Iddukki
History:Idukki district was formed on 26th January, 1972 carving out Devikulam, Peerumede, and Udumbanchola Taluks from Kottayam District and Thodupuzha Taluk from Ernakulum District. It extends 115 km from south to North and 67 Km from East to West.
For the purpose of making revenue administration smoother, the district was sub-divided into four Taluks wiz. Devikulam, Peermedu, Udumbanchola and Thodupuzha. However for the purpose of developmental activities, it was divided into eight blocks- Arudai, Devikulam, Elamdesom, Idukki, Kattappana, Adimali, Nedumkandom and Thodupuzha.
It is believed that name Sabarimala, where the temple of Lord Ayyappa is situated, has been derived from Shabari Ashram located at Shabari Peedom here. It is also believed that Idukki district, with its beautiful undulating hills, valleys and perennial rivers, had probably served as a recluse for the spiritual seekers of ancient India.
There is no authentic information to throw light on ancient history of Idukki District. However there is evidence of stone-age civilization, as stone- age dolmens were discovered in the valleys of Anchanad in Devikulam Taluk. Some archeological excavations made during 1947-1948 at Kallar Pattam colony in Udumbanchola Taluk and at Vandiperiyar in Peermedu Taluk brought to light remains of menhir and tombs belonging to stone-age civilization.
Karikkode near Thodupuzha was the headquarters of Vadakkumkoor Raja. Karikkode has remains of a Fort and close to it is also a Devi Temple belonging to the time of Vadakkumkoor Raja. Another temple called Annamala Temple built in Chola Style is also situated here. The Ninnar Mosque near Karikkode belongs to the time of Vadakkumkoor Raja and it was specially built for his Muslim Soldiers.
According to historians Kuzhmoor, the capital of Chera Kings of the Sangam age, is the Kumily in Peerumedu Taluk. Some portions of Meenachil Taluk and the whole of high range are believed to have been included in the Thanthuzhynad under the Kulasekhara Empire (AD 800-1102).These regions were under Thekkumkoor Kingdom for some time. Vennimala, one of the capitals of the Thekkumkoor Raja, was in Idukki District. Poonjar Kingdom was established by Manavikarma Kulasekhara Perumal. Manaviraman 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 Poonjar Raja.Geo-graphical set-up, Flora & Fauna & Important Locations:
The district name ‘Idukki’ is believed to have been derived from Malayalam ‘Idukku’, which means a narrow gorge. The perennial river Periyar flows through this narrow gorge between two granite hills viz. like the legendary Kuruvan and Kurathi.
The Idukki district is bounded by Kottayam and Pathanamthitta on the South, Thrissur and Coimbatore on the North, Madurai, Ramanad and Thirunelveli on the East and Ernamkulam and Kottayam on the West.
Idukki has a large population of tribals. The main tribals have are Muthuvan, Malayarayan, Mannan, Paliyan, Urali, Ulladan, Malavedan and Malampandaram. The customs and beliefs of these tribal people and their ethos are quite unique as they differ from others. The medicines and treatment methods of the tribals are also very advanced and capable of challenging even the modern medicines!
Idukki ranks as one of the most picturesque districts of Kerala. Beautiful high mountain ranges and thickly wooded green valleys, girded by three enchanting rivers-Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzha with its tributaries, makes this district one of the most sought- after tourist destinations in the world.
Idukki is known for its abundant variety of flora and fauna. Different varieties of vegitables and spices including cardamom, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, clove and nutmeg etc, are extensively cultivated in this district. The district is also famous in India for tea plantations, spread over a vast area.
Idukki is home to some of the finest and world famous forest ranges and wildlife sanctuaries like Periyar wildlife sanctuary and Chinnar sanctuary etc. There is also famous Eravikulam National Park to protect the endangered wild spices.Places Of Sight Seeing
Munnar is situated 1600m above sea level and at the confluence of three streams starting from mountain ranges. Munnar is one of the most popular hill stations of Kerala. Also known as tea town with unending stretches of tea plantations spread over miles of the lofty mountain slopes of western Ghats. This place was once a summer resort of the erst while British Govt. in South India. Munnar has a picturesque landscape with lofty hillocks, valleys, ravines, misty peaks, serene atmosphere and ambience and pleasant climate. The “Neelakurinji’’ a special flowering plant, which will bloom once in every twelve years, can be found in the exotic flora of Munnar. The flowers of “Neelakurinji’’ are very bright blue in color. It is here, the highest peak of south India, ‘Anamudi’ towering to a height over 2695m, is situated.
13kms. away from Munnar, Mattupetty is situated at a height of 1700m. Mattpetty is known for its highly developed dairy farm run under the Indo-swiss Livestock Project. Over a 100 varieties of livestock are reared at this dairy farm. Visitors are allowed to visit this farm at nominal entry fee. Mattupetty has also a surrounding Lake and dam for the tourists to see. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and Kundala Lake are other tourist attractions in Mattupetty. Speed launch and motor boats are available on hire at Mattpetty for boating cruise.
The rarest plant Nilakurinji ( Storobilanthus ) is grown in this region. The specialty of this plant is that it blooms only in every 12 years and at that time the hill slopes would look as if bathed in bright blue, matching the color of its flowers. From this hill top station, the neighbouring State of Tamilnadu offers a panoramic view to the viewer.
These two water falls are located between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi Madurai National highway. Cheeyappara Water falls cascading down in seven steps, is a sumptuous feast for the eyes. This place is also preferred by the tourists for trekking. Pilgrim Centers
The Munnar CSI Christ Church has a unique historical background connected with a Cemetery in its premises. In this cemetery, Mrs. Eleanor Kinght, wife of it H.M. Kinght, the General Manager of the plantation, was burried in 1894. After this, some other British people were also burried in this cemetery. Later, this place was officially presented by the Kinght as a burial ground. Accordingly, its formal consecration was done by Rt. Rev. Neol Hodges on Easter day on April 15 1900. The foundation of the church was laid in March, 1910 by Sir. A. K. Muir. In the following year 1911, again on a Easter day on April 16, 1911, it was dedicated by Re. W.F.B. Hoysted in his official capacity as Chaplain at that time. When the British left the high range in the year 1981, this Church was handed over by them to CSI Diocese of North Kerala. Till then, both the British as well as the Indians worshipped in this Church at different times. Presently it is the headquarters of CSI Munnar Pastorate, having nearly 1000 Tamil families and 18 outstation Churches in its fold.
Mangala Devi Temple is an ancient place of worship. 15 kms away from Thekkady, this temple is nestled among the dense woods and on the top of peak of 1337m above sea level. Built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture, this temple is a tourist attraction. However, the visitors are allowed to visit this temple only on Chitra Pournami Festival day. The peak, on which the temple is situated, commands an imposing and panoramic view on the eastern slopes of Ghats.The annual festival of this temple lasting six days commences with ceremonial hoisting of the temple flag (Kodiyettam).
The processions with traditionally decorated elephants taken out on the last two days of the festival are colourful and worth watching. Art form like “Ottamthullal’’ conducted on the occasion enliven the festival mood.
The traditional Thookkam, is also conducted.
