BEEYEM KAYAL @ PONNANI – UNSEEN BACKWATERS

Beeyem Kayal is a spread of backwaters near Ponnani town, where a boat race is conducted annually, during Onam celebrations. A permanent pavilion is built for the spectators and nearly a dozen country boats, including some rowed by women participate.

Ponnani is the only port in Malappuram district and one of the oldest ones in Kerala. A tidal port at the mouth of Bharathappuzha, Ponnani is an important fishing center. Ponnani is a town of mosques and Khabaristans popular as the ’Mecca of Kerala’. Though described as a place of 23a mosques, there are nearly more than 50 mosques. Malik Ibnu Dinar, the first Islamic missionary who cam to Kerala, was believed to have visited Ponnani. The Huma Ath mosque, the biggest mosque in the town was built by Sheikh Zainuddin Makhodum in the 16th Century. Zainuddin was proficient in Arabic and he wrote books. Zainuddin Makhodum-II was another scholar who wrote the early history of Kerala Muslims. The religions established by the Makhodum-I, is renounced all over the country.

Trikavu in Ponnani was one among the seats of the Zamorin, from where he controlled the trade and commerce. The famous Trikavu Durga temple here, clebrates Navarathri festival.Ten km southeast of Ponnani, is the legendary Mookuthala Bhagavathi Temple, one of the ancient Durga temples of Kerala. It is believed that Sankaracharya is associated with founding of the temple. The Karthika Mahotsavam, celebrated in Vrischikam (November-December) attracts thousands of devotees. The Mookkuthala stone, believed to be growing from below the idol every day, is considered sacred. Sukapuram temple near Edappal, is another important Hindu temple.


Facilities available:
At present DTPC - Malappuram is running boating facilities at Beeyem kayal. DTPC has got a pavilion, comfort station, boat shed and a few boats. A detailed plan for its development is in the offing.

How to reach:
Beeyem Kayal is quite close to Ponnani town. Ponnani is connected by road from Kuttipputam railway station. National Highway – 17 passes through this town, which is divided by the Canolly Canal, adding to its beauty. The place is also easily accessed from Chavakkad and Guruvayur – the temple town.

VALLIKKUNNU – SWAYING PALMS

Vallikunnu is located at Tirurangadi taluk at Malappuram district. Vallikunnu and nearby Kadalundi is known for its mangrove areas and estuary which is a splendid and spectacular feast to the eyes. This is an ideal place for the public to enjoy the leisure time in the lap of pristine green nature and to observe them in close vicinity. The mangrove vegetation in this area attracts a lot of researchers and other visitors. Boat cruises across the backwaters at Kottakkadavu are a major attraction. The Vallikkunnu azhimukham and beach amidst coconut groves are other major attractions. It is an abode of over sixty varieties of migratory birds, which flock in on the vast stretch of water during February-April and is a bird sanctuary. A 200 m hillock provides splendid view of the river mouth and the sea. The place abounds in fish, mussels and crabs. Pooram festival in the Niramkaitha Kotta Bhagavati temple near Vallikkunnu lasts for a week, attracting thousands.

Facilities available:
At present DTPC - Malappuram is running boating facilities at Vallikunnu. DTPC has got a pavilion, comfort station, and a few very old boats. Eventhough the facility is very less, hundreds of visitors both domestic and foreign tourists visits the place. A detailed project is under consideration for developing the spot.

How to reach:
Kadalundi Nagarm is situated in the north western border of Malappuram district, where the Kadalundi River flows into the Arabian Sea. The place is merely an hour ride away from the city of Calicut. It is 10 km north of Parappanangadi. The nearest railway station is a Vallikkunnu. The Calicut airport is only one and a half hour ride away.

ALAPRA – TRADTION AND TRANQUILITY

A little known hamlet, tucked away in the south east corner of Kottayam district, Alapra is located 45 km from Kottayam.

The serene forest, pretty cascades, small streams, rocks offering stunning views add symphony to this village. The unique feature of Alapra is the small temple in the forest. The Thacharickal Bhagavathi Temple is the only place in Kottayam district where the folk art of Padayani is performed.

Attractions here include:
►Padayani Festival at Alapra – Alapra is the only place in Kottayam district where padayani is performed. Padayani Festival here falls in the month of March / April.
►Ponthanpuzha Forest – Alapra is a scenic place with forests all around. There is 2500 acre forest called Pontanpuzha kutti vanam in the vicinity. This forest spreads over the districts of Kottayam and Pathanamthitta. The forest harbors deer, wild boar, fox, pythons, other small creatures and a variety of avifauna. There are nearly twenty small streams in the forest.
►Waterfalls – The forest has innumerable small and pretty cascades which are in full flow during the monsoon. The Sankhupatalam waterfall nearly 4 km from Alapra is the biggest of them there is also another major waterfall called Kalluvapuzha inside the forest.
►Oottupara View Point – The forest also has ancient oottupara, a big rock inside the forest. The rock can be reached by trekking from the temple for three km. it is believed that Lord Rama visited this place and conducted a feast for saints at this place during his exile. The rock top offers stunning views for miles round. Behind this oottupara, there is a similar smaller rock face also.
►Caves and muniyaras – The forest has many small caves, muniyaras and kallaras. There are three kallaras (burial place of pre historic men) near Poochapara and caves at Kanjirampara in the vicinity.
►Manimala River – River Manimala is an important water way of Central Travancore. Rising in the hills of Kottayam – Iddukki ranges, the river flows through the midland plains and joins with Pampa and drains into the mighty Vembanad Lake. Alapra is located near Manimala junction. The river offers a beautiful view at this spot and flows swiftly striking against the many rocks in the river.

How to reach:

Alapra is located 45 km from Kottayam. It is located 5 km from Manimala junction and 10 km from the well known pilgrim destination of Erumeli

KOOTICKAL – UNWINDING IN NATURE’S LAP

The majesty of the mountain ranges combined with the beauty of the forest and the artificial lake created by the check dam of the Manimala River makes the spot linger in your mind. Amruthameda, famous for medicinal plants is nearby. The British gave the name Kootickal from 'kutikul estate' in UK.

The waterfall at Vadakkemala near Kootickal is another attraction. The natural reservoirs and waterfalls at Melaruvithodu near Kanjirappalli is yet another charming picnic spot in the vicinity.

Kootickal is the base camp for paragliders gliding from Kolahalamedu located near Vagamon which also falls in Kootickal panchayath. The paragliders land here. A base camp cum facilitation centre is being constructed by the panchayath for this.

How to reach:

This quaint hamlet situated in the Western Ghats is located 5 km north of Mundakkayam in Kottayam district. Kootickal is located only 12 km from the pilgrim centre of Erumeli.

RAMAPURAM – NATURE vs CULTURE

Ramapuram has carved its own niche in the cultural history of Kerala. This small village was the birth place of Ramapurathu Warrier, the profounder of ‘Vanchippattu’. It was here where, Lalithambika Antharjanam, the renowned Malayalam novelist lived. Ramapuram also is blessed with its old church and its famous missionaries - Paramekkal Thoma Kathanar and Daivadasan Thevarparambil Kunjachan. The word ‘Ramapuram’ means ‘the abode of Lord Rama’. True to its name the village has its chief deity Lord Sreerama. Ramapuram is unique in the sense that it houses the temples of Rama as well as his three brothers in its vicinity in a radius of just three kms – Lord Bharata at Amanakara, Lakshmana at Kedapulam and Sathrughna at Methiri. Located 5 km from Ramapuram is the circular hill of Kurinji Koomban which has abundant caves. Nearby this hill is the Vellamneekkippara waterfall. There is a motorable road to its foothills and it is an adventurer’s paradise. Situated to the East of Kurinji Koomban is Kuruvankunnu, which has water available even in dry summers. The place is prone to avalanches in the monsoon. Another attraction nearby is Mayiladumpara, located in Nedumala where two huge rocks are spread over four to five acres in area. Parunthanmala is the highest point in the region called Kozhimala located 4 km West of Ramapuram through rubber estates. From its zenith one can even see up to Arabian Sea. Another attraction nearby Ramapuram is Fathimagiri that is lesser in height but is a serene place and is an excellent picnic spot. How to reach: Ramapuram is located 15 km from Pala town on the main road to Koothattukaulam in Kottayam District. The place is well connected by buses from neighboring places.

KALLARA – UNIQUE RURAL TOURISM IN THE MAKING

Kallara and the neighboring villages of Kaduthutruthi and Thalayolapparambu has unending stretches of lush green paddy fields crisscrossed by numerous canals that drain into the backwaters of Ezhumanthuruth and fall into the mighty Vembanad Lake. In ancient days, large barge like country boats transported goods from Alappuzha to Thalayolapparambu and Kaduthuruthi through these intricate networks of waterways. The waterways also connect Kallara with Vaikom to the north and to Kumarakom in the south. The village provides unending scenic vistas. Ancient temples and churches lies scattered here. The backwaters of Ezhumanthuruth have many attractive small islands in them. The unique attraction here is the concentration of screw pine product making in this little village. Locally called ‘tazha’ the screw pine plants grow in abundance on the side of canals and waterways. The shaft of this plant is plucked, cut and seasoned. These are later woven into an array of beautiful and colorful products. Screw pine products range from table mats, purse, file holders, mirrors, chapels, waste box, cushions, hats, kitchen pouches and decoration items. Kallara also produces bamboo products, rubber wood items and wood products. Very soon Kallara will be a model tourism village, where the tourists can experience the art and process of screw pine product development and other such rural products enjoying scenic vistas staying in good home stay units in the village. How to reach: Kallara is located about 25 km North West of Kottayam town. The place can be easily accessed by good village roads leading from Kottayam – Ernakulam Road. The place is also connected by road from the tourist hub of Kumarakom.

ITHIPUZHA – SERENE WATERS

As you travel from Vaikom to Ernakulam by road you pass three bridges in succession. As you look out, you are greeted by lush green scenery on either side. It is the River Muvattupuzha and its numerous branches that drain into the Vembanad Lake at this spot creating picture post card scenery all around. And this village is called Ithipuzha.

Here there is little tourism. There are a few houseboats, resorts and hence charming and serene waterways all round the village. The various distributaries of the river create numerous beautiful islands in its course. There are ten ‘turuths’ or islands varying from four to forty acres of which three have no habitation. Here there are endless stretches of coconut palms and vast green paddy fields. You can relax yourself on a country canoe ride – floating on the gentle ripples of the river and watching the fishermen carrying their catch in small canoes. In fact, the 2 km stretch between Murinjapuzha and Ithipuzha is called as ‘Amazon of Kerala’.

How to access:
Ithipuzha is located on the Ernakulam – Vaikom Main Road and hence easily accessible. It is only 30km from Ernakulam and is 40km from Kottayam. The place is also well connected with the tourist centre of Kumarakom.

PALLOM BACKWATERS

Pallom backwaters is located to the South of Kottayam town in Nattakom Village Panchayath. The setting here is typical Kerala rural with quiet villages escorted by scenic backwaters and vivid green all along. Migratory birds come seeking this verdant landscape every summer and frolic in the natural splendors till the end of the season. A boat ride in this river Kodoorar to Kumarakom via Pallom backwaters is a great way to relax and enjoy nature’s bounties.

Another unique feature here is the century old light house put up at this site in 1813 A.D by the British Resident of Travancore, Col. Munroe. Considered as a wonder of architecture, the light house still stands intact facing the placid backwaters providing an excellent view of the lush green paddy fields and swaying coconut palms.



How to access:
Pallom is located 5km down town Kottayam and is easily accessible from the Main Central Road. Thus Kottayam is the nearest rail head for accessing this site. The light house site is located on the confluence of the water routes from Kumarakom, Alappuzha and Kodimatha. The site can be accessed by boat from these destinations. By road, the site can be approached by turning from the Main Central Road near Travancore Cements and crossing the canal and walking through the canal side.

AYYAMPARA – ON THE ESCAPE ROUTE

Well layered rocky plains. The scenic view from atop spans hundreds of square kilometers around. Blissful summer sunsets – all these factors attract visitors to Ayyampara a rarely known beauty spot in the district of Kottayam. Nature has built here a granite stadium on 20 acres of flat rock 2000 feet above sea level. A number of nearby towns like Erattupetta and Pala are clearly visible from here and so are the hills of Vagamaon. Ayyampara also serves as the foot station for the adventurous climbers of Illikkal hill. The visitor will be wonderstruck by the red hot sun sinking into the Arabian Sea and the cool breeze doing wonders on his mind and body.

According to the legends, the five Pandava brothers stayed here during their exile. The name of the rock is said to be a modified version of Anchupara (five pillar rocks). There is an ancient Ayyappa Temple here which has four pillars which support a flat piece of rock that forms the roof. On one side of the rock is a small cave.

How to access:
Ayyampara is located about 13km from Erattupetta and 43km from Kottayam. Buses ply up to Thalanadu, about one km away from here. Ayyampara sits atop high plains.

ILLIKKAL MALA - A TOWERING SURPRISE

Located 6000ft above sea level, numerous mountain streams in this peak flow down to form the serene Meenachil River. The solitude, the tranquility, the gentle breeze and the star spangled sky here are all enchanting beyond words. Tourists have to trek up three km to reach the top of the hill. And if you so wish, you could even spend the night on the heights.

Three hills, each rising to 4000 ft and above, together form this huge hill. Each of the hills has a peculiar shape. One of them resembles a mushroom owing to which it gets its name Kuda kallu – umbrella shaped rock. It is said that the medicinal herb Neela Koduveli, which bathes the hill sides in blue, grows here. This flower is also believed to possess supernatural powers which could increase wealth and ensure a rich harvest.

The second hill has a small hunch on the sides and is therefore referred to as Koonu kallu – hunch back rock which is located 4000ft above sea level. Across this rock is a half feet wide bridge called Narakapalam or bridge to hell. From the hill tops the Arabian Sea can be seen in the distant horizon as a thin blue line. The sun set on a full moon day is sensational, when the moon can be seen rising up like another sun, as the orange sun goes down. The place can be accessed after the torrential monsoon season.

How to access:
Illikkal Mala can be reached by trekking from Talanadu or Ayyampara. The nearest town is Erattupetta from where one can easily access Pala and Kottayam and thence to all major cities in Kerala.

VENNIMALA – THE HILL OF VICTORY

Vennimala is a serene and beautiful place located in the Puthuppalli village panchayath of Kottayam district. Vennimala in ancient days was a dense forest. It is believed that Lord Rama and Lakshmana during their period of exile visited this hillside. At that time numerous sages meditated in the caves of Vennimala. Upon the request of the sages Lakshmana killed many demons that were a threat and nuisance to the sages. Thus the place came to be called ‘Vijayadri’ in Sanskrit. The name means ‘hill of victory’ as Lakshmana won the battle with demons. Vijayadri in Malayalam became Vennimala. A detailed description of this place appears in the famous Malayalam work ‘Aitihyamala’ by Kottarathil Sankunni. Vennimala in medieval ages was inhabited by tribal communities especially Malayarayars. Cheraman Perumal, the illustrated emperor of ancient Kerala consecrated this ancient temple here. He was taken to the beauty of this place and stayed here and built a palace. He earmarked the hill as a sacred and protected place. Sadly, the palace doesn’t remain today.

The temple has two ‘kodimarams’ symbolically dedicated to the two brothers. The temple celebrates 28 days of annual festival every year. The people in the region and nearby places throng here to perform ‘Pithru Tharpanam’ held here on the day of Amavasi of Karkitaka month (July). This ‘Bali Karma’ is offered by people for the salvation of sins and to appease the dead souls.

The temple pond is located about 100m from the temple and it is said that the sacred channel of the temple opens to this pond. There is a huge cave on one side of the hill located barely one kilometer from the temple. It is said that the cave runs up to the banyan tree in front of the temple, but it is closed today by big boulders fallen in place. The cave can accommodate nearly ten people at a time. The inside of the cave is cool and moist and the spot offers a fine view of the undulating rubber plantations below.

The hill had more than sixty large and small ponds scattered throughout the forest. Even today about a dozen such ponds are remaining with sparkling fresh water even in hot summers. Vennimala offers numerous serene walks on the hill. Any visitor to the hillcan crisscross the entire hillside by walking through pleasant and shady ‘nattuvazhis’ (country walks). Flanked by shady rubber plantations they offer a unique charm.

Presently Vennimala has around eighty households on the hillside. Rubber abounds the vegetation of the hill. There are no commercial establishments on the hilltop and it remains silent and serene away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

How to access:
Any visitor can do this trip quite easily from Kottayam or Kumarakom. Take the K.K.Road from Kottayam via Manarkad and turn right at the 8th mile. A board of Vennimala Temple shows the way. The place is about 15 km from Kottayam.

Matrumala is located in Kooropada village in Kottayam. Matrumala is a hill top that offers stunning views of the entire surroundings for miles around. The place got its name as it has a small temple on its top dedicated to Goddess Annapoorna and is considered one among the 108 shrines of Kerala. The temple is believed to have been built by Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala who installed idols of the seven Goddesses (Saptamathas) here.

The trip to Matrumala from Kottayam can be combined with visits to the famous Manarkad Church and temples of Manarkad and Areepparambu. The St. Mary’s Church at Manarkad is one of the most important churches of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Christians. The ettunompu (eight day fasting) is the main annual event when devotees from far and wide congregate to participate in the prayers and rituals. The church is located just 8 km from Kottayam town. Manarkad has a famous century old temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. Main events in the temple are Kalamezhuthumpattu, Kumbha bharani, Meena bharani, Patham udayam and Mandala chirappu. The Garudan parava display here is famous.

Another major temple here is Areepparambu located in between Manarkad and Kooroppada. The Lord Siva Temple here has two separate temples inside with separate kodimarams for each.


How to access:
From Kottayam follow the route: Kottayam – Manarkad (K.K.Road) – Oravakkal – Areepparambu – Kooroppada. The place is nearly 20 km from Kottayam and frequent buses are available. A muddy winding road leads to the hill top that can be approached by either vehicle of on foot about one km from Kooroppada. The Aruvikuzhi waterfall is located 4 km further from Kooroppada.

ARUVIKUZHI FALLS – BEAUTY COMES IN CASCADES

Located amidst shady rubber plantations, streams tinkle as they make their way through the rugged landscape and roars down cascading. Milky white sheet of water rushes down the blackened rocks forming a natural pool. A breathtaking sight! From there, the water finds its way through big and small rocks to become a bubbling stream. Here the chorus of birds can be barely heard over the crash of water as it cascades over the rocks. The water column falls from an impressive height of 100 feet. This tiered dance of water set against a backdrop of shady rubber plantations, is an arresting sight. And this is what you experience at Aruvikuzhi in Kottayam, Kerala.

Aruvikuzhi waterfalls have the unique distinction that it is easily accessible by road right up to the spot. Tourists don’t have to trek or walk a long distance to reach the waterfalls, since the falls is located right under the road bridge. The waterfall here is not perennial and will last for three to four months after the monsoon.

How to access:
The waterfall is located 25 km from Kottayam town on way to Pallickathodu. From Kottayam, one can reach Aruvikuzhi via Manarkad – Areepparambu – Kooroppada route. Otherwise, one can access the site through K.K.Road. From Pampadi on K.K.Road, turn right and reach the spot via Kooroppada junction. The fall is located 2 km from this junction. The falls due to its proximity to the District headquarters and the main road has thus easy linkages with the major tourist centres of Kumarakom and Thekkady.

Facilities:
Aruvikuzhi presently has little basic amenities for the tourists. Hence, the village panchayath has taken up the proposal for creating necessary facilities at the site owned by the panchayath. This project will result in the overall economic development of this village and will benefit the local people and community.

ARUVIKACHAL – MILKY FALLS IN HONEY VILLAGE

One of the highest waterfalls in Kerala gushing down from a height of 235 feet, Aruvikachal is located in Poonjar Thekkekkara village in Kottayam district on the fringes of Western Ghats. The waterfall is at its best after the monsoon and last for six to seven months. The falls can be approached by walking a couple of kilometers from Patampuzha Junction.

There are many little known scenic spots around Aruvikachal. The 3500 feet high Muthukora Mala is located near the waterfalls. It is a major trekking spot in the vicinity as one can reach Kootickal on trekking through Muthukora Mala. Another trek route exists to Anangumpadi. Other attractions around Aruvikachal include the scenic hill spots of Muttanallu, Puliyallu and Ummikunnu which offer excellent views on clear days. Adivaram is the base to Kurisumala, where a road is being laid. There are small and seasonal cascades around this place like Irukanni, cattle shed falls and Vettukallumkuzhi. The circular church at Adivaram has been designed by the renowned architect, the late Lari Baker. Kunnoni, near Poonjar and on the way to Adivaram has Stone Age remains dating back to over 4800 years. The famous Poonjar Palace is located only 7 km away from Aruvikachal.

Another unique feature here is that traditional honey collection is a major activity in this village. Nearly 40 families in the panchayath are engaged in honey collection and 30 families are engaged in the craft of making honey jars from coconut shells making Patampuzha a honey village. Visitors can watch the method of honey gathering and process of purifying it and making of jars.

How to access:
The Aruvikachal Falls is located 2 km uphill from Patampuzha Junction on Pala – Erattupetta – Poonjar – Mundakkayam Road. The waterfall is located 7 km from the nearest town of Poonjar. From Poonjar, good highway leads to Erattupetta, Pala and thence to Kottayam and Kumarakom. The waterfall is located nearly 60 km from the District Headquarters - Kottayam. The tourist centre of Vagamon is located only 25 km from the waterfalls. Through the Patampuzha – Mundakkayam Main road, the place is linked to Thekkady also.

From Patampuzha, there is a small panchayath road for 1.5 km towards waterfalls. A last remaining stretch of 500 m will be laid out in the future and can be accessed now by hiking or on four wheel drive.

MARMALA STREAM - ENCHANTRESS OF THE JUNGLE

This scenic Marmala stream and its breathtaking waterfalls are together referred to as the enchantress of the jungle. Sliding down numerous hillocks from a height of 200ft, the gushing water has etched out over the years a twelve meter deep pond in the rocks and joins the Teekoy river way down. And right under waterfalls is a natural bridge. The waterfall is almost perennial.

How to access:
Marmala waterfalls lie a few kilometers away from Erattupetta on diverting from the main road to the hill resort of Vagamon. From Petta, fine highway links the place to Pala and Kottayam. It is exactly seven km from Teekoy rubber estate. From here a private vehicle can take you further two km after which the road is not motor-able. To reach the falls one has to trek through the estate over the rocky path. Otherwise one can approach the falls from Talanadu side.

ELAVEEZHAPOONCHIRA - WALK IN THE RAIN CLOUDS

Skirting the Kottayam District are the beautiful valleys of Elaveezhapoonchira, spread over thousands of acres in Melukavu village of Meenachil Taluk. The pristine beauty of nature is preserved almost intact here in the imposing mountain ranges with rocky cliffs. The verdant landscape is punctuated by five gigantic hills viz. Vindhyanmedu, Hidumbanmedu, Mankallumudi.

Kolanimudi and Mukalanthumudi each rising to around 3200ft. Elaveezhapoonchira means valley where leaves don’t fall and is named so because the place has no trees. Perhaps, this may be the only spot in Kerala from where one can see the beautiful phenomenon of sunrise and sunset in the same spot. The vast horizon gives a panoramic view of the surrounding five districts. During the monsoons when the valley fills up to form a scenic lake, this place unveils yet another beautiful slice of nature. The panoramic view of the Malankara dam just below the hill is an exquisite site for the visitors.


Attractions in Poonchira:
The different elevations of the mountain ranges with contrasting shapes give this hill station a dramatic and distinctive outline of great scenic splendor. Just below the hill, there is a small perennial pond like water body called ‘poonchira’. Three tribal settlements and four natural caves provide significance to this mystic land. The great Pandavas were said to have lived incognito in this land during their exile and hence caves are called ‘Pandavan Guha’. Another peculiar feature is the presence of two Muniyaras nearby the pond. Luxuriant growth of medicinal plants gives another added attraction to this area.

Another exotic feature is the Nilayara which is a cave located in Mukalanthanmudi, one km from the Poonchira. The cave itself is a wonder as far as a tourist is concerned. About 20 people can stand at a time inside the cave. A small perennial stream is flowing from the inner mouth of the cave.

As the name suggests, the valley of this rocky mountain reflects the morning sun with a mirror like perfection. This is also the highest point in Elaveezhapoonchira. Three km from here is the groves, meadows and wild flowers make this place exotic. An added attraction here is the Kazhukankulimali waterfalls that playfully cascade down the mountains and greet the river below with a magnificent splash. On the eastern side of Kannadipara is a natural fort set amidst steep rocks.

The three hills of Mankallu Mudikal lie close to each other. Their flat hilltops covered with lush grasslands. An aerial view of these resembles a traditional clay oven. With no trees around, the hilltops give you the feeling that you are walking in the clouds. Another peak, Kolani Mudi in the Elaveezhapoonchira mountain range also has a cave.

How to access Elaveezhapoonchira:
The nearest major town and rail head for Elaveezhapoonchira is Kottayam located nearly 60km away. From Kottayam proceed to Pala and Erattupetta on an excellent state highway. (Kottayam – Pala: 30km; Pala – Petta – 9km). From Erattupetta take the route via Kanjiram kavala and Melukavu to reach Poonchira. It can also be accessed from Thodupuzha in Iddukki District via Muttam or from Moolamattom via Kanjar. The final stretch of road for nearly 4km to Poonchira is still lacking and has to be accessed by walking or on 4 wheel drive.

Facilities:
The District Tourism has a small building on the hill top which has a toilet complex and a couple of rest rooms. But, electricity is yet to reach here. Hence, Poonchira is best suited for a day trip. Good accommodation is available in Pala and Thodupuzha towns. It will be a better option to visit Poonchira as a day tour from Kottayam or Kumarakom. The hill top is subject to receive lightning and thunder storms in the evenings and hence it is more suitable to visit in the mornings.

The Kerala Tourism is drawing up an ambitious plan to develop Poonchira into an eco friendly tourist destination in the near future.

UNSEEN DESTINATIONS OF INDIA

THE HILL OF VICTORY

We set out from Kottayam on another trip as part of identification of lesser known spots of tourism potential in the district. This time our trip was to a couple of destinations a stone’s throw away from the bustling Kottayam town. The places were suggested by my colleague Sajeev who belongs to this locality. It's a trouble-free journey from Kottayam given the good conditions of the K.K. road. Driver Balachandran drove our Sumo smoothly and we went past the busy junctions of Kanjikuzhi and Manarkad. We moved further till we came to a board that read ‘Vennimala Sreerama Lakshmana Temple’ at 8th mile on the main road.

It was our destination. We turned right and drove on the tarred road to the hill top. We drove for another three km and the temple tower came into view in front of us. This serene and beautiful place is located in the Puthuppalli village panchayath of Kottayam district. The hill is located 15km from Kottayam town. The main attraction of the hill is the temple dedicated to Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana. The legend of the hill is closely associated with this shrine.

Vennimala in ancient days was a dense forest. It is believed that Lord Rama and Lakshmana during their period of exile visited this hillside. At that time numerous sages meditated in the caves of Vennimala. Upon the request of the sages Lakshmana killed many demons that were a threat and nuisance to the sages. Thus the place came to be called ‘Vijayadri’ in Sanskrit. The name means ‘hill of victory’ as Lakshmana won the battle with demons. Vijayadri in Malayalam became Vennimala. A detailed description of this place appears in the famous Malayalam work ‘Aitihyamala’ by Kottarathil Sankunni. Vennimala in medieval ages was inhabited by tribal communities especially Malayarayars. Cheraman Perumal, the illustrated emperor of ancient Kerala consecrated this ancient temple here. He was taken to the beauty of this place and stayed here and built a palace. He earmarked the hill as a sacred and protected place. Sadly, the palace doesn’t remain today.
The temple has two ‘kodimarams’ symbolically dedicated to the two brothers. The temple celebrates 28 days of annual festival every year. Sajeev said the people in the region and nearby places throng here to perform ‘Pithru Tharpanam’ held here on the day of Amavasi of Karkitaka month (July). This ‘Bali Karma’ is offered by people for the salvation of sins and to appease the dead souls.
A huge banyan tree stands like a sage undertaking penance withstanding time and seasons in front of the temple. We descended a flight of steps towards the side and reached the edge of the temple tank. Thanks to monsoon, water remained up to its brim. The temple pond is located about 100m from the temple and it is said that the sacred channel of the temple opens to this pond. It is said in ‘Aitihyamala’ that Vennimala once had seven big ponds called ‘saras’ and 72 small ponds called ‘eris’ scattered throughout the hill. Presently, around a dozen of these ponds still remain. The small ponds are located in various parts of the hill. The unique feature of these ponds is that they have sparkling fresh water even in hot summers.

Our next point in the hill was a huge cave on one side of the hill located barely one kilometer from the temple. We went down to a side of the hill and the site had a dash of green with some trees forming natural arched gateways. A local guy said that the cave runs up to the banyan tree in front of the temple, but it is closed today by big boulders fallen in place. The wide opening mouth of the cave is still intact. The cave can accommodate nearly ten people at a time. The inside of the cave was cool and moist and the spot offered a fine view of the undulating rubber plantations below.

We went in front of the local guy’s house. Some work was going on his well. We peeped into it. Who! It was several fathoms deep. The guy said that there were even deeper wells in the hill. But the water inside was cool and crystal clear, now after the rains. The man told us that presently Vennimala has around eighty households on the hillside. Rubber abounds the vegetation of the hill. There are no commercial establishments on the hilltop and it remains silent and serene away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Vennimala offers numerous serene walks on the hill. Any visitor to the hillcan crisscross the entire hillside by walking through pleasant and shady ‘nattuvazhis’ (country walks). Flanked by shady rubber plantations they offer a unique charm. Soon we saw a pond on one side of the hill which was protected by stone walls and neatly laid out stone steps. Modern-day carvings by desperate lovers jarringly co-existed with the ancient.

Springing surprise - Aruvikuzhi waterfalls:
Soon we left Vennimala to our next destination – Aruvikuzhi waterfalls. We drove on the K.K.Road further till Pampadi, the first small town after Kottayam. Here we turned left on the road to Kooroppada and after nearly 8 km went past Kooroppada junction on way to Pallicktahodu. The waterfalls is located 3 km further from this junction.

The ward members of Pallickathodu Grama Panchayath, Mr. C. K. Vijayakumar and Mr. Benny were waiting for us there. Milky white sheet of water was rushing down the blackened rocks forming a natural pool. A breathtaking sight! From there, the water finds its way through big and small rocks to become a bubbling stream. Here the chorus of birds can be barely heard over the crash of water as it cascades over the rocks. The water column falls from an impressive height of 100 feet. This tiered dance of water set against a backdrop of shady rubber plantations, is an arresting sight.

Aruvikuzhi waterfalls have the unique distinction that it is easily accessible by road right up to the spot. Tourists don’t have to trek or walk a long distance to reach the waterfalls, since the falls is located right under the road bridge. The waterfall here is not perennial and will last for three to four months after the monsoon. Aruvikuzhi presently has little basic amenities for the tourists. Hence, the village panchayath has taken up the proposal for creating necessary facilities at the site owned by the panchayath. This project will result in the overall economic development of this village and will benefit the local people and community.

The shrine on the hilltop:
We drove back to Kooroppada junction and turned on the road to Manarkad via Areepparambu. A little further we saw the signboard to ‘Matrumala Hilltop Temple’. It was a muddy winding road that leads to the hill top. The hilltop can also be approached on foot. The place got its name as it has a small temple on its top dedicated to Goddess. The temple is believed to have been built by Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala who installed idols of the seven Goddesses (Saptamathas) here. The temple is small and well maintained and has been recently renovated in modern style. The hilltop offered stunning views for miles around.

Now it was time for us to get back. We proceeded back towards Manarkad and at Areepparambu Sajeev got down. His home is located in this village. We went towards the Lord Siva Temple here. The unique feature here is there are two shrines inside the temple complex each having its own ‘kodimaram’. The temple was closed.

We proceeded back to Manarkad and at Oravakkal, joined the Pala – Kidangoor - Manarkad road. We went past the famous Manrakad Temple and the St. Mary’s church and reached Manarkad junction and returned back to Kottayam.

Any visitor can do this trip quite easily from Kottayam or Kumarakom. The route is Kottayam – Manarkad – Vennimala – Pampadi – Kooroppada – Aruvikuzhi – Kooroppada – Matrumala – Oravakkal – Manarkad – Kottayam or you can do it the other way.