The land where Shri Ram and Sita ventured upon during their exile, is the soil that now forms this wildlife sanctuary. Each part of the land here still holds the essence and legacy of the Ramayana period. This is the legend of the ethereal beauty of Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, and Idukki Dam. Standing between the majestic granite hills of Kuravanmala and Kurathi Mala, Idukki Dam is built between the narrow gorge of the two hills. Merging these hills through its waters, the Dam, too, has a mythological past. Taking water from this area, Lord Rama broke the ancient curse laid upon a tribal couple. Not only is Idukki Dam mentioned in the ancient legends of India, but this prized asset of Kerala has now emerged as a popular tourist destination.
About Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credit: Timothy A. Gonsalves for Wikimedia Commons
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, established on 9 February 1976, stands at an elevation of 450 m to 1272 m with its highest peak being Vanjur Medu at a height of 1272 m. Spread around an area of 105.364 sq km with around 33 sq km of water reservoir and 77 sq km of Forest Land, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is widely acknowledged for its vast flora and fauna. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is a kind of place that houses diverse animal species. Along with Idukki, Cheruthoni and Kulamavu dams are also situated in the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary. Various endemic species of trees like Thampakama and Pali, are found in Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary. In the middle of the vast waters of Idukki Dam stands Vairamani, a once submerged village, which serves as a breeding ground for various species in the summer months.
Must Read: Idukki Tourist Places
Things To Do
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is not all about giving a safe space for animals but also a lot of activities. Here is a list of things to do in the sanctuary:
1. Trekking
Image Credit: Timothy A. Gonsalves. for Wikimedia Commons
Authorities of the Wildlife Sanctuary provide just that through various trekking programmes organised for the sole purpose of enlightening visitors about the richness of biodiversity in the area. From Black Baza to Malabar Trogon, from the majestic Papilio Buddha, with a turquoise tinge in its wings to the magnificent Southern Birdwing, the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary flawlessly fulfils its sole purpose by harbouring a wide range of endemic species of birds and butterflies, and boasting of its tremendously rich flora and fauna. However, one can only get a picture of the wide range of flora and fauna it harbours by wandering around the wilderness of the forest area.
Charges: Rs 500 onwards
Timings: 7:00 am to 5:30 pm
2. Night Stay & Camping
Image Credit: Timothy A. Gonsalves. for Wikimedia Commons
The day and the night of the forest are contrastingly different, yet beautiful in their way. To experience this striking contrast, one must traditionally experience both of them, the way people adopted before the setup of modern civilisations – Camping in the Wild. Camping accustoms you to the glory of the nights in the forest, of how the trees stand as the guards, of how the distant sound of the insects makes you feel calm, of how fire blazed amidst these mingles with the darkness of night and of how stars shine unabashedly in the sky. However, you can also prolong your stay in the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary by renting various cottages nestled in the beauty and wilderness of the place.
Charges: Rs 2500 onwards
Timings: 3:00 pm to 12:00 pm
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Idukki
3. Boating
Image Credit: Timothy A. Gonsalves. for Wikimedia Commons
Boating in the vast waters is one thing, but boating in the vast waters with the backdrop of chaste mountains with the fog hazing your view a little and the waters resonating with the vast blue sky is a very personal fairytale experience, where nature is whispering you an enchanting tale only you can hear. That is the experience of peddling boating on the waters of this beautifully constructed arch-shaped engineer marvel of Idukki Dam, merging the auspicious hills. The Wildlife Sanctuary nestles Idukki, Cheruthoni and Kulamavu Dams, all of which provide visitors the privilege of boating upon its water with the scenic background of mountains.
Charges: Rs 50 onwards
Timings: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Places To Visit Near The Wildlife Sanctuary
This place is surrounded by nature and heritage. We have curated a list of places that you can visit while you are in Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary.
1. Calvary Mount
Image Credit: Timothy A. Gonsalves. for Wikimedia Commons
Also known as the Kalyanathnadu, Calvary Mount is a viewpoint 200 metres from the reservoir and around 40 km from the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, this point offers ethereal view of the lush green hills and the river meandering through them with the dam catching the blue and frolic waters of the river. Living in the beauty sure is mesmerising, but capturing it from a place of high elevation is something totally different. With all the beautiful pieces assembled together, the experience is heavenly. And that is the experience of Calvary Mount. However, you might need to trek to reach the place.
Charges: Rs 25 per person
Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
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2. Ramakkalmedu
Image Credit: Jaseem Hamza for Wikimedia Commons
Located around 50 km from the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is a place that is legendary in itself. With the beauty of the hills surrounding the place and the view of the villages of Tamil Nadu, the place qualifies itself as not only providing ethereal views but is a significant place for Hindus as well as footprints of Lord Ram are believed to be engraved on the rocks of this very own land. With the essence of Shri Ram, this place in the ethereal backdrop of mountains and bestowed with cool breeze also plays its part in the mystic legend of Kuravan and Kurathi with their twin statue standing against the magnificent view of the town of legends of the town of sanctity.
Charges: Rs 5 per person
Timings: Open All Day
3. Hill View Park
Image Credit: Jaseem Hamza for Wikimedia Commons
Located around 50 km from Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, this quaint little place with the ethereal view of the lake resonating with the moss-green hills it stands beneath is a perfect place to spend some quiet time with family and friends. One can also enjoy the serenity this place offers by a boat ride on the surrounding waters. This place provides a perfect essence of the whole of Kerala in terms of beauty and taste, by providing the visitors with not only the heavenly views but the local taste of Kerala as well. Also, the place provides a separate playing area for the children.
Charges: Rs 20 per person
Timings: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm
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4. Painavu
Image Credit: PranavMurali for Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Wildlife Sanctuary, Painavu is famed for the ethereal view it presents to visitors and trekkers at an altitude of around 3,900 ft. The view from the place is ineffable, but the view on the journey to the place is filled with natural wonders and thrill, making it a must-visit for all visitors. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary accommodates not only the picturesque locations of the mountains but the serene and enchanting waterfalls, too.
Charges: None
Timings: Open All Day
Best Time To Visit The Wildlife Sanctuary
The Wildlife Sanctuary, with its abundant reserves of nature, is open to explore at any time during the year. However, the best months to visit are December to April, when the temperature is cooler and the weather is pleasant, and all of the recreational activities are in full bloom. It is advised not to visit the place during the monsoon season as the trail might be muddy and risky for trekkers.
Further Read: Best Places To Visit In Kerala
Serenity is one thing but serenity enchanting you with the mystic legends of the past engraves a connection to your soul, to oneself. As this is the history and roots of culture severed by the belief of people. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is a place that accommodates both flawlessly. Venture into this beautiful plethora of perennial beauty with a tinge of antiquity by booking your trip to Kerala , God’s own city.
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Cover Image Credit: Timothy A. Gonsalves for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
Which animals can be seen in Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary?
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is home to diverse wildlife with several mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects here. You can see Elephants, Tigers, Sambar Deer, Wild Boars, Muntjac, Lion-tailed Macaque Chevrotain, Monkeys. Nilgiri Langur and also some domestic animals.’
Can we visit Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary?
Yes, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary offers a diverse and rich ecosystem with abundant natural resources, making it a significant habitat for multiple species. Therefore, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is a must visit in Kerala.
Which dams are located in Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary?
Idukki, Cheruthoni and Kulamavu Dams are located in Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary. These dams are the Idukki Hydroelectric Project and contribute significantly in power generation, irrigation and water management. These dams have made the place a significant tourist destination.
What are recreational activities provided by Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary?
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary provides boating, night stay and wildlife safari to its visitors for a perfect trip to the place. These activities are ideal
What are the butterfly species present in Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary?
The sanctuary is home to a variety of butterflies that add multiple colours to its biodiversity. Butterfly species like Southern Birdwing and Papilio Buddha are present on the grounds of Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary.
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