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| Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary |
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary showcase the enchanting wilderness of the High Range forests to the visitors. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary comprise a beautiful landscape that unfurls on the banks of the mighty Idukki reservoir throwing visual delights to the discerning traveller. The enchanting wilderness of Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is sublime as well as captivating. The sanctuary notified in 1976 is a part of Nagarampara Reserve Forests. The area was previously part of Kottayam Forest Division and forms the catchment area of Periyar River and caters to ldukki Hydel Project. The total extent of the sanctuary is 105.364sq.km which includes 33sq.km water body of the Idukki Reservoir. The sanctuary is a fragmented part of the High Range forests separated from the main tract of vegetation extending between Munnar Hills which includes Eravikulam National Park, Shola National Parks, Kurinjimala Sanctuary and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Periyar Tiger Reserve. The entire sanctuary forms the catchment area of the Idukki Hydro Electric Project.The forest surrounding the reservoir forms a conducive habitat for wildlife and is rich in biodiversity.
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| Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary |
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is 2 KM to the south of Painavu, the District headquarters. The nearest township is Cheruthoni, 2 km northeast of Vellappara. The nearest Railway stations are Kottayam, which is 106km; Ernakulam 120km; and Alwaye 103km from the sanctuary. The nearest Airport is Nedumbassery which is 105km away.Mobile coverage is available in almost all parts of the sanctuary. Hospitals, hotels and petrol pumps are available at Cheruthoni and Kattappana.
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| Idukki Dam view from kalvari mount |
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary which came into existende in 1976, is located in the Thodupuzha and Udumbanchola taluks indist rict. An enchanting place marked with steep mountains and undulating hills and valleys. The world famous Idukki arch and the vast increase the importance of the area.
Location: 76º 55’ and 77º 4’ 5’ East Longitude and 9º 45’ 30’ and 9º 53’ 30’ North Latitude.
Area: 105.364sq.km.
Rainfall: Average rainfall is 3800 mm.
Drainage: The major rivers flowing through the area at periyar and Cheruthoniar. The sanctuary consists of 33 sq,km of
watervody of Idukki reservoir.
Forest Types: Forest types include West Coast Tropical Evergreen forests, Semi Evergreen forests , Moist Deciduous Forests,
Hill shoals and Grass Lands.
Biodiversity: Major tree species are Depteocarpus indicus, Palanquium ellipticum, Calophyllum polyanthum, Vernonia arborea,
Mesua Ferrea, Hopea parviflora, persea macrantha, Artocarpus hirsute, Lagerstroemia microcarpa, Cinnamomum
zeylanicum, Tectona grandis, Dalbergia latifolia, Terminalia paniculata., T. bellerica,Grewiatiliacfolia, Ptcrocarpus
Marsupium etc.
The common animals found ar Elephant, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse deer, Bonnet macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Malabar giant squirrel,
Wild dog, Wild boar, porcupine, jackal, Indian Giant Squirrel etc.
Approach: By Road-Eranakulam-115 km.
Kottayam – 120
Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam (120kms)
Nearest Airport: Nedumbassery (120kms)
Accommodation: IB, Vellappara (6beds), Dormitory, Vellappara (50beds)
IB at Vazhathopu owned by Kerala State Electricity Board
