Periyar is positioned in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. Periyar is a distinguished worldwide for its wild life sanctuary, River, Tiger Reserve and Educational University.  It is the biggest tourist destination in Kerala. Nature lovers and adventure seekers find it as a heaven. The luxuriant green vegetation amidst the watercourse is the best choice for people who like go on trekking, rafting and safari.

Periyar National Park and Wild Life Sanctuary

Periyar National Park and Wild Life Sanctuary   is the most prominent landmark in Thekkady. It is positioned on the river basin of the synthetic Lake Periyar. The national park is enveloped with landscape abundant in greenery and impenetrable woodland swathe. It is very distinguished for its tiger reserve and elephant reserve. Periyar Park also houses overabundance of genus of unusual mammals, birds and reptiles. The Periyar National Park landscape is about 777 sq. km. and around 360 sq. km there is plentiful zealous woodland. The best time to visit the park is in summer season. Cruises are the best options to explore the Periyar Park. One can also see the sights of the place from watch tower or go on a joyous journey on elephant back. One can also go the spice grounds of Kumily and take pleasure in the aroma of Pepper and Cardamom, it is sited just 4 km away from the Periyar Park. Periyar tiger Reserve is a paradigm of nature’s reward with immense striking charisma, prosperous natural assortment and ensures genuine sightseer contentment.

Periyar River

Periyar River is the second greatest river in Kerala and flows throughout the year. It streams in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The river acts as a major resource of water and serves nearby foremost civics. It is distinguished as the ‘Lifeline of Kerala’ because it endows with supply of power to the state of Kerala via Idukki Dam. The Periyar instigates from the Sivagiri peaks of Sundaramala in Tamil Nadu. The river streams out towards the north from its source and is joined by Mullayar when streaming to the west. On the course it streams via the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

The Mullaperiyar dam was effectively concluded in the year 1895 consequentially outlining the Periyar Lake which incessant the contiguous woodland and its resident fauna. The whole area was conserved by the empire of Travancore for extended period of time. After Independence, in the year 1950 the region was titled the category of a Wildlife Sanctuary. Subsequently to which the shelter was acknowledged as Tiger Reserve in the year 1978. In the year 1982 the administration notified the center precinct as the Periyar National Park.

From Periyar Thekkady Lake and basin some of the stream is sidetracked to the east of Tamil Nadu through a channel. The sidetracked stream following the power generation is led onto the Suruliar River.  The Periyar has other dams also such as Bhuthathankettu, Mattupetty, Munnar, Rattayar, Edamalayar, Anayirangal, Cheruthoni, Kulamavu and Ponmudi.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary – one of the significant bird shelters in India is an evergreen valley wooded area positioned amongst the tributaries of Periyar River. It has abundant and diverse birdlife. Several varieties of birds both woodland and the aquatic stopover for shelter here.

Vandiperiyar                      

The great township of Vandiperiyar is to be found 18 km from the Thekkady and lies on the basin of the River Periyar. It is the chief agricultural center to the sate Kerala.

Periyar University

The administration of Tamil Nadu recognized the Periyar University at Salem on 17th September 1997. The University envelops the region encompassing the districts of Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri.  The University is titled following the Great Social Reformer E.V. Ramasamy who was warmheartedly called as “Thanthai Periyar”. The University aspires at rising awareness in diverse fields to comprehend the adage emblazoned in the logo “Arival Vilayum Ulagu” (Wisdom Maketh World).

Accessibility to Periyar

By Road: Periyar is connected by road to the major cities in and around Kerala and South India. One can get buses from Madurai, Kottayam, Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram to reach Periyar.

By Train: The nearest railhead is at Kottayam just about 116 km away from the city. It is a chief railhead in south India and connects the city to both northern and southern parts of the country.

By Air: The nearest airport is Kochi International Airport around 167 km away from the city. The airport is associated with key destinations in India and abroad.

Accommodation in Periyar

• Stonage
• Hotel Thoufeeque
• Green Berg Holiday Resort
• Carmelia Haven
• Forest Haven Resorts
• Edassery Resorts
• Ambadys Falling Waters Resort
• Hill View Hotel
• Green Valley Tourist Home
• Munnar Inn
• Blackberry Hills Retreat & Spa
• Emmel Dwellings
• Ela Ecoland
• Edassery East End
• Swiss County
• Autumn Trees

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Elappara is a village located in the Indian sub-continent of the district of Idukki in the state of Kerala. The coordinates of Elappara are 9⁰37’0” N and 76⁰58’0” E.  The district spans over an area of 5019 km². Elappara is 1,100 meters above sea level. Temperatures in summer season range from 22 ⁰C to 40 ⁰C  and in winter season the temperature varies from 20 ⁰C to 30 ⁰C. The district is one of the most favored destinations, in the state of Kerala, among the tourists.

The preferred period to visit Elappara is from October to February.

History of Elappara

Idukki district was formed on January 1972, with Elappara being a small village. The entire administration of the place was conducted from Kottayam. In the year 1976, center of administration of the village was shifted to Painavu in Thodupuzha taluk. Periyar is one of the biggest rivers in the state of Kerala and flows through the district Idukki.

There are temples and forts built in the district during the Chola dynasty rule. After them, came the Kulasekhara Empire who ruled the district of Idukki from 800 to 1102 A.D. There are historical findings that trading of ivory, sandalwood, teak, rosewood and other forest products were traded with foreign nations during ancient times.

When the British established their settlements in the state of Kerala, Europeans arrived to Idukki region and built their own plantation in and around the village Elappara.

People & Culture at Elappara

The people in around Elappara speak fluent English and Hindi although the local language is Malayalam. All kinds of festival are celebrated by the people of Elappara with Onam being the most important of them all.

People of various religions such as Christian, Hindu, and Muslim reside in and around Elappara.

Agriculture is one of the main occupations of the locals residing in and around Elappara.

Food and Shopping in Elappara

Traditionally cooked food are purely vegetarian in Elappara and consists of spices. There are shopping centers around the Idukki district. Some of the names of these shopping centers are mentioned below:

• Mall of Mysore
• Mariyil Shopping Complex
• Joy Vettukattil Shopping Complex
• Al Shifa Complex
• Triveni Shopping Complex

Tourist Places in Elappara

There are plenty of natural locations with amazing landscape of interest in and around Elappara. Some of the prominent ones are mentioned below

• Peermede

There are numerous plantations in Peermede making the place one of the most beautiful landscape scenes for photographers.

• Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread over an area of 105 km², this sanctuary is home to many animals, reptiles and birds.

• Idukki Arch Dam

Created in the year 1961, the Dam offers a breath taking  view of the nearby green hills. One can feel energized by the intake of fresh air.

• Nadukani

Being a hill station, Nadukani is the most cherished picnic spot and is at a distance of 25 km from Elappara.

• Ramakkalmedu

Being a hill station, this place has a lot of interesting monuments apart from providing a panoramic view of the nearby villages.

There are some other interesting tourist spots whose names are mentioned below

• Painavu
• Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
• Hill View Park
• Mangala Devi Temple
• Kurinjimala Sanctuary
• Thumpachi Calveri Samuchayam
• Kulamavu Dam
• Cheruthoni Dam
• Kalvari Mount
• Malankara Reservoir
• Palkulamedu
• Thommankuthu Falls
• Keezharkuthu Falls
• Pothamadu
• Nedumkandam Hill

A variety of exciting adventure sports like trekking, bamboo rafting, Elephant rides, rock climbing organized by tourism agencies.

Means of Commutation to Elappara

Elappara is well connected with the rest of the places in India through roadways, railways and airway. Elappara is 90 km from Idukki city.

The Cochin International airport is at a distance of about 87 km from Elappara.

The nearest railway station is located at Kottayam which is at a distance of 79 km.

Since the place lies at the Kerala- Tamil Nadu border, plenty of buses are available from Madurai in Tamil Nadu, Kumbam and various other places in the state of Kerala.

Accommodation Options at Elappara

To cater to the growing influx of tourists and their accommodation needs there are four star, three star hotels and resorts. The hotels and resorts have a 24 hour check in and out, and other amenities and the charge per room begins at Rs. 2500/- per day. There are also economy class hotels renting room on daily basis from Rs. 500/- onwards.

• Sicilia Hotel
• Saj Vagamon Hide Out & Eco Friendly Resort
• Treetop Hotel
• Green Berg Resorts
• T & U Leisure Hotel
• Summer Sand Hill Resort and Ayurvedic Centre
• Abad Copper Castle
• Welcome Heritage Chinnar Heritage Plantation Resort
• Micheals Inn Hotel
• Paradisa Plantation Retreat
• Himarani International Hotel
• Sithara International Hotel
• Urumbi Hill Palace
• Hillview Hotel
• Kumily Gate

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Kuttikkanam is a village located on the Indian sub-continent of the district of Idukki in the state of Kerala. The coordinates of Kuttikkanam are 9⁰34’42” N and 76⁰58’22” E.  The district is spans over an area of 125 cents. Kuttikkanam is 1024 meters above sea level. During the summer season the temperature ranges from 22⁰ C to 40⁰ C and in winter season the temperature ranges from 20⁰ C to 33⁰ C. The district is one of the most favored destinations, in the state of Kerala, among the tourists.

The month from October to February is the most preferred time to travel to Kuttikkanam.

History of Kuttikkanam

The region was administered by Changanacherry rulers in the 16^th century. During the year 1756 the Travancore ruler defeated the kings of Changanacherry. The Travancore ruler administered Kuttikkanam and other places of Kerala. When European settlers reached the shores of Kerala they began to explore the region. Some of them began plantation in most of the hill station areas. One such European was Henry Baker. He along with Sri Moolam Thirunal opened a coffee estate in Kuttikkanam which later changed to tea estate.

The Travancore royals constructed their summer palace in Kuttikkanam. When the British ruled Kuttikkanam they brought with them a workforce which comprised of men from other parts of the state of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The generations of these workers later settled down in Kuttikkanam after the end of British Raj.

People & Culture at Kuttikkanam

Kuttikkanam offers a rich and diverse culture, with people from all caste, religion and sect residing throughout the place. Malayalam, Hindi and English are the languages spoken by the people in and around Kuttikkanam, with Malayalam being the local language.

Every year festivals such as Ratha Sapthami, Sri Krishna Janmasthami, Diwali, Onam etc., are celebrated in a grand way throughout Kuttikkanam district.

Agriculture is one of the main occupations of the locals residing in and around Kuttikkanam.

Food and Shopping in Kuttikkanam

Restaurants in Kuttikkanam cater customers with a variety of cuisines in which spices are utilized. There are many shopping centers around the district Idukki. Names of shopping centers are mentioned below

• Mall of Mysore
• Mariyil Shopping Complex
• Joy Vettukattil Shopping Complex
• Al Shifa Complex
• Triveni Shopping Complex

Tourist Places in and near Kuttikkanam

Since it is located near to Thekkady hill station there are plenty of natural locations with amazing landscapes of interest in and around Kuttikkanam. Some of these are mentioned below

• Peeru Hills

Peeru hill is a hill station in Kuttikkanam and is most favored spot among picnickers.

• Grampi(also known as Parunthupara)

This is a rock structure towering at a height of about 151 feet.

• Baker Hills

This hill has a peaceful and serene ambience with lush greenery plantations spread across acres.

• Panchalimedu

Filled with pine forests and fresh air, Panchalimedu happens to be a trekker’s delight.

• Valanjanganam Waterfalls

Covered among mist this waterfalls is the main natural beauty of Kuttikkanam. The height of the falls is 76 feet.

Other places of interest in Kuttikkanam are

• Nallathanni Viewpoint
• Artificial Forest
• Thottapura (Thrisangu Hills)
• Azhutha Diversion Project
• Nallathanni Viewpoint

Means of Commutation to Kuttikkanam

Kuttikkanam is well connected with the rest of the places in India through roadways, railways and airway. The distance of Kuttikkanam by road from cities within Kerala and other cities in neighboring states are mentioned below

• Bangalore is located at a distance of 580 km
• Chennai is located at a distance of 623 km
• Trivandrum is located at a distance of 170 km
• Coimbatore is located at a distance of 266 km

There are plenty of buses both, state as well as private run, available from neighboring states to reach Kuttikkanam. To commute to places within the city one can make use of auto rickshaw or public bus facility.

Kottayam railway station is located at a distance of 71 km from Kuttikkanam. There are plenty of intercity trains and trains from various cities of India available on a daily basis to reach Kottayam.

There is no airport in Kuttikkanam and the closest airport is the Kochi International airport which is located at a distance of 121 km.

Accommodation Options at Kuttikkanam

Being one of the most cherished tourist places in Kerala state, tourists throng the place in large numbers. Accommodations such as three star and four hotels at Kuttikkanam have excellent facilities and rooms are rented out with an initial price of Rs. 3000/-. There are also hotels at Kuttikkanam renting room on daily basis with tariffs starting at Rs. 500/-. Some names of hotels in Kuttikkanam are

• Medows Holiday
• Wood Palace Resort
• Lake and Paddy Resort
• Dewalokam Resort
• Hotel C7
• The Pamba Heritage Villa
• Glenmore Resorts
• Regal Mansion
• Dream Nest Heritage Home
• Chamundi Hill Palace Ayurvedic Resort
• Periyar Villa Home Stay
• Cardamon County
• Woodlands Prime Castle
• Al-Fajar Home Stay
• Pepper County Home Stay

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Nadukani is small hill station in Idukki district in Kerala, India and Nadukani is located at an elevation of 3000 feet above the sea level. Nadukani is famed for hill stations and covered with dense forests, makes it an idol destinations for the tourists. Nadukani is bound by Muvattupuzha, Adivad, Kothamangalam, Nellikuzhi, Thattekad, Oonukal, Karimannoor, Thodupuzha, and Kadavoor and Nadukani is located at the distance of 62 Kms from Idukki district and 225 Kms from the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram. Pin code of Nadukani is 686691 and coordinates are 12.652° N, 75.2447° E.

Tourism in Nadukani:

Nadukani is a perfect traveler spot contributing a panoramic sight and perfect spot for picnics and sight seeing of charming Blue mounts, towns and lakes makes it an ideal destination. Nadukani is surrounded by wonderful hill stations and Muvattupuzha River, and landscape which remains in the mind of the tourists. There are various close by destinations here, that support travelers to stopover at this admired hill station.

Places to Visit in Nadukani:

Nadukani: it is one of the idol picnic location, which presents sight of the Blue Mountains and River Muvattupuzha, situated in Idukki city, Nadukani is located at an altitude of about 3000 feet above the sea level. Nadukani is visited by numerous tourists throughout the year.

Ramakkalmedu: it is located at the distance of 90 Kms from centre of the village and Ramakkalmedu is one of the major hills stations in Idukki district at the border of Tamil Nadu state and it is one of major attractions among the tourists and can view the breathing view of landscapes and forests.

Hill View Park: is a garden located in Idukki Arch Dam, at the distance of 62 Kms from Nadukani and it is one of the natural garden that offers tourists the most stunning view of the region. This hill is located at an altitude of 700 meters above the sea level.

Mangala Devi Temple: this temple is located at the distance of 110 Kms from Nadukani and it is one of the ancient temples located near this region and surrounded by the opaque forests and hills, this temples is located at the top of the hill, about 1337 meters above the sea level.

Thommankuthu Falls: this fall is located in Thodupuzha town at the distance of 30 Kms from centre of the Nadukani. This waterfall has a pool and a drop and with numerous caves and thick forests, best suited for rock climbing, trekking and various other sports activities.

Other interesting places to visit near Nadukani:

• Peermede
• Nedumkandam hill
• Pothamadu
• Keezharkuthu Falls
• Palkulamedu
• Palkulamedu
• Eravikulam National Park

Best Time to Visit Nadukani:

Nadukani is surrounded by the dense forest and mountains and charming natural beauty and tourists can visit Nadukani throughout the year, but the best time to visit Nadukani is between the months of October to February.

How to Reach Nadukani?

By Air: Kochi International Airport is the nearest airport, located at the distance of 60 Kms from centre of the village and it is one of the major airports in Kerala, which connects to all the major cities India and world. Tourists can hire taxis from airport to reach Nadukani or board a bus from airport.

By Train: the nearest railway station is Aluva Railway Station located at the distance of 40 Kms from Nadukani and it connects to all the prominent cities and towns in Kerala and neighboring states.

By Road: National Highway 49 passes close to Nadukani and it connects to various tourists destinations and cities in Kerala and Kerala Government operates buses from distinct parts of Kerala and tourists buses ply from neighboring states as well.

Hotels in Nadukani:

Nadukani is prime tourists interest in Idukki district and it is enclosed by amazing beauty. Hotels are located in Idukki district, and these hotels are classified into budget, economy and luxury. Budget hotels may cost from Rs. 200 to 1000 and economy hotels may cost from Rs. 1000 to 2,500 and luxury hotels range from 2,500 and above. Luxury hotels in Idukki offer good hospitality and provides world class facilities. Some of the prominent hotels in Idukki are listed here below:

• Green Berg Holiday Resort
• Green Mansions
• Pepper County
• Marikar Resort
• Edassery Resorts
• Summer Sand Hill Resort & Ayurvedic Centre
• Chandana Residency
• Coffee Camp
• Chandana Annexe
• Mountain View
• Birds Lagoon Village Resort
• Tapovan Green Country Resorts
• Soma Birds Lagoon
• Iris Hotel
• Kaveri Hotel
• Hotel Udupi Woodlands
• Ambady Hotel
• Lakshmi Hotel
• Malanad Hotel

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Thodupuzha is a town in Idukki district in Kerala,  India and it is the largest town in Kerala. Thodupuzha is named after the River Thodupuzha, which flows through this region and it is the main commercial hub in Idukki district. Economy of Thodupuzha depends on agriculture, business and small scale industries and farmers of this region mostly grow rubber, pineapple, coconut, rice, pepper, cocoa, tapioca and few other crops. Thodupuzha has numerous numbers of healthcare centres in the city, and first class educational facilities are provided by the government of Kerala and some private institutions.

Thodupuzha is surrounded by Karimannoor, Udumbannoor, Muvattupuzha, Ramamangalam, Pampakuda, Mattathipaa, Ramapuram, Idukki and Murickaaery regions and Thodupuzha is located at the distance of 200 Kms from the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram and Cochin is located 60 Kms and Idukki is situated 47 Kms away from Thodupuzha. Pin code of Thodupuzha is 685584 and coordinates are 9.9000° N, 76.7170° E.

Tourism in Thodupuzha:

Thodupuzha is largest town in Kerala surrounded by numerous tourist destinations. Thodupuzha is bound by natural picturesque loveliness, though it is not a main traveler attraction, it is the doorway to top traveler attractions. Thodupuzha is bound by waterfalls, lakes, dams, reservoir, forests, wildlife sanctuary, bird sanctuaries, and landscapes and various other tourist attractions. Visitors can come across boating and fishing facilities near Thodupuzha town.

Places to Visit in Thodupuzha:

Lakkom Waterfalls: this waterfall is located at the distance of 74 Kms from Thodupuzha town and it is one of the major tourist attractions, located close to the Munnar region.

Kalady: Kalady is located at the distance of 50 Kms from Thodupuzha, Kalady is famed for the temple situated on the banks of River Periyar, and this region is also known as the birth place of Adi Sankara.

Chottanikkara: Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple is the major attraction in Chottanikkara, situated at the distance of 48 Kms from Thodupuzha and this temple is devoted to goddess Durga and one of the major visited temples by the populace of Kerala.

Kochi: Kochi is located 60 Kms away from Thodupuzha and it is located along the Arabian Sea and one of the major tourists attraction in Kerala, tourists can visit beaches, forts, temples, lakes and distinct other tourist attractions.

Malankara Reservoir: this reservoir is located at the distance of 7 Kms from Thodupuzha town and it is an artificial lake and tourists can go for boating and fishing in this lake.

Other interesting places to visit near Thodupuzha:

• Palkulamedu
• Thommankuthu Falls
• Keezharkuthu Falls
• Pothamadu
• Nedumkandam hill
• Kalvari Mount
• Cheruthoni Dam
• Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
• Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary

Best Time to Visit Thodupuzha:

Thodupuzha is located close to the hill station and forest region and tourists visit this region during the peak season. Best time to visit Thodupuzha is between the months of October to March.

How to Reach Thodupuzha?

By Air: Cochin International Airport is located at the distance of 54 Kms from centre of the Thodupuzha town and it is the nearest airport to Thodupuzha region and Cochin international Airport connects to cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Pune, Hyderabad and various other cities in India and it also operates international flights to various cities in the world. Tourists can hire a taxi or can board buses from airport to reach Thodupuzha.

By Train: the nearest railway station is Kuruppumthara Railway Station, which is located at the distance of 40 Kms from Thodupuzha; this railway line connects to various cities and towns in Kerala and neighboring states.

By Road: Thodupuzha town is well connected through roads and tourists can board government and private buses from several cities and towns in Kerala and from neighboring states to reach Thodupuzha.

Hotels in Thodupuzha: 

Thodupuzha is a town in Idukki district in Kerala and it is bound by numerous tourist destinations. Hotels in Thodupuzha are classified into budget, deluxe and luxury hotels, budget and deluxe hotels may cost from Rs. 600 to 1,800 per nights and during summer A/C is not required as the climate will be pleasant and luxury hotels cost from 2,000 and above per night and offers good facilities and few hotels in Thodupuzha also provides packages to the tourists. Some of the major hotels in Thodupuzha are listed below:

• Gemini Tourist Home
• N.K Tourist Home
• Mourya Monarch Hotel
• Woodlands Hotel
• Sicilia Hotel Annex
• Aarthi Hotel
• Joance Regency
• Hotel Sree Vinayak
• Indraprastha Hotel
• Hotel High Range
• Eiffel Residency
• Hotel Sagar
• Hotel Moonlite Regency
• Remya Hotel
• Thoufeeq Hotel
• George Hotel
• Hotel Regent
• Hotel Brothers

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