‘Kolumban’ lures tourists for a mythical journey

The Forest Department launched a boat, named after the tribal leader Kolumban, on the Idukki reservoir last December.

The Idukki dam is receiving more tourists, thanks to the boating facility launched by the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary.

There is an interesting myth about the origin of the dam. A tribal couple, Kuravan and Kurathi, had turned into two hills following a curse by Lord Rama. When they pleaded that they be not separated, the Lord graced them.

The Periyar flowed quietly in between the hills, and tribespeople believe that the Idukki arch dam, connecting the Kuravan and Kurathi hills, is the fulfilment of the promise given by Rama to the couple.

However, it is history that a local tribal leader named Kolumban was instrumental in building the dam. It was Kolumban who showed the spot between the two hills to the officials who later prepared a report for constructing the dam. If you are keen, this and many myths and stories may unravel before you while on a journey through the reservoir. ‘Kolumban’ is the name of the boat that takes one to the beauty of the reservoir and the sanctuary. After the Forest Department launched the boat, there was a steady increase in the number of visitors.

“There was a steady flow of tourists since the boating started in December last year,” said a staffer. According to him, more tourists come on weekends when the Cheruthoni and Idukki dams are opened by the KSEB for the public. The 20-seater boat will carry the visitors close to the two dams and, if lucky, wild elephants, sambar deer, and other animals could be sighted in the sanctuary.

Work on garden

The department has started the work on a garden and resting place at the boat landing station. The department plans to make it a major destination without disturbing the environment and wildlife.