This district's name is suposed to have been derived from the malayalam word ' Idukku' meaning a narrow gorge. About 1500 sq ft of it's area is rserved forest, much of which is home to a variety of flora and fauna. For the people of Kerala, Idukki is always associated with power generation, since 60% of the state's power needs come from the hydroelectric power station at Moolamattom.
Landmarks
Thekkady - The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, lies 60 km away from Idukki, 190 km from Kochi. The sancuary is the natural habitat of elephants, deer, bison and wild boar. It is also a tiger reserve. There are oppoptunities for trekking, elephant rides and boating.
Peermade - 43 km before Thekkady lies the former summer palace of the Travancore maharajas. This cool and tiny hill station is full of rubber, tea and spice plantations.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary - Smaller to Periyar, it lies just below Idukki arch dam. The flora and fauna are also similar.


Munnar - A beautiful, peaceful hill station covered with tea plantations, 133 km from Kochi. 17 km from Munnar lies the Eravikulam National Park. It can be reached only through trekking. In this area can be found the Nilgiris tahr, an endangered species.


Details
District area - 5019 sqkm
Clothing - Tropical, warm clothes and rain gear for places like Munnarand Thekkady.
Rainfall - 270 cm (Annual)
Tourist season - August to march

Tourist Info
The nearest airport is at Kochi, 132 km away.The nearest railway station is at Kottayam.Motorable roads link it to most towns in Kerala.

Hotels
Thekkady
Spice Village
Periyar house
Aranya Nivas
Hotel Ambadi
Munnar
Royal Retreat
High Range Club
Peermade
Sabala Motel

Distances
Kochi - 132km
Kollam - 239km
Kottayam - 133km
Thiruvananthapuram - 190km