On 26 January 1972, Idukki was created by dividing Kottayam district into two parts. Its division previously had headquarters in Kottayam City, but relocated to Painavu in June 1976. The district of Idukki lies within Kerala's Western Ghats. Though it is considered the region's second-largest district, it has the lowest population density among Kerala districts. it is also called "Spice Garden of Kerala".
culture: Culture at Idukki is mixed, as it is made up of migrants from other parts of Kerala and local tribals. Idukki District is unique to the presence of a large number of tribal groups. Kovilmala, near Kattappana in Idukki, is home to one of India's still ruling tribal kings, Kovilmala Raja Mannan. Kovilmala is the headquarters of the Mannan community which preserves certain customs, traditions and forms of governance, making it a unique tribal unit. The governing structure here is a parliamentary-monarchy in which the people elect a king to rule.
culture: Culture at Idukki is mixed, as it is made up of migrants from other parts of Kerala and local tribals. Idukki District is unique to the presence of a large number of tribal groups. Kovilmala, near Kattappana in Idukki, is home to one of India's still ruling tribal kings, Kovilmala Raja Mannan. Kovilmala is the headquarters of the Mannan community which preserves certain customs, traditions and forms of governance, making it a unique tribal unit. The governing structure here is a parliamentary-monarchy in which the people elect a king to rule.