Tourist Places Attractions in Kuttikkanam, Idukki , Kerala, India
Kuttikkanam is a village located on the Indian sub-continent of the district of Idukki in the state of Kerala. The coordinates of Kuttikkanam are 9034’42” N and 76058’22” E. The district is spans over an area of 125 cents. Kuttikkanam is 1024 meters above sea level. During the summer season the temperature ranges from 220 C to 400 C and in winter season the temperature ranges from 200 C to 330 C. The district is one of the most favored destinations, in the state of Kerala, among the tourists.
The month from October to February is the most preferred time to travel to Kuttikkanam.
History of Kuttikkanam
The region was administered by Changanacherry rulers in the 16th century. During the year 1756 the Travancore ruler defeated the kings of Changanacherry. The Travancore ruler administered Kuttikkanam and other places of Kerala. When European settlers reached the shores of Kerala they began to explore the region. Some of them began plantation in most of the hill station areas. One such European was Henry Baker. He along with Sri Moolam Thirunal opened a coffee estate in Kuttikkanam which later changed to tea estate.
The Travancore royals constructed their summer palace in Kuttikkanam. When the British ruled Kuttikkanam they brought with them a workforce which comprised of men from other parts of the state of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The generations of these workers later settled down in Kuttikkanam after the end of British Raj.
People & Culture at Kuttikkanam
Kuttikkanam offers a rich and diverse culture, with people from all caste, religion and sect residing throughout the place. Malayalam, Hindi and English are the languages spoken by the people in and around Kuttikkanam, with Malayalam being the local language.
Every year festivals such as Ratha Sapthami, Sri Krishna Janmasthami, Diwali, Onam etc., are celebrated in a grand way throughout Kuttikkanam district.
Agriculture is one of the main occupations of the locals residing in and around Kuttikkanam.
Food and Shopping in Kuttikkanam
Restaurants in Kuttikkanam cater customers with a variety of cuisines in which spices are utilized. There are many shopping centers around the district Idukki. Names of shopping centers are mentioned below
- Mall of Mysore
- Mariyil Shopping Complex
- Joy Vettukattil Shopping Complex
- Al Shifa Complex
- Triveni Shopping Complex
Tourist Places in and near Kuttikkanam
Since it is located near to Thekkady hill station there are plenty of natural locations with amazing landscapes of interest in and around Kuttikkanam. Some of these are mentioned below
- Peeru Hills
Peeru hill is a hill station in Kuttikkanam and is most favored spot among picnickers.
- Grampi(also known as Parunthupara)
This is a rock structure towering at a height of about 151 feet.
- Baker Hills
This hill has a peaceful and serene ambience with lush greenery plantations spread across acres.
- Panchalimedu
Filled with pine forests and fresh air, Panchalimedu happens to be a trekker’s delight.
- Valanjanganam Waterfalls
Covered among mist this waterfalls is the main natural beauty of Kuttikkanam. The height of the falls is 76 feet.
Other places of interest in Kuttikkanam are
- Nallathanni Viewpoint
- Artificial Forest
- Thottapura (Thrisangu Hills)
- Azhutha Diversion Project
- Nallathanni Viewpoint
Means of Commutation to Kuttikkanam
Kuttikkanam is well connected with the rest of the places in India through roadways, railways and airway. The distance of Kuttikkanam by road from cities within Kerala and other cities in neighboring states are mentioned below
- Bangalore is located at a distance of 580 km
- Chennai is located at a distance of 623 km
- Trivandrum is located at a distance of 170 km
- Coimbatore is located at a distance of 266 km
There are plenty of buses both, state as well as private run, available from neighboring states to reach Kuttikkanam. To commute to places within the city one can make use of auto rickshaw or public bus facility.
Kottayam railway station is located at a distance of 71 km from Kuttikkanam. There are plenty of intercity trains and trains from various cities of India available on a daily basis to reach Kottayam.
There is no airport in Kuttikkanam and the closest airport is the Kochi International airport which is located at a distance of 121 km.
Accommodation Options at Kuttikkanam
Being one of the most cherished tourist places in Kerala state, tourists throng the place in large numbers. Accommodations such as three star and four hotels at Kuttikkanam have excellent facilities and rooms are rented out with an initial price of Rs. 3000/-. There are also hotels at Kuttikkanam renting room on daily basis with tariffs starting at Rs. 500/-. Some names of hotels in Kuttikkanam are
- Medows Holiday
- Wood Palace Resort
- Lake and Paddy Resort
- Dewalokam Resort
- Hotel C7
- The Pamba Heritage Villa
- Glenmore Resorts
- Regal Mansion
- Dream Nest Heritage Home
- Chamundi Hill Palace Ayurvedic Resort
- Periyar Villa Home Stay
- Cardamon County
- Woodlands Prime Castle
- Al-Fajar Home Stay
- Pepper County Home Stay