Overview of the destinationIdukki district is much more than Munnar and Thekkady. The entire district is full of lush green, dense jungles and plantations, high mountains, grasslands, rivers, lakes and water bodies. From Cochin airport the nearest entry point to Idukki distt. is at Neriamangalam from where the tall rainforests begin. A 2 day halt at Kothamangalam, just 35min drive from the airport will enable you to visit the under rated, excellent Thattekadu Bird Sanctuary whose entrance is in Ernakulam but forest in Idukki district, and it is possible to trek through to the forests of Neriamangalam with a guide for those who are interested. From Neriamangalam to Munnar, the route is entirely forested upto Adimaly at the foothills of Munnar. Munnar is well written about so I wont add more here. From N'mangalam you can also take the road along the Lower Periyar catchment along the river with dense jungles on both sides interspersed with plantations and very little traffic. Seasonal waterfalls add to the scene. Pretty birds and huge butterflies flit about the entire route. This road goes to Cheruthoni where you can enjoy a tasty Kerala meal at any small restaurant. You can also see the Cheruthoni dam and proceed to Idukky passing the famous Idukki Arch Dam, open to the public only at Onam time. The road goes on to the picturesque spice plantations of Kattapana, Vandanmedu, Puliyanmala, Annakara and then to Kumily [Periyar Tiger Reserve]. Chellarkovil near Annakara is also a picturesque place to spend some time with its spectacular views of the plains and mountains of neighbouring Tamil Nadu. The Maraiyoor Chinnar area, closer to Munnar is also an excellent but under rated place to explore.
Food, sight-seeing and shopping
Excellent tasty veg and non veg Kerala cuisine is available at every small restaurant at exceedingly low prices, fresh, hot, and much better than what is offered at resort hotels. Shopping: Spices and masala, aromatic soaps - try unusual vanilla fragrance soap, good quality leaf tea - Kolukkumalai BOP is the best, strawberry jam, beautiful thick coir baskets or different rubber baskets made from old truck tyres, Kerala mixture etc. Sightseeing: Periyar Sanctuary activities, Prehistoric Dolmens [Muniyaras] at Kovilkadavu nr Marayoor, Spice plantations - Valley View at Chellarkovil was the best, Chinnar WLS with guided trek to Thoovanam falls, Munnar and all its famous falls and sights, Tea estates, Pambadum Shola reserve forest at Top Station etc. Avoid the over rated boring Tea Museum.
Activities & things to do
Great for light trekking with guide [compulsory] in lesser known places such as the Pambadum Shola rainforest, entry point at Top Station. Also at Chinnar WLS. The Muniyaras at Marayoor are also worth a visit. The Annakara region near Kumily is very picturesque and charming, Valley View spice plantations at the edge of the cliff offers spectacular views at a very cheap cost. Just walking along the plantations at Vandanmedu and Puliyanmala is also most rewarding. Apart from the usual Munnar area sights.
Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc.
Hire a private taxi with driver for the entire trip, it is worth it as you will always have transport when you require. Convenient airports are Nedumbassery at Cochin, Coimbatore and Madurai. Angamaly or Aluva nearest rail heads from the Cochin side. Very safe area so just the usual precautions required. Everyone in Kerala is aware of the benefits of tourism so they are all very courteous and friendly to visitors.
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