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.