About Idukki
Idukki: the spice district of Kerala
Idukki is a high-range district in the Western Ghats of Kerala, known for its misty hills, spice and tea plantations, wildlife sanctuaries and some of India's best-known hydroelectric dams.
It has no coastline and no railway line within its borders. Its towns are connected by winding hill roads, and its identity is shaped by cardamom, pepper, tea and the Periyar river.
Idukki at a glance
- Formed
- 26 January 1972
- Area
- 4,358 km²
- Second largest district in Kerala
- Population
- 1,108,974
- Census 2011
- Administrative headquarters
- Painavu
- Taluks
- 5
- Municipalities
- 2
- Thodupuzha and Kattappana
- Grama panchayats
- 52
- Highest peak
- Anamudi, 2,695 m
- Highest peak in South India
Geography
Idukki lies along the Western Ghats and is almost entirely hilly. Elevations range from low foothills in the west to high ridges and shola grasslands in the east, topped by Anamudi in Eravikulam National Park.
The Periyar, Kerala's longest river, drains much of the district. Large reservoirs formed by the Idukki, Cheruthoni and Kulamavu dams are among its defining landscapes.
Protected areas include Eravikulam National Park, Periyar Tiger Reserve at Thekkady, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary.
Climate
Altitude keeps the district cooler than the coastal plains of Kerala, and the high ranges around Munnar can turn chilly in winter. The south-west monsoon, from June to September, brings the heaviest rain.
Economy
Agriculture drives the local economy: cardamom, pepper, tea, coffee and rubber, with vegetables and winter fruit grown in the cooler eastern valleys.
Idukki is also central to Kerala's hydroelectric power generation, and tourism, centred on Munnar, Thekkady, Vagamon and the dam landscapes, supports many livelihoods.
People and culture
Malayalam is the main language, with Tamil-speaking communities in the eastern hills along the Tamil Nadu border. Several tribal communities, including the Mannan, Muthuvan and Hill Pulaya, have lived in the district's forests and hills for generations.
The taluks
The district is divided into 5 taluks, each with its own headquarters.
| Taluk | Headquarters |
|---|---|
| Idukki | Painavu |
| Thodupuzha | Thodupuzha |
| Udumbanchola | Nedumkandam |
| Peerumade | Peerumade |
| Devikulam | Devikulam |
Common questions about Idukki
Why is Idukki called the spice district?
The cool, humid hills of Idukki suit cardamom and pepper, and the district is one of the most important spice-growing regions in India.
Where is the Idukki district headquarters?
The administrative headquarters is at Painavu, where the District Collectorate is located.
When was Idukki district formed?
Idukki district was formed on 26 January 1972.
Is there a railway station in Idukki district?
No. Idukki has no railway station within the district. The nearest major stations are Kottayam, Aluva and Ernakulam Junction, depending on where you are headed.
Which is the nearest airport to Munnar?
Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery is the most commonly used airport for Munnar. Coimbatore and Madurai are alternatives for the eastern side.
What is the highest peak in Idukki?
Anamudi, at 2,695 metres in Eravikulam National Park, is the highest peak in South India.