, 143 km from Kochi, and 211 km from Trivandrum, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Thekkady in the Idukki district of Kerala. Located on Kerala - Tamilnadu border, it is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India , and also a well-known summer getaway in Kerala. Thekkady is one of the most famous sanctuaries near Kochi , and also among the most scenic Kerala Backwater destinations. In 1899, the Maharaja of Travancore, Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma has declared the forests around Periyar Lake as a private game reserve to stop the invasion of tea plantations. Further, in 1934, the lake reserve was converted into a game sanctuary, the Nellikkampatty Game Sanctuary, which covered an area of about 500 sq. km. It was established as Periyar ..... Distance (From Idukki): 52 Kms Trip Duration (From Idukki - Including Travel): Full Day .....

#7 of 18 Places to Visit in Idukki

At a distance of 45 km from Thekkady, 58 km from Idukki, 76 km from Kumarakom, 64 km from Kottayam, 92 km from Munnar, 99 km from Alleppey, 103 km from Kochi, 181 km from Madurai, and 196 km from Trivandrum, Vagamon, or Wagamon is an enchanting hill station situated in Idukki district of Kerala. Located on the Kottayam-Idukki border, it is one of the offbeat hill stations in Kerala , and among the must-include places in Kerala Tour Packages . Perched at an altitude of 1100 m, Vagamon is surrounded by 3 hills namely, Thangal hill, Murugan hill, and Kurisumala at the foothills of Western Ghats. Also known as the Scotland of Asia, Vagamon was discovered by the British who found the place ideal for tea plantations, and they were followed by Christian missionaries who built their abode of service at Kurisumala in Vagamon. National Geographic Traveler has listed Vagamon on their directory ..... Distance (From Idukki): 58 Kms Trip Duration (From Idukki - Including Travel): Full Day .....

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

#8 of 18 Places to Visit in Idukki

At a distance of around 2 km from Idukki Bus Station, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is situated around Idukki Arch Dam. It is one of the prominent places of wildlife in Kerala , and among the must-include places in Idukki sightseeing packages . The Sanctuary is spread over an area of 77 sq. km in Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks. Established in 1976, the sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 450-748 meters above sea level occupying the forest land between the Cheruthoni River and the Periyar River. The terrain of the sanctuary is characterized by steep mountains, valleys and hills. The artificial Idukki Reservoir (Kizhakkilachimala Lake) adds to the scenic beauty of this lovely wildlife sanctuary. Among the most-important tourist places in Idukki , the sanctuary is home to Elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild .....

Hill View Park

#9 of 18 Places to Visit in Idukki

At a distance of around 2 Kms from Idukki Bus Station and less than half Km from Idukki Dam, Hill View Park is a nice tourist place in Idukki that offers a panoramic view of the Dam and surrounding places. Views of herds of wild elephants thrill any visitor. Spread over an area of 8 acres of land this aesthetically conceived park has a natural water body at the hill top, and boating facility is available here. The herbal garden and children's play area are added attractions.

#10 of 18 Places to Visit in Idukki

At a distance of around 5 km from Idukki Bus Station, 53 km from Munnar, 107 km from Kochi & 130 km from Alappuzha, Painavu is a cute hill resort and also the headquarters of Idukki district. This is one of the popular weekend getaways from Munnar & Kochi. Painavu is an important commercial center and a popular tourist hot spot in Idukki. At an altitude of 3,900 feet, Painavu is situated inside the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary. It is also home to several State Government institutions such as Civil Station, and Government Engineering College, Idukki . The place is popular for its pleasing ambience and picturesque location. This is a stopover for visitors, who travel to Idukki Arch Dam, Cheruthoni Dam and Kulamavu. Boats are available from here for cruises between Cheruthoni and Kulamavu. In winter and rainy seasons elephants can be spotted moving on the roads. Surrounded by pristine forests .....

Malankara Dam

#11 of 18 Places to Visit in Idukki

At a distance of 43 Kms from Idukki, 65 Kms from Kumarakom, 58 kms from Kottayam and 80 Kms from Munnar, Malankara Dam & Lake (in Idukki district) is a lovely place located at a distance of 7 Kms from Thodupuzha on Thodupuzha-Erattupetta route. Malankara Lake, spread over 11 Kms is an artificial lake formed as part of Muvattupuzha Valley Irrigation Project. The Dam is constructed across Thodupuzha River for irrigation purpose. This place is a very good picnic spot with boating facilities in the lake. It is located on SH8 and easily accessible from Thodupuzha by Bus, Auto & Cab. Thodupuzha is accessible by Bus from all parts of Kerala. Thommankuthu Waterfalls is about 27 Kms from this place which is connected by Bus from Thodupuzha.

Keezharkuthu Falls / Rainbow Waterfalls

#12 of 18 Places to Visit in Idukki

At a distance of 30 Kms from Idukki , 63 Kms from Munnar and 20 Kms from Thodupuzha, Keezharkuthu Waterfalls (also known as Rainbow Waterfalls) is a popular tourist sport near Idukki. It is a cascading waterfalls falling through several steps from a height of over 1500 meters. It is also an ideal place for rock climbing & mountaineering. This place is good to visit throughout the year. The falls are located in deep forest and can be reached by trekking through the forests for over 2 Kms. Nearest town to the falls is Udambannoor, which is connected by Bus with Idukku, Munnar and Thodupuzha. From Udambannoor, the falls are about 6 Kms and there is approach road for about 4 Kms which can be reached by Jeep / Auto. The remaining 2 Kms is trek path.

#13 of 18 Places to Visit in Idukki

At a distance of 56 Kms from Idukki and 27 Kms from Thekkady, Pattumala is a hill resort with tremendous beauty and full of tea plantations. The lofty peaks, the little streams and the green expanse of the tea plantations give the hills an ethereal beauty. An early morning walk through all this breathtaking loveliness might leave you a lifetime memories. Velankanni Matha Church at the top of a hill is a famous pilgrim center, which is built entirely of granite. There is also a nice flower garden near the church.

Sahyadri Ayurvedic Center

#14 of 18 Places to Visit in Idukki

At a distance of 53 Kms from Idukki and 28 Kms from Thekkady, Sahyadri Ayurvedic Center is located near Kuttikkanam on Thekkady-Kottayam highway. Sahyadri Ayurvedic Center is a well equipped hospital that offers Ayurvedic treatments at affordable rates. Managed by the Peerumedu Development Society, it is famous for its curative and revitalizes treatment. It has well-appointed treatment accommodation facilities. This center has a unit for manufacturing Ayurvedic medicines and a raw drugs museum, where more than 200 varieties of rare medicinal plants are conserved. The environment is characterized by an eco friendly atmosphere with a botanical garden, spread over an area of 35 acres, of nearly 400 varieties of herbs.

Kuthumkal Waterfalls, Near Munnar

#15 of 18 Places to Visit in Idukki

At a distance of 24 Kms from Munnar and 36 Kms from Idukki, Kuthumkal Waterfalls is charming waterfall located in Kuthumkal near Rajakkad (4 Kms) in Idukki District. This cascading waterfall is a good picnic spot to enjoy the nature and play with the waters of the falls. The falls are very close to the main road and accessible by easy trek. It is possible to get into the waters at bottom of these falls. Rajakkad is connected by bus with Munnar & Adimali (24 Kms). The falls are 4 Kms from Rajakkad and can be reached by Auto/Bus.Kuthumkal water falls is located 21 kms from Munnar. The picturesque Ponmudi Dam (7 Kms from Kuthumkal Falls and 17 Kms from Adimali) built across Panniar River is another popular attraction near the Waterfalls. It is connected by bus with Adimali-Rajakkad service. Distance (From Idukki): 36 Kms Trip Duration (From Idukki - Including Travel): 3-4 Hours .....

Devikulam, Near Munnar

#16 of 18 Places to Visit in Idukki

At a distance of 18 km from Munnar Bus Station & 45 km from Idukki, Devikulam is a cute hill station near Munnar. At an altitude of 1800 m, it is one of the lesser-known hill stations in Kerala , and among the must-include places in Munnar sightseeing packages . The name Devikulam is a combination of two words Devi from the goddess Devi and kulam meaning pond. According to legend, the goddess Sita Devi bathed in Devikulam Lake now named Sita Devi Lake. The lake draws tourists not only because of its sacredness but also for the curative powers of its mineral waters. The lake is also idle for trout fishing. The scenic beauty, adventure sports, beliefs, and religion come together to make Sita Devi Lake a major tourist attraction in Devikulam. The lush green open spaces and the high cliffs of Devikulam provide scope for hiking ..... Distance (From Idukki): 45 Kms Trip Duration (From Idukki - Including Travel): 4 Hours/Half Day .....

#17 of 18 Places to Visit in Idukki

At a distance of 120 km from Kochi, 284 km from Trivandrum, 142 km from Coimbatore, 134 km from Kottayam, 153 km from Thrissur, 100 km from Athirapally Falls, and 150 km from Madurai, Munnar is a fascinating hill resort located in Idukki district of Kerala. It is one of the best hill stations in India , and among the must include places in Kerala tour packages . Munnar town is situated at an altitude ranging from 5000 to 8000 feet on the Kannan Devan Hills in Devikulam taluk and is the largest town in the Idukki district covering an area of nearly 557 sq. km. It is also called the Swiss of South India. This is also one of the famous places to visit near Kochi , Coimbatore & Madurai cities. Mattupetty Dam, Pothamedu Viewpoint and Tea Museum are among the must include places in your Munnar tour packages . Munnar ..... Distance (From Idukki): 45 Kms Trip Duration (From Idukki - Including Travel): 1-2 Days .....

Nadukani, Near Munnar

#18 of 18 Places to Visit in Idukki

At a distance of 75 Kms from Munnar, 68 kms from kottayam & 60 Kms from Idukki , Nadukani is a small hill station in Ernakulam district. It is 35 Kms from Thodupuzha, close to NH49 near Kothamangalam. At an altitude of 3000 feet, Nadukani is an ideal destination for trekking and mountaineering. On the sunny day Nadukani offers a clear view of the areas extending to Thodupuzha. The excellent view of the Muvattupuzha River that forms Malankara Lake on Malankara Dam is feast to the eyes. Distance (From Idukki): 60 Kms Trip Duration (From Idukki - Including Travel): 4 Hours/Half Day .....

Most Asked Questions on Idukki

Winter and Summer seasons from October to May is the best time to visit Idukki while the peak season is from March to May. Summer is the busiest season and hotels are usually very expensive in this season.

Idukki usually requires 1-2 days to visit the most important attractions. There are several wonderful places near Idukki like Munnar, Alleppey, Kumarakom and Kochi that can be visited by adding additional few days to your trip.

Budget of Idukki trip depends on the trip duration and category of hotel you choose for your stay along with the kind of vehicle you prefer. Idukki tour packages offered by Trawell.in start from as low as INR 5250 per person for a 2D/1N trip and from INR 7800 per person for 3D/2N vacation.

Ensure to cover most important places to visit in Idukki like Idukki Dam, Kalvari Mount, Ilaveezha Poonchira, Thommankuthu Waterfalls, Ramakalamedu, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, etc. Munnar which is 35 km from Idukki and be visited along with Idukki.

Idukki is well known for quality tea and most of the tourists buy tea powder directly from the factories. And, Spices are also available at reasonable price.

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April 12, 2021

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15 Best Places To Visit In Idukki

Imagine going to a place covered with all the heavenly pleasures of south Indian culture with a north Indian feel of mountains, intriguing isn’t it? Let’s fast forward the imagination and halt at a train scenario where you are eating pakoras with tea poured in that brown clay cup, and enjoying the view outside the window which changes every second as the train keeps moving forward.

Enjoying a variety of food with varied spices, watching different cultures wearing vibrant clothes and making it both treat your taste buds and eyes. One such place to experience every bit of your Great Indian tour is Idukki.

Idukki is a district in the state of Kerala which is surrounded by beautiful, pleasing mountains. This place is perfect for enjoying with all your friends and family members. How exciting would it be to go on a venture which is a wholesome mixture of culture and food? Already feeling exhilarated! Right? Well, you will be more fascinated when we inform you all about this incredible city of joy. Let's discuss all the best places to visit in Idukki before you book a flight to Cochin , which is the nearest airport to the city.

Best Tourist Places In Idukki

Everyone wants a well-planned trip to be enjoyed in a limited time but with unlimited memories. Here are a few Idukki tourist spots you can plan to go while visiting this enchanting place.

Mythology has always been close to everyone's heart and why not? There are so many stories to learn from, and to visit the live location of those stories is not less than visiting a movie set. The Idukki Dam tells the mythological tale of Lord Rama and Sita. The dam also has its own beauty in the natural form of backwater which Kerala is famous for.

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

Green land with water ponds surrounded by different types of animals like elephants, tigers, sambar beer, bison, wild boar is such a treat to the eyes and melody to the soul. You will be intrigued here to see what all nature will offer you. You get the full tour of the sanctuary and even get a chance to interact with the animals. The sanctuary is a great learning experience about animals and their habitat for kids as well as for adults.

Keezharkuthu Falls

What would it be if one visits Kerala and didn’t even see a single waterfall, Saddening right? The best waterfall to visit is the one in Idukki i.e., Keezharkuthu Falls. This is one of the best Idukki tourist places as it is perfect for whether it be sight-seeing or adventure sport. As the waterfall is located in the forest, one has to reach it by trekking.

People can also do mountain climbing here as the water falls from a great height, making it a spot for adventure sports.

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Vagamon is listed in the 50 most attractive places to visit in India by National Geographic. This place is famous for its beautiful breath-taking view. This place has gorgeous pine forests, hill rocks, valleys, grasslands, meadows, waterfalls etc. It is one of the best sight-seeing places in Idukki with amazing hotels and resorts to stay in.

This is a wildlife sanctuary with backwaters situated on a hill station. Just describing it is so wonderful, imagine what it would actually look like in real life. People often like to go on a boat ride here to get a full insight into this place.

Kalvari Mount

Remember how we used to imagine places while hearing a fairy tale during our childhood? Well, this place will bring back those nostalgic memories of your imagination. This mount has a reservoir and looks incredibly enchanting. The view here makes it one of the perfect picnic spots to hangout.

Ramakalamedu

This place is another one of a kind which offers the tourists both the pleasure of viewpoint and adventure sport. Ramakalamedu is best for all age groups as it offers peace of mind and relaxation and also fun activity like trekking. People usually try to do off-roading with their jeeps over the mountains.

Pattumala offers you the greenery of a tea plantation on the hill station with a historical church built fully of granite and surrounded by a beautiful flower garden. One can enjoy and even try to practice the activities involved in the tea plantation here. The church built here is on top of the hill and is surrounded by a flower garden, which magnifies its beauty to the max.

Munnar is one of the best Idukki places to visit if one is planning a romantic getaway with one’s partner. This place is at the confluence of three rivers, each one having its own history and beauty. This place is full of greenery and romance is in the air with luxurious hotels having great views.

Kolukkumalai

If you love trekking, Kolukkumalai is the perfect place for you. It is famous for its long trekking trips taking you to high altitudes to witness all the beauty nature has to offer. You stay in tents and do bonfires which make for a perfect trip one could ask for.

Hill View Park

As the name tells itself, this is a park situated on the hilltop, having all the elements of a normal park but, what makes it different? The view of elephants enjoying their natural habitat.

This is the perfect spot to go for a picnic with a group of friends or family. Nadukani is the best place to enjoy a trip with some good company. Nature’s beauty over here just adds up to the fun. It has scenic views and you have to travel up the hill with the path made alongside it.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

The chirping sound of the birds and gushing water can calm anyone indeed. This bird sanctuary is located in the forest and is home to endangered species of birds. The river flowing through just adds up to the remarkable beauty of the sanctuary.

Thoommankuthu Falls

This is an enchanting place with seven steps of rocks over which the water falls. Besides, there are numerous caves to explore. Every adventure seeker must visit this place to explore the unknown. Each cave has a different formation and its own story to tell.

One of the best spices in India is cardamom and buying the best cardamom in a place that is full of green mountains offering peace of mind is everything. People love to buy cardamoms here as you get it best and fresh. It is also one of the best historical places in Idukki.

Idukki is the place for enjoying India in the mountains and backwaters. It provides tourism for all age groups. Whether it be a family vacation, a weekend with friends, a romantic getaway with your partner or a solo trip; Idukki has everything for everyone. If there’s a live enchanting place on earth it is Idukki.

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Best Places to Visit in Idukki

Ravi Rathaur

December 9, 2022

Idukki is the 2nd largest district in Kerala and still remain untouched by commercial tourism. The location is about 105 km away from the Kochi and 47 km from Munnar. This beautiful High range district also is known for its Mountainous Hills and Dense Forests.

You find many dams and hydroelectric power plants here and about 70% of the State’s Power needs come from the Hydroelectric Power Projects in Idukki. The location is fully surrounded by lush greenery as the half of the district is covered by forests. So there are many hidden places to visit in Idukki. Here we mention some of the major tourist attraction in Idukki. So want to get memorable experience from Kerala trip then visit all these places at least once.

Table of Contents

Hill View Park

The location is about 2 km away from the Idukki Bust Station. Hill View Park is one of the best places to visit in Idukki which gives the panoramic view of the Idukki Arch Dam and surrounding places.

One can also spot diverse wildlife in its belt natural habitat. Spread over an area of 8 acres, the park has a natural water body along with boating facilities. Some of the major tourist attraction here is herbal garden and children playground. Overall a beautiful location in Idukki district which you have to visit at least once.

Idukki Arch Dam

Idukki Arch Dam is one of the highest arch dams in Asia, boasting a hight of 550 ft. The Dam was built over the Periyar River between two hills. A hydroelectric power plant also situated at Dam, which supplies electricity to the entire state. This marvel attracts tourists from all over the world. The forest area surrounding the dam and the reservoir is home to many local species.

Thommankuthu Falls

It is a seven steps waterfalls which is about 25 km away from the Idukki. One of the best place to spend a day watching the nature and drown in the waters of the falls. Tourist love this location as its offers adventure activity like rock climbing, camping and trekking.

Boating and Horse riding are the two another activity which you can do here. The scenic beauty around this location makes it one of the best places to visit in Idukki.

Meesapulimala

It is the 2nd highest peak in Southern India. Meesapulimala Peak is about 2641 meters above from the sea level. A perfect location for trekking and hiking, that’s why it is one of major tourist attraction in Idukki district.

There is a long trek which passes through eight hills and the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The whole trek witness the grasslands, wildlife, rainforests, and small waterfalls. So if you are a nature or adventure lover person then don’t forget to view this place.

Kalvari Mount

Kalvari Mount is also known as the Calvary Mount and it is about 10 km away from the Idukki. One of the famous tourist places to visit in Idukki gives the best pictures view of surrounding nature.

The location also offers a charming view of Idukki Reservoir from Idukki to Ayyappancoil on one side and panoramic view of Kamakshi and Mariyapuram villages on the other side. You can also spot elephants in the forests and tea garden on the periphery.

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is situated around Idukki Arch Dam which also has a reservoir formed by three dams Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamanu. Spread over 77 sq km the Sanctuary is a home to plenty of endemic flora and fauna.

The terrain of the sanctuary is characterized by steep mountains, valleys and hills. You can spot Elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tiger, wild boar if you are lucky. The Sanctuary also inhabited by various poisonous and non-poisonous snakes. Overall a worth visiting place in Idukki, so don’t miss to explore this location when you are in Kerala.

Murikkady is a very peaceful place which is full of spice and coffee plantations. This is located at a distance of 5 kms near Thekkady in Kerala. One can see an amazing view of the mist, scenery and mountains. The view is simply fantabulous from this point. One can see and smell all sorts of spices which are available. One can enjoy the aromatic smell of the cardamom buds and loaves of pepper dropping off the line of shrubberies. This certainly is meant to be enjoyed as all of this is not visible in our day to day lives.

• Visit Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Eravikulam National Park

Spanning over an area of 97 sq. km, Eravikulam National Park introduces you to the biodiversity of grassland. The park is also known as the Rajamalai National Park. Located in Munnar along the Western Ghats, it was initially a hunting preserve of the British planters. It is now primarily a sanctuary for the highly endangered species, Nilgiri Tahr, the wild goat. In addition to Tahr; other creatures such as Sambar Deer, Stripe-Necked Mongoose, and Nilgiri Langur inhabit this park. Predators including Wild Dog, Golden Jackal and the leopard also find refuge here. You can spot different rare species of birds in the park including Yellow-Throated Martin, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Black-and-orange Flycatcher, and Kerala Laughing.

There is a wide range of fauna in the park including 132 species of birds. The park also houses the rare Anamudi (2695 m), the highest peak in South India. As private vehicles are not permitted inside, you have to ride Forest Department’s vehicles to visit the park. The park remains closed for the public during the early months of the yeas as it is usually the calving time of Nilgiri Tahr.

• Timings: All days of the week 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• Visit Duration: 4-5 hours

On the banks of the shimmering Periyar river, is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Kerala, Thekkady. You get to see bountiful wildlife, flourishing green forest with high rising trees and abundant plants, gently flowing river and unlimited activities to feed your adventurous souls in the Periyar wildlife sanctuary on the banks of river Periyar. This famous sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve some time back. Take a trek to the forest here to see tigers, indulge in various water sports, fill your eye with the amazing riot of colorful plants and enjoy the awesome aspiring array of other wild animals.

Adding to the allure of the forest is the noteworthy man made wonder, the charming and alluring lake of the Mullaperiyar dam on Periyar river. One must not forget to bow their heads to the Mangala Devi temple in Thekkady. A visit to “Gods own country” is incomplete without a trip to Thekkady.

Mattupetty is a small yet very popular hilly town located at a distance of 13 kms from the well known hills station Munnar.  This hilly town is located at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level. In case you are fond of relaxing then this is the place most appropriate for you. There are many interesting tourist attractions in Mattupetty. There are beautiful tea gardens which you could visit. You could visit the Shola forests which are located very closely to Mattupetty for trekking and even enjoy watching a variety of birds there. The view is simply breathtaking from here as you can see rivulets which cross the beautiful terrain.

The Mattupetty Dam is visited quite a big number of tourists and one can even enjoy boating here. There are speed boats and motorboats available for boating and can be hired. The Kundala Lake and Kundala tea plantations are also meant to be visited as these are very well-known tourists destinations. Another major tourist attraction is the Dairy farm which is managed by the Indo-Swiss Livestock project. One can see several varieties of high yielding cattle being look after very nicely in this dairy farm.

Nallathanni Estate (Tata Tea Museum)

Located at Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea, Tata Tea Museum is one of the major tourist attractions in Munnar. Run by the Tata Tea Company, the museum presents the evolution of Munnar tea estates, starting from 1880s and covering the antiquity and pieces of consequent growth of tea plantations. Here the history of tea plantation is told through photographs, machinery and memoirs.

At the entrance of the museum stands a sundial perched on a granite block. Art Industrial School at Nazareth, Tamil Nadu had built this sundial in 1913. There is a tea processing unit adjacent to the museum. The museum features fascinating items of the past era, including antique furniture, the original tea roller (dating back to 1905), wooden bathtub, EPABX of the 1909 telephone system, typewriters & manual calculators and old photographs. You can also visit the Tata Tea factory by taking permission from authorities. A stroll through the plantations will offer you the views of the tea pickers picking up the tea leaves. You can meet and talk to a few. The museum also arranges exciting video screenings to introduce the visitors to the local customs and history.

• Entry Fee for Child : Rs.25
• Entry Fee for Adults : Rs.75
• Timings : All days of the week except Mon 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Visit Duration : 3-4 hours

At a distance of 16 km from the magnificent Munnar sits the beautiful hill station Devikulam. Geographically, it falls in the State of Kerala in the Idukki District. Sita Devi Lake is the main tourist attraction in Devikulam. The legend has it that Goddess Sita bathed in the lake. Known as a popular Hindu pilgrimage, it attracts many devotees from the state and from other nearby places.

The place witnesses maximum footfalls during the summer season, when people from lowlands flock these lush green hills to escape heat and enjoy panoramic views. A beautiful waterfall, named Pallivasal, is another enticing place to visit in Devikulam. The splendid tea plantations also add to the aesthetic appeal of the place. After reaching here you can consider paying a trip to the beautiful Munnar as well.

Anamudi Peak

Sitting pretty at the height of 2695 m, Anamudi Peak is a home to many animals including Leopards, Tigers, macaques and Nilgiri Langurs. Covered with dense forests, the peak serves as an ideal habitat for these animals due to its geographical similarity with their original abode. Lies inside the Eravikulam National Park, this hill has different varieties of flora and fauna along with endangered species. With sufficient facilities available for the tourists, Anamudi Peak is a perfect destination for trekking enthusiasts who are permitted to go there only on foot.

So that’s all about major tourist attraction and places to visit in Idukki. It is a small and peaceful place in Kerala and yet to be discovered. The natural waterfalls, dams and scenic beauty of this place is a perfect combination for family or honeymooners.

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24 Tourist Places in Idukki

Idukki, one of the largest hill stations in Kerala is also one of the most sought after destinations for tourists from all over the world. Located only at a distance of 105 kilometers from Kochi and just 47 kilometers from Munnar, you can enjoy several diverse attractions and activities for a memorable vacation. Tourist Places in Idukki talks about major tourist spots in Idukki district of Kerala.

You can plan for a 2 nights, 3 days tour to Idukki and visit the following places:

1. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary is located at a distance of about 58 kilometers from Thodupuzha and extends over Udumpancholataluk of Idukki. Spread over 105 square kilometers and situated at a height of about 450 – 748m above sea level, the sanctuary is home to plenty of endemic flora and fauna.

You can see herds of elephants, gaur, boar, deer, wild dogs if you are lucky. The sanctuary is also home to jungle cats, bears and several varieties of poisonous snakes. The avian population is also no less attractive as you can see plenty of woodpeckers, kingfisher, myna, jungle fowl, black bulbul and so on.

The sanctuary has different kinds of forests within it, including tropical evergreen trees, semi-evergreen forests, meadows and more. This is one of the major Tourist Places in Idukki

  2. Thommankuthu Waterfalls

Image by  Kiran Gopi  via Wikimedia

The scenic waterfalls near Thodupuzha have a dark past. People say there was once a tribal named Thomman who fell into the waterfall, hence the name. The most curious thing about the waterfall is that it is a seven-step waterfall. Adventure tourism is allowed here. Forest trekking and bathing are other activities. This is another Tourist Places in Idukki

3. Meesapulimala

Image by  Sivakumar1605  via Wikimedia

Is a peak in the high ranges of Idukki and an ideal place to start your hiking or trekking trails in Kerala . The mountain forest ecosystem is an attractive feature of Meesapulimala. This is a must visit Tourist Places in Idukki

4. Idukki Arch Dam

Image by  Rameshng  via Wikimedia

The amazing architecture of the Idukki Dam is what attracts people in the first instant. The dam, built across the river, and located between two hills is one of its kind in Asia and world’s second.

Legend has it that these two hills were actually two tribals, Kuravan and Kurathy who were cursed by Lord Rama when they were caught watching Devi Sita bathing in the river. This is another Tourist Places in Idukki

5. Nedumkandam Hills

These hills provide the perfect backdrop of a typical village life, and since it is located at a height of about 3200 feet above sea level, you have many scenic spots as well.

6. Ramakkalmedu

Image by  Anoop Joy  via Flickr

Ramakkalmedu or Ram + Kal + Medu, is a popular hill station now. This place has a very tall rock that Lord Ram stepped on to search for Devi Sita after she was abducted by Lord of Lanka, Ravan. If you sit here at dawn, you can enjoy mesmerizing views of the sun rising. Absolutely beautiful! This s a good Tourist Places in Idukki

7. Kalavari Mount 

Right near Thekkady, and on the way to Kattappana lie Kalavari Mount or Calavary Mount. You can spot an elephant or two if you are lucky. Visitors come here to view beautiful views of the Idukki Reservoir as well.

8. Kulamavu Dam

 Image by  Seb Powen  via Flickr

A huge power project of Kerala and with a picturesque dam, the waters of Kulamavu reaches an underground power station, located at Muvattupuzha Valley. The Canada Government funds the dam project. A good Tourist Places in Idukki

9.  Pothamadu Plantations

With its stunning view of tea, cardamom and coffee plantations, it is no wonder why visitors get down and pose for photographs at this spot.

10. Cheruthoni Dam

Image by Kseb via Wikimedia

Cheruthoni River is a major tributary of River Periyar and the dam supplies electricity to several villages in the area.

11. Anchurili Waterfalls

Splendid views of greenery bewitches you instantly. Anchuruili waterfalls offer splendid views of the forest with their semi-evergreen forest grasslands. This is a good Tourist Places in Idukki

12. Cheeyappara Waterfalls 

Image by  Sudheesh S  via Flickr

Lies between Adimali and Neriamangalam and can be seen from the road. Good place to take photos. This is another Tourist Places in Idukki

 13 . Malankara Reservoir

Image by  Jeevan Jose  via Wikimedia

There is an artificial lake here that allows for boating and fishing facilities for its visitors. The reservoir manages the water of the dam.

14. Thrissanku Hills

A popular hill station, well-known for its virgin walking trails, well, almost. A good scenic spot as well. Other things you can see from the hill include Diwan’s residence, Mausoleum of Sufi Saint and a summer palace.

15. Valara Waterfalls

Image by  Wikistranger  via Flickr

This is also located between Neriamangalam and Adimali and is near Cheeyappara waterfalls. The sprays of the cascading waterfalls can be seen from afar. This is a must visit Tourist Places in Idukki

  16. Sita Devi Lake

Image by Amrita Bhattacharyya  via Flickr

Devikulam or the Sita Devi Lake is believed to be the lake where Devi Sita bathed in the river. The water has curative properties as well.

17. Njandirukki Waterfalls

The water falls from a height of 200 feet and is a sight to behold.

18. Nadukani

Image by  Seb Powen  via Flickr

Nadukani is a picturesque location with expansive hills and luscious views of meadows. Trekking and mountaineering are in vogue here. You can enjoy panoramic views of Ernakulam on a clear, sunny day. This is a good Tourist Places in Idukki

19.  Keezharkuthu Waterfalls

The waterfall is well known for its lush greenery and thick forests. The area is also famous for ayurvedic medicines. Activities like rock climbing, mountaineering and camping are also allowed here.

20. Pattumala

Image by  Iaminfo  via Wikimedia

Enjoy the ethereal beauty of rolling hills and the little streams along the backdrop of breathtaking greenery.

21. Thumapachi Calveri Samuchayam

It is a quiet and scenic spot where you can enjoy some time in contemplation.

22. Anayirangal Dam Reservoir

Image by  alchimiae  via Flickr

The scenic views of Anayirangal with its lush green carpet of tea plantations is a tourist places in Kerala .

  23. Ponmudi Dam

This dam built along Panniyar River, another major tributary of Periyar is a famous tourism destination. Trekking is a favorite activity of tourists at Ponmudi Dam.

24.  Hill View Park

This is a natural garden located between Cheruthoni Dam and Idukki Arch Dam.  There is a children’s play area as well. You can also occasionally spot elephants, deer and bison here.

  Other wildlife sanctuaries near Idukki : Eravikulam National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Image by  Bernard Gagnon  via Wikimedia

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10 Comments

Even without visiting these places in IDUKKI. YOU TOOK US THERE

Thank you, Santhavel for your kind words!

hello mam, can you give a route of places from which places should we start to next place and so on….!! in idukki

Hi Vishal, Thank you for reaching out. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] to get the details of the travel routes.

beautifully locations in idukki. but any time available in visiting hours….

Beautifully explained!

Great blog. Loved it.

Thank you, Sanal.

Useful explanation and beautiful photos.It helped me to plan a one day tour a lot. Thanks…

Thank you, Retnakumar. Keep checking our other articles also.

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Idukki is a beautiful district located in the Indian state of Kerala. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, including hills, forests, waterfalls, and wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Things To See & Do

Ayyapancoil hanging bridge, spectacular suspension bridge.

1-1.5 hours

Suggested Time

Chathurangapara Viewpoint

Viewpoint with panoramas, kalvari mount, perfect spot for a trek, cheeyarappa falls, gushing waterfall amid hills, mattupetty dam, perfect picnic spot.

2-2.5 hours

Anai Mudi Peak

South india’s highest peak.

3-4.5 hours

Mathikettan Shola National Park

Home to rare species of animals, powerhouse falls, crystal-clear waterfall, anamudi shola national park, boasts various species of flora and fauna, ramakkalmedu, home to tea plantations, cheruthoni dam, wonderful tourist site, anchuruli waterfalls, hidden natural gem, valara waterfalls, gurgling waterfall amid nature, malankara dam, dam with scenic views, meesapulimala peak, western ghat’s second-highest peak, thumpachi kalveri samuchayam, scenic trekking trail, home to spice plantations, mangala devi temple, revered hindu shrine, thommankuthu falls, crystal-clear waterfall with scenic views, keezharkuthu falls, gushing waterfall amid nature, charming hill station, idukki arch dam, dam with stunning views.

1.5-2.5 hours

Kulamavu Dam

Technology amid lush greenery, hill view park, famous tourist site, best time to visit idukki, all year round destination, peak season, moderate season.

• What To Expect : Delightful weather, clear skies and cool breezes
• Things You'll Love : Relaxing scenery, outdoor activities and tourist places

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Idukki Mahotsavam January/February

Attukal Pongala February/March

Thirunakkara Arattu March/April

Vishu April

Easter April

Eid-ul-Fitr May/June

Onam August/September

Muharram August/September

Vaikathashtami November/December

Christmas December

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Love Hills Resort

10 degrees north, idukki by avni holidays, gee resorts and heights, megha homestay, 5 star hotels.

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Idukki - a visit to the spice garden of kerala.

Beautifully located by the Western Ghats in Kerala, Idukki is a rugged hill resort. Its vast stretch of tea plantations and spice gardens along with dense forests create a lush green cover. Rich in floral and faunal variety, the district city also houses various admirable colonial structures and beautifully displays the amalgamation of traditional living with modernity.

Best Time to Visit Idukki

The months between November and February mark the winter season in this tourist destination and are considered the best time to visit. Pleasant Idukki weather with low temperatures and cool breeze allows travellers to explore the city’s scenic landscape at this time.

The moderately warm months of March to May also invite comfortable exploration here due to the mild Idukki temperature.

How to Reach Idukki

If you are travelling by air, you can book a ticket to Cochin, located 98 km away. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Idukki Kerala. The city is well-connected to nearby locations via roadways, which makes travel accessible.

When planning how to reach Idukki by train, you will have to book a ticket to the Kottayam Railway Station, which is 114 km away.

What are the Things to See and Do in Idukki?

Best known for its abundance of natural locales, this tourist destination is home to many interesting explorable places. From tea plantations to spice gardens and dense forest trails, the floral variety to explore here is immense along with the wildlife sanctuaries and natural reserves. The city is also known for its highest arch dams, beautifully designed villas, and the highest peak to the South of the Himalayas, Anamudi.

Places to Visit in Idukki

With abundant spots for eco-tourism, this tourist destination has some amazing destinations that tourists can explore.

Located in Thekkady, Murikkady is one of the top Idukki tourist places known for its lush spice plantations and is a popular picnic spot, also providing boating expeditions.

Hill View Park is a popular tourist spot, opening up to the Idukki and Cheruthoni Dams’ mesmerising views. The park is also visited for its abundant natural habitat.

An architectural wonder beautifully joining the Kurathi and Kuravan Hills, Idukki Arch Dam is the second highest of its kind at 550m. The backdrop of rugged terrain creates a contrasting view.

Kulamavu Dam is one of the most interesting Idukki places to get a trekking and hiking experience of the Western Ghats amidst enchanting surroundings.

Home to places like the Aruvikkuzhi Falls, Ottakathalamedu, and Chellarkovil, Anakkara is a quaint little village of this tourist destination with scenic waterfalls and spice plantations.

Not a frequently visited destination, the Keezharkuthu Falls is one of the well-known Idukki waterfalls, and a great location to carry out adventure activities like mountaineering, rock climbing, camping, trekking, etc.

Restaurants in Idukki

Sun mount view.

A nice little place located at Second Mile, Madura Road, housing a pleasing ambience and welcoming staff, Sun Mount View serves some of the most refreshing dishes from local cuisine infused with freshly processed spices and cooked to perfection.

If you want to have a fine dining experience in this tourist destination amidst well-placed surroundings, Athidhi is the restaurant for you.

Mahaveer Veg Restaurant

Try out some great flavours and tastes of palatable dishes from the Malayalee cuisine at the Mahaveer Veg Restaurant, a pleasing eatery located in Munnar.

Places to Stay in Idukki

Laurel heights idukki.

If you want to enjoy your stay amidst the quaint hills surrounded by greenery, Laurel Heights Idukki is the place for you. With modern amenities, pleasing interiors and luxury furnishing, it provides an impressive staying experience.

Hotel Stonage

A great accommodation located in Cheruthoni, Hotel Stonage provides luxury stay options with cutting-edge amenities and has pleasing staff ready to serve 24x7.

10 Degrees North By Avni Holidays

One of the best accommodations in the city, 10 Degrees North By Avni Holidays opens up to an impressive wide-angle view of the surrounding greenery enveloping the city. Sitting atop a small hill, it treats you well with plush furnishing and pleasing interiors.

Food to Try in Idukki

The food habits of locals in this tourist destination mostly comprise savoury dishes from the Malayalee cuisine, including both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies. In fact, the mouth-watering dishes boost Idukki tourism, attracting tourists from various parts of the country. Infused with pleasing flavours of local spices, the dishes exude tempting aromas. Some popular local foods to try here include Ellu Curry, Ellum Kappayum, Idiyirachi, Ari Pathri, Kairali Thali, and Idiyappam.

Things to Buy in Idukki

Known as the shopper’s paradise, Painavu houses a popular market best known for its local produce commonly including handicrafts, beautiful local clothes and silk.

Munnar Chocolate Factory

Known for its local chocolate produce, the Munnar Chocolate Factory also houses various outlets selling fresh tea and spices along with some antique stores great for collecting souvenirs.

Kads Village Square

Among the popular Idukki tourist spots is this local farmers’ market, one of the most frequented markets for exploring and shopping for local produce.

Idukki Overview

When in this tourist destination, you must not miss out on stocking up on local spices, tea and coffee across varieties sold only in the region. The popular Idukki wildlife sanctuary and the gurgling waterfalls here will allow you to fully immerse in nature.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Idukki

What are the best places to visit in idukki, how is the weather of idukki in peak season.

The weather of Idukki in peak season is delightful weather, clear skies and cool breezes. It means you can easily plan a trip in this season for maximum fun during this season.

What are the popular things to explore in Idukki?

The most loved tourist places to explore in Idukki are Ayyapancoil Hanging Bridge, Chathurangapara Viewpoint and Kalvari Mount. You will have an amazing time exploring these places and come back home with a bag full of memories.

More in Idukki

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• Posted on: October 8, 2020 February 17, 2022

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Idukki tourist places

Located amidst the Western Ghats, Idukki is the second-largest district in the state. It has many great getaway locations for nature lovers. Almost 97 percent of the land is covered with rugged mountains and green forests. The two highest peaks in South India, Meesapulimala and Anamudi, are located here and is sure to enthrall the tourists with its charming beauty. Some of the most popular tourist spots in Kerala like Munnar, Thekkady, Ramakkalmedu, and Marayur are located here. Hence it is impossible to plan a tour to Kerala without a visit to Idukki.

There are famous wildlife reserves like Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary , Periyar Tiger Reserve , Pampadumshola National Park and protected areas like Kurinjimala Sanctuary, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and so on adorn the district. Many rare, endangered, as well as critically endangered species, find their home in these regions kept devoid of human intervention. Cheeyappara and Thommankuthu waterfalls are two of the many falls in the area that enchant tourists.

Tourist Places in Idukki

Located 1600 meters above sea level, Munnar is one of the most visited tourist places in Kerala. The cool weather, greenery, and beautiful hills attract tourists. Honeymooners love Munnar because of its romantic atmosphere. They enjoy the misty mornings and photographing their cherishable moments in the expansive tea plantations in the area. The location provides opportunities for adventure lovers to involve in exciting activities like trekking, safari, and so on. Munnar Tea Museum showcases the genesis of tea plantations in Kerala. Operated by Tata Tea, the museum displays artifacts, rare photographs and narrates interesting facts about the history of tea plantations in Munnar.

Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National park is a great place in Kerala to see the rare varieties of flora and fauna. Declared as a protected area in 1975, the park facilitates a natural environment for wildlife to flourish. It is estimated that there are 132 species of birds, 101 varieties of butterflies, 19 types of reptiles, and 26 different amphibians here. Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaques, Sambar Deer, Golden Jackal, Leopard, Stripe Necked Mongoose, Dusky Palm Squirrel are some of the species that capture the heart of the visitors.

Located in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats, Chinnar is one of the 12 wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala. Nature lovers will enjoy a visit to the region as here they get to be close to the bosom of mother nature. There is a wide variety of animals and plants in the region, some of which are categorized as rare and endangered. The sanctuary contains the largest population of Indian Star Tortoise and Mugger Crocodiles in Kerala. Apart from that, there are 28 species of mammals, 52 varieties of reptiles, 14 species of fishes, 156 kinds of butterflies, and 225 bird species in the area. Hence tourists love to pay a visit to the region. The place is great for trekking. The view of the unexploited forest region from the topmost point is exhilarating.

Previously used as an area for tea plantation by the British, Vagamon is now a prominent picnic spot in Kerala. The hill station is at a height of 1100 meters above sea level. The place is famous for its expansive green meadows, swaying pine trees, and charming waterfalls. As the climate is moderately cool, tourists from foreign countries visit Vagamon to take a break from the unbearable heat in the Indian subcontinent. Here the temperature ranges between 10 to 23 degrees Celsius even in the hottest summer. The viewpoint in the hill station gives a panoramic view of the deep valley with an unending chain of hills in the backdrop that is obscured by mist.

Marayoor is the best tourist spot in Kerala for nature lovers and history aficionados. There are many remnants of the Stone Age in the small town. The dolmens and rock paintings of the place date back to 10,000 BC. Many single-chambered stone structures are located near the Thenkasinathan Shiva Temple and are believed to be used as burial sites. The rock paintings of Attala and Ezhuthu Guha are awe-inspiring. Naturalists would enjoy the walk through the thick sandalwood forest in Marayur. More than 1000 types of flowering plants, wide varieties of medicinal shrubs, indigenous and migratory birds, and rare varieties of fauna make the place a treasury of nature.

Standing at a height of almost 169 meters, Idukki dam is one of the highest arch dams in Asia. It is built across the Periyar River in a narrow gorge between Kuravan and Kurathi hills. The double curvature arch dam is part of the hydroelectric project with a 780 Mega Watts generating station at Moolamattom. Along with Cheruthoni and Kulamavu dams, the Idukki dam creates an artificial lake with a 60 square kilometer catchment area. The sheer size of the construction is enough to make anyone flabbergasted. One cannot help but wonder at the human effort and engineering skill that culminated in the double curvature parabolic dam; considering the state of technology in the early 1970s. Travelers touring Kerala visit the dam to marvel at the massive construction and the beauty of the surrounding areas.

Thekkady may be the most visited tourist places in Kerala. The exceptional natural beauty, variety of activities, numerous attractions make the hill station famous. The catchment area of Mullaperiyar Dam that forms the Thekkady lake is the best place for boating and bamboo rafting. Tourists can see wild animals like tigers and elephants in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The exquisite viewpoint at Chellar Kovil, the spices of Murikady and Anakkara, and the ancient Mangala Devi Temple allure visitors to Thekkady.

Ramakkalmedu

Ramakkalmedu is a bucolic countryside in Idukki. The panoramic beauty of the place attracts tourists to the location. The thick evergreen forest of the region is home to a variety of birds and animals. It is quite difficult to tear oneself away from the exquisite bird’s eye view of the green valley from the point. Villages in the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu including Cumbum and Theni are visible from the spot. The huge statues of Kuravan and Kurathi alludes to the Sangam Period. Thus Ramakkal is one of the best tourist places in Kerala.

Thommankuthu Waterfalls

The waterfalls at Thommankuthu is a major eco-tourism center in Kerala. Cradled between the Western Ghat mountain ranges, the waterfall attracts tourists with its scenic charm. The tranquil atmosphere of the place is almost meditative. Tourists love the view of the cascade flowing down 7 steps. Many even venture to take a bath in the cool water. All these peculiarities assign Thommankuthu waterfalls a top position on the list of tourist places in Kerala.

Meesapulimala

Located at a height of 2659 meters above sea level, Meesapulimala is part of the second-highest peak in the Western Ghats. The hill forms the shape of a tiger with prominent whiskers which earned it the name Meesapulimala. The sight of mist kissed hills and a picturesque valley covered in a green blanket take one to the top of excitement. Adventure lovers can take part in trekking through the almost perilous path. However, the activity is highly restricted with limited bookings.

Ayyapancoil Hanging Bridge

Famed as one of the longest of its kind in Kerala, Ayyanpancoil hanging bridge is a unique spot to visit in Idukki. The adjacent reservoir and mountain chains contribute to the exceptional beauty of the area. The deep valley beneath makes the walk through the bridge quite scary. Yet the view from the point attracts many visitors to it. It is best for spending an evening as the charm of the sunset is accentuated when the crimson rays illuminate the emerald green hills.

Thumpachi Kalveri Samuchayam

Thumpachi Kalveri Samuchayam is located in Idukki, at a distance of 35 kilometers from Thodupuzha town. It is a top viewpoint that provides a panoramic view of the green valley and distant hills. The evening is the best time to visit the spot as it provides the opportunity to see the crimson sunset. There is a small church at the topmost point. There are very few places with such a tranquil atmosphere. Hence the church is a great spot for meditation.

Anamudi Shola National Park

Anamudi Shola is a protected area that tops a nature lover’s list of places to visit in Kerala. Located along the Western Ghats the area is at an elevation of 2100 to 2300 meters above sea level. The dense thicket is great for trekking. Tourists love to immerse themselves in this nature’s paradise. Though Anamudi Shola is a relatively small area spanning 7.5 square kilometers, its greenery and beauty are enough to make anyone ecstatic.

Pampadum Shola National Park

Home to many different species of flora and fauna, many of which are categorized as endangered, Pampadum Shola National park is a great place for tourists visiting Kerala. The Nilgiri Marten is the keystone species in the region. The elusive creature is difficult to find but on rare occasions, they have been sighted by tourists. Leopards and Tigers are seen roaming around sometimes. Elephants, Nilgiri langurs, lion-tailed macaques are the other animals found in the region. Many varieties of indigenous and migratory birds are found here. The nearby villages are good places for shopping. Hence the area is a busy tourist place in Kerala year-round.

Located in the Kumily-Munnar state highway, Anakkara is a small village in Idukki. The unique beauty of the hamlet attracts tourists visiting Kerala. The Chellarkovil waterfall is the most visited spot. The cascade has something special about it as those visiting it have reported that they felt very calm and relaxed at the place. The town has created options for trekking and paragliding to attract adventure enthusiasts.

Mangala Devi Temple

Deep in the forest of Periyar National park rests a unique surprise for the tourists in the form of a temple. The Mangala Devi Kannagi Temple that is almost 2000 years old is constructed by ancient Tamilakam King Cheran Cheguttuvan. The shrine is dedicated to the legendary character Kannagi and is an amusing location for history aficionados. The nearby viewpoint, located 1337 meters above mean sea level, provides a sweeping view of the mountain ranges and the green valley beneath.

A captivating location with mountains covered in a green blanket, streams zigzagging in the valleys, and clouds creating moving shadows in the landscape, Pandikuzhi is an exquisite location. As it is located merely 5 kilometers away from Thekkady, it is easily accessible. Tourists make sure not to miss the spot on their Kerala visit as it exemplifies the natural beauty of the land.

Vattavada is a bucolic hamlet located near Munnar. The greenery, wildlife, and mild climate make it one of the best places to visit in Kerala. The village is famous for its splendid strawberry groves. Tourists can avail wine and jam made of freshly picked berries. There are trekking routes from the hamlet that leads to nearby places like Meesapulimala and Kanthalloor. Activities like camping, safari, and mountain biking make the place all the more exciting.

Valara waterfalls

An enchanting falls located between Adimali and Neriamangalam, Valara waterfall is for those who love to enjoy the might of nature. During rainy seasons the falls assume its full fury. It is quite impressive to see the vigor of the cascade during this time of the year. Hence tourists visiting Kerala flock to Valara. The surrounding thicket is suited for trekking and adds to the charm of the waterfalls

Panchalimedu

Tourists who just want to retreat to the bosom of mother nature and free themselves of the stress of their hectic lifestyle prefer Panchalimedu as their destination. The place with its exceptional green meadows, chain of hills, and comfortable climate is enchanting. The myth holds that Pandavas and their wife Panchali lived here during their exile. Tourists love to visit Pandavaguha, the cave believed to have sheltered the brothers. Locals claim that the marks seen inside the cave are the footprint of the Bhima, the second, and the strongest of Pandavas. There is a small circular pond at the place called Panchalikulam where Panchali took her daily bath.

Commissioned in 1940, Pallivasal is the first hydroelectric project in Kerala. It also marked the establishment of the first electricity transmission network, a 66-kiloVolt line from Pallivasal to Thiruvananthapuram. Located in the midst of a thick forest, the area is immaculately beautiful. Tourists visiting Kerala love to visit Pallivasal to see the historic energy generating station and also to imbibe the tranquil atmosphere.

Thangalpara

Located near Vagamon at an elevation of 2500 meters above sea level, Thangalpara is a peculiar spot in Idukki. The name derives from the Sufi Saint, Sheikh Farududdin, who lived here almost 800 years ago. A huge boulder here is believed to be used by the saint to grind his betel nut. Many pilgrims visit the place to seek the blessings of the saint. The tranquility of the high point attracts tourists to the region. The inexplicable view of the surrounding mountains and green valley beneath is enough to make anyone awestruck

Mattupetty is one of the best places to visit in Kerala. The exceptional beauty of the countryside and the huge dam are the major attractions in the region. The concrete gravity dam is built to conserve water for hydroelectricity. The artificial lake formed due to the construction of the dam is a great place for boating. Tourists love the activity as it is an opportunity to see animals that come to drink water from the lake. Those who love some activity can involve in trekking. It is the best way to enjoy the music of the rare varieties of bird species in Mattupetty.

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Top 36 tourist places to visit in idukki.

TOP TOURIST PLACES IN IDUKKI

Idukki is the second largest district in area but has the least population density. Idukki has a vast forest reserve area, more than a half of the district is covered by forests. The urban areas are thickly populated whereas villages are sparsely populated. This beautiful High range district of Kerala is geographically known for its Mountainous Hills and Dense Forests.

For the people of Kerala, Idukki is always associated with Power Generation. About 66% of the State’s Power needs come from the Hydroelectric Power Projects in Idukki. Idukki accounts for 12.9 percent of the area of Kerala and only 3.7 percent of the population of Kerala.

Idukki district was formed on 26 January 1972. Idukki is one of the main tourist place in kerala state. The district consists of Devikulam, Udumbanchola and Peermedu taluks of the erstwhile Kottayam district and Thodupuzha taluk (excluding two villages Manjalloor and Kalloorkad) of the erstwhile Ernakulam district. Idukki district is the first district in India to get connected with super-fast broadband system as a part of Digital India.

Road:  The roads in Idukki are part of Ghat roads .The major roads connect city of Kochi to Tamil Nadu.The KK road(Kumili-Kottayam),The PT road(Puliyanmala-Thodupuzha) are some of the other busy roads.

Rail:  At present there is no railway in Idukki, but the Sabari railway would be having a major section passing through Idukki to connect Thodupuzha and nearby areas

Air:  The nearest airport to Idukki is Cochin International Airport and Coimbatore Airport.

The top 36 places that must visit in idukki is:-

• Idukki Arch Dam
• Anayirankal Dam

Ramakkalmedu

• Kalvari Mount
• Panchalimedu
• Meesapulimala
• Eravikulam National  Park
• Thommankuthu Waterfall

Parunthumpara

• Ayyappancoil Temple
• Ayyappancoil  Hanging Bridge
• Marayur Sandalwood Forest
• Marayur Sarkkara Factory

Ammachi Kottaram

• Ashley bungalow

Elappara Vagamon

Anchuruli Tunnel

• Kannan Devan Hill 

Pattumala Palli

Malayil Kallan Cave

• Mattupetty Munnar
• Poopara Munnar Road Trip
• Mangaladevi Temple Thekkady

Mattupetty Farm

• Vagamon Kurisumala

Vagamon Pine Forest

Vagamon Suicide Point

• Vagamon Paragliding Spot
• Erattupetta Illikkal Kallu

Marian College Kuttikkanam

Ramakkalmedu Wind Farm

Vagamon Mottakunnu

IDUKKI ARCH DAM

  Idukki Arch Dam is one of the highest arch dam in Asia and a main tourist place in kerala. It is a double curvature arch dam constructed across periyar river. periyar is the largest river in kerala. Idukki dam have many features like it is situated between kuravanmala and kurathimala. There are many tourist places near idukki arch dam. Idukki is located 121 km away from kottayam district which a small hill town surrounded by a spread of beautiful, wooden valleys and meandering streams.

ANAYIRANKAL DAM

The Anayirankal Dam in Munnar is bounded by Tata Tea plantations, coffee, Tea and cardamom plantations in the evergreen forests. Anayirankal is located 22 km from Munnar, the  popular hill station of Kerala.

The winding roads in between makes this a perfect getaway point from the dull routines of life.

To reach Anayirankal dam:

Nearest railway station: Aluva, about 127 km away from Munnar. Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 127 km ; Madurai (Tamil Nadu), about 141 km

RAMAKKALMEDU

Ramakkalmedu  is a tourist hill station and a hamlet in idukki district. it is said to be one of Asia’s largest wind blowing area. As a tourist place the scenic beauty of Ramakkalmedu has attracted thousands of people, including Hollywood actor Leonardo Dicaprio. Dicaprio has reportedly said about this place that “If there is a paradise on earth, it is here”.

It is a unique historic place having a great attraction that is a monument of Kuravan and Kurathi Statue is present, which depicts the Sangam Period and Sangam landscape of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It provides  provides a panoramic view of Tamilnadu villages and towns.Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakkalmedu an enchanting retreat. The view is striking at dusk when all these towns are lighted.

KALVARI MOUNT

kalvari Mount

Kalvari Mount , also known as the Calvary Mount, lies in the neighbourhood of Thekkady, on the way to Kattappana. The mountain provides beautiful views of the Idukki Reservoir as well as the two eminent tribal villages of the region, namely Kamakshy and Mariyapuram. Elephants can also be seen roaming in the forests, near the foothill.

The Malankara Dam, Idukki Hydroelectric Project and Nadukani and numerous tea gardens are present in its neighbourhood.

PANCHALIMEDU

panchalimedu

Panchalimedu has got a view of energetic hues of bright orange and red splattered across the skies with the majestic hills in the backdrop makes it a traveler’s’ day. This tourist place is  Located about 1000 metres above the sea level, where there is no boundary between earth and sky. Drenched in mist, if offers you an aerial view of the unending stretch of valleys and hills.

The history says that ‘Panchalimedu’ is named after ‘Panchali’- the wife of pandavas, of Hindu mythology, while they had lived here during their deportation period. The stones here are carved in the shape of furnitures which were believed to be used by Pandavas. There is a cave which is supposed to be bearing the footprints of Bheema.

Getting there :

Nearby- Bus station:- Kuttikanam Bus Station;

Railway Station:- Kottayam Railway Station;

Airport:- Cochin International Airport.

MEESAPULIMALA

meesapulimala

Meesapulimala Munnar is a peak in the high ranges of Idukki district in the Indian state of Kerala at an altitude of 2,640 metres. Meesapulimala is a trek through eight hills, passing through the shared border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It is one among the very few mountains which is above sea level in Kerala. The accessibility to this peak is effortless. There are trekking programs which are organized by KFDC.

The Meesapulimala Peak is a tourist place in idukki and it is called so because it seemingly favour a tiger’s face, although you’re not likely to spot any tiger here. “Meesa,” means moustache, “puli,” means tiger and “mala,” means hill.

Anjuruli is a tourist spot located 3km from Kanchiyar village, on the Kottayam- Kattappana route in Idukki District. It is about 5 km from Labbakkada settlement of the Periyar Lake, and is a catchment area of Idukki Arch Dam, providing a rapturing and awesome view of nature.

Anjuruli Tourist Place can be approached by bus from Kattappana to Kanchiyar. From Kanchiyar, a trek through the forest road leads to Anjuruli. Kanchiyar is on the Kattappana-Kottayam route, around 9 km from Kattappana. Taxis are available from Kanchiyar to Anchuruli.

ERAVIKULAM NATIONAL PARK

Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park is located along the Western Ghats in the Idukki district of Kerala. It is the first national park in kerala. Eravikulam National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site. Eravikulam National Park is administered by the Kerala Department of Forests and Wildlife, Munnar Wildlife Division, together with the nearby Mathikettan Shola National Park, Pampadum Shola National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Kurinjimala Sanctuary.

The main body of the park consists of a high rolling hill plateau with a base elevation of about 2,000 m. The terrain consists of high altitude grasslands interspersed with sholas. The perennial streams that crisscross the park merge together to form side stream of the Periyar river and Chalakudy River on the west and the east flowing Cauvery River in Tamil Nadu.

Twenty six species of mammals have been recorded in the park including the largest surviving population of Nilgiri Tahr estimated at about 750 individuals. 19 species of amphibians have been recorded in the park.

For Visitors Information:

Six mini-buses are operated by park staff as part of the visitor management programme as well as a pollution-control measure.  Private vehicles are not allowed within the park . INR 35 is charged per head as an entry fee for Indian nationals. Foreign nationals are charged INR 200 per head. Littering is banned inside the park.

THOMMANKUTHU WATERFALL

Thommankuthu waterfalls

Thommankuthu is a very scenic waterfall near Thodupuzha, in idukki district  of Kerala, India. Thommankuthu is located 18 km from Thodupuzha. On looking to the history of Thommankuthu waterfalls in thodupuzha is named after the great hunter, Mr. Thommachan Kuruvinakunnel, who let the world know of this beautiful waterfall in the jungle in the late 1920s.

Thommankuthu waterfall is prominent for its  seven – step waterfall located in forest. Thommankuthu waterfalls furnishes exhilarating drizzle. The utmost diversion is the trekking  across the woodland. A trekking of 12 km through the forests is possible. Thommankuthu waterfalls is one of the major eco-tourism centres in Kerala.

PARUNTHUMPARA

Parunthumpara  is a village in idukki district of kerala. Parunthumpara is located between Peermade and Thekkady. It is 6 km from Peermade, 25 km from Thekkady & 3 km From National Highway 220 and is increasingly being visited by tourists who are on their way to Thekkady and others as well. The word parunthu denotes Eagle and para denotes rock and so it is called as parunthumpara because of a large area around like an eagle.

This area pledge a bird’s eye view of an limitless stretch of green forest land and low-lying areas. visitors can get the eyeshot of the Sabarimala forests if the sky is unclouded. Nevertheless, the sheer hills also pose a threat to incautious visitors. Sabarimala devotees visit the area to witness makarajyothi, making it a busy place during the pilgrimage season.

Parunthumpara-View from the top

Parunthumpara hill is a perfect choice for those who wish to have a holiday off the beaten track and to explore the unseen and the unexplored beauty of the pristine forests around,

Getting There:  There are two main roads through which the domestic and international tourists reach the district — from Nedumbassery to Munnar and from Kumarakom to Thekkady.

Thekkady is apparently the best place in Kerala to observe wildlife and hence its a dream destination for any tourist visiting Kerala. Thekkady is located near to Kerala-Tamilnadu border. The sanctuary is famous for its dense evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savanna grass lands.

From the mighty Indian elephant to the Great Indian Tiger ,this place  has it all. Elephants, Deers,boars,bisons and lion tailed macaques are a common sight in the reservoir area. The tourism department offers trekking right into the heart of the forest either in foot or atop elephants.

The resorts located in the island in the centre of the lake is ideal place to observe animals. Boating through the lake is a very pleasant experience and one can observe many waterbirds at close range. This place is ideal for wildlife photography. Thekkady is considered as a heaven for natural spices such as black pepper, cardamom,cinnamon, nutmeg, nutmace, ginger, and clove.

• Mammals: Thirty five species which include the Asian elephant, Tiger, Indian bison, sambar deer, Indian wild dog, Leopard, Barking deer, Smooth-coated otter which can be sighted during a boat cruise in the Periyar Lake. The Nilgiri tahr is confined to the higher rocky areas whereas the endangered lion tailed macaque can be found in the interior evergreen forests. Both the bonnet macaques and Nilgiri langur can be seen foraging from the trees near the boat landing. Malabar giant squirrel is omnipresent.
• Birds: 265 species including migrants. The Malabar Grey Hornbill, The Indian Pied Hornbill, White bellied Treepie, many species of Drongos, woodpeckers, flycatchers, babblers, the spectacular Malabar trogon, etc can be seen near the boat landing.
• Reptiles: Cobra, viper, krait, a number of non-poisonous snakes, and the Indian monitor lizard.
• Amphibians: Frogs like the colorful Malabar gliding frog, fungoid frog, bi-colored frog, many species of toads, and limbless caecilians.
• Pisces (fish): The Periyar lake and streams have several species of fish including the masheer, the famous and endangered game fish of India. The Smooth-coated otter can be frequently spotted from the boat.
• Plantations: Tea, cardamom, pepper and coffee plantations abound in the areas adjoining the Tiger Reserve.
• Watch Towers: There are a few watch towers inside Periyar Tiger Reserve which are excellent for viewing wildlife. Reservations can be made at the Forest Information Centre, Thekkady.

Periyar Tiger Reserve :  Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady, is an example of nature’s munificence, with great scenic charm, rich bio diversity and furnishing veritable visitor satisfaction. Periyar is one of the 48 tiger reserves in India. It is notable as an elephant reserve and a tiger reserve.

An Eyeshot to Periyar Tiger Reserve

Tourist Places near to thekkady:

Murikkady:  This place consists of spices and coffee plantations. It is about 5 km from Thekkady.

Chellar Kovil:  This is located about 15 km from Kumily route to the Theni district of Tamil Nadu. This place has a lot of scenic waterfalls and cascades.

Anakkara:  Located at about 13 km from Kumily on the Kumily-Munnar road. A new airport is proposed at Anakkara and is under review by the Airports Authority of India.

Mangala  Devi   Temple:  It is situated about 15 km from Thekkady at an altitude of 1337 m above sea level. The view from the temple premises is spectacular and one can see part of Eastern Ghats and some villages from adjacent state of Tamil Nadu.

Best time to visit : September to March.

Permitting authority: The Wildlife Preservation Officer, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady.

AYYAPPANCOIL TEMPLE

Ayyappancoil-temple

Ayyappancoil is located in idukki district. Ayyappancoil has a history related to idukki dam. At present this place is included in idukki dam water level. Before that ayyappancoil was a famous town in idukki. For the construction of idukki dam the town and related places are acquired by kerala government and people are evacuated from here. During rainy season the place will be completely covered by water and during summer the amount of water is less and place will be fill with green lush grasses.

Ayyappancoil is a pristine beauty with its shrouded mystery

The evenings are rejuvenating with warm breezes and fresh air. Mostly the people will get a cooling climate of natural air condition effect. Mind and the body can be refreshed. The 2 major attractions of ayyappancoil is:-

1. Temple with ages of history. 2. Thookkupalam.

On to the history:-

Ayyappancoil Sree Dharmasastha Temple is having a long history of around four lakhs of years. The history tells us that the temple had been built and demolished many times in the past. It is believed that the Ayyappancoil temple is one among the ‘Panchamahakshethras’ – (five huge temples) built by ‘Parasurama’ in Dwapara Yuga. These five temples were built for 5 ‘Bhavas’ of Sree Ayyappan. Aaryankavu, Achankovil, Kulathupuzha, Sabarimala and Ayyappancoil are the five temples built by Parasurama.

Nearest Railway Station : Kottayam (4 hrs, 86.6km) Nearest Airport : Nedumbassery, Cochin(5 hrs,130 km)

Nearest Bus Station : Kattappana(20min, 13km) and Kumily(2hrs, 35 km) Nearest Towns :  Kattappana and Kumily

Nearest tourist places  : Idukki Dam Thekkady Anchuruli Munnar Vagamon

AYYAPPANCOIL HANGING BRIDGE

Ayyappancoil Hanging Bridge

Ayyappancoil hanging (Suspension) bridge is built across the Periyar River, connecting the Ayyappancoil Grama panchayath and Kanchiyar Grama Panchayat in Idukki district Kerala.The hanging bridge at Ayyappancoil is the longest hanging bridge in entire Kerala. The surrounding area of the bridge and the temple are so pleasant and mesmerizing that they make for an ideal getaway destination for a weekend or an impromptu unplanned holiday.

A beautiful tourist spot located at Mattukatta of Idukki district, with a glorious 300 years of history are the Ayyapan Koil temple and the hanging suspension bridge. Both the temple and the bridge are major attractions around the Periyar river region. The surrounding region has beauty so splendid that you would be drowned in its captivating glory.

The dam reservoir and the Periyar River add to the beauty of the bridge. While you take a walk on the bridge you will be left awestruck with the beauty of the pristine green surroundings, the towering mountains, and the dense thicket of coconut trees and freshness of the river water flowing beneath.

Vagamon,  the sleepy town with its scenic valleys is a hill station located in Kottayam-Idukki border of Idukki district of Kerala. It is situated 1,100 metres above sea level. Vagamon was discovered by the British who found the place ideal for tea plantations and they were followed by Christian missionaries who built their abode of service at Kurisumala in Vagamon. “ National Geographic Traveler has listed Vagamon on their directory of the ’50 most attractive places to visit in India”.

The main tourist attractions in vagamon is the beautiful green meadows, enchanting pine forests, mists, fogs, tea estates, waterfalls with the overall greenery is really striking. Still unblemished by commercialisation. Vagamon is prominent for its large variety of flowers and orchids. Vagamon has amenities for trekking, paragliding, mountaineering and rock climbing.

Vagamon is at the fringe of the Western Ghats and the foot hills on its lower side reach up to Teekoy with a gradual descent. This narrow strip of descending land gives a vital connectivity to the plains as both sides of vagamon up to kuttikkanam on the south west and moolamattom on the north east, are marked by steep and inaccessible hill slopes. Travelling by the hill highway in this section is an exhilarating experience with deep valleys and magnificent views all around. Vagamon presents very spectacular views with an elegant touch.

Scenic View Of vagamon

Places of Interest

• Kurisumala ( Mountain of the holy cross ):  This hill area includes 12 sub mounds where pilgrims visit. Travelers can enjoy trekking and climbing this high hill. The area is fully surrounded with Tea estates and lakes. Kurisumala monastery situated on the Kurisumala hill, is a famous pilgrimage center for the Nazrani Catholics where cross put-up in each sub hill stations. The nearby Kurisumala Ashram is an abode of calm and spiritual delight.
• Indo-Swiss Project Dairy Farms:  It’s situated on the Kurisumala hill. The dairy farm is managed by the Kurisumala monks.
• Vagamon Meadows:  The rolling green meadows of Vagamon has a lake amidst them. It has for long been a favorite location for shooting movie songs.
• Pine Forests:  A valley having huge lofty pine trees lined in rows.
• Thangal Hill:  This is a center of Muslim pilgrimage. There is an ancient cave though which one can walk for kilometers. A suicide point is also situated here.
• Mooppanpara:  It is a v-shaped canyon, one of the admired view points as well acknowledged as a suicide point. The outlook from the summit of the strenuous climb is amazing.
• Murugan Hill:  It is situated near to Thangal Para. A Murugan temple is situated which is devoted to Lord Muruga with gorgeous stone age carving

Vagamon Meadows

Vagamon has potential to become one of the most attractive summer resorts in India. Facilities for hang gliding, mountaineering, angling, boating, trekking can be provided here.

Nearest tourist places from vagamon is Thekkady, Peermade, and Kulamavu.

Getting There:  39 km from Thodupuzha, 23 km from Erattupetta, 33 km away from Palai, 45 km from Kumily, 22 km from Kuttikanam and about 65 km from Kottayam.

Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport .

Closest railway station is Kottayam.

Weather: It has a cool climate with the temperature between 10 and 23 °C during a summer midday

MARAYUR SANDALWOOD FORESTS

marayoor sandalwood forests

Marayur , located 40 km from Munnar, is a rain shadow village lying in the eastern side of the Western Ghats and is bordered by the neighbouring state Tamil Nadu. Marayoor is the only place in Kerala with a natural growth of sandalwood trees. A reduced rainfall is most suited for the the sandalwood factory run by the Forest Department is of tourist interest. Although compared to the neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Kerala has less acres of sandalwood forests, the same being confined to Marayoor and a few forest areas in Wayanad hills, the state possesses the best types of sandalwood trees owing to a reduced rainfall which favours its abundant growth.

Marayoor as a pristine, heavenly and unexplored tourist spot is comparable to Munnar which is one of the most sought after hill stations in India in every respect. The place is especially an excellent trekking spot for adventure seekers. Megalithic Dolmens which is also called as Muniyaras belong to the Iron Age. These Dolmenoids were burial chambers made of four stones placed on edge and covered by a fifth stone called the cap stone. Ancient rock paintings are part of Marayur heritage at Attala, Ezhuthu Guha (literally means “cave of writing”), Kovilkadavu and Manala in Marayur panchayat.

Dolmens of Marayoor

Flora & Fauna:

• Marayur has more than 1000 species of flowering plants and is a well known repository of medicinal plants.
• There are 114 endemic species and the sighting of Albizia lathami, a critically endangered tree, was recently reported from the dry forests.
• They’ve got  the largest number of reptilian species, including the mugger crocodile, in Kerala.
• It is one of the richest areas of south India in avian diversity, With 225 recorded species of birds.
• The forests in Marayur preserve a population of the endangered Grizzled Giant Squirrel.
• It is one of the richest areas of south India in avian diversity.
• The phenomenon of butterfly migration occurs in between the monsoons.
• Other important mammals found are elephant, tiger, leopard, gaur, sambar, spotted deer, Nilgiri thar, common langur, bonnet macaque etc.

The 93 km² Marayur reserve forest is believed to have about sixty thousand naturally grown sandalwood trees, of which nearly 2,000 trees had been allegedly plundered in just one year since January 2004, when the last survey was conducted.

Walkaway through the sandalwood forest

Munnar is a town and hill station located in the Idukki district of the southwestern Indian state of Kerala. Munnar is situated at around 1,600 metres (5,200 ft) above sea level, in the Western Ghats range of mountains. Munnar town is situated on the Kannan Devan Hills village in Devikulam taluk and is the largest panchayat in the Idukki district covering an area of nearly 557 square kilometres (215 sq mi).

The name Munnar is believed to mean “three rivers”, referring to its location at the confluence of the Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly rivers.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Pothamedu, Devikulam, Kuthumkal waterfalls  and  Echo  point  are some of the main visiting places in Munnar . The  main attractions  are  Eravikulam National Park  – jungle safari in Eravikulam Park can give an astonishing sight of Langur, Elephants, Tigers, Leopards, Sambars, Nilgiri tahr and many other rare species.

Top Station in Munnar

Top Station is about 35 km from Munnar is at a height of 1700 m above sea level. It is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. Travelers to Munnar make it a point to visit Top Station to enjoy the panoramic view it offers of the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the spots in Munnar to enjoy the Neelakurinji flowers blooming over a vast area.

Munnar Top Station

Tea Museum in Munnar,kerala

The museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar and is worth a visit. Munnar has a legacy of its own when it comes to the origins and evolution of tea plantations. Taking account of this legacy and to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects on the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala’s high ranges, a museum exclusively for tea was opened some years ago by Tata Tea in Munnar. This Tea Museum houses curios, photographs and machinery; all of which have a story to tell on the origins and growth of tea plantations in Munnar.Not only this, but much more about what all you desire for you perfect vacations or honeymoon, can be availed here. The best nature speckled beauty, long natural walks, drives, romance and grandeur will make your trip an ideal one.

Munnar Tea Museum

Getting To There

The nearest major functioning railway stations are at Ernakulam and Aluva (approximately 140 kilometres (87 mi) by road) and Udumalaipettai is the major nearest railway station according to google map.

The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is 105 kilometres (65 mi) away.

MARAYUR SHARKARA FACTORY

Marayoor Sarkara Factory

The production of sugarcane is high in this region as it falls in the rain shadow area, which helps in maintaining the temperature and the ph value of the Earth. The sugarcane is cultivated in around 1,500 acres under Molasses production.

Though earlier sugarcane was cultivated in around 2,500 acres, today it has shrunk to around 1,500 acres. Molasses production is a cottage industry here. Don’t forget to taste it travellers, if you have planned a visit to Marayoor. And also, if you are lucky enough to reach Marayoor in the sugarcane harvest season, you can watch how the sarkara balls are made. If you want to take home some sweet balls, there are several local outlets here.

Ashley Bungalow

The Ashley Bungalow was built in 1875 by Henry Baker and his associates. The building stands commanding a magnificent view facing south, onlooking the valley which flows down gently to the plains below. Ashley Estate is one of the earliest clearings on the hills of Central Travancore in Peermade. The bungalow has steps with scalloped edges which is a curious mixture of local styles and English architecture. The garden is landscaped with a green lawn fringed on the southern side with trees. The westerly wind sweeps across the drawing room, set majestically with large doors with spans of glass running the full southern side. Seated there on the plush sofas you will feel like a King, and would leisurely love to sip a cup of tea from the estate.

The second highest peak on the Western Ghats called Amrithamedu, shoots up from the boundaries of this estate. From the drawing room on the western side, there is a little passage that ends just before a single room, tucked in a corner. A large bedroom adjacent to the passage on the western side is also unique with tar and black oxide laid on its floor. It is furnished with massive cots and furniture made in abstract Victorian and mid-Victorian styles.

ELAPPARA VAGAMON

Elappara is a village in Idukki district in Kerala and one of the panchayats in peerumedu taluk. Cool climate is experienced as the region is situated at a height of more than 1000 meters above the sea level. Elappara is noted for its vast tea plantations creating an amazing experience for the visitors.

The history of present Elappara begins from 1836 by the clearance of Vembanad region. The first estate to start tea industry in high range and  first plantation, both of these are situated in Elappara panchayath. During the Kollam era, the regions including elappara was the part of Thekkumkoor kingdom and later acquired by Mana Vikrama kulasekara perumal, the founder of Poonjar dynasty. Even today we can see the remnants of Meenakshi idols in the rocks indicating the history.

Serene Red Eyeshot Of Elappara

In 1870s, various plantations had emerged in this region. The tea cultivated here were known by the name Peerumedu hybrid tea , brought from China. By 1896, the area was fully utilized for tea cultivation.Later in 1900’s, people worked in these plantations settled here.

State Highway Connecting Elappara-vagamon

The natural beauty and amazing landscapes of Elappara attracts lots of visitors. Many enchanting scenes can be viewed on the roads leading from here to Kuttikkanam and Vagamon. The Annan Thambi and  Pullikkanam  hills, meadows at Kolahalamedu, scenic vedikuzhi, elappara stream’s and the numerous tea plantations are the major attractions here. Vagamon, the famous hill station in Idukki is only 15 Kms from Elappara. The periyar wildlife sanctuary and Mullaperiyar dam is situated near to this panchayath.

Elappara is located on the Kattappana – Kuttikanam state highway, situated about 8 Kms from Kuttikkanam and 32 Kms from Kattappana.

Major long route busses to Kottayam and Changanassery stops for a while here.

Bus services are also available to places like Vandiperiyar, Kumily, Vagamon, Erattupetta and Pala regions.

ANCHURULI TUNNEL

Anchuruli is another picturesque picnic spot located only 3 km from Kanchiyar village, on the Kottayam – Kattappana route in Idukki District.  It is a catchment area of Idukki Arch Dam and unspoilt region which is very tranquil and blissful.

Scenic View Of Anchuruli

kannan Devan Hills

The Pattumala Matha Church  is a Roman Catholic Latin Rite pilgrim shrine in Kerala dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health. This Holy Shrine is situated at Pattumala, in Peermade near Pambanar in Idukki District of Kerala. It is served by the Congregation of the Missionary Brothers of Saint Francis of Assisi (CMSF). The renowned architect J P Bright,Thiruvananthapuram, is the designer of this church. The church is built entirely of granite and situated in the midst of tea plantations.

Pattumala means silky mountain because it is surrounded by big and small hills with evergreen tea gardens. This is a place where silk worms were grown by the Europeans. This place is 85 kilometers away from Kottayam town and 24 kilometres from Thekkady.

Pattumala Matha Church

Franciscan Missionary Brothers welcome you through this sight to Pattumala Matha Pilgrims Shrine. The spiritual atmosphere, the cool climate, the panoramic view of nature, quietness of the surrounding and uncontaminated air help you to have a soul stirring spiritual experience. we like our heavenly Mentor St. Francis of Assisi the patron of ecology help you to promote spirituality in tune with nature.

The blessings and Intercession of Mother Mary may help you to find peace of mind, serenity and happiness at this Shrine.

MALAYIL KALLAN CA VE

Munnar is rich in natural beauty and lots of tourist spot. Malayil Kallan Cave is a small cave connected with an interesting history. This cave is an attraction which is approximately 13 kms distance from main town.

Malayil Kallan Guha

The name seems to be malayalam and the word means like this:

Malayil:  Up on the mountain or one who stay in the mountain.

Kallan :  Thief

Guha   :  Cave

Exactly we can say This cave is just opposite to Lock Heart Viewpoint. Whole area is pretty scenic and breathtaking view of deep valleys and mountains.

History: As per the gathered information there was a thief who known as malayali kallan lived inside the cave and used to loot the travellers who pass through this direction. Seems interesting..!!! Tourists now have an adventurous time exploring the cave. Even though the incident took place years ago, people still pass the cave with their fingers crossed!

Gap Road or Lock heart Gap, which connects Kochi and Dhanushkodi via Madurai. The road gives amazing views of mountains, tea gardens, forests on both sides.

Comparatively widened roads here enable enough parking spaces for vehicles. A small tea / coffee shop by the roadside opposite to the cave offers refreshment to travelers. The Periyakanal Waterfalls is also by the side of this gap. With both unspoiled beauty and adventure, Lockhart Gap has everything to offer that would turn the day into a wonderful memory that would be cherished forever.

MATTUPETTY MUNNAR

Mattupetty Dam

Mattupetty Dam  is located near Munnar in Idukki District, is a storage Concrete Gravity dam built in the mountains of Kerala, to conserve water for hydroelectricity. It has been a vital source of power, yielding along with other such dams, huge revenue to the states. The large amount of perennially available water allows wild animals and birds to flourish. However salinity caused by irrigation and water-logging are of concern to environmentalists.

Munnar is located near the confluence of the mountain streams of Muthirapuzha River, Chanduvarai River and Kundale River

Mattupetty reservoir also known as one of the visiting grounds of elephants in the region. Mattupetty offers many fascinating sights to relish. Besides the lush green tea plantations, and the rolling grasslands, the Shola forests in and around Mattupetty are ideal for trekking and are habitat to a variety of birds. Rivulets and cascades crisscross the terrain here, which again adds more attraction to the place.

View To Mattupetty Dam

One of the main attractions in Mattupetty is the beautiful lake, and the Mattupetty Dam, which are ideal picnic spots. The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Idukki provides boating facilities in the Mattupetty Dam. Speed launch, slow speedboat and motorboats are available on hire. Other nearby places of interest includes the picturesque Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lake.

Getting There:

Nearest railway station: Angamaly, via Aluva – Munnar Rd, about 109 km from Munnar Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 108 km from Munnar

Latitude:10.105684, Longitude: 77.123752

POOPARA MUNNAR 

A Road Trip To Poopara, Munnar

Poopara is a village is situated in Udumbanchola Taluk in Idukki district in the Indian state of Kerala. Poopara junction is a tri-junction connecting roads to Kochi, Munnar and Theni. Plenty of tea plantations are visible in this region.

It is located in the cardamom-growing region of kerala, and also houses a number of tea and coffee plantations. It is also a road junction with roads connecting to Tamil Nadu, Munnar, and Kochi.

Tourist places Near To Poopara

The Anayirankal reservoir is 4 km up the road from Poopara.

The Mathikettan Shola National Park is 10 km from Poopara on Udumbanchola Road.

Chathurangapara Mettu is located 15 km from Poopara on Thekkady Road

Tea and Coffee Plantations, Poopara

It takes 40 minutes to travel from Poopara to Munnar . Approximate driving distance between Poopara and Munnar is 34 kms or 21.1 miles or 18.4 nautical miles . Travel time refers to the time taken if the distance is covered by a car.

Transportation in Poopara

Frequent buses are available to Munnar & Kattappana. Kerala State RTC & Tamilnadu State RTC operates Munnar – Theni service via Poopara at regular intervals.

MANGALADEVI TEMPLE THEKKADY

Mangaladevi Temple

The Mangala Devi Kannagi temple is located on the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It is located about 7 km from Pazhiyankudi in Theni district and 15 km from thekkady of Idukki District, Kerala. Cheran Chenguttuvan, the king of ancient Tamilakam, had erected the temple for Kannagi around 2000 years back at Vannathiparai and called it Kannagi Kottam or Mangala Devi Kannagi temple and performed regular poojas.

Its sits at an altitude of about 1337 m above the sea level. It is surrounded by lush greenery and is closed throughout the year except during the Chitra Pournami festival. At other times tourists can still view it by getting a special letter from the forest ranger. The view from the temple premises is spectacular and one can see part of eastern ghats and some villages from adjacent state of Tamil Nadu.

Deep inside the forest of Periyar Tiger Reserve, we can find 1000 years old ancient temple of Mangaladevi. This is the place, where, Kannaki, a legendary Tamil woman, betrayed all her grudge and transformed herself to be a divine lady (Mangaladevi) showering blessings upon the people on the earth.

Mangaladevi Temple chitra pournami Fest

Like the other temples in Kerala, Mangaladevi temple is not opened all the year round. The devotees can only worship the Devi during the time of Chitra Pournami festival which falls on the month of April/May. This festival which occurs on a full moon day is jointly organized by the Kerala and Tamil Nadu governments. The priest from both the states comes to perform rituals during the festival. As the temple is in the edge of ruins, the panchaloha idol used for the festival is bought from Kambam.

The journey to the temple is an interesting and daring experience. You can reach the temple only with the help of a jeep. The 12 km long way to the temple is covered with dense forests and grasslands. You will also get a chance to experience the delightful sights of Nilgiri Tahr and other varieties of flora and fauna.

Route To Mangaladevi Temple

Restrictions In order to safeguard the ecosystem of the place, the Forest Department has taken various measures including constant vigil on the stretch leading to the temple. If  you wish to visit this place, prior permission should be taken from the Wildlife Warden at Thekkady.

MATTUPETTY FARM

Mattupetty Indo Swiss Farm , spread over an area of 191 hectares, is famous for cattle farming. The farm was started in 1963 under a project originally called as the Indo-Swiss Project. The project’s aim was to develop an exclusive cattle breed that can adapt to the local environment. At present, it is home to around 400 high quality cattle, including cows and breeding bulls.

For easy maintenance, the farm is divided into three main sections – Semen Bank, Animal Husbandry and Fodder. It also provides professional courses for veterinarians, para-veterinarians and technicians in the same field.

Mattupetty is better known as the cattle village encompassing the cattle farm and its peaceful inhabitants. The cool climate of the area and the abundance of fodder had made it the perfect place for the establishing the Indo- Swiss dairy farm. Tamil migrant labourers had reared cattle in this place long ago. The Indo- Swiss dairy farm is a highly specialized project where more than hundred varieties of high yielding cattle is being reared spreading across eleven cattle shed. A greenish garden has been arranged near the farm.  Rare species of roses, season flowers, dahlias, senias etc are grown here.

View Of Cows In The Farm

How to Reach

By Air : Nearest Airports: – Kochi: 130 km, Madurai: 142 km, Coimbatore: 167 km, Kozhikode: 287 km, Trivandrum: 302 km. By Rail : Nearest Railway Stations:- Kochi: 130 km, Kottayam: 147 km,  Madurai: 162 km, Trivandrum: 302 km. By Road: Just 13 km drive from Munnar, Munnar is well connected with road networks from different locations of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

VAGAMON KURISUMALA

Kurisumala Ashram is a Cistercian Monastery in Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. “Kurisu” is the translation of the word Cross, into Malayalam the language of Kerala, the small State in the South West tip of India; “Mala” means mountain; “Ashram” means Monastery. Hence, the name describes the community of monks who practise austerity and live a strict monastic life on the mount of the Cross in the high hills of Kerala.

Kurisumala Ashram is at the heart of the Sahya Mountains, which run parallel to India’s south west coast. It is a place sanctified by the breeze which blows softly across the valleys and by the overwhelming beauty of the creation, and the meditative thoughts which arise from the depth of silence. Even today people move to the mountains in search of peace of mind and of God-experience. The most important feature of Kurisumala is its silence which truly pervades the Ashram. The silence is broken there only by the sweet sound of wind and birds which bring a quasi-divine message.

kurisumala Top View

The sadhakas listen to the whisperings of the spirit. They experience that the concentration of prayer is ‘aanandamaya’ , full of joy. All beings originate from Ananda, joy. They live in Ananda and they return to Ananda. Gandhiji said : “Experience teaches that silence is the strength of all seekers of truth”. These words of Gandhiji, and the Indian monastic lifestyle prompted Acharya to give an important place to silence in the Ashram.

Route to Vagamon Kurisumala Ashram

Airport:  Cochin International Airport (95 km away) is the nearest Airport

Railway Station: Kottayam Railway Station (64 km away)

Route-1) Kottayam/Ernakulam >> Pala >> Erattupetta >> Teekoy >> Vagamon Kurisumala

Route-2) Kumily >> Kuttikkanam >> Elappara >> Vagamon >> Kurisumala Ashram

By Bus: Frequent Buses are available to Vagamon from Erattupetta, Pala, Kottayam & Kattappana. Direct buses are also available from Ernakulam, Kozhikode & Trivandrum.

VAGAMON PINE FOREST

Vagamon Pine Forest is a popular tourist spot in Vagamon. Travellers arriving Vagamon pine forest take snaps from acres of lofty pine trees growing on steep edges.

Vagamon Pine Forest – Location

Vagamon Pine Forest is located at Vagamon in Idukki district, Kerala state, India.

Vagamon Pine Forest – Attractions

Acres of lofty pine trees growing on steep edges.

It is a beautiful spot for Photography.

Spend lot of time sitting or walking pine forest

Vagamon Pine Forest – Photo Shooting

Vagamon Pine Forest & Vagamon Meadows are excellent places for photo shooting. Plenty of Wedding Albums uses scenery from pine forest. Songs in various Movies are also shooted inside pine forest

Vagamon pine forest- scenic view

Getting To There:

Airport:  Cochin International Airport (104 km away) is the nearest Airport to Pine Forest

Railway Station:  Kottayam Railway Station (64 km away) is the nearest rail network to Vagamon Pine Forest

Trivandrum to Vagamon Pine Forest : Trivandrum >> Kottayam >> Pala >> Erattupetta >> Teekoy >> Pine Forest

Bangalore  to Vagamon Pine Forest Route: Bangalore >> Hosur >> Salem >> Namakkal >> Trichy >> Dindigul >> Theni >> Cumbum >> Kumily >> Peermade >> Kuttikkanam >> Elappara >> Vagamon Meadows

Goa to Vagamon Pine Forest: Panjim >> Bhatkal >> Udupi >> Mangalore >> Kozhikode >> Thodupuzha >> Muttom >> Kanjar/Erattupetta >>Vagamon Meadows

Frequent Buses are available to Vagamon from Erattupetta, Pala, Kottayam & Kattappana.

VAGAMON SUICIDE POINT

Vagamon Suicide Point also known as “Mooppan Para” is a well known destination for tourist visiting Vagamon. It is a v-shaped canyon, one of the admired viewpoints as well acknowledged as a suicide point..

Vagamon Suicide Point – Location

Vagamon Suicide Point is located at Vagamon in Iddukki district, Kerala state, India.

Mooppanpara – Attractions

Suicide point is the major attraction.

It is a beautiful spot for canyon view.

Climbing mooppan para is amazing.

Vagamon Suicide Point – Tips

Mist free time will give a good view of suicide point.

Suicide point can be reached by foot.

You can reach closer to suicide point by bike.

Cochin International Airport (104 km away)& Kottayam Railway Station (64 km away) is the nearest air & rail network to Mooppan Para.

Kanyakumari to Vagamon Suicide Point: Nagercoil >> Trivandrum >> Kottayam >> Pala >> Erattupetta >> Vagamon >> Suicide Point

Bangalore  to Vagamon Suicide Point: Bengaluru >> Hosur >> Salem >> Namakkal >> Trichy >> Dindigul >> Theni >> Cumbum >> Kumily >> Peermade >> Kuttikkanam >> Elappara >> Vagamon Meadows

Thodupuzha to Vagamon Suicide Point: Thodupuzha >> Muttom >> Kanjar >>Vagamon >> Suicide Point

VAGAMON PARAGLIDING SPOT

vagamon paragliding

Vagamon is an emerging international paragliding destination in south India. This is situated at the border of Kottayam and Idukki districts at an altitude of 1,100 m above sea level. This picturesque hill is noted for its rolling hills, grasslands and sprawling tea plantations and with a cool climate round the year. Vagamon is 25 km from Peermade.

Kottayam, about 75 km from Peermede, is the nearest railway station.

Cochin International Airport, about 150 km from Peermade, is the nearest airport.

ERATTUPETTA ILLIKKAL KALLU

Illikkal Kallu

Illickan Mountain (also known as Illikkal Kallu in malayalam) comprises three hills, each rising to 4000 ft. and above sea level. Each of the hills has a peculiar shape. It is located 10 km from Erattupetta in Kottayam District of Kerala State, India. Numerous mountain streams in this peak, flow down to form the Meenachil River. Tourists must trek 3 km to reach the summit of the peak.

One of hills resembles a mushroom, which is why it is known as Kuda Kallu (umbrella shaped rock). It is said that the medicinal herb Neela Koduveli grows here. This blue flower is also believed to possess supernatural powers, which could increase wealth and ensure a rich harvest.

Koonu Kallu

The second hill, has a small hunch on the sides and is therefore referred to as Koonu Kallu (hunch back rock). Across this rock is a 1/2 ft. wide bridge called Narakapalam (bridge to hell).

From the hilltops, the Arabian Sea can be seen in the distant horizon as a thin blue line. The sunset on the evening of a full moon day can be sensational: the moon can be seen rising up like another sun, as the orange sun goes down.

By Air: Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Illickal Kallu

By Rail: Kottayam Railway Station is the major railway station closer to Illikkal Kallu

By Bus: Frequent buses are available to Erattupetta from Kottayam & all major cities in Kerala. From Erattupetta or Pala you will get direct bus to Mankombu.

By Road: You can come in your private vehicle only near to Pazhukkakaanam (Kottayam -> Erattupetta -> Moonnilavu -> Mankombu Temple -> Pazhukakaanam) from there arrange jeep or treak 3 km to reach Illikkal Kallu

MARIAN COLLEGE KUTTIKKANAM

Marian College Kuttikkanam is an educational institution in Kerala, India. It offers graduate and postgraduate courses. The Catholic Diocese of Kanjirapally established Marian College Kuttikkanam in 1995 to provide the student community with education in information technology, commerce, social work and management.

Marian College Kuttikkanam is accredited with ‘A’ Grade by NAAC. The college is declared as the College with Potential for Excellence (CPE) by UGC.

Marian college is affiliated to MG University Kottayam.

RAMAKKALMEDU WIND FARM

Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan inaugurated the first wind farm in Idukki, set up at Ramakkalmedu with private participation, at a function held in Thookkupalam on 27th April 2008. Seven wind farm units have started supply of power to the KSEB?s Kallar sub-station.

The wind farm was set up after a survey of the wind path and its velocity. With more power units to come up in the area, the total power generated will be marginally increased. All the units have started supplying power to the Kerala State Electricity Boards (KSEB) Kallar sub-station, 17 km away from the installed area.

Agencies like Agency for Non-Conventional Energy and Rural Technology (Anert) are keen to launch wind units at Ramakkalmedu, which has been found best suited for generating wind power, sources.

With more private companies set to enter the sector, it is expected that power shortage in the peak hours will be considerably reduced. The technical support for setting up the wind farm is provided by Vestas India. Companies such Mitcon, Eastern, Zenith Energy, Sun Star and IBN have wind farm units at Ramakkalmedu. Since Ramakkalmedu lies between Thekkady and Munnar and is already in the tourism map, wind farm is set to supplement tourism

• Second most suitable place in the country for setting up wind farms.
• Total production of wind energy would reach 50 MW.
• Totaly 20 turbines at Ramakkalmedu.
• Started power supply to the KSEB?s Kallar substation.
• 917 km transmission line.

VAGAMON MOTTAKUNNU

Vagamon a hill station located in Kottayam-Idukki border of Idukki district of Kerala.This place in local parlance is called Mottakunnu meaning bald hills. Meadows is a green grassland. It is also called Mottakunnu in Malayalam language. Vagamon is very popular for the rolling green meadows. It is a favourite location for shooting movie songs.

Still untouched by commercialisation, the sleepy town with its scenic valleys, beautiful green meadows, enchanting pine forests, mists, fogs, tea estates, waterfalls with the overall greenery is really striking. The landscape is mostly hilly bald with green meadows. Vagamon is also home to a large variety of flowers and orchids. Cuddled up within three striking hills Thangal, Murugan and Kurisumala hills which are the representation of the chief religions in Kerala, i.e. Hindu, Muslim, and Christian which represent the cultural harmony. Vagamon has amenities for trekking, paragliding, mountaineering and rock climbing.

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Kerala rain: IMD revises forecast; Red alert in Ernakulam, Kottayam today

Thiruvananthapuram: With several places across the southern districts of Kerala receiving heavy pre-monsoon showers on Tuesday morning, the met department has revised its forecast for the day. The India Meteorological Department has sounded a red alert in Kottayam and Ernakulam districts on Tuesday. These districts are expected to receive rainfall above 204.4mm  in 24 hours. Orange and yellow alert is sounded for various districts in the state as the rain is expected to intensify in the next hours.

Orange alert in districts May 28 - Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Idukki May 29 - Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam

Yellow alert in districts May 28 - Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode May 29 -  Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Idukki, Thrissur May 30 - Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur May 31 - Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur June 1 - Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur

Waterlogging hits normal life in Kochi, Kollam In Ernakulam, incessant rain caused severe waterlogging in many places including Infopark at Kakkanad. Many houses were inundated in low-lying areas like Marottichuvadu, Thammanam, Kakkanad, Kudannoor and Edappally under Kochi Corporation. The bad weather and waterlogging resulted in traffic snarl-ups on major roads at Vyttila, Kaloor, Tripunithra, Kadavanthra, Kalamassery, and on Sahodaran Ayappan Road, Palarivattom-Kakkanad and Aluva-Edappally roads on Tuesday morning. A uprooted tree and fell over a KSRTC bus at Fort Kochi. No casualties were reported.

In Kollam, over 200 houses in low-lying areas like Maruthadi, Mangad and Sakthikulangara were submerged as heavy rain continued to lash the district from Sunday night. People complained that lapses in reconstructing the drainage led to the issue. Severe waterlogging is interrupting traffic on MC Road, Chathannur, Nilamel and Kollam-Theni National Highway. In the visuals aired on TV channels, water was seen flowing fast through road near a residential area in Kollam town. Recently, around 18 houses were damaged in the rain havoc in the district. Manorama News reported that people have started to move out of their flooded houses.

6,320 low-tension, 895 high-tension lines damaged due to incessant rain and strong wind

KSEB incurs losses to the tune of Rs 48 crore over damaged posts and distribution lines 

Thiruvananthapuram Jagathy Bund Road flooded

Killiyar River breaches banks

Ilaveezhapoonchira, Illikalkallu and Marmala Aruvi among tourist spots closed down in Kottayam due to incessant rain

Traffic disrupted on Pala-Erattupetta route as road gets flooded at Munnani

Authorities ban night travel in Vagamon

Tourism centres in hilly regions of Kottayam district shut down

Vaikom-Thavanakadavu ferry service halted temporarily 

Pala town also sees flooding

Rain wreaks havoc  The city and rural areas of the capital district of Thiruvananthapuram witnessed heavy rains since Monday night. Trees were uprooted and streams were overflowing in villages of Thiruvananthapuram district. In nearby Neyyattinkara, a house was severely damaged after an uprooted tree fell on it during heavy rains accompanied by winds. Nedumangadu, Neyyattinkara, Kattakkada, and Amboori areas, located in the high ranges of the district, received widespread rainfall. In Neyyattinkkara, a portion of Sri Krishna Swamy temple collapsed and fell into the Neyyar river. According to local residents, a portion of a hill behind the famous Bali mandapam at Papanasam in nearby Varkala caved in because of heavy rains. The eco-tourism centre in hill station Ponmudi was closed following bad weather.

With heavy rains continuing to lash rural areas of Thiruvananthapuram, the shutters of Aruvikkara dam here have been raised up to 90 cm, district authorities said. As the shutters would be raised up to 150 cm in the wake of the intense downpour, people living nearby are advised to remain vigilant, they added. High tides and rough seas were reported in coastal areas, posing a threat to fishing vessels in these areas of the state.

Three deaths in rain-related accidents Three deaths were reported in rain-related accidents in the state on Tuesday. A student drowned in a canal at Vengoor in Ernakulam while taking a bath. The deceased is Eldhose (15), son of Aikkarakudi Shaibin. In Alappuzha, Anchuthengu native Aravind was killed after a coconut tree fell over him during gusty winds and rain.A 14-year-old boy drowned in a river at Kanhangad in Kasaragod. The deceased is Sinan.

In Muthalapozhi, a fisherman was killed after his fishing boat capsized due to high tidal waves on Tuesday. Two others were injured.

Two incidents of boat capsizing were also reported off the coasts of Muthalapozhi fishing hamlet, located about 30 kilometres away from here. In one incident, a fisherman died after his boat overturned due to high tidal waves this morning. Three others, who also fell into the sea, were rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital, police said.

Meanwhile, the weatherman has predicted that above-normal monsoon rainfall is expected in the central and south peninsular regions of India. As per the forecast, the southwest monsoon is likely to set in over Kerala on May 31. 

"India's monsoon core zone comprising most of the rain-fed agriculture areas is likely to receive above-normal rainfall (more than 106 per cent of the long period average). This is good news for the country,"  IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said.

Rain to intensify in Kerala; orange alert in 5 districts today

Kerala likely to receive widespread rain, yellow alert in 11 districts

"Barring a few parts of southern peninsular India, normal to above-normal maximum temperatures are expected in the country in June," the senior meteorologist said, adding that conditions are favourable for monsoon onset over Kerala in the next five days. (With PTI inputs)

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Alappuzha AR Camp driver dies by suicide

Five students booked for assaulting classmate in Wayanad school

Man dies, two others injured after jeep rams into group attending funeral in Idukki

Woman assaults toddler son out of hostility towards husband

Southwest monsoon: IMD sounds orange alert for 5 districts in Kerala

Protests brew after NIT claims ownership on part of State Highway in Kozhikode

Always with Left front: Mar Coorilos on Pinarayi Vijayan’s 'ignorant' remark

K Muraleedharan denies Cong infighting, attributes Thrissur loss to voters' desire for Union Minister

Vigilance finds 83 govt doctors engaged in private practice; KGMOA condemns raid

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25 Places to Visit in Moscow you Can’t Miss

25 Places to Visit in Moscow

Do you know what the most populous city in Europe is? Most people wouldn’t guess that it is actually Moscow. There are approximately 13 million people in the Moscow metro area, which amounts to approximately 1/10th of all Russians.

This former capitol of the Soviet Union is still the political and financial center of Russia. Just because it is a current business and government city, in no way means that it is boring and not worth a visit. Assuming the political tensions get solved, Moscow is a fascinating city you need to visit.

While lots of people can’t explain the nuances of Russian architecture, most can spot and appreciate it immediately. One of the best ways to see the historic sites is by taking a boat tour down the Moskva River that meanders through the city.

Overall, navigating the city isn’t difficult as there is phenomenal and cheap public transportation (roughly 30 rubles/35 cents per ride). You can also use a cheap Uber on the three ring roads that circle the city at various distances from the center.

Still wondering why you should visit this historic masterpiece of a city? Read on to see the top 25 things you need to see in Moscow.

The House with Animals

This former church is famous for the terracotta reliefs of animals that adorn the front of the building. It is a favorite of locals, and famous around the world. It was built in approximately 1900.

Resurrection Gate or Iberian Gate and Chapel

The Resurrection Gate is now one of the most common ways to enter Red Square. This gate is also the only standing part of the wall that was the entrance to to Kitai-Gorod, or Moscow’s historic central business district.

Book your tour: Moscow Kremlin Armory Chamber Entrance Ticket

St. Basils Cathedral

Probably the most famous of the Red Square attractions is St. Basil’s Cathedral. I don’t know if the legend is true or not, but supposedly Tsar Ivan IV poked the eyes of the architect out after completing it so nothing as pretty could be made again. What an awful boss!

Book your tour: Moscow: Saint Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square Private Tour

Book your tour: St.Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square: Private Tour and Ticket

The State Historical Museum

If you are like me then you can’t help but find all the twists and turns of Russian history fascinating. The State Historical Museum at Red Square is a fantastic place to learn and study the Russian Relics.

Book your tour: Kremlin, Red Square, and Metro Tour with Pick-Up

Moscow River Cruise

The Moskva River cuts directly through the heart of Moscow. Want to see it all but rest your feet? One of the best things to do in Moscow at night is float along on a dinner cruise . The lights of the city are so beautiful. Of course, dinner in included.

Book your tour: Night lights Moscow Cruise (with Dinner option)

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

This is one of the most unique things to do in Moscow. If you know that many American video games paint the Russians as the bad guys, then it’s probably not surprising to learn that you can find an entirely different variety of video games in Russia. This isn’t a recent phenomenon; even historically the video games were different. If you are a video game buff then this stop is for you!

Main Church of the Armed Forces in Park Patriot near Kubinka

This church attempts to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ as well as Russian military leader. Yes, it’s an awkward amalgamation. It caused quite a controversy when there were plans to create murals of Vladimir Putin and Joseph Stalin to go along with the ones of Jesus Christ (those plans were scrapped).

Bunker 42 (Cold War Museum)

Tunnel at Bunker-42, anti-nuclear underground facility built in 1956 as command post of strategic nuclear forces of Soviet Union.

Americans weren’t the only ones afraid during the Cold War! You can now discover the most secret and secure Bunker of the USSR, Bunker 42. Also known as the Cold War Museum . This former military communication center is now a museum. I recommend this tour that will take you on a private two hour visit of Bunker 42.

If you aren’t interested in a guided tour you can book your tickets in advance here.

Get your tickets: Bunker 42 Admission Ticket and Cold War Tour

Tank Excursion and Bazooka Shooting in Moscow

For real – you can book this tour and actually ride in a tank and shoot off military grade weapons. While that’s not my cup of tea, I know tons of guys would absolutely love to shoot a bazooka!

Book your tour here .

Dormition Cathedral

This is another Russian Orthodox cathedral that is located inside the Moscow Kremlin. It is another famous landmark of Moscow. The inside is decorated with ancient frescoes.

The Cathedral of the icon of the Mother of God “Sign”

This cathedral is located in Zaryadye Park (adjacent to Red Square). It is also on the Moskva River. The Cathedral of the icon of the Mother of God “Sign” previously was a monastery.

Komsomolskaya Metro station 

So many of the metro stations are breathtaking works of art. The idea was to create something beautiful that all the regular people could enjoy, or if you are more cynical you could say it was to attempt to show off how well they were doing.

Book your tour: Moscow: Small Group Metro Tour

The Round houses at Dovzhenko Stree t

The Round houses at Dovzhenko Street look super cool and futuristic, except like many communist projects didn’t actually work that well. They were supposed to be something new and different from the standard “Soviet Blocks.”

There are a number of problems with this design. Supposedly the acoustics are awful making the apartments perpetually noisy. The inner circle becomes a wind chamber even when it’s not that windy. My favorite weakness is that the trapezoid shape of apartments is hard to decorate and even harder to do maintenance on.

Izmailovo District and Izmailovo Kremlin

This area has to be one of the coolest places to visit in Moscow. It features a park in the middle of Moscow that is over 3x the size of New York City’s Central Park. The Kremlin in Izmailovo is a complex located in the Eastern Administrative District of Moscow that is known as the center of culture and entertainment. The wooden buildings are in Russian architecture of the XVI-XVII centuries (not original).

Izmailovo Kremlin on Google Maps .

Tretyakov Gallery

For those that appreciate fine art this is where you have to go. The State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow Russia is the best collection of Russian fine art in the world. The museum previously hosted worldwide chess tournaments (I can’t help be think of the Queen’s Gambit).

Book your tickets in advance here. Tickets cost about $13 per person.

Kolomenskoe Estate

This reconstruction of a former royal estate is just a few miles southeast of the Moscow city center. Supposedly really detailed historical plans survived, so the reconstruction and current museum is incredibly authentic. It was completed in 2010.

Old buildings of Arbat

Arbat is an old street, and was previously the “nicest place to live in Moscow. Even though it fell into disrepair, it’s location, it’s historical buildings, and the fact that it is a pedestrian street are quickly making it a top place to live again.

The Melnikov House

Located on Arbat street, the Famous house of architect Melnikov designed this house (and Lenin’s sarcophagus). Melnikov designed it at a time when private ownership was outlawed, but got around this restriction by saying it was an experimental design to maximize space. Even though others weren’t built, he was able to keep it.

The New Maiden Convent

The New Maiden Convent, built was built to resemble a mini-Kremlin. It stands out to me because this “convent” was the place where women who were no longer welcome in the royal court were banished to.

Monument to the Conquerors of Space at the Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics in the Cosmopark

The Americans may have made it to the moon first, but the Russian cosmonauts were first in a number of other achievements. This gigantic obelisk pays homage to their accomplishments.

Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve

This royal estate was founded by Catherine the Great. She was Russia’s longest serving female leader. It is now a gorgeous museum!

Stalinist Skyscraper tour

This group of seven skyscrapers are called the Seven Sisters. They were all made in the Stalinist style, and one was previously the tallest building in Europe. If you want to tour them all while learning about their history book here .

Cathedral of Christ the Savior

It’s ironic that a country that was so anti-religion for so long has so many great churches. The Cathedral for Christ the Savior was made to thank Jesus for saving Russia. If you are interested in visiting this and so many other cathedrals in Moscow I recommend this tour that will take you to The Cathedral of Christ the Savior many other popular churches in Moscow.

Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God

This church on Red Square is reconstruction of what was previously there but ordered to be destroy by Joseph Stalin. It is a travesty thinking of all the beautiful things that Stalin destroyed to attempt to implement his vision.

Zaryade Park

Zaryadye Park is one of the main tourist attractions in Moscow. It is located directly next to the Kremlin, and offers truly amazing views. It is also famous for its “floating bridge” and the fact that there are so many unique features underneath it.

Church of Sign of Blessed Virgin in Dubrovitsy Znamenskaya

The Church of the Theotokos of the Sign (Dubrovitsy), or The Church of the Holy Sign of the Mother of God is located in a village amed Dubrovitsy about 20 miles south of Moscow. It is another Russian Orthodox church, but what makes this one unique is that we aren’t 100% sure who made it, or why is has a style that is completely different than other churches of the time.

The Church of Nicholas The Wonderworker

I love the unique style of the Russian Orthodox churches in Moscow. The golden onion domes stand out across the globe. This church dates back to 1657, though it has been partially destroyed a few times since then.

Moscow University

Moscow University is one of the Seven Sisters that are the “Stalin Skyscrapers.” Previously it was the tallest building in Europe. Though it has lost that title, it is still the tallest “educational building” in the world.

So what do you think? Next trip to Moscow?

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The best things to do and places to visit in Moscow, Russia

Updated On 14th October, 2021

While Moscow isn’t always at the top of everyone’s Europe bucket list , it’s certainly one of the best places to visit in Europe if you’re looking for a more alternative adventure! In this blog post I plan on sharing some of the free things to do in Moscow, as well as the best places to visit in Moscow, so that you can enjoy some of the best things to do in Russia! 

Moscow, the capital of Russia, sits in the European part of the country. It’s an incredibly beautiful city, which I personally found to be more beautiful than Saint Petersburg (which is often people’s preference). The capital is certainly a lot busier, and less laid back than Saint Petersburg , but it’s a much more colourful and vibrant city, full of stunning and unique architecture.

Visiting famous landmarks such as The Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral, enjoying some of the green space in Gorky Park, watching a ballet in the Bolshoi Theatre… these are just a few reasons that you should visit Moscow! On top of that, because of visa restrictions (we’ll get onto that later), it’s also one of the most unique destinations in Europe. 

There is a common misconception that Moscow is a dangerous city, but now that I’ve visited, I don’t believe this to be true. I would say the same rules apply here as to other large cities: avoid walking in dark areas alone at night, keep an eye on your belongings on public transport, and be streetwise. There’s no reason to avoid visiting this energetic city and miss out on these amazing things to do in Moscow! 

It would take months if you wanted to truly explore Moscow because it’s a huge city, but I’m going to share some of my favourite things to do in Moscow and places to visit in Moscow so that you can prepare for your upcoming adventure! Even if you’re only there for a few days, you should be able to fit in these highlights from my trip. 

Other blog posts you might be interested in...

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• A 2-week Norway road trip
• A complete guide to Helsinki
• A complete guide to Tallinn
• Europe: the ultimate travel guide
• The best capital cities to visit in Europe
• The best things to do in Europe: the ultimate Europe bucket list

Where is Moscow?

If you’re wondering ‘Where is Moscow, Russia?’ then you’ve come to the right place! Moscow in in west Russia, the European part, and it’s the capital city. 

How do you get to Moscow?

Getting a visa for moscow:.

To get into Russia, you need to get a visa. The processing time is approximately 20 days, and you’ll need to have your fingerprints taken at a visa centre in London , Edinburgh or Manchester. You can find out more about getting a visa for Russia here.  

Getting to Moscow:

Once you’ve got your visa, the easiest way to get to Moscow from the UK is by flying. Direct flights between London and Moscow take just under four hours, and with an airport layover you’re looking at a 6-7 hour trip. You can also fly in from many other major European and international cities. 

Top tip: Check out flights to and from Copenhagen on  Skyscanner here.

Check out how to pack a weekend away in a carry-on suitcase here.

16 best places to visit in Moscow...

1. st basil’s cathedral.

The most iconic building in Russia and one of the most iconic buildings in the world. St Basil’s Cathedral is one of the best places to visit in Moscow, if not the best! 

St Basil’s is situated on Red Square, where you’ll also find many other popular places to visit in Moscow. In my opinion this still stands out against them all. There’s something about the multi coloured domes against the Moscow skyline that I found quite spectacular. 

Although I’d already been in Russia for several days, it wasn’t until I was at this amazing piece of architecture that I really felt I was in Russia.

The cathedral was built by order of Ivan the Terrible, and apparently after the architect completed it, Ivan blinded him so that he could never build anything more beautiful. Whether or not this story is true, it certainly adds a bittersweet feeling as you stand admiring the beauty of St Basil’s Cathedral.

Inside is a museum displaying many historic items once used at the cathedral, which costs 700 rubles to enter. In my opinion it’s worth the entry fee, as simply seeing the ornate interior walls is a spectacle in itself.

2. The Kremlin

This historic fortress that sits on Red Square is probably the largest landmark and one of the most popular places to visit in Moscow. It’s the official residence of the President, although he doesn’t actually live there. It’s been rebuilt many times since it was first constructed in 1147 out of wood, before Ivan III the Great ordered it to be made from stone, which is the Kremlin you’ll recognise today. 

This place is huge, and there’s quite a lot to see. The first problem I had was finding where the entrance was. Even though I had a pre-booked ticket, I was then told I still had to visit the ticket office to exchange it for another ticket. I also needed my passport, so make sure you have yours if you plan to visit the Kremlin. After a lengthy queue I finally had a ticket I could use to enter the Kremlin, and had to go through security. The security here is thorough, so make sure you don’t take too much in with you. I had my pockets full, and it was a nightmare emptying them and explaining each item, before I was finally allowed in. Once inside you can pay for extra tickets to visit the various museums, however there’s also quite a lot to see simply on the grounds if you don’t want to spend too much. 

See more tips for travelling on a budget here. 

There’s so much to see here, including The Assumption Cathedral, Ivan the Great Bell Tower Complex, the Grand Kremlin Palace, the Armoury Chamber and Diamond Fund. There is also the Tsar Cannon (a huge artillery cannon), and the Tsar Bell. The Tsar Bell is the largest bell in the world. An incident with a fire and water being poured over the bell caused it to crack and for a slab to break off from it, which can now be seen propped up next to it.

As you walk around the grounds you’ll hear the sound of whistles. The guards patrolling the area will blow a whistle at anyone walking where they shouldn’t. Even if it’s just on the grass, or towards more restricted areas. This can sometimes be funny to watch, as often the tourists will be in a world of their own whilst a guard is blowing a whistle at them. Sometimes a guard will be stood face to face with a tourist angrily blowing their whistle before the tourist realises they need to get back onto the main path.

This is perhaps one of the more unusual places to visit in Moscow! Gum is a huge department store situated on Red Square. It’s an interesting department store to walk around, with several levels, although the shops inside are certainly quite pricey. It’s a beautiful building when it’s lit up at night, and it seems to fit in nicely amongst the other famous sights on Red Square. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything here, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to take a quick look inside, although bear in mind there are usually security checks before entering.

4. State Historical Museum

The large crimson building on Red Square is now the State Historical Museum. It was originally the first pharmacy in Russia, and later a University before finally becoming the museum it is today.

Unfortunately I didn’t go inside as my time was limited and there was so much else I wanted to see, but if you have the time I think it would be one of the best things to do in Moscow. There are items dating back to the 6th century, and maybe even further. There’s also a library inside storing many ancient manuscripts and the largest coin collection in Russia. 

5. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi means big in Russian, so it roughly translates to large theatre. The Bolshoi Theatre is one of the foremost ballet companies in the world. The exterior of the building is an impressive sight, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Moscow, and it’s certainly worth admiring from the outside. There are guided tours of the interior, but if you really want to experience the theatre, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to watch a ballet here.

I was torn between booking a seat, but the ballets were very expensive. I’d have liked to have seen “Swan Lake”, (as at least I may have recognised some of the music). Unfortunately there were no performances on the days I was in Moscow, so I decided to pass. But if I return to Russia, then watching a ballet will be on my list of things to do.

6. Sparrow Hills

If you want a good view of the city, then Sparrow Hills is one of the best places to visit in Moscow. It’s a bit of a trek outside of the centre, but if you have the time then it offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. There’s a viewing platform here which gives you fantastic panoramic views of Moscow.

Nearby you’ll see the magnificent Moscow State University building, which is one of the seven sisters of Moscow.

7. Seven Sisters

Whilst in Moscow, you’ll no doubt notice these magnificent soviet skyscrapers dotted around the city. At the time of construction they were the tallest buildings in Europe, Moscow State University being so until 1997. There are, as the name suggests, seven in total, which are: Hotel Ukraina, Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Apartments, the Kudrinskaya Square Building, the Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya Hotel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Moscow State University, and the Red Gates Administrative Building.

If you visit Sparrow Hills, then you’ll come across Moscow State University, but I’m certain as you explore the city, you’ll see more of these giants against the Moscow skyline. One of the best things to do in Moscow is to see if you can locate all seven as you wander round the city! 

8. Nikolskaya Street

The start of this street is found by Red Square. It’s one of the most prominent pedestrianised streets in Moscow, filled with shops, restaurants and bars, so one of the best places to visit in Moscow if you’re looking for a bite to eat or some souvenirs!

What makes this street extra special are the thousands of bright lights in the sky above. After dark it looks simply magical with the many colourful lights overhead as you walk beneath them. One of the best things to do in Moscow is to visit Nikolskaya Street after dark and see them for yourself. It almost feels like Christmas in London!

There is another street nearby which also features similar lights, “Kuznetskiy Most”, which is also quite beautiful, but I thought “Nikolskaya Street” was ever slightly more impressive.

9. Izmailovo Kremlin and Izmaylovskiy Bazar

Did you know that The Kremlin in Red Square is not the only Kremlin in Moscow? Kremlin actually means a type of fortress, so there are many in Russia.

The Izmailovo Kremlin is a fairly new addition to the city, having been built in 2007 as a cultural centre. With its multitude of colours and historic style, it has a real fairytale feel to it. There are several small museums here for you to explore, devoted to subjects such as Russian folk art, vodka and bread (yes, bread). Visiting these is definitely one of the more unique things to do in Moscow! 

It’s a little way out of the centre, but it’s an interesting place to visit in Moscow to see something a little bit different, and it won’t be as overcrowded with tourists. 

Next to the Izmailovo Kremlin is the best market in Moscow for souvenirs. You’ll find good and poor quality items, but you’ll certainly pick up a bargain if you take your time and haggle for a good price. Many of the items here you’ll get for half the price you would in souvenir shops in the city centre. It’s here that I picked up several Matryoshka dolls for a very good price. I think I’d have paid more than double, or possibly even triple if I’d have bought them elsewhere.

10. Izmailovsky Park

Not too far from Izmailovo Kremlin you’ll find this huge park, one of the prettiest places to visit in Moscow. It’s easy to get lost here, so try to make sure you keep track of where you entered if you plan to go back the same way. There’s a lot to see in this park, a round pond, ferris wheel, playgrounds and sports grounds, shooting galleries, cinemas and a skate park.

There are often festivals, concerts and exhibitions at the park, on top of firework displays and dance parties.

The main reason I chose to visit the park was to find the painted trees. A local artist “Yevgenia Khlynina” has been painting on trees in this park, and one of the best things to do in Moscow is to explore the park looking for them. One of the most famous pieces of hers is the “Hedgehog in the Fog” from a famous soviet cartoon.

11. Gorky Park

The most famous park in Moscow is named after the writer “Maxim Gorky”. Although it’s likely you’ve heard it mentioned in the song “Wind of Change” by “The Scorpions”. 

There’s lots to do and see in the park with sports facilities and exhibitions. During the summer months this is one of the best places to visit if you’re looking for things to do in Moscow; there are often open air concerts and an open air cinema. There are many statues and sculptures in the park, including a small sculpture park area which features many interesting pieces.

One piece of advice: don’t visit Gorky Park or any other parks on 2nd August if you’re in Russia. 2nd August is Paratrooper day, which usually encourages a lot of drinking in the park, which is not always very welcoming.

12. Arbat Street

One of the oldest and busiest streets in Moscow, and the most famous pedestrian street in the city. Arbat is one of the most popular places to visit in Moscow. There are several shops including many dedicated to souvenirs, but although these will have a good range of goods, they will be quite expensive . You may see street performers and buskers, and there are often poets reciting famous works, if not their own works.

It’s within walking distance from the Kremlin, which should only take around 10 minutes.

There are actually two streets with this name, Old Arbat Street and New Arbat Street. Old Arbat Street is where you’ll find the pedestrianised area. New Arbat Street is a separate street which runs alongside a main road, filled with many bars and restaurants.

13. Metro station art

The best way to get around Moscow is by using the metro, and the metro is a tourist attraction in itself.

Although I obviously didn’t visit every metro station, I believe that every single station is unique in its own beautiful way. Many of the stations I passed through were impressive, quirky or simply jaw dropping. You’ll more than likely pass through many of them on the way to other sights, but I’d recommend the following:  Komsomolskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Mayakovskaya, Teatralnaya, Arbatskaya, Prospekt Mira and Ploschad Revolutsii (be sure to pet the dog statue for good luck).

There are of course many others for you to explore, but these are the ones I considered to be some of the most impressive places to visit in Moscow (even if they’re only metro stations!).

VDNKh is an exhibition centre with many monuments and museums. Now that it’s combined with the Botanical Garden and Ostankino Park, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to spend the day at this recreational centre enjoying a mix of nature and culture. The most popular museum in the complex which you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Moscow is the Museum of Cosmonautics.

15. Lenin's Mausoleum

Despite requesting to be buried with his mum in St Petersburg, it is at the foot of the Kremlin on Red Sqaure that you will find Lenin’s Mausoleum, where Vladimir Ilych Lenin has been frozen in time since 1924. It’s only open for a few hours a few times per week. Photography is not allowed, and you should line up on the western corner of the square (near Alexander Garden) to wait you turn to see the embalmed body. 

16. Novodevichy Convent

Novodevichy Convent, on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Moscow. Located south west of the centre you’ll find this stunning monastery. Inside you’ll find a cathedral and several churches, surrounded by high walls and 12 towers.

Where are your favourite places to visit in Moscow?

What about the best things to do in Moscow? Anything you’d add?

Love as always and happy adventuring…

I’m Spike! Solo traveller, cultural explorer and world adventurer! With 57 countries under my belt, I live and breathe travel. I never plan to stop exploring new destinations and experiencing new cultures.

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90+ Moscow tourist attractions: what to see in Moscow, Russia

A huge list of the best Moscow tourist attractions.

Before the pandemic I used to visit Moscow every year. I would usually go there for a week, and I would still find new places to visit and things to do. Many people don’t realise how huge Moscow is and how many tourist attractions are there. Unfortunately, not all of these fantastic places are maintained, some are abandoned and can be enjoyed from outside only. Still, Moscow has attractions to satisfy the taste and requirements of any tourist and here I have a huge list of more than 90 places.

But let’s start with one of the most famous Moscow landmarks: the Kremlin!

NB : the post is very long, so just go to the table of contents and click on the section that interests you.

The Kremlin and its surroundings

The Kremlin should be in every list of Moscow tourist attractions 😊 You can easily spend a day exploring it and the surroundings.

1. The Kremlin : here you should definitely visit the Cathedral Square with its ensemble of old churches. Their interior is truly amazing with painted icons and graves of famous Russian rulers (in the Archangel Cathedral) – as Ivan the Terrible, for example. You can climb Ivan the Great Bell Tower to see the square from above. Then there is the Armoury Chamber with its huge collection of royal regalia and gifts and everyday objects and the Diamond fund with, well, diamonds and other jewelry.

2. The Mausoleum . Frankly, despite visiting Moscow so many times, I have never been to the Mausoleum. Somehow, the thought of seeing Lenin doesn’t seem appealing to me, but, maybe, you want it. The entrance is free, at least.

3. The Red Square is the first place where every tourist goes. It is the center, the heart of Moscow and many tourist attractions are located there.

4. GUM is a huge shopping center on the Red Square. It is quite expensive, so not so many people go there for shopping. Still, it is a fancy place. In addition, there is a huge supermarket there and the famous canteen Stolovaya 57, so go there for a quick lunch.

5. Kilometer Zero of Moscow is at the Resurrection (Voskresensky) Gates at the Red Square. It symbolises the beginning of all roads in Russia. It is a square with a circle in the center: the edges have depictions of animals.

6. Aleksandrovsky Garden is at the Kremlin walls. It has amazing flower beds, fountains with fairytale sculptures, and there are lots of benches to rest your feet. The garden is famous for the monuments of the wars in 1812 and 1941-1945. And the eternal flame is here.

7. St Basil’s Cathedral is the most famous one in Moscow. Its colourful onion domes are easily noticed from afar. Ivan the Terrible ordered its construction to commemorate the capture of two cities, Kazan and Astrakhan. Now it is a symbol of Russia alongside other notable monuments.

8. Kazan Cathedral is another church on the Red Square. It’s not as lavishly decorated as St Basil’s, but it is a functioning church, so everyone can go inside. It’s not the original church, but a reconstruction: the original one was destroyed by Stalin’s order.

9. Change of guards happens every hour at the eternal flame in Aleksandrovsky Garden. It is quite a show with soldiers marching and music playing and many tourists gather at the spot to see it.

10. Monument to Vladimir the Great is a recent addition to the list of tourist attractions of Moscow: it was mounted in 2016. Vladimir the Great is one of the greatest rulers of Kievan Rus. The monument is 17,5 meters high and is located close to the Kremlin.

Parks and gardens

11. Zaryadye is not far from the Kremlin on the historical Varvarka Street. In addition to being a park, its floating bridge offers spectacular views of the Kremlin, the Moskva River, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and one of Stalin’s skyscrapers.

12. Gorky Park : shadowy alleys with benches to rest, fountains with music, a roller-skating rink, a pond with boats: Gorky park has everything! You can rent bicycles, skateboards, rollers, boats, and have some fun!

13. Sokolniki Park is huge and has numerous activities on offer like skateboarding, roller-skating, bicycles, ping-pong tables, a swimming pool, etc. Sometimes concerts and performances are held there.

14. Museon is next to Gorky Park and is famous for its weird sculptures and statues of Soviet rulers.

15. Aptekarsky Ogorod or the Apothecary Garden is the most famous garden in Moscow. It was founded by Peter the Great as a place to grow medicinal herbs, but expanded its collection of plants greatly.

16. Ermitazh Garden is one of the most beloved in Moscow. It was opened in 1894 and offered open-air concerts. Today performances and art exhibitions are held in the park. There are a couple of theaters in the territory and classes for kids.

17. Yekaterininsky Park is a monument to garden art. It has amazing flower beds and a huge pond with boats for rent. There are designated places for doing sports and a covered stage for live performances.

18. Patriarch’s Ponds are surrounded by trees today, but about 300 years ago it was a marshy place. At the end of the 17th century these marshes were dried and three ponds were dug. Later two of the ponds were filled up and trees were planted around the remaining one. The ponds became famous because namely here Mikhail Bulgakov’s masterpiece ‘The Master and Margarita’ starts.

19. Ostankino Park is now a part of VDNKh. It is huge and has plenty of facilities like bicycle tracks, paths for horse riding, open-air gyms, and the biggest open-air skatepark in Europe. Naturally, locals love it and it’s always full of people.

20. Clean Ponds : in the 17th century the place was called ‘Filthy marshes’ or ‘pagan marshes’ (depends on the interpretation). Later it was cleaned and nowadays it is a long pond which turns into a skate-rink in winter. Quite often artists put their paintings alongside the pond for passers-by to see. And there is an amazing song by famous I. Talkov about the place.

Did you know that there are more than 400 museums in Moscow? Of course, you can’t visit them all, so here I have a list of the most well-known and beloved ones in the city.

21. Tretyakov Gallery has several buildings, one of them dedicated to the 20th century art of Russia and the Soviet Union, and the other one to the Russian art at much earlier period till the 19th century. The latter one exhibits Vasnetsov’s, Shiskin’s, Serov’s, Ayvazovsky’s masterpieces. The vaults of the museum house a huge collection of old icons, the majority from the 14th century.

22. State Historical Museum : the dark red building of the museum on the Red Square is hard to miss. It houses huge collections of gold artifacts, manuscripts, jewelry, ceramics, old books, religious paintings, historical costumes, etc. Its coin collection has more than 1,7 million units!

23. Just like Tretyakov Gallery, the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts is the right place for art lovers. There are about 700,000 exhibits in the museum collection, including masterpieces of Matisse, Renoir, Picasso, Degas, Rubens, etc. It includes a huge collection of sculptures and archeological objects.

24. The Archaeological Museum of Moscow is an underground museum and is dedicated to the archeological diggings in the city. There are about 2,000 exhibits from the Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic ages.

25. Moscow Museum of Modern Art . It is the project of the famous Zurab Tsereteli and his private collection is the core of the museum. There are numerous paintings and sculptures by the artists of the 20th century, including those of Picasso, Dali and Miro.

26. State Darwin Museum . This huge museum houses a collection of 400,000 exhibits, mostly stuffed animals. From what I have seen kids enjoy it immensely.

27. The Orlov Museum of Paleontology : as the name suggests, it houses everything related to paleontology. There are more than 5,000 exhibits from the Precambrian, Palaeozoic, Mezozoic and Caenozoic ages: ammonites, reptiles, skeletons of dinosaurs, etc.

28. The Museum of Cosmonautics is not far from the VDNKh and its collection includes technical devices, documents, personal belongings of cosmonauts, pictures, paintings, stamps, coins, etc.

29. The State Museum of Oriental Art was founded in 1918 to preserve the cultural heritage of the Eastern republics of the Soviet Union. Now it houses huge collections of Japanese, Korean, Arabian, Indian art in addition to those of the Soviet republics. In 2017 the famous Russian painter Nicholas Roerich’s collection was handed over to the museum.

30. Bulgakov Museum : the museum is dedicated to the famous writer Mikhail Bulgakov, the author of ‘The Master and Margarita’. It includes about 3,000 exhibits: letters, documents, pictures, furniture and personal belongings.

31. Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines : do you want to play an old Soviet arcade game? Just go to this museum! At the entrance you buy coins/tokens that you can use to play on any machine inside the museum.

32. Victory Museum on Poklonnaya Hill is dedicated to soldiers who fought and fell during the war of 1941-1945. It has several thematic halls, panoramas and a memory book.

33. Military exhibition on Poklonnaya Hill : this is another museum on Poklonnaya Hill and has a huge collection of military equipment, including tanks, planes, artillery, etc.

34. Museum-panorama “Battle of Borodino” : this museum is dedicated to one of the most famous battles of 1812 during the war between the Russian Empire and France. It is interesting that both sides claimed later that they won this battle.

Other places

35. Varvarka Street : there are some magnificent churches on the street and some historical buildings like the Old English Court, the oldest office of another country in Moscow, and the Chambers of the Romanov Boyars exhibiting the residential and household interior of the 16th-17th centuries.

36. VDNKh or the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy or All-Russian Exhibition Center is one of the most popular places in Moscow. It was built in the 1930-ies to showcase the achievements of the Soviet Union in the field of agriculture. Every building has its own style and was to either represent a Soviet republic or house a specific collection. The highlight is the fountains with famous sculptures like the Friendship of Peoples and the Stone Flower on the central alley. And, I guess, everyone is excited to see the replica of the famous Vostok rocket.

37. Moscow Planetarium is the oldest one in Russia. It houses multiple exhibits and replicas, but my favorite parts are the hall with a huge dome for watching movies and the exhibits on the roof.

38. Poklonnaya Hill : its name can be translated as bow-down hill and the monuments and park on it are dedicated to the victory in the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945). Wait here until it gets dark: the fountains and columns get illuminated with red color, which is a magnificent sight.

39. Monument to Peter I on the Moskva River designed by the famous Zurab Tsereteli is 98 meters high. It is quite noticeable, but while it looks imposing, not everyone likes it. They even wanted to dismantle it and move it to another place, but it proved to be too expensive. By the way, this monument was in the top 10 of the ugliest ones in the world according to Virtual Tourist platform.

40. Krutitskoye Podvorye . This is the place where the spirit of olden times still lives: the buildings are old, it is quiet and cosy here. This courtyard belonged to Krutitsky Metropolitans, and a couple of churches from the 17th century are preserved along with palaces and houses.

41. Izmaylovsky Kremlin . You just have to see the colorful buildings, which replicate terems, houses in the traditional Russian architectural style. The Kremlin is packed with museums, there are several places to eat, so you won’t starve there. The biggest part of the Kremlin is a flea market with dozens of stalls with souvenirs, matreshkas, coins, boxes with traditional ornaments, furs, paintings, clocks, amber, shawls, clothes, books, icons, Soviet times items.

42. Stalin’s Bunker in Izmaylovo was built in the 1930-ies. There is a 17 kilometer long underground road that leads from the bunker to the center of Moscow. There is another bunker in Taganka.

43. Bolshoi Theater is one of the most well-known opera and ballet theaters in the world. It’s located not far from the Red Square, so just take some time to see it. If you are lucky to get tickets, lucky, because you should buy them long in advance, then you will see some of the best performances.

44. Metro tour . Moscow metro is one of the most beautiful in the world, it’s a fact. You can see everything here: stucco, paintings, sculptures, chandeliers, gilded walls, vibrant colours… some stations are true masterpieces! Pay a visit to Mayakovskaya, Kievskaya, Novoperedelkino, Komsomolskaya, Rasskazovka, Elektrozavodskaya, Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square), Novoslobodskaya, Novokuznetskaya, Arbatskaya, etc.

45. Trubnaya Square/Tsvetnoy Boulevard is a magnificent place! Just make sure you go there in summer when everything is green and flowers are blooming. The boulevard is famous for Nikulin’s Circus. I have not been to the circus, so I like the boulevard for its park with circus-related sculptures and arches with blooming flowers and the views from the nearby Trubnaya square.

46. Strastnoy Boulevard is one of the most important streets in Moscow. It is a nice area with an alley and monuments. And there are many notable buildings along the boulevard.

47. Arbat is the most famous pedestrian street in Moscow: it starts at Smolenskaya metro station and runs almost till the Red Square. Arbat is full of fancy buildings and restaurants.

48. Alley of the rulers of Russia  is a place to see all the rulers at once. It is a small exhibition of busts hidden from the eyes of tourists. When I was there, I saw only three other people around. This is the place to see Ivan the Terrible, Alexander Nevsky, emperors from the Romanov family, Lenin and Yeltsin.

49. Triumphal Arch at Poklonnaya Hill was erected in the 1830-ies to commemorate the victory in the Patriotic War of 1812.

50. Moscow Mosque . The first mosque was built in 1904, but in 2011 it was demolished to erect a new one. Now it is a huge building with vibrant colors and minarets of different sizes. By the way, they used 12 kilograms of leaf-gold to decorate the dome and minarets.

51. In Russia there were many merchant courts ( gostinyy dvor in Russian), where people used to sell their goods. The one in Moscow was built in the 17th century, but it suffered a lot during the years, especially during the siege of Moscow in 1812. Now the building doesn’t house shops anymore, it is used for exhibitions.

52. Eliseyevskiy Supermarket isn’t a simple supermarket, it’s an experience. The interior is amazing, with intricate decoration, columns, chandeliers. Some people visit it like a museum. There are rumours that they want to close the supermarket, because it’s unclear who the actual building belongs to.

53. The teahouse on Myasnitskaya Street is a special building as well. It is easily recognisable thanks to the pseudo-Chinese decorative elements on its facade. At the beginning of the 20th century it was a tea shop and had apartments for rent. Now the first floor is a shop and they still sell tea there.

54. Bogdan Khmelnitsky (Kievsky) Pedestrian Bridge : this pedestrian glass-covered bridge offers stunning views of Moscow. And, naturally, it is more beautiful at night, when the lights are on.

55. Zhivopisny Bridge : this bridge is famous for its bright red arch, which is very photogenic at night.

Panoramic decks

56. Sparrow Hills : this panoramic deck is right in front of the Moscow State University building. From here visitors can see the famous Luzhniki Stadium, Stalin’s skyscrapers, Moscow-City, etc. Getting there requires a bit of effort: first you have to get to Vorobyovy Gory metro station which is under the bridge and then follow a path up the hill. Frankly, it is better to follow the crowd after exiting the station.

57. Deck at the Academy of Sciences is closer to the city center and offers views of Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow-City, the Kremlin, the statue to Peter I, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. Frankly, this view is much better than the one from Sparrow Hills. Getting here is easier: just get to Leninsky Prospect metro station and follow a straight road to the deck.

58. Moscow City is a group of skyscrapers at the riverfront. Every skyscraper is built in its own fashion and has a name. Many of them are higher than 330 meters! The highest one is Vostok Federation Tower: it is 374 meters high! The 360 panoramic deck in the above-mentioned Federation Tower offers stunning views of Moscow.

59. Ostankino Tower : this place offers the farthest view of Moscow and it is not a wonder: the panoramic deck is at about 330 meters height. Personally, I prefer the other three decks, as this one is quite far from the city center.

Estates and mansions

As you probably know, Peter the Great moved the capital from Moscow to St Petersburg in 1712, so, naturally, many noble families built estates in the new capital, and the royals erected palaces there. Still, there are some in Moscow, and you should definitely see them.

NB: I have another post on some of the residences below with more information: click here to read it.

60. Kolomenskoye : before Peter I moved the capital from Moscow to St Petersburg, Kolomenskoye was the main royal residence. Michael I Romanov loved the place, but it was his son Alexis I the Quietest who built a magnificent wooden palace. While almost all the buildings in the area were erected in the 16th-18th centuries, the wooden palace is not the original one: Catherine the Great ordered its demolition to build another palace. The one visitors see now is an exact modern replica built between 2008-2010. However, the majority of the objects inside the palace are authentic.

61. Izmaylovo under the Romanovs started as a farm and a production unit and included glass and brick plants, bee garden, linen manufacture, livestock, etc. In addition, they built churches, towers and a wooden palace. According to some historians Peter the Great was born in Izmaylovo. Anna of Russia opened a zoo there, the biggest one in the empire, and tigers and lions lived there. During the reign of Catherine the Great many buildings were demolished, and many years after that Nicholas I ordered to build an asylum for the military. Some of the gates, churches and the asylum can still be seen today. Izmaylovo estate is close to the Izmaylovsky Kremlin I mentioned above.

62. Tsarytsyno is strongly associated with Catherine the Great. Though St Petersburg was the capital of the country during her reign, Catherine the Great bought Black Mud manor, renamed it into Tsaritsyno (tsaritsa is czarina is Russian) and ordered the construction of a huge complex. She died before the construction finished, and her son wasn’t interested in the project.

63. Liublino is located quite far from the center of Moscow. In 1800 a rich merchant Nikolay Durasov bought the place and built a palace in the form of a cross. It is luxurious, with exquisite furniture, silky drapes, columns, but what makes it special is its decoration. Nicholas Durasov adored theater so he decorated his home with scenes from ancient mythology. Just lift your head up, look at the ceilings and walls and you will see the muses, Apollo, Cupid, Gratiae…

64. Kuskovo Manor was a summer residence of the Sheremetev family, one of the wealthiest in the Russian Empire. There are many buildings in the complex, including the palace itself, kitchens, the Dutch house, the Grotto with naval decorative elements, the Italian house with some exhibits and the Great Stone Orangery. The main palace is built right in front of a pond. The decoration is rich, with tapestries, colorful fabric wallpaper, chandeliers, furniture. One of the most beautiful parts of the palace is the Mirror Hall.

65. Vorontsovo estate belonged to many people, including Ivan the Terrible. The place was first mentioned in the 14th century and since then changed owners frequently, until it was gifted to N. Repnin in the 17th century: he and his heirs erected the main buildings of the estate. At the beginning of the 19th century the place was rented out as summer residences and one of the tenants planned to build a dirigible there, but it didn’t work out. During the Soviet period it served as a collective farm, prison, then a scientific institute. Many buildings were either destroyed or reorganized, so not much is left of the original estate. Nowadays Vorontsovo is more of a park with different facilities, but some buildings are still there to see like the entrance gates, service premises and the church.

66. Kuzminki-Blachernae was a huge residence that belonged to Golitsyns, one of the most prominent noble families in the Russian Empire. The complex included numerous buildings, but at the moment almost all of them are in decay. The main palace burnt down in 1916, and after the revolution they gave the estate to the Institute of Experimental Veterinary. Many buildings were converted into laboratories and administrative premises, but the place is abandoned now, except one building that houses a museum.

Monasteries

Monasteries in Russia weren’t only places for religious ceremonies and monastic life. No, many of them were built to serve as fortifications to defend the city, and sometimes the defenders would find shelter behind its walls. That’s why don’t be surprised when you see thick walls: if it weren’t for church domes, one would think that it is a proper fortress. All the monasteries and convents were extremely important and the rulers of the country would usually donate money to build additional premises and decorate the churches.

The ones I mention below are very old. Some of them were used as prisons for the members of the royal family, some served as shelters during wars, others had facilities to care for the wounded, but many of them were located outside the city walls and served as a barrier: during attacks they would take the first blow giving Moscow time to prepare. Nevertheless, when the Soviet rule came, they all shared a similar fate.

67. Novodevichy Convent is the most famous one in Moscow. It was founded in 1524 and the buildings are still preserved. Many noble women took monastic vows and ended up living in the convent, some were forced to do it. During troublesome times, the royals hid there. The monastery was rich: for example, at the beginning of the 18th century 15,000 serfs belonged to the convent. Its cemetery is well-known as well, some notable people are buried there, so many people visit it just to see the graves. The convent was declared a UNESCO site.

68. Novospassky Monastery was founded in 1490, but became popular after the Romanovs came to power as it was their family burial vault. Before Peter I moved to St Petersburg, it was a burial place for many noble families like Naryshkins, Sheremetevs, Trubetskoys, etc., but during the Soviet times many graves were brought to ruin or moved to other places. The monastery was turned into a prison, and later was given to the NKVD.

69. Donskoy Monastery : this red-walled monastery was founded in 1591 after the victory over a Crimean khan, but many buildings were added later by tsars and noble people. During the siege of Moscow in 1812 soldiers were stationed there and they ruined the monastery and stole many valuables. Many famous people are buried in its territory, including Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. When the Soviets came to power, they turned it into a museum.

70. Conception Convent or Zachatyevsky Monastery: the fate of this monastery wasn’t easy. It was founded in the 1360-ies, but its main cathedral was built at the end of the 17th century. This very cathedral was later destroyed to erect a neo-gothic one. During the Soviet times it was turned into a prison, the cathedral and other premises were demolished, so after the collapse of the USSR they had to build a new one. Now the main church of the monastery, the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God, is a recent addition.

71. Vysokopetrovsky Monastery is hidden behind walls and few people, even fewer tourists, know of its existence. Founded in 1315 by Metropolitan Archbishop Peter, its first churches were wooden, the stone ones were built later. In 1812 the French ransacked the monastery, they passed death sentences here and buried people at the bell tower. In the 1920-ies monks organised a backstreet monastic community here, but some of its members were later executed. The Soviets opened a library, a plant and shared flats in the monastery. It would be fair to say that restoration works started during the Soviet rule.

72. Andreevsky Monastery : the fate of this monastery is weird, frankly. It was founded in the 17th century, but there weren’t many monks there. In 1724 Peter I ordered to move the monks to Donskoy Monastery, and turn Andreevsky one into an orphanage and prison. Later it became a home for the insane and an asylum. In the meantime, some churches of the monastery were still active, and in 1991 it became a fully functioning monastery when all its churches opened.

73. Danilov Monastery : the monastery got its name because its founder was Daniel of Moscow, one of Alexander Nevsky’s sons. It was founded in 1282, but shortly after that it was moved to another place. Ivan the Terrible gave the place a new life and ordered to build a new church close to Daniel’s grave. Because the monastery was at the epicenter of many battles, it was ransacked often. During the Soviet times it was turned into a warehouse and Charles Crane, an American businessman, bought its bells and took them to Harvard University, but they were returned in 2008.

74. Sretensky Monastery was founded in 1395. Initially, there was only a church, but, according to a legend, an icon from the church helped to avoid the invasion of khan Tamerlane, so the ruler of the country ordered to build a monastery around it. It was enlarged during the next centuries, but in the 18th century it lost its significance and fell to decay, but the situation changed in the middle of the 19th century when the area was renovated. By the end of the 19th century it was the most famous monastery in Moscow. During the Soviet times some of its premises were demolished, icons were handed over to museums, and the rest of buildings were given to the NKVD. A new cathedral was built in the 21st century, but to do it they had to demolish some of the remaining buildings.

75. Ivanovsky Convent : it was founded as a friary, but was later turned into a convent. It served as a kind of prison as well for royal wives. When the capital was moved to St Petersburg, the convent fell into neglect, in 1812 it was burned and restored in 1865 only. Soldiers wounded during Russo-Turkish war would be sent to the convent. During the Soviet times it was given first to the NKVD and turned into a concentration camp, and later to the Department of Internal Affairs. Even nowadays, when many buildings are restored and religious services are held, some of the premises still belong to the department.

76. Simonov Monastery was named after boyar Stepan Khovrin, who donated lands to start it. He later became a monk and took Simon as his monastic name. Just like in the case of the monasteries above, the new buildings were added gradually, and the monastery was quite rich: at the end of the 17th century about 25,000 serfs belonged to it. During the reign of Catherine the Great it was turned into a sickbay, but the place was later restored. During the Soviet times many buildings were blown up to build a Hall of Culture.

Personally, I am a big fan of the Slavic church architecture. The churches are so vibrant, have intricate decorative elements, and just please the eye. Whenever I go to a Russian city, I dedicate some time to exploring churches. If you aren’t like me, just skip this section, but, maybe, a couple of pictures will change your mind 😊

77. Cathedral of Christ the Saviour : this is the main cathedral in Moscow, and you definitely have to see it. Its white walls and golden domes are seen from afar, inside it’s vibrant and bright. For a price you can climb up to its dome. In addition, get to the bridge nearby: the views of Moscow are stunning!

78. St Clement’s Church : this red and white church with blue and golden domes is located at Tretyakovskaya metro station relatively close to Tretyakov Gallery, so you might as well spend some time to admire its colors. It is built in Baroque style, which is unusual for Moscow, and is dedicated to Clement, a Roman pope, which is surprising as well.

79. Cathedral of St Nicholas in Klenniki is relatively close to the Kremlin, but if you are not in the area, there is no need to go to specifically see it. My hotel (I loved it, by the way), was nearby, and I passed by the church a couple of times a day. The church was built in 1657, but was damaged a lot in fires, so was constantly restored and renovated.

80. Temple of the Holy Trinity in Ostankino : this one you should definitely see! It is not far from the Ostankino Tower and VNDKh, so you can easily do it. The church was built at the end of the 17th century, and its distinctive feature is its decorative elements. It’s a monument of old Russian cult architecture.

81. All Saints Church in Kulishki : this one is really close to Zaryadye Park, so you can walk another 200 meters to see it. Its architecture is quite interesting as well, when you look at the windows, you can easily recognize old Russian style. When the Soviets came to power, they wanted to demolish the church, but used it for state security needs.

82. Resurrection Church in Kadashi Sloboda : this is another church not far from Tretyakov Gallery. It has peculiar architecture, and some parts of its facade are different from the other churches. It was ransacked in 1812, and during the Soviet times it housed the archive of the KGB. But today, after being restored, the golden domes of this red- and orange-walled church are seen from afar.

83. The Church of St. Vladimir in the Old Gardens : if you come to visit Ivanovsky Convent, this church will be across the road. The original church was built in 1516, but was rebuilt in the 17th century and lost almost all of its original elements. In 1980 a fire destroyed the books and frescoes and it was restored later. Today it is hard to miss this church with white walls.

84. The Church of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple in Barashi isn’t far from the Clean Ponds I mentioned above. It was built in Naryshkin’s baroque style in the 17th century and was richly decorated. During the Soviet times they handed the most previous icons over to Tretyakov Gallery and wanted to demolish it, but changed their mind and turned it into an electrical goods plant.

85. The Church of Deposition of the Robe on Donskoy : this church is close to Donskoy Monastery and Gorky Park, so you can as well go to see it. The stone church in Moscow baroque style was built in 1680 and was restored at the end of the 19th century. Interestingly, it didn’t close during the Soviet rule.

86. The Church of the Epiphany in Elokhovo : this one is quite far from any other Moscow landmarks, so it is unlikely you will go to see it 🙂 Unlike the churches I mentioned above, the walls of this one aren’t red, but light blue. It is said that Alexander Pushkin was baptised there.

Amazing buildings in Moscow

If you are into architecture or old Russian architectural style, you can spend some time looking for these buildings. Unfortunately, they can be enjoyed from the outside only (as far as I know, but I may be wrong), but if you are not far from them, why not have a look? 😊

87. House of Pashkov : it will be really hard to miss this white colossus not far from the Kremlin and the monument to Vladimir. It was built at the end of the 18th century and was later turned into a university. Now it houses the Russian State Library and it is possible to visit it during a tour : it is expensive and it looks like they accept groups only.

88. Egg house on Mashkov Street : this truly weird building looks like … an egg and was inspired by Faberge eggs. It was built in 2000-2002, so it is a relatively new addition to the architectural masterpieces of the city. Because it is weird, many people don’t like it and criticize the architect. And, frankly, it looks totally out of place. Nobody lives there: as the architect himself claims, the house isn’t very comfortable. If you have about 409 million rubles, you can buy it 😊

89. Arseny Morozov Mansion : the first owner of the building Arseny Morozov was inspired by Pena Palace in Sintra. Some say that Casa de las Conchas from Salamanca served as an inspiration as well, because there are shells on its façade. In any case, you won’t miss this snow-white building on Vozdvizhenka Street. By the way, the building was so weird for its times, that it was called ‘a fool’s house’. I think it is amazing!

90. Apraksins-Trubetskoys House at the Clean Ponds: the first owner of the baroque building was Count Apraksin, but it was later sold to the Trubetskoy family, hence the name of the mansion. In 1861 it became a school where some famous people like C. Stanislavsky studied. During the Soviet period the mansion was turned into an apartment building and then into a student dormitory. Now it could use some kind of renovation.

91. Volkov-Yusupov Chambers : unfortunately, this amazing building in Bol’shoy Khariton’yevskiy Pereulok (relatively close to the Egg house) isn’t open to the public, so you can see its façade only. It was turned into a museum for a couple of years, so it was possible to see its lavish interior, but not anymore. Now this building with red walls is hidden behind a neglected garden.

92. Stalin’s Seven Sisters or skyscrapers are 7 buildings commissioned by Stalin. There should have been 8 of them, but they didn’t finish the last one. These monumental buildings are a representation of the so-called Stalinist empire architectural style and are easily recognizable as they are so different from the surrounding cityscape. Sparrow Hills are a nice place to see them: actually, one of these skyscrapers, the building of Moscow State University, will be behind you 🙂 Another one you will see from the bridge in Zaryadye Park.

93. Averky Kirillov Chambers : if you come to see the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, just cross the Patriarshy Bridge and turn left. After about a hundred meters you will see an old house with red walls which can easily go unnoticed because of the huge buildings nearby. It belonged to Averky Kirillov, a notable merchant and state official. Built in the middle of the 17th century, it boasted exquisite decoration, but time and new owners didn’t spare it. It housed the Russian Institute of Culturology, but I am not sure what is there now.

Are there any other tourist attractions in Moscow that I missed? Tell me about them in the comments! 🙂

What to do in Moscow for free

Travel tips for visiting moscow, where to eat in moscow, russia, manors and royal residences in moscow, my top 10 places to see in moscow, architectural gems of moscow, how to spend a perfect day in moscow, like it pin it.

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