Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most protected places in the Idukki district of Kerala's beautiful Western Ghats. The Sanctuary shows abundant biodiversity, beauty, and serenity, which are extremely important to the conservation of flora and fauna that exist here. It covers an area of almost 77 square kilometres. Its elevation ranges between nearly 450 to 750 meters above sea level. It attracts nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and , at large , adventurers  due to its presence of Idukki Dam one of Asia's largest arch dams- and Cheruthoni Dam and has many other attractions such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries; in this regard, this place is very much vital for helping maintain this region in its ecological balance, falling into the Biodiversity Hot Spot that it forms part of- The Western Ghats. 

This wildlife sanctuary was declared in 1976 by the Kerala State Government to protect the flora and fauna of the region. The area comes over the Idukki, Munnar, and Peermade areas where the Periyar and Muthirapuzha rivers merge. The peculiarity of this location is such that it lies near the Idukki Dam and Cheruthoni Dam,  therefore  bringing it into the entire ecosystem surrounding the region. The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the much larger Periyar Tiger Reserve area set apart for tigers and other endangered species. This Sanctuary is critical in biodiversity conservation as the Western Ghats have already been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Wildlife Sanctuary is filled with both flora and fauna, playing crucial ecological roles in maintaining the balance in the Western Ghats. The  diversified  tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, and montane forests make a paradise for flora as well as fauna.

The flower of this Sanctuary includes varied trees, shrubs, and plants. Forests are essentially dense teak, rosewood, jackfruit, ebony, cinnamon, and diverse bamboo species. Besides these, a variety of medicinal plants abound here, most of which are endemic to the region. Shola forests occur at higher altitudes. These are mountain grasslands with patches of dense vegetation spread throughout. Apart from beautifying the species of orchids, ferns, and shrubs of the region, it has some numbers of species of rare nature. The good vegetation accommodates many species; therefore, this Sanctuary is also somehow vital as a conservation region. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary accommodates a variety of fauna, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. 

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Here, the prime attraction is the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a house for  wildlife safaris. The better alternative to visit the Sanctuary would be a jeep safari or nature walk. There are different kinds of deer and several others, including elephants, tigers, leopards, etc. Several treks inside the Sanctuary can be accessed through which people can get a deep view of the flora and fauna. 

• Trekking trails: The park had trekking trails along it through which visitors could easily tread deeper forests, grassland, mountain ridges, and in the course of the popular trekking routes, hilltop view of the whole surrounding areas along with dam and forest, etc. 

• Boating: Boating is available at Idukki Dam as well as Cheruthoni Dam, and boating will be allowed in both of these dams. The boat rides have little scope to see wild animals from the water body as many animals come down to drink at the edge of these reservoirs. Still, waters and greenery all around make for a perfect setting for a peaceful boat ride. 

• Bird Watching: The sanctuaries are a haven for the bird-watchers. Some species are there to be seen but are not very commonly available. There might be a Malabar Hornbill or a Nilgiri Wood Pigeon. It's home to many migratory birds passing through to an overstop. The best time for spotting the birds is in the mornings and evenings. 

Nearby Attractions: 

1. Idukki Dam: Idukki Dam is also one of the most beautiful arches in Asia and is nearly 10 kilometres from Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, built over the Periyar River. This happens to be one of the greatest views that reflect the beauty of the hills as well as the valley. 

2. Cheruthoni Dam: Cheruthoni Dam is another important dam of the Idukki district, and it is 12 km from this Sanctuary. It is one of the Idukki Hydro Electric Projects and is near the Idukki Reservoir. There are some good snaps and one more funny place this dam provides. 

3. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Approximately 50 km from Idukki, one of the most acclaimed wildlife parks in the state, lies Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady, which has some elephants and boat rides on Periyar Lake. There are supposed to be tigers and leopards, as well as plenty of birds. 

4. Vagamon: Vagamon is one of the hill stations that provide an atmosphere free from all your worries. It is located in an area of 30 km from the district of Idukki. The destination gained popularity due to the verdant meadow and coniferous forest with quite a cool climate, used for trekking, paragliding, and photography. The major attractions at this spot are Vagamon Pine Forest, Vagamon Lake, and Kurishumala Hills. 

5. Anakulam Elephant Camp: A very good place where elephant care is provided  is called Anakulam Elephant Camp, which is nearby. One can pay a visit to this place and utilize the human efforts provided in the form of saving those elephants. There is one wonderful place where one can stand upright and view them in baths, feeding them, or  doing other daily activities. And there's another jewel too: 

6. Sabarimala Temple: Sabarimala Temple is one of the country's most visited pilgrim centres. It is some 60 km from Idukki. This temple is one of Lord Ayyappa's  temples and attracts millions of devotees every year. Being a part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, it can only be reached on a pretty tough trek. 

7. Painavu: About 10 km from the Sanctuary, the Idukki district headquarters , the Painavu Scenic view of the hill and tea plantations can be seen from here. Trekking trails and viewpoints are available all over the district.  

8. Pattumala Church: Pattumala Church is a fantastic church located amidst plantations 15 km from Idukki. It is an excellent place for any person in need of peaceful surroundings with calmness at the back of tea estates and vistas. 

9. Murikkady: It is an estate region of spice plantations. Murikkady is very famous , just about 14 km from Idukki , due to the estates of coffee, cardamom, and pepper. One may even visit the spice gardens to view the landscape of mountains and forests. 

10. Thekkady: Thekkady is about 50 km from Idukki. They are famous also for their Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Lake. There are boat safaris, elephant safaris, and nature walks, and hence , it is a favourite destination for all those who love and enjoy wildlife and adventure. 

How to Reach: 

• By Air: The nearest airport is Kochi, which is about 120 km from here. You can even take a taxi or a bus from Kochi to Idukki. 

• By Train: The Nearest Railway Station in Kottayam is 85 km away . Taxi or bus service would be available from Kottayam to the Sanctuary. 

• By Road: Idukki is well connected through roads to all the big cities of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. One can take private transport and public transport from Kottayam, Kochi, or Thekkady to reach the Sanctuary. 

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