Ilaveezhapoonchira

Ilaveezhapoochira is a virgin destination located in Melukavu village in Kottayam district near Kanjar(Idukki dist). The verdant landscape punctuated by the gigantic three hills - Mankunnu, Kodayathoormala and Thonippara, each rising to around 3200 ft which makes the place ideal to unwind - go with family or trekking. The beautiful valleys of Poonchira are spread across thousands of acres. The destination’s name means 'the pond of flowers where the leaves do not fall'. During the monsoons, the valley between the complex of mountains form a large pond. The silence that permeates the hills, valleys and rock contours is deeply invigorating. Once you reach atop the hills and look down below, you can glimpse the placid, perennial lake, also called Poonchira. From here, it is possible to see the views of Idukki, Kottayam,  Ernakulam, Alappuzha,  Pathanamthitta  and Thrissur districts and an ideal place to watch sunrise and sunset. The natural “Chira” or lake is being converted into a sort of safe pool by the tourism authorities.

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.

Experience of nature and its beauty in real. The windy hilltop has an awesome view with grassy hills with no trees, beautiful, far and wide view of the hills and the plains. The rocky hills and green expanse span for a long, long way and you can see for kilometers at a stretch because of the absence of trees. You will be able to see many dams & waterbodies from here. On a cloudy, rainy day, your views may get bleak. There are no shops or places for shelter around and you may get stuck if the sky opens up.

Pre Planning:

• The best time to visit Ilaveezhapoonchira would be during November to March period, when there is fresh greenery all around, and right before summer sets in.
• Ideal for a one-day picnic. Should reach there before 11.30 am. Make a tent. Explore virgin nature by walking around. Rest. Have your grub. Again, explore around. Best time to explore around will be between 4 pm to 6.30 pm. Suggested to return before the sunset.
• For overnight camping, reach by 3 to 4 pm. Explore around. Watch the sunset. Camp under your tent. Watch Sunrise return by 11am.
• Don’t go on your own by self-driving during monsoon as roads will be slippery road and are narrow edges.
• You can also pre-book your accommodation at the DTPC rest house or any private cottages for that matter. Food, water (and barbeque options) will be provided by them. Guided tours packages that accommodate trekking, campfire, nature drive is also available.
• If you are planning a trip of your own, all food should be packed including drinking water.
• As it is a virgin locale, obviously it is not connected to the electric grid. Hence, carrying emergency lamps, torches etc is advisable.
• Take a 4 X 4 SUV as the roads are not at good condition and ideal for off roading. There are jeep trips taking you to the top. 4-wheel drive SUV’s can be hired from Kaanjar.
• Leave your car at Kaanjar as hatchbacks and vehicles with low ground clearance is not suitable for the offroad to the top.
• The destination can also be covered on the way to Vagamon
• Carry ample shades like umbrella, tents etc on a sunny day. Some people will not resist sunburn. So, liberal use sun screen lotions recommended.

Stay

• There is no place to stay around as it’s a virgin location. The District Tourism Promotion Council is developing this place into a trekking spot. A tourist bungalow with rooms and dormitory to accommodate 15 people is being constructed. However, you can either stay at good hotels in Thodupuzha and Muttom or if looking for some place closer will have to make do with small lodges at Kanjar.
• There are many affordable homestays and resorts near Ilaveezhapoonchira.

Things to Do

• Watch sunrise and sunset from the hills
• Off-Road on a 4X4 uphill
• Trek to the mountains
• Tent Camping atop the hills
• Rock climbing

How to Reach : 

• By Road: Kottayam is located 55 km and  from Thodupuzha its 20 kms.
• By Rail: Nearest railway station  is Kottayam (55 Km) 
• By Air: Nearest airport is Kochi Airport. Nedumbassery, Kochi (75 Km) & Thiruvanathapuram airport is 160 Km
• Distance from other popular locations : Idukki – 36 kms. Kumarakom – 72 kms

Other Info:

• Elevation: 3200 MSL
• Weather: 21° C to 28° C
• Coordinates: 9.7960° N, 76.7899° E

Trivia:

Ilaveezhapoochira is just 5 km away from Melukavu where the famous Malayalam movie Kadhaparayumbol was shot.