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.
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