Idukki emerging as major cemetery tourism destination

Discover historic British cemeteries in Idukki, Kerala, fueling a rising trend in cemetery tourism with plans for enhanced visitor facilities.

The British-era cemeteries nestled in the high ranges of Idukki are fuelling a rising trend in cemetery tourism here. With increasing interest in these historic sites, the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) is now planning to incorporate them into the district’s heritage tourism circuit.

The Gothic-style St. George St. George CSI Church in Pallikkunnu and the CSI Christ Church in Old Munnar-- both home to historic British cemeteries --are emerging as major cemetery tourism destinations in the region.

The British cemetery at Pallikkunnu, near Peerumade, is one of India’s oldest European burial grounds. According to Pallikkunnu CSI Church vicar Fr. Liju Abraham, the cemetery is the final resting place of John Daniel Munro, a pivotal figure in the development of Munnar and Peerumade’s tea plantations, who passed away in 1895.

“A unique feature of the cemetery is the tomb of Downy, a white horse that belonged to Munro, located near his own grave. The tomb of two four-month-old infants also draws significant attention from visitors,” says Fr. Abraham.

He adds that the descendants of those buried at the site still visit, tracing their lineage through records maintained by the Pallikkunnu CSI Church. “We plan to enhance visitor facilities at the British cemetery to attract more tourists,” he says.

CSI East Kerala Diocese public relations officer (PRO) Viju P. Chacko too highlights the site’s increasing popularity not only as a historical landmark, but also as a filming location.

“The church and cemetery have become key points of interest for grave tourism in Idukki. The historical depth and serene ambience of Pallikkunnu make it a sought-after destination,” says Mr. Chacko.