idukki - the land of million colours

Adayalakkallu - Abode of Stone Age Mountain Goddess.

2008-11-19T11:57:00.001+05:30

Adayalakkallu which is also known as Nadukkallu or landmark stone is one among invaluable reminiscences of early Stone Age people who pioneered the area. Adayalakkallu is a tall large sheet of granite carved by the early stone age people using crude techniques prevailed in that era. This large stone believed to be the incarnation of Vana Durgha- the mountain goddess, their savior. Stone is about 15 feet tall and four feet wide with a thickness around 20 cm and stands in an erected position. Depth of the stone beneath the ground level is not known. Stone remains erected in the east west direction and is slightly curved towards the northern side.You can view the road map to reach the area by clicking here.
Adayalakkallu is seen in the centre of a tall hill with flat and round top portion. Strong wind blowing through the tall grasses bears the smell of the blood and sweat of the medieval people and many untold stories could fire up your imagination. Large number of huge earthen pots called 'Nannangadi' has been excavated from the area are the testimony of the life activities and importance of the area as a heritage point. Nannangadi is believed to be used as coffin boxes for the cremation of dead bodies and are still preserved undamaged in many nearby houses.
Another notable point is the small source of water originating from the top of the hill which provides water at a steady rate throughout the year irrespective of seasonal difference. As many lower places face acute water scarcity the availability of water at a higher point that too at the top of the hill is still a mystery.
The panoramic view of the adjacent hill locks and farm lands in the back drop of setting sun is a sight which can be cherished for a life time.
Adayalakkallu Sri. Bhadrakali Temple constructed nearby the stone is largely responsible for the preservation of this cultural heritage.

Anchuruli -natures blend

2008-11-19T10:59:00.001+05:30

Anchuruli is a land of unexplored beauty located at a distance of 9 kms from Kattappana. Click here to view the road map to reach Anchuruli. Kattappana is one of the prominent cities of high ranges and is in the Idukki district of Kerala. The name Anchuruli is expected to be derived from ‘Anchu- Uruli’ in the local language, which means five large vessels and can be traced back to the five large holes naturally developed in the rock by the water falls.These holes are not visible now as it lies buried deep in the reservoir formed by the construction of Idukki dam the largest arch dam of Asia. Another version says that the name derrived from five small hills visible in water when the water level is low and these hills resembles five inverted vessels.
Anchuruli boasts of a scenic blend of land vegetation and water where the virgin evergreen forests and grass patches which laces the land and the blue reservoir water integrates seamlessly.Anchuruli river which ends at the reservoir is also a feast to eyes. Another attraction of Anchuruli is the large circular tunnel which brings water form Erattayar dam to the Idukki reservoir. It also forms a magnificent waterfall there. A tree hut recently constructed at Anchuruli could be useful for visitors to explore Anchuruli closer.
Large number of resident and migrant birds, butterflies and wild flowers adds to the versatility of Anchuruli. We were fortunate to see thousands of Blue tiger (Tirumala limniace) butterflies flying around us which offered an unforgettable experiance. Anchuruli was kept underexplored till recently owing to its inaccessibility. The newly constructed Kakkattukada- Anchuruli road having a length of four kilometers is expected to offer a helping hand in this regard.
More pictures.
Tree house at Anchuruli.
Tunnel exit point.

Ramakalmedu

2008-10-30T17:16:00.002+05:30

Ramakkalmedu is a beautiful and potent tourist spot located towards the western side of Idukki district of Kerala. It stands tall in the western ghats at a height of 3500 feet above sea level. This place can make, well known suicide points of Kodai hills and Ooty run for their money owing to the scenic grass lands and abrupt ending of the mountain towards the western side. You can move upto the tip of the rock where you will feel yourself at the top of the world. The areal view of Tamilnadu towns namely Kumbum, Theni, Kombe, Thevaram, Uthamapalayam, Bodinaykannor and Vaiga from here on a clear day is really astounting. The sight is even wonderful if you could stay there till dusk and see all these towns lighted. You may think "Thare Zamin Par?"-stars in the ground!. The ecosystem of the area largely comprises of grass land -Shola forest type which is laced by sporadic bamboo forests.
Historical Aspects
Rama-kal-medu literally means "Land of Rama's Stone" or "Land where rama kept his leg",as per different interpretations available. Many stories suggests that the place have some connection with Rama the Hindu God and the epic Ramayana.One such story suggests that Lord Rama kept his feet at the tip of Ramakkalmedu to search Ravana the King of Lanka who abducted his wife Sita. To view larger picture click here.
Wind factor of Ramakkalmedu
Speciality of the wind flow is another factor which makes Ramakkalmedu unique. Wind blows at a speed around 35 km per hour at Ramakkalmedu throughout the year irrespective of the season and time. You will have to experiance it to understand how much it will rejuvenate you. Abundant in wind, Ramakkalmedu is the second place in Kerala where a wind energy farm is installed. Currently the capacity is at about 2.5 MW. It is being upgraded to 12.5 MW, which will make it the largest wind farm in Kerala.Wind farms are located mainly at two places namely Kuruvikkanam and Pushpakandam which are hills located adjascent to Ramakkalmedu.
Tourism
Although Ramakkalmedu has a good potential for it to become a fine tourist destination, not much is done for the improvement of basic facilities nearby. The scenic beauty of Ramakkalmedu has attracted thousands of people including Hollywood actor Leonardo Di Caprio. Di Caprio has reportedly said about this place that "If there is a paradise on earth, it is here".Ramakkalmedu village is not much developed and you can see only very few shops near the gateway towards the hills. Two hills you can visit at Ramakkalmedu are located very near. One is the hill with the Ramakkalmedu stone and the other is the hill where Kuravan-Kurathi statue is constructed.
Kuravan and Kurathi Statue
Another attraction of Ramakkalmedu is the recently constructed gigantic statue of "Kuravan and Kurathi with their child", representing the tribals who pioneered the area.
Getting there:Click here to view the road map to reach Ramakkalmedu.(16 km from Nedumkandam, Thekkady-Munnar Road)
Distance: 45 km from Idukki, 40 km from Thekkady and 75 km from Munnar.
Nearest railway station: Kottayam and Changanacherry, about 93 km.
Nearest airport: Madurai (Tamil Nadu) about 140 km
Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 190 km
To view more pictures click the links below.
Punarjani Ayurvedic Resort Ramakkalmedu.
Tree Hut at Punarjani Resort.
With Kuravan and Kurathi.