Cheruthony & Idukki

I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in. Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.

Cheruthony & Idukki

Cheruthony is the major town near Painavu, which is the head quarters of Idukki district. This calm and peaceful small town is situated on the banks of Cheruthony River, a major tributary of the Periyar River, the second longest river in Kerala state, South India. The town is known for its pristine, virgin locales, home to Cheruthony & Idukki dams which powers the state. it is a small little town nestled adjacent to the famous Idukki arch dam and Cheruthony dam. This picturesque and serene town is an untapped tourist destination.Must visit places in Cheruthony are microwave view point, Calvary mount, hill view park,Anchuruli water falls. The drive from Kulamav dam to Cheruthony is through a reserved forest strip with 12 hairpin bends. It's a dream drive for travel enthusiasts.
Nearest airport is Kochi international airport which is 94 Kms away and nearest railway is Kottayam which is around 102 Kms from Cheruthony.
Munnar is just 40 minutes drive from Cheruthony.

Idukki district is the second largest district in area but has the lowest population density. It is the lungs of Kerala as it has a vast forest reserve area; more than a half of the district is covered by forests. Idukki is also known as the spice garden of Kerala as the district produces exotic spice such as cardomam, black pepper etc. Many doesnt know that there exisits a place called "Idukki" in Idukki district. It is a small town nestled under the mighty Idukki arch dam, which is a double curvature arch dam constructed across the Periyar River in a narrow gorge between two granite hills Kuravan and Kuravathi in Kerala, India. At 167.68 metres, it is one of the highest arch dams in Asia.

Idukki town is just 4 minutes(2.1 kms) away from the main town Cheruthony. The tea gardens of Munnar & Periyar Wild reserve of Thekkady is just 52 & 51 kilometers away respectively.

Pre Planning:

Not much planning is required to visit this place as it is well connected by road. However, dam visits are only allowed on weekends and public holidays.

Stay

How to Reach

By Road: Nearest major city is Kochi which is just 120 kms away.
By Rail: 102 kms from Kottayam railway station and 104 kms from Ernakulam Junction
By Air: 94 Kms from Kochi international airport.

Other Info

Elevation: 2300 ft above MSL.
Weather: 22°C to 26°C
Coordinates: 9°46′25″N 77°2′07″E

Trivia

The much critically acclaimed malayalam movie "Vyshali" was entirely shot in and around Cheruthony & its surroundings. "Vyshali Cave" got its name from this movie.

Updated on 29th May, 2022

Explore Idukki packages

Book a package now!

Know More

Things to Do

Trek to a mountain

Trek to the famous Vyshali Rock or to the mountain overseeing the majestic Cheruthony Dam
Off-road to a deep forest

Off road to the nearest deep jungle or to the Microwave hills. Watch nature up close and intimate.
Cook & Dine with a native family

Explore the local market with a local family and shop for cooking meat, fish & veggies. Learn how the dishes are made and relish the food with the family.
Explore a Cave

While visiting Cheruthony Dam, explore "Vyshali" cave and view the dam from a different angle.
De-husk a Coconut

Visit a native familiy farm in Cheruthony and try dehusking a cocunut all by yourself!
Explore a Dam

Get stunned by visiting the Cheruthony & Idukki Dam after your boat cruise in Cheruthony dam
Take a Boat Cruise

Enjoy the fresh air and view upclose Cheruhtony & Idukki dam while you cruise on a boat. Throughout the journey, the accompanying forest department guide will detail you the origins, important dates and information which will puzzle you.
Grab a Crab

Learn the art of catching crab by using sardines as a bait.
Village Walk

Walk through the narrow lanes and learn how people live and their culture, explore cultivated hills and learn a thing or two about spices!
Visit a Historic Tomb

Light a lamp at Kolumban's Samadhi where his mortal remains rests, the tribal person who showed the location for Idukki Arch Dam to the English Engineers. This monument is built to commemorate him, who gave the idea to implement Idukki Hydro Electric Project and other primary vital information to the authorities.

Cheruthony & Idukki