Painavu, at an altitude of 3,900 ft above sea level, is the headquarters of
Idukki District and is 100 km east of
Kochi.
Surrounded by pristine forests and green hills, Painavu has ample scope for trekking. The reservoir formed by the construction of the Idukki Arch Dam and the dams at Cheruthoni and Kulamavu offers magnificent sight. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary at Kuyilimala and Hill View Park are nearby. Boats are available from here for cruises between Cheruthoni and Kulamavu.
In winter and rainy seasons elephants can be spotted moving on the roads. Kallarkutty Dam, Nadukani, Kalliyanathandu, Thommankuthu and Kalvari Mount are the places of interest.
Cheruthoni, the junction where Thodupuzha–Kumily road intersect with Adimali–Kattappana road, is only 5 km from Painavu.
The nearest railway stations are at Kottayam and Ernakulam. Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport.
