History
Idukki's story, milestone by milestone
Idukki became a district only in 1972, but its hills carry a longer story of plantations, lease agreements and engineering. These are the moments that shaped it.
Timeline of key milestones
1877
The Kanan Devan Hills concession
John Daniel Munro obtains a concession over the Kanan Devan Hills, the start of organised plantation agriculture around Munnar.
1886
Periyar lease agreement
The Travancore ruler and the British government sign the Periyar lease agreement that later governs the Mullaperiyar dam.
1895
Mullaperiyar Dam completed
The Mullaperiyar dam on the Periyar is completed, diverting water eastwards toward the Madurai region.
1924
Floods wash away the Kundala Valley Railway
Severe floods destroy the narrow-gauge line that had carried tea and supplies between Munnar and the high estates.
1969
Idukki Arch Dam construction begins
Work starts on the double-curvature arch dam across the gorge between the Kuravan and Kurathi hills.
1972
Idukki district is formed
Idukki is created on 26 January 1972, carved out of neighbouring districts, with its headquarters at Painavu.
1973
Idukki Arch Dam completed
The 169-metre dam is completed, creating the reservoir that feeds the Moolamattom power station.
2018
Floods and the Cheruthoni shutters
During the August floods the Cheruthoni dam shutters are opened, drawing national attention to the district's dam system.
2018
Neelakurinji blooms across the hills
The Neelakurinji, which flowers once in about twelve years, blankets the Munnar hills in blue.
Spotted something we got wrong?
History is full of disputed dates and details. If you can correct or add to this timeline, with a source, we will update it.