Idduki: A Family-Friendly 2-Day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Hill Stations and Wildlife Sanctuaries
   Estimated Travel Time: 3 hours
   Recommended Start Time: 9:00am
   Estimated Travel Distance: 80 km
   • Idukki Arch Dam (1 hour) - Start the day by visiting the Idukki Arch Dam, one of the highest arch dams in Asia and a symbol of the engineering marvels of the state. Enjoy the scenic views of the mountains and the reservoir, which are sure to mesmerize you and your family.
   • Kalvari Mount (1 hour) - Next, visit the Kalvari Mount, a popular pilgrimage site in the region. Take a stroll around the serene surroundings and visit the church, which is perched atop a hill, and enjoy the panoramic view of the Idduki Reservoir.
   • Cheruthoni Dam (1 hour) - Afterward, drive down to the Cheruthoni Dam, another concrete gravity dam, located near the famous Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary. Enjoy the scenic views and take plenty of pictures with your family.
   • Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary (2 hours) - End the day by taking a nature walk at the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area of forest, grassland, and an artificial lake that houses a wide variety of flora and fauna, including several endangered species.
2. Day 2: Spice Plantations and Waterfall Treks
   Estimated Travel Time: 4 hours
   Recommended Start Time: 9:00am
   Estimated Travel Distance:100 km
   • Munnar Tea Plantations (3 hours) - Start the day by driving down to the picturesque Munnar Tea Plantations, where you can take a stroll around the verdant tea gardens, take in the aroma of the tea, and interact with the tea pickers. Also, visit a tea factory to learn more about the tea-making process.
   • Valara Waterfall (1 hour) - Next, head to the Valara Waterfall, a majestic waterfall located on the way to Marayoor. Take a dip in the refreshing waters of the falls, surrounded by lush green forest, and click some memorable pictures.
   • Marayoor Sandalwood Forests (2 hours) - Walk through the sandalwood forests of Marayoor, a small village with vast sandalwood forests on the western slopes of the Western Ghats. It is an excellent place to venture on a nature trail and learn about the flora and fauna.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Idukki Arch Dam (1 hour, INR 20 per person)
• Kalvari Mount (1 hour, Free)
• Cheruthoni Dam (1 hour, INR 10 per person)
• Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary (2 hours, INR 250 per person)
• Munnar Tea Plantations (3 hours, INR 500 per person)
• Valara Waterfall (1 hour, Free)
• Marayoor Sandalwood Forests (2 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 880 per person (excluding food and accommodation)

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can explore more of Munnar's scenic spots, such as Eravikulam National Park, where the endangered Nilgiri tahr can be found, or the Kundala Lake, surrounded by lush tropical forests.

If you have less time, you can skip the Marayoor Sandalwood Forests and Valara Waterfalls, but it's recommended not to miss the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary.