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The quiet district headquarters of Idukki, offering access to the Idukki Dam, Cheruthoni Dam, and the lush Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary.
Painavu serves as the administrative headquarters of the Idukki district in Kerala. Situated at an elevation of about 750 meters, this small town is enveloped by dense green forests and is located on the edge of the vast Idukki reservoir. Unlike commercial tourist destinations, Painavu has a quiet, functional atmosphere. Its primary appeal to visitors is its strategic location, acting as a gateway to some of the region's most significant sites. From here, you can easily access the monumental Idukki Arch Dam, the Cheruthoni Dam, and the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary.
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Painavu P.O, Idukki District, Kerala 685603, Painavu, Idukki, Kerala, India
Air
Cochin International Airport (COK) is the nearest airport, located about 110 km away. It takes approximately 3-4 hours to reach Painavu by taxi from the airport.
Train
The nearest major railway stations are Aluva (AWY), about 110 km away, and Kottayam (KTYM), about 115 km away. From either station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Idukki.
Road
Painavu is well-connected by a network of state highways. It is accessible by road from major cities in Kerala. The journey involves driving through winding ghat roads, offering scenic views. KSRTC and private buses operate regular services from nearby towns.
Local Transport
Local transport primarily consists of auto-rickshaws and jeeps, which are ideal for navigating the hilly terrain. State-run KSRTC buses connect Painavu to other parts of the Idukki district.
Nearby restaurants near Painavu
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