History
A landlocked district, Idukki is one of the most nature rich areas of Kerala. High ranges and wooded valleys are girded by three main rivers - Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhayar - and their tributaries. The River Pamba also has its origin here. As a tourist destination, Idukki offers diverse attractions like Wildlife sancturies, Hill stations, Dams, Spece plantation tours, Mountain treks, Elephant rides etc.IDUKKI District was formed on 26 January 1972 The district's name, 'Idukki' 
is supposed to be derived from the Malayalam word 'Idukku' which means a narrow gorge. 
Periyar which is one of the largest rivers of Kerala, flowing through Idukki gorge formed between the two high massive rocks called "Kuravan" and "Kurathi", is the site of the gigantic Idukki arch dam.
is supposed to be derived from the Malayalam word 'Idukku' which means a narrow gorge. 
Periyar which is one of the largest rivers of Kerala, flowing through Idukki gorge formed between the two high massive rocks called "Kuravan" and "Kurathi", is the site of the gigantic Idukki arch dam. There is evidence of stone-age civilisation. Stone-age dolmens were discovered in the valleys of Anchanad in Devikulam taluk. Archaeological excavation conducted during 1947-48 at Kallar Pattom colony in Udumbanchola taluk and at Vandiperiyar in Peermedu taluk brought to light the remains of Old Stone-age Menhir and Tombs.
Karikode near Thodupuzha was the head quarters of Vadakkumkoor Raja. There is remains of a fort at Karikkode. Near this fort there is a Devi temple said to have constructed by the Vadakkumkoor Raja. There is also another temple by name Annamala Temple constructed in Chola style. The church at Muthalakodam, near Thodupuzha is believed to have constructed before 13th Century. The Ninnar Mosque near Karikkode is said to have constructed by the Vadakkumkoor Raja for his Muslim soldiers. Thodupuzha was also a nerve business centre. There is historical evidence to prove that from ancient time onwards ivory, teak, rosewood, sandalwood, peacock etc., were exported to foreign countries.
Historians believe that Kuzhumoor, the capital of Chera Kings of the Sangam Age, is the Kumily in Peermade taluk. It is assumed that portions of Meenachil taluk and the whole of High Range were included in the Thanthuzhynad under the Kulasekhara Empire (A.D.800-1102). For some time these regions were under the region of the Thekkumkoor Kingdom. It was proved that Vennimala, one of the capitals of the Thekkumkoor Rajas, was in Idukki district. Poonjar Kingdom was established by Manavikrama Kulasekhara Perumal. Manavikraman brought Meenachil taluk and the High Range under his rule from the Thekkumkoor Raja. Thus major portions of Idukki district came under the rule of the Poonjar Raja.
Tribals
Karikode near Thodupuzha was the head quarters of Vadakkumkoor Raja. There is remains of a fort at Karikkode. Near this fort there is a Devi temple said to have constructed by the Vadakkumkoor Raja. There is also another temple by name Annamala Temple constructed in Chola style. The church at Muthalakodam, near Thodupuzha is believed to have constructed before 13th Century. The Ninnar Mosque near Karikkode is said to have constructed by the Vadakkumkoor Raja for his Muslim soldiers. Thodupuzha was also a nerve business centre. There is historical evidence to prove that from ancient time onwards ivory, teak, rosewood, sandalwood, peacock etc., were exported to foreign countries.
Historians believe that Kuzhumoor, the capital of Chera Kings of the Sangam Age, is the Kumily in Peermade taluk. It is assumed that portions of Meenachil taluk and the whole of High Range were included in the Thanthuzhynad under the Kulasekhara Empire (A.D.800-1102). For some time these regions were under the region of the Thekkumkoor Kingdom. It was proved that Vennimala, one of the capitals of the Thekkumkoor Rajas, was in Idukki district. Poonjar Kingdom was established by Manavikrama Kulasekhara Perumal. Manavikraman brought Meenachil taluk and the High Range under his rule from the Thekkumkoor Raja. Thus major portions of Idukki district came under the rule of the Poonjar Raja.
Tribals
Due to the Large scale of Migration to the District from other parts of Kerala and from the Neighboring Tamilnadu, Idukki is having a mixed culture
Thevan Raja Mannan the one and only one King of Tribal Kingdom in the entire Kerala is living at Kovilmala of Kanchiyar Panchayat in Udumbanchola Taluk of Idukki District. His Predesessor Nayan Raja Mannan was his uncle. His Kingdom is having four divisions, namely, 'Thekkottu Kattu Rajyam', 'Nadukkuda Kattu Rajyam', 'Athal Orupuram' and 'Chenkanattu Mala'. Their Goddess (Kula Deivam) is 'Madura Meenakshi Amma' of famous Madura Temple and they are also worshiping few other Gods.
Idukki is the second largest place in Kerala where the most number of scheduled tribes and tribal ambiguities exist. There are 245 tribal settlements in the District of which 74 are in Thodupuzha; 11 in Peermedu; 126 in Devikulam and 34 in Udumbanchola Taluks. Almost all the scheduled tribes are living in the extreme remote hilly banks and in the deep interiors of thickly growing forests of this district.
Thevan Raja Mannan the one and only one King of Tribal Kingdom in the entire Kerala is living at Kovilmala of Kanchiyar Panchayat in Udumbanchola Taluk of Idukki District. His Predesessor Nayan Raja Mannan was his uncle. His Kingdom is having four divisions, namely, 'Thekkottu Kattu Rajyam', 'Nadukkuda Kattu Rajyam', 'Athal Orupuram' and 'Chenkanattu Mala'. Their Goddess (Kula Deivam) is 'Madura Meenakshi Amma' of famous Madura Temple and they are also worshiping few other Gods.
Idukki is the second largest place in Kerala where the most number of scheduled tribes and tribal ambiguities exist. There are 245 tribal settlements in the District of which 74 are in Thodupuzha; 11 in Peermedu; 126 in Devikulam and 34 in Udumbanchola Taluks. Almost all the scheduled tribes are living in the extreme remote hilly banks and in the deep interiors of thickly growing forests of this district.
Malayarayan
Among the scheduled tribes Malayarayans out class all the other factions in socio-economical and educational aspects. Renegades and traditional Hindus following the hereditary regulations and customs are included in this group. When an evaluation in the educational and employment prospect is taken, it will be found that almost all the Government Servants and other employees are coming from this faction of scheduled tribes. Their dwelling places and surroundings are showing the bright prospect of development and they have always been showing the tendency to dissolve with the then prevailing socio-developmental programs.
Mannan
Most of the Mannan families are staying in the Adimali, Kattappana, and Nedumkandam Block Panchayats. In some of the areas of Azhutha, Devikulam and Idukki Block Panchayats also one could detect their presence. They are a special and particular type of tribals with unique customs and hereditary traditions. They have a King and they keep the honour of King ship preciously.
They have been following the traditional regulations till now. They stay mainly in the forest inland and government allotted plots. When the government banned the deforestation these families made a great exodus to the civilized places and are forced to restrict themselves in the allotted plots with their own culture. In addition to their own cultivation in the allotted farm lands, they collect forest products (wealth) doing manual labor and cattle breeding as their occupations.
Their literacy rate is far below the national literacy average rate. One of the notable features of the tribal people is that they lend their farm and produce to the rich and they do manual labor in their own plots. Their economical stability and fundamental needs for a nominal living are below average and it is found that the surroundings are very pitiful and degrading if we make an honest evaluation. It is shocking to see that the Mannan men and women are over addicted to liquor and other intoxicants, and the knowledge for a hygienic life is negligibly less. Most of the Mannan families do not have a stable dwelling place nor the basic needs for a good living.
Muthuvan
They are a special tribe mainly living in the deep and dense forest inland of Devikulam, Adimali, and Nedumkandam block Panchayats. They had been tamed by the mesmerism of nature and were forced to unite and co-operate with the natural phenomenons respectfully and living very typically with their own heritage. They drink water from the deep forest streams (brooks), eating wild roots and living a simple life. They are exclusively different from the other factions of the tribes in many factors.
They are very reluctant and afraid of being united with the other clans of the tribes and civilized people. They like to live a secluded life fostering their own culture. Since they are in the deepest parts of the forest, they are illiterate, ignorant and very superstitions. The lack of basic centres of health, education, and other facilities stop them to know about the necessities of life. Their economical, social and educational improvement is negligibly nil and it has been a phenomenon for centuries. Almost 90% of the people are living in bamboo huts. Their reluctance and refusal to social development has been little bit changed and they are being motivated continuously for a better life.
Their women are strictly prohibited to have any relationship with the outside world other than their bamboo huts. They are severely secluded in the huts not allowing even to talk to other men. Literacy is a difficult term for them and the knowledge for a good life is little that their present state in the latter half of the 20th century is not different from the fate of the first men.
They begin consuming tobacco at an early age and more over their men are too much addicted to liquor and other intoxicants. They cultivate Ragi in their own farms. They have 3 to 10 acres of forest lands for cultivation. But the unfortunate thing is that cardamom and other refined forest products they collect are being devalued and Muthuvans are being exploited by the mediators superbly. Their ignorance in the modern farming methods and their inability to invest money for agriculture are being exploited. They have been continuously left to suffer even though they work and toil. Their huts are very much congested and stay close to one another. Their lack of awareness in sanitation and health programs put them in a battalion of infectious diseases and this lead to the untimely death of Muthuvans.
Oorali
Except in Devikulam and Thodupuzha block panchayats, the Ooralies are active in other places of Idukki District. They possess hide bound customs and regulations but are very backward in educational aspects.
Even then they have the third position among the tribes in literary and basic educational realms. Agriculture is their main occupation. But they also engage in cattle breeding and collection of forest products.
Paliyan
Among the scheduled tribes Malayarayans out class all the other factions in socio-economical and educational aspects. Renegades and traditional Hindus following the hereditary regulations and customs are included in this group. When an evaluation in the educational and employment prospect is taken, it will be found that almost all the Government Servants and other employees are coming from this faction of scheduled tribes. Their dwelling places and surroundings are showing the bright prospect of development and they have always been showing the tendency to dissolve with the then prevailing socio-developmental programs.
Mannan
Most of the Mannan families are staying in the Adimali, Kattappana, and Nedumkandam Block Panchayats. In some of the areas of Azhutha, Devikulam and Idukki Block Panchayats also one could detect their presence. They are a special and particular type of tribals with unique customs and hereditary traditions. They have a King and they keep the honour of King ship preciously.
They have been following the traditional regulations till now. They stay mainly in the forest inland and government allotted plots. When the government banned the deforestation these families made a great exodus to the civilized places and are forced to restrict themselves in the allotted plots with their own culture. In addition to their own cultivation in the allotted farm lands, they collect forest products (wealth) doing manual labor and cattle breeding as their occupations.
Their literacy rate is far below the national literacy average rate. One of the notable features of the tribal people is that they lend their farm and produce to the rich and they do manual labor in their own plots. Their economical stability and fundamental needs for a nominal living are below average and it is found that the surroundings are very pitiful and degrading if we make an honest evaluation. It is shocking to see that the Mannan men and women are over addicted to liquor and other intoxicants, and the knowledge for a hygienic life is negligibly less. Most of the Mannan families do not have a stable dwelling place nor the basic needs for a good living.
Muthuvan
They are a special tribe mainly living in the deep and dense forest inland of Devikulam, Adimali, and Nedumkandam block Panchayats. They had been tamed by the mesmerism of nature and were forced to unite and co-operate with the natural phenomenons respectfully and living very typically with their own heritage. They drink water from the deep forest streams (brooks), eating wild roots and living a simple life. They are exclusively different from the other factions of the tribes in many factors.
They are very reluctant and afraid of being united with the other clans of the tribes and civilized people. They like to live a secluded life fostering their own culture. Since they are in the deepest parts of the forest, they are illiterate, ignorant and very superstitions. The lack of basic centres of health, education, and other facilities stop them to know about the necessities of life. Their economical, social and educational improvement is negligibly nil and it has been a phenomenon for centuries. Almost 90% of the people are living in bamboo huts. Their reluctance and refusal to social development has been little bit changed and they are being motivated continuously for a better life.
Their women are strictly prohibited to have any relationship with the outside world other than their bamboo huts. They are severely secluded in the huts not allowing even to talk to other men. Literacy is a difficult term for them and the knowledge for a good life is little that their present state in the latter half of the 20th century is not different from the fate of the first men.
They begin consuming tobacco at an early age and more over their men are too much addicted to liquor and other intoxicants. They cultivate Ragi in their own farms. They have 3 to 10 acres of forest lands for cultivation. But the unfortunate thing is that cardamom and other refined forest products they collect are being devalued and Muthuvans are being exploited by the mediators superbly. Their ignorance in the modern farming methods and their inability to invest money for agriculture are being exploited. They have been continuously left to suffer even though they work and toil. Their huts are very much congested and stay close to one another. Their lack of awareness in sanitation and health programs put them in a battalion of infectious diseases and this lead to the untimely death of Muthuvans.
Oorali
Except in Devikulam and Thodupuzha block panchayats, the Ooralies are active in other places of Idukki District. They possess hide bound customs and regulations but are very backward in educational aspects.
Even then they have the third position among the tribes in literary and basic educational realms. Agriculture is their main occupation. But they also engage in cattle breeding and collection of forest products.
Paliyan
About 500 Paliyan families are staying in the Azhutha and Kattappana block Panchayats in Idukki District. They have very little farm lands and most of them are engaged in manual labor and in the collection of forest products. Even though they have their own slangs and dialects their literacy rate and basic educational prospects are considerably less.
Hilpulayan
Hilpulayan
They are the most backward type of tribes among the clans staying in the Marayoor and Kanthalloor Grama Panchayats of Devikulam block panchayat in Idukki district. Most among them do not have their own lands. They stay in small huts in the banned secluded government plots and other forest areas. They do manual labor and collection of forest products is another part of their income. They speak Tamil and follow their own unique and hereditary customs and they have their own primitive arts.
Their educational level is absolutely nil. Due to the lack of sanitation facilities and better life prospects most of them are unhealthy. They are keenly interested in knowing and learning modern developments and programs of the world. They prefer to learn jobs which may help them to earn a better income. One section of the Hilpulaya are traditionally skilled in the art of weaving and their ability is being exploited often by the mediators in the barter.
Malapandaram
Their educational level is absolutely nil. Due to the lack of sanitation facilities and better life prospects most of them are unhealthy. They are keenly interested in knowing and learning modern developments and programs of the world. They prefer to learn jobs which may help them to earn a better income. One section of the Hilpulaya are traditionally skilled in the art of weaving and their ability is being exploited often by the mediators in the barter.
Malapandaram
A few Malapandaram families are staying in the Azhutha block panchayat in the Idukki district. Partially gypsy typed, they differ from other factions in language and custom. Collection of forest products and exchanging is their main occupation. It is important to provide them the basic necessities of life to ensure their improvement in Socio-cultural and spiritual levels
Ulladan
Ulladan
Except in the Devikulam, Azhutha and Kattappana block panchayats, Ulladans are found mixing and relating with other tribes and living in harmony. In socio- educational and cultural developments they almost equalize with the Ooralies in status. Like other scheduled tribes they also engage in agriculture and in the collection of forest products. Even some among them are serving as Government employees. Those among them who stay in the plains are doing woodcutting and yacht making.
Malayan
Malayan
Edamalayar in Kuttampuzha panchayat is a place still in Adimali block panchayat (Idukki) but officially recorded with Ernakulam district is the only place where the Malayans exist. Bamboo-cutting, fishing, manual labor and forest wealth collection are their main jobs. They rent their farmlands and doing manual labour in it. They are keeping an average rate in educational and cultural programs. They consume alcohol and tobacco lavishly. They are found to be very unhealthy due to their morally degraded life.
The climate in the district undergoes a sudden variation as we go from West to East. The western parts of the distirct comprising midland area experiences moderate climate, temperture varying between 21degree C to 27degreeC with minimum seasonal variation.
The eastern parts of the district located in the highland have a comparitively cold climate with temperature varying between minus 1 degreeC to 15 degree C in november/january and 5 degree C to 15 degree C during March/April.
The district receives plenty of rains from both the South- West monsoon during June-August and the North- East monsoon during October - November. The normal rainfall is 3265 mm. As common to other parts of the state, the Idukki districtt also experiences both the south-west monsoon (Edavappathy) and North-East Monsoon (Thulavarsham) during June-July and October -November respectively. The former is more predominat with June experiencing the maximum rainfall.
Tourism
PLACES TO VISIT
The climate in the district undergoes a sudden variation as we go from West to East. The western parts of the distirct comprising midland area experiences moderate climate, temperture varying between 21degree C to 27degreeC with minimum seasonal variation.
The eastern parts of the district located in the highland have a comparitively cold climate with temperature varying between minus 1 degreeC to 15 degree C in november/january and 5 degree C to 15 degree C during March/April.
The district receives plenty of rains from both the South- West monsoon during June-August and the North- East monsoon during October - November. The normal rainfall is 3265 mm. As common to other parts of the state, the Idukki districtt also experiences both the south-west monsoon (Edavappathy) and North-East Monsoon (Thulavarsham) during June-July and October -November respectively. The former is more predominat with June experiencing the maximum rainfall.
Tourism
PLACES TO VISIT
Pothamadu(6 km from Munnar) Pothaamedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenary here are ideal for trekking and long mountain walks Devikulam(7 km from Munnar) This idyllic hill stations with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing. Pallivasal (8 km from Munnar) This is the venue of the first Hydro electric Project in Kerala and a place of immense scenic beauty Attukal (9 km from Munnar) A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukal, located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long treaks. 
Nyayamakad(10km from Munnar) Located between Munnar and Rajamala,
Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 metres. The enchanting surroundings make an excellent picnic spot and trekking point. Chithirapuram(10 km from Munnar): With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts, Chithirapuram still exudes an old-world charm.Home of the Pallivasal Hydel Power Project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantations.
Mattupetty(13 km from Munnar): Situated at a height of 1700 m, Mattupetty is known for its highly specialised dairy farm-the Indo Swiss Livestock Project. Over a 100
varieties of high-yielding cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into 3 of the 11 cattle sheds at the farm.
Visiting time: 0900-1100 hrs and 1400-1530 hrs. Rate Rs.5 per head. Telephone:0486-530389.
Rajamala (15km from Munnar): This is the natural habitat of the Nilgiri tahr. Half the world population of the rare mountain goat (Hemitragas bylocres) which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here. The Nilgiri tahrs are today redused to small herds found in the Eravikulam-Rajamala region. The total number of Nilgiri tahrs in Rajamala is estimated at 1317. Echo Point (15 km from Munnar) This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo Point is on the way to Top Stations from Munnar. Eravikulam National Park (15 km from Munnar) The 97 sq. km. park is situated in the Devikulam taluk and is home to the Nilgiri tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695m) is located in the southern region of the park. Power House waterfalls (18 km from Munnar) This waterfall on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades down a steep rock, 2000m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic western mountain ranges, and is an ideal place for a break on the way to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady. Kundala (20 km from Munnar) Kundala is a picturesque town on the way to Top Stations. The Golf Course which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd. is
located here. The Kundala artificial dam is another attraction.Aruvikkad waterfalls is also near Kundala.
Mattupetty(13 km from Munnar): Situated at a height of 1700 m, Mattupetty is known for its highly specialised dairy farm-the Indo Swiss Livestock Project. Over a 100
varieties of high-yielding cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into 3 of the 11 cattle sheds at the farm.
Visiting time: 0900-1100 hrs and 1400-1530 hrs. Rate Rs.5 per head. Telephone:0486-530389.
The Mattupetty lake and dam, just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot.The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala lake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki provides boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam.Speed launch and motorboats are available on hire. Lock Heart Gap (13km from Munnar): This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mistclad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of visit.
Rajamala (15km from Munnar): This is the natural habitat of the Nilgiri tahr. Half the world population of the rare mountain goat (Hemitragas bylocres) which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here. The Nilgiri tahrs are today redused to small herds found in the Eravikulam-Rajamala region. The total number of Nilgiri tahrs in Rajamala is estimated at 1317. Echo Point (15 km from Munnar) This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo Point is on the way to Top Stations from Munnar. Eravikulam National Park (15 km from Munnar) The 97 sq. km. park is situated in the Devikulam taluk and is home to the Nilgiri tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695m) is located in the southern region of the park. Power House waterfalls (18 km from Munnar) This waterfall on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades down a steep rock, 2000m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic western mountain ranges, and is an ideal place for a break on the way to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady. Kundala (20 km from Munnar) Kundala is a picturesque town on the way to Top Stations. The Golf Course which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd. is
located here. The Kundala artificial dam is another attraction.Aruvikkad waterfalls is also near Kundala. Other picknic spots
Anayirankal (22km from Munnar) It is a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirankal Dam is surrounded by the Tata Tea Plantations and evergreen forests. It is an ideal picnic spot. Top station (32 km from Munnar) 1700 m above sea level, this is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. The rare Nilakurinji (strobilanthus) belongs to this region. This plant blooms wants every 12 years bathing the hill sides in bright blue. Top Station also offers a panoramic view of the neighboring state of Tamilnadu.
Marayoor (40 km from Munnar) This is the only place in Kerala that has natural growth of sandal wood trees. The sandal wood factory of the forest department, the caves (Muniyaras) with murals and relics from the new stone age civilization and the children's park spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single Banyan tree are of great interest to tourist's. Thoovanam waterfalls and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also near by. Cheeyappara The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Nariamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi Madurai highway. The Cheeyappara waterfalls cascade down in seven steps. It is a real feast for the eyes. This is also a great place for trekking. Meenuli It is noted for two acres of evergreen forests upon a huge Rock. The rock is more than 500 acres in area and is an ideal spot for mountaineering
Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary (60 km from Munnar) Situated on the Tamilnadu Boarder, The Chinnar wild life sanctuary is spread across 90.44 Sq.km.
