Monday, June 30, 2008

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.

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