Location: Idukki District, Kerala
Nearest Access: Thodupuzha
Main Wildlife Found: Elephants
Coverage Area: 77-sq-kms
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the well-known tourist attractions in Idukki District of Kerala It spreads over an area of 77 sq. km in the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks of the district at 450-748m above the sea level. The three sides of the sanctuary are surrounded by Idukki Lake which is formed by three dams- Cheruthoni, Idukki and kulamavu.
Vegetation in the Idukki Wildlife sanctuary
Idukki wildlife Sanctuary has numerous tropical and deciduous forests, grasslands, beautiful lakes and rivers which giveremarkable experience to the tourists. Tropical evergreen forests, meadows, tropical semi-evergreen forests and leaf shedding forestsare the forest types included in the sanctuary. These forestsprovide the unusual plants of spices having medicinal values. Some of the usually seen trees in the region include Kuntherekkapine, white pine, Pali, Vayana, Cheeni, Bhadraksham, rosewood and meadows of rolling grass.
Wildlife in Idukki wildlife Sanctuary
Idukki wildlife Sanctuary came into existence in 1976. It is known for its large numberof wild elephants. Due to forest destruction the elephants become isolated. Idukki wildlife sanctuary is shelter for these elephants.
The animals found here are elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tiger, wild boar, Giant Squirrel etc. We also can see the various species of snakes including cobra, viper, kraits and numerous non-poisonous ones in the Sanctuary. Birds like jungle fowl, Malabar grey hornbill, Black bulbul, Peafowl, Wood pecker, Jungle babbler, small green barbet, large wood shrike, purple sun bird, golden oriole are also the major attraction of the Sanctuary
Special Attractions at Idukki wildlife Sanctuary
Idukki Arch Dam It is the Idukki arch dam which increases the prominence of the Idukki wildlife sanctuary. It is the 14th largest dam in Asia which built in between two hills. It is a first major hydroelectric project in Kerala.
Idukki Lake Idukki lake with full of greenery is one of the major tourist attraction. Tourists can also enjoy with local boating and houseboat too.
Kizhakkilachimala Lake Kizhakkilachimala Lake is the artificial or man-made lake is another fascination of Idukki wildlife Sanctuary.
Hill Palace Museum, THRIPUNITHURA It is situated 12 km away from Ernakulam. It is the largest archeological museum in Kerala. It is basically palace which turned into a museum. It exhibits paintings, carving and other royal antiquities donated by the Cochin and Travancore royal families.
History Museum History Museum is just 8 km from Ernakulam. This museum shows the historical episode from the Neolithic to the modern era through life size figures.
Perumedu Perumedu is 75 km away from Kottayam and it is small hill station. Summer Palace of Rajas of Travancore is located here. Its richness increases due to plantation like tea, coffee, pepper, cardamom and rubber.
Best time to visit
Best time to visit Idukki wildlife Sanctuary is during December to April. In Idukki, temperature is in between 13 degree C to 29 degree C. March and April is the hottest period of the year. Except in month of January to April the climate is usually cool and humid with the heavy rainfall.
How to Reach Idukki wildlife Sanctuary
Location: About 40Km from Thodupuzha, Idukki district, central Kerala.Thodupuzha-Kochi is about 58 km.
By Air: Madurai is about 140 km away and Cochin International airport is about 190 km away. By rail: Kottayam railway station is about 114 km and Changanassery is about 114 km away.
By road: Road transport of various cities of Kerala is very well connected with the Idukki district.
Trips within Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
If you want the rural experience in Idukki you have to leave the resort yacht and sail out on a local fishing boat.
To enjoy the Backwaters you have to hire a houseboat. For travelling within the Idukki city you can hire auto or taxi which is easily available.