Jeep safari in Kerala's Idukki restarts; Here are the routes

Jeep safaris and off–road trips, which were banned in Kerala's Idukki for a while in spots except Kolukkumalai, have been re-launched. It will begin in various places in phases. Nine routes are reopened in the first phase. The off–road routes could be operated only by strictly following the safety guidelines and directives of the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS). These are the routes in the first phase:

Parunthumpara – Sathram route
This is around 60 kilometres from Kumily – Vallakadavu. The thrilling ride through the muddy and rocky paths also offers scintillating views of the pristine forest.
Pambanar – Mlamala – Uppupara belt
Mlamala is 12 kilometres from Pamabanar. The mesmerising charm of the waterfall, verdant tea estates, and the towering mountains can be enjoyed on this trip. More details of the route would be revealed after discussions with the panchayat.

Kuttikanam – Madammakulam
The off–road route, which is approximately 75 kilometres long, features a waterfall, tea estates, and a ride through lush meadows.
Elappara – Kappakanam – Uluppooni – Chakkimali – Vellaramkallu
The 31-kilometre route extends up to the Idukki reservoir. This off–road route that had been a location of many super hit movies is one of the most popular adventure routes in Kerala.

Vagamon (Elappara) – Ottamarampara viewpoint
The 15-kilometre-long ride through the tea estates, beautiful hillocks and rocky structures is truly exhilarating.
Vagamon – Kallattupara waterfall
The 13-kilometre-long off-road trip to the waterfall is not for the faint-hearted.

Munnar – Ponmudi – Nadukani – Munnar Loop
The trip begins in Munnar and proceeds to Anachal, followed by a ride in the vicinity of the Ponmudi dam. The Nadukani viewpoint is just three kilometres from the dam top. From here, you could travel to the Ripple waterfall. The return trip to Munnar is around 30 kilometres.
Mankulam – Perumbankuthu – Anakulam – Aram Mile hanging bridge – 33 waterfall – Viripara
Perumbankuthu waterfall is three kilometres from Mankulam, while Anakulam is five kilometres away. If you're lucky, you might spot herds of wild elephants drinking water from the pond. The Aram Mile hanging bridge is five kilometres from here, and the 33 Waterfall is three kilometres away. You could head to Viripara waterfall after returning to Mankulam, which is nine kilometres away.

Online booking
Online bookings could be made to enjoy an off-road jeep safari in the district. The district tourism promotion council has initiated the first step in launching online booking facilities. The website will be fully functional once the off–road routes are finalised. The authorities plan to follow the model implemented by the forest department in Eravikulam and Thekkady.

Kolukkumala model
Jeep safaris to Kolukkumala have been organised jointly by the Motor Vehicle Department, DTPC, police, and panchayat, strictly following safety guidelines. Meanwhile, the authorities plan to implement this model throughout the district. More than 200 jeeps run services from Suryanelli to Kolukkumala.

The service starts at 4 am on holidays and at 4.30 am on regular days. Tickets are sold until 5 pm. Only up to six passengers are allowed in a jeep. The DTPC official manning the ticket counter issues tickets only after the jeep drivers undergo a breathalyser test. Kolukkumala is nine kilometres from Suryanelli. The entry fee to visit the tallest tea factory in the world, located in the Tamil Nadu side of Kolukkamala, is Rs 100 per head.
Phone number for DTPC ticket counter inquiries – 04868 243356.