The name 'Idukki' is supposedly derived from the Malayalam word `idukku', which means a narrow gorge. A landlocked district, Idukki is located at 2200 m above sea level. The sacred river Pamba, originates from the Idukki mountain ranges. 3 rivers; Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhyar - and their tributaries also gently make their way through the high wooded mountain ranges, dotted with pepper and cardamom estates. The Idukki Arch Dam is worth a visit; this is the world's second and Asia's first arch dam, constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills, 550 ft high and 650 ft wide. The dam lies close to the Cheruthorathi barrage and to the west is the Kulamavu dam.