Hidden Beauty of Idukki: A Two-Day Journey Through Kerala’s High Ranges
We seldom recognize the value of the people and places close to us. This popular saying feels so apt when speaking about a district that once surprised even Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio with its indifferent, raw beauty. Idukki — tucked away in the Western Ghats of Kerala — is a land where forests outgrow human settlements, a region whose unique geography powers the entire state with electricity. Yet this treasure often goes unnoticed, even by Keralites themselves.
Sadly, neither Keralites, nor Indians, nor global travelers fully realize the hidden beauty that lies across this district. The tourism department too, seems less keen on changing the perception of domestic and international tourists. More visibility, more storytelling, and better promotion could easily make Idukki a star destination in the global tourism map.
A simple two-day trip across the high ranges — among hills wrapped in mist and forests breathing ancient silence — gave me a completely new perspective on how Kerala deserves to be viewed. No wonder it is called “God’s Own Country.” A heartfelt salute to the person who coined that phrase.
Exploring the waterfalls, forests, and hillscapes of Idukki — the underrated backbone of God’s Own Country
We left Kottayam one afternoon, and barely after entering the high-range zone, nature offered us its first preview. A narrow waterfall, almost as if placed intentionally beside the road, greeted us. Valanjanganam Waterfalls — also known as Ninnumullipara — near Kuttikanam, stands right on a curve where no traveler can miss it. Local authorities have arranged parking, and since the Kottayam–Kumily highway is a busy route used by interstate vehicles from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, the place stays lively.
Small tea shops line the roadside, serving steaming tea, coffee, and fresh snacks. We stepped out to enjoy the sight of the waterfall tumbling down, slipping under a tiny bridge, and continuing its journey to the other side. A barricade around the spot ensures the safety of visitors and vehicles, preventing people from wandering dangerously close to the fall. Even attempting to take a bath in the icy water felt adventurous in the biting cold. Hot tea and freshly fried vadas and banana fritters tasted divine in the freezing wind.
The highway we followed splits at Kuttikkanam — one route continues straight to Dindigul via Kumily as a National Highway, while the other branches towards Kattappana as a state road. The latter may not match the smoothness of the earlier stretch, but any true travel enthusiast would ignore such minor inconveniences. Nature reveals its best in this region, as if rewarding the traveler with untouched beauty. Vast stretches of coffee plantations appeared on both sides of the road like a green carpet laid out for miles. We stopped briefly to soak in the scenery — a place perfect for photo shoots, especially for newlyweds seeking a postcard-perfect backdrop.
Our final destination for the day was Kattappana, where all arrangements — food, accommodation, and even a campfire — had been lovingly prepared. It was a visit pending for many years to my niece’s home, and this time, the journey itself became just as memorable as the destination.
Discover more from NOTES FROM THE ROAD
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
