INDIALINE
Complete India Travel Guide

Idukki Essential Information

Idukki Arch Dam Idukki - Kerala

Idukki History

The name 'Idukki' is supposedly derived from the word, idukku which means a narrow gorge. This very well could be the origin of the name since narrow gorges can be very easily spotted in this hilly region of Kerala.

As for the history of Idukki is concerned, there is very genuine information available. Discovery of Stone Age dolmen indicate at an existence of a civilization at that point of time. Close to Thodupuzha is Karikode which is believed to be the headquarters of the Vadakkumkoor Raja. A fort in Karikode and a mosque near it was built by the Vadakkumkoor Raja. There is also a temple built in Chola style and a 13th church (in Thodupuzha). Evidence also suggest that Thodupuzzha was a thriving business centre of Idukki from where ivory, teak, rosewood, sandalwood, peacock etc., were exported to foreign countries.

Kuzhumoor, the capital of the erstwhile Chera kings in Sangam Age, according to historian is the present Kumliy. Later, Poonjar Kingdom established itself in Idukki and brought under it a major portion of the district.

Post independence, Idukki became a part of the Kerala state in 1956. And the district of Idukki itself came into existence in the year 1972 when Devikulam, Peerumedu and Udumbanchola taluks were carved out from Kottayam district and Thodupuzha taluk from Eranakulam district.

Getting There

By Air

The closest airport for Idukki is Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery which is at a distance of 55 km. Flights from here connect daily to Trivandrum, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Delhi, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Mumbai, Chennai and Colombo. Flights also operate six days a week to Agatti, thrice a week to Coimbatore and twice to Goa. Prepaid taxis are available outside the airport that will take you to the desired destination in Kerala.

By Rail

Nearest Railway Station from Idukki is in Ernakulam. Ernakulam is connected daily to Mumbai by Netravati and Mangla Lakshwadeep Express Trains. Ernakulam is also connected to Delhi (apart from Mangla Lakshwadeep Express) by a biweekly Trivandrum Rajdhani. Other train connections from Ernakulam include Kanyakumari and Ernakulam Express (to Bangalore), Trivandrum Mail, Madras Guruvayur and Allepey Expresss are all daily link to Chennai. Trains to Kolkata are few. There is one Howrah Trivandrum Express.

By Road

Idukki is well connected to other places by road. The KSRTC Bus Stand arrives from and depart to Kottayam and Ernakulam every 15 minutes.