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Must visit : 10 Virgin Destinations in Kerala

You would love to know and explore these virgin locations in Kerala

VLO Content Crew

Virgin Locales

Often, the perfect way to rediscover yourself is to take a vacation to explore the unexplored virgin locations in a particular state or country. One feels drawn to these places primarily for the two reasons: The fact that they are not explored enough, so there is the enigma of what could be in store for you; and the sheer panoramic natural beauty these locations could potentially offer.

India is renowned for virgin places throughout centuries. In India, there is hardly any state which offers as pleasantly surprising and beautiful destinations as the state of Kerala does. The “God’s own country” will sometimes make you hold your breath because the dense forest, chirping birds and profound serenity while at other moments its wildlife, historical caves, stunning cascades and beautiful green hills leave you spoilt for choice.

Here we have put together 10 virgin locations in Kerala which is unknown, not been explored fully, yet panoramic. Get ready for an unexpected detour into the land of lores, legends and Godly vibes.

View from the summit at Palkulamedu • PC: Virgin Idukki Trails

"Ilaveezhapoonchira: Legend has it that the Pandavas had a sojourn here during their life incognito. "

1) Palkulamedu, Idukki District

Palkulamedu in Idukki is a place of enchanting beauty. There is a small fresh water pool at the top of the hill, due to which the hill was awarded the name Pal-kulam-medu, which means a hill with pool of nutritious water in Malayalam (Milk, Pool, Hill respectively in Malayalam). Palkulamedu Peak is an ideal view point from which the vast spans of evergreen Hills are visible along with the beautiful view of Sunset and Sunrise. Kochi, Alappuzha and other nearby towns can be seen from this peak. Palkulamedu is also one of the most Ideal trekking and off-roading locations in Kerala.

Located at the distance of 12 km from Idukki town, Palkulamedu is situated at an elevation of 3125 meters above from the sea level. The place can be visited any time of the barring monsoon during June to September. Nearest railway stations are Angamaly and Aluva, about 97 km from Idukki. Cochin International Airport is about about 97 km from Idukki. The trek trail to Palkulamedu peak starts from Churali, a small town 8 Km away from Cheruthony, along the Adimali route. Once you reach Churali move along the tarred road pointing towards the hill.

2) Kottapara, Idukki District

Kottapara is another place in the state which can be considered virgin due to its panaromic natural beauty and for being relatively unexplored. Just about 2 km from Vannapparum town, towards Vannapuram-Mullaringadu Road in Idukki district, Kottappara hills is the newest addition to tourism in Idukki district of Kerala.

Situated about 24 kms from Muvattupazha, Kottapara hills attract people interested in trekking and also for its scenic beauty. However, unlike Meesapulimala, reaching the view point does not require a tremendous and long trek. There are two routes to reach Kottappara view point: Route 1: Thodupuzha – Vannapuram – Kottapara view point; and Route 2: Ernakulam – Muvattupuzha – Vannapuram – Kottapara view point.

3) Vakavanam, Idukki District

With its beautiful terrain inviting onlookers and explorers, Vakavanam is a place one must visit in the state for the sheer joy of it. Vakavanam is in the core area of Idukki wild life sanctuary. The location is attractive for its tranquility and natural beauty admist which camping and trekking can be done. For trekking, one has to obtain permissions from Idukki forest division.

While all sun rises and sun sets are beautiful in one or the other way, Vakavanam sun rises and sunsets offers its own unique experience. Trekking in Vakavanam has its own challenges and as well as blissfull experience. While you will sweat to reach one peak, in another the chaos of the hot day will get dissolved in the roughness and severe pace of the wind. The steep descend along the rocky patches offers its own unique experience.

Vakavanam is very close to Vagamon, which is located 15 km from Kottamala, 39 km from Thodupuzha, 23 km from Erattupetta, 33 km from Palai, 45 km from Kumily, 22 km from Kuttikanam and about 65 km from Kottayam. Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport, while the closest railway station is Kottayam.

4) Anayadikuthu Waterfalls, Idukki District

Anayadikuthu Waterfalls, also known as Aanachadikkuthu, one of the less explored and beautiful waterfalls near Anayadikuthu is located close to the famous Thommankuthu waterfall. At the first sight of the waterfall you might feel that it is deep and unsafe but once you go into the water, it is very shallow and safe. The small forest near the waterfall is a haven for different species of birds and for monkeys. The rock formation around the waterfall provides a resting space for all tourists. There is no specific time to visit this beautiful waterfall as it is not deep and a safe place. But it is advisable to go there before dusk, as the place is in a remote area.

There are different stories revolving around the name of this waterfalls. One is that decades ago, wild elephants used to walk up to the canals which existed near the waterfall. One particular day, one of the elephant lost its footing and fell into the waterfall which resulted in the name Aanachadikkuthu. Another one is that two elephants fought at this place and one fell into the waterfall, which eventually gave the name Aanachadikuthu. This name later converted into Anayadikuthu. There are two routes to Anayadikuthu, one via Thodupuzha, about 20.1 kms and via Ernakulam, about 69.9 kms. Nearest town is Thodupuzha, about 20 kms.

Clockwise from L to R: A walk in the clouds at Meesapulimala, A Vakavanam valley view , Kalyanathandu Reservoir view & mist rising above Silent Valley National Park • PC: Shashi Ranjan, Virgin Idukki Trails(2&3) &Jayan NP

5) Meesapulimala, Idukki District

Meesapulimala, one of the most beautiful places in the southern Kerala, is in the Idukki district is located in between the Anaimalai Hills and Palani Hills near Suryanelli around 20km away from Munnar. The name derives from the fact that it is formed of eight peaks which spread like a “Moustache.” It is the second highest peak in the Western Ghats after Anamudi. Easiest route is Kochi, then Adimaly, then Munnar to Meesapulimala.

Meesapulimala is also one of the most adventurous places in the state for trekking. Its peak is 2,640 metres (8,661 ft) above sea level. Treks to the peak via Rhodo Valley (favourable for rhododendron flowers) can be organized through the Kerala Forest Development Corporation in Munnar. There is a great chance of sighting wildlife including Nilgiri Thar, Sambar Deer, Wild Gaur, Wild Dogs and even the Sloth Bear. The duration totally depends on your physical fitness. It will take about 7 to 9 hours to complete the full route.

6) Kalyanathandu, Idukki District

One of the unexplored view point and an emerging tourist in Idukki, Kalyanathandu is surely a paradise on earth. Kalyanathandu one of the highest peaks in the district. One can enjoy the panoramic view of the Idukki reservoir and its surrounding from here. With its vast watery expanses feeding the Idukki dam, Kalyanathand is the old name; but this spot is also known as Kalveri Mount, derived from the presence of wooden cross here.

From here, 30 mint treks will take you to the top of the mountain. The location is for trekking due to the lovely, dark and deep woods. Down the hill is a forest rich in a variety of flora and fauna. Fortunate travelers see the almost once-in-lifetime view of elephants crossing the river. Kalyanathandu is 12 kms from Cheruthony Town and about the same distance(15kms) from Kattappana. Get down 10th mile (Idukki-Kattapana road). You can reach the top in a jeep/car/bike or by foot through the rugged road. Summer (March to May) is the best time to visit here.

7) Ilaveezhapoonchira, Kottayam District

Ilaveezhapoonchira is a growing tourist destination located in Melukavu village in Kottayam district near Kanjar. It is one of the places in Kerala where you can watch sunrise and sunset. “Ila-veezhaa-poonchira", means “the pond of flowers where the leaves do not fall.” During the monsoons, the valley between mountains fills up to form a large pond. Ilaveezhapoonchira is surrounded by three enchanting hillocks: Mankunnu, Kodayathoormala and Thonippara. These hillrocks also make the place ideal for trekking & off-roading.

Legend has it that the Pandavas had a sojourn here during their life incognito. Their wife, Draupadi, came to take a bath at a lake. Some devas, bewitched by her beauty, tried to satisfy their voyeuristic itch. King of devas, Lord Indra, came to know about what was going on, and built screens or hills heaping flowers and prevented them from indulging in such a practice. And the pond thus became a dam isolated by floral hills. Since there were no trees around the bund, it was always free of leaves and hence came to be called Ila-veezha-poonchira. Ilavvezhapoonchira is located 55 km from Kottayam, and is just 20 km from Thodupuzha.

8) Nelliyampathy, Palakkad District

Nelliyampathy, also known as Nelliampathi, is a lush green hill station of unexplored treasures. This yet-to-be-fully-explored location in the state is surrounded by tea, coffee and cardamom plantations. Therefore, we will always be pleased with pleasant aroma of coffee teasing your nostrils. The town is also rich with variety of flora, fauna and picturesque tourist attractions. The region comprises of peaks of altitude ranging from 500m to 1600m providing an incredible trekking trail for adventure buffs.

To reach Nelliyampathy, one has to take the road starting from Nenmara that proceeds to the Pothundy Dam. There are about 10 hairpin bends that have to be negotiated on the way to Nelliyampathy. Nearest railway station is Palakkad, which is about 56 km; Thrissur and Shoranur, which are about 77 km. Nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport (Tamilnadu), about 55 km from Palakkad.

Nelliyampathy - Seethaargundu Suicide Point • PC: Praveen R Venugopal

9) Gavi, Pathanamthitta District

Gavi is an excellent spot to be visited at least once if you are someone who loves and appreciates the beauties of nature. Still untouched by the mighty hands of modernity, Gavi is also rich in its wildlife. Gavi’s evergreen forests are abundant with wildlife including the tiger, elephants, leopards, bears, Indian gaur, sambar, barking and mouse deers, lion tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Nilgiri marten, Malabar giant squirrel and more than 250 species of birds.

Gavi is listed among the leading eco-tourism centres of the world and one of the must-see places in India by leading international eco tourism agencies. Gavi is 14 km south west of Vandiperiyar, 28 km from Kumily, near Thekkady. Thiruvanathapuram (185 km) angamaly (190 km) and Madurai (186 km) are the nearest airports. The nearest railway stations are Chengannur Railway Station (115 km through Keekozhoor- Mannamaruthi-koottickal-Azhutha-Vandiperiyar-Gavi) and Thiruvalla (110 km) and Theni (99 km).

10) Silent Valley, Palakkad District

Silent Valley National Park is another location in the state that is becoming increasingly popular in the state. A national park with a core zone of 237.52 square kilometres, it the second largest national park in Kerala. This national park has some rare species of plants and animals. The park is also home to animals as rare as the Nilgiri Tahr and Lion Tailed Macaques as well as the greenest of evergreen forests ever. This park is one of the last undisturbed tracts of South Western Ghats mountain rain forests and tropical moist evergreen forest in India.

Though Silent Valley is a year-round destination, one should visit between December and April for the most comfortable weather conditions, and high chances of wildlife sightings. It is located in the Nilgiri hills, within Mannarkkad of Palakkad District of Kerala. The location is well connected to nearby cities via a well-maintained road network. For those coming from nearby cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Coimbatore, a road trip is possible. Affordable outstation cabs are readily available from these nearby cities. The nearest railway station is the Palakkad Junction Railway Station located at a distance of 45 km. The nearest airport is the Coimbatore International Airport located 117 km away.

Blog cover image: View atop Anayadikkuthu Waterfalls , Idukki • PC: Trip Jodi

VLO Content Crew
2 Comments
2018-11-22
2191 days ago

About the Author

Our content team is on the never ending quest of bringing quality travel based reading for the discerning traveler in you. We publish articles that are useful for a traveler to take a informed decision. You can reach us at travel@virginlocales.com.

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Prakash Mehta, Delhi

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Very useful blog for planning a trip to Kerala.

Ajith Patil, Lokhandwala, Mumbai

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I was planning for a offbeat trip to Kerala. This really helped. Thanks much!