A Day in Paniyeli Poru

Entrance to Panieli Poru rapids

Looking for a refreshing one-day outing with family, away from the hustle and bustle of the city? Panieli Poru is a wonderful place to spend a day surrounded by forests, flowing water, rocky landscapes, and the soothing sounds of nature.

Located around 35 km from Aluva, Panieli Poru is a popular nature getaway in Kerala. We decided to visit this beautiful spot for a family day trip, and we set out from Kochi in the early hours of the morning, excited about the journey ahead.

Our Journey to Panieli Poru

After reaching Panieli Poru, we parked our vehicle in the designated parking area and headed to the Forest Office counter to take our entry tickets.

From there, we began walking along the riverside pathway towards the main river area. The walk itself was enjoyable, with greenery on either side and the sound of flowing water accompanying us along the way.

Pathway to Panieli Poru rapids

After walking for around 1.5 km, we finally reached the main river area.

The Beautiful Panieli Poru Rapids

The first sight of the river was refreshing. The clear, sparkling water flowing over and around the rocks created a beautiful natural landscape.

There is a bamboo bridge that adds to the charm of the place. Visitors can walk across it, sit beside the river, or carefully step into the shallow waters. The cool breeze, gentle mist, and sound of the waterfalls make it an ideal place to relax.

The water looked crystal clear and inviting, but it is important to remember that the river can have strong undercurrents. Swimming is therefore not advisable. Instead, sitting on the rocks, enjoying the scenery, and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere is a much safer way to experience Panieli Poru.

Why Is It Called ‘Panieli Poru’?

The name itself is quite fascinating.

In Malayalam, “Poru” means “battle.” The name is believed to refer to the way the river fiercely crashes against the rocks. As the water rushes through the narrow rocky stretches, it creates strong pressure and small waterfall-like formations.

Watching the water battle its way through the rocks makes the name feel particularly appropriate.

Walking Along the River

We continued walking along the river and found several beautiful spots where we could sit on the rocks and enjoy the falls.

It was a wonderful feeling to simply sit there, listen to the sound of rushing water, feel the cool breeze, and take in the natural surroundings. For anyone looking for a quiet picnic spot, Panieli Poru offers plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy nature.

However, visitors should be careful while walking over the rocks. They can be extremely slippery, particularly during the monsoon season. The river currents can also become much stronger during rainy periods, so extra caution is essential.

Tree Houses and Riverside Walkways

One of the interesting things we noticed during our walk was the tree houses along the pathway. They add a lovely touch to the natural surroundings and make the journey towards the river even more interesting.

There are also benches placed at various points along the walkway. These are perfect for taking a break after walking, enjoying the views, or simply sitting quietly while listening to the sounds of the forest and waterfall.

Food and Other Essentials

After spending a wonderful time near the river, we started our walk back towards the entrance.

We had lunch at one of the hotels near the entrance. There are also a few small shops selling snacks and other refreshments.

You can also carry your own food and drinking water if you are planning to spend several hours there. A small picnic with family can make the experience even more enjoyable.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

If you are planning a visit to Panieli Poru, keep these things in mind:

Wear comfortable footwear suitable for walking.

Be very careful on the slippery rocks.

Avoid swimming because of the unpredictable currents.

Take extra care during the monsoon season.

Carry sufficient drinking water.

You can bring your own food for a picnic.

Keep the surroundings clean and avoid leaving plastic or other waste behind.

Allow yourself enough time to enjoy the riverside walk rather than rushing to the main falls.

A Perfect One-Day Nature Escape

If you are looking for a one-day getaway from Kochi or Aluva, Panieli Poru can be a refreshing choice for spending quality time with family and reconnecting with nature.

Sometimes, all you need is the sound of flowing water, a cool breeze, and a quiet place to sit—and Panieli Poru offers just that.

A Day in Abhayaranyam Ecotourism

Looking for a peaceful weekend getaway away from the bustle of Ernakulam? Abhayaranyam, located near Kaprikad in Kunnathukadu Taluk, Ernakulam district, is a wonderful destination for nature lovers, families, and anyone who enjoys spending time surrounded by greenery and wildlife.

Spread across a lush forested landscape, Abhayaranyam offers visitors the chance to experience Kerala's natural beauty while exploring a canopy walkway, wildlife enclosures, an elephant shelter, and scenic riverside surroundings.

Entry fee is Rs.50/-. An ecotourism shop functions near the main entry gage of the mini zoo which sells sandalwood oil and honey etc. The canopy walkway offers plenty of shade and you can walk around the park within 2 hours with a few stops along the way.

A Walk Through the Forest

One of the highlights of Abhayaranyam is its canopy walkway. The shaded pathway winds through the green landscape and can comfortably be explored in around two hours, depending on how often you stop to admire the surroundings.

The walkway is divided into different themed sections, including a bamboo forest, butterfly building, mini zoo, and other natural attractions. Benches are placed along the route, making it easy to pause, relax, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

As you walk, keep an eye out for the tree houses tucked among the greenery. They add a charming touch to the forest setting and make the walk even more enjoyable.

 

Deer and Sambar Park

The Deer and Sambar Park is another major attraction at Abhayaranyam. Hundreds of deer and sambar are kept in a spacious, forest-like environment where visitors can watch them moving around in a relatively natural setting.

For children especially, seeing these animals up close can be one of the most memorable parts of the visit.

A Haven for Nature Lovers

Abhayaranyam is not just about deer and larger animals. The area is home to a variety of birds, butterflies, spiders, and mushrooms, making it an interesting place for anyone who enjoys observing the smaller wonders of nature.

Meet the Elephants

Another important attraction here is the elephant shelter and mahout training centre. Visitors can learn more about the care and training of elephants and, at certain times, watch elephants being bathed.

The elephant bathing session is particularly fascinating. Watching these magnificent animals enjoying the water is an experience that visitors are unlikely to forget.

Enjoy the Riverside Scenery

Beyond the wildlife attractions, Abhayaranyam offers plenty of opportunities simply to enjoy nature. The lush greenery and the view of the river create a calm and refreshing setting.

If you enjoy slow travel, this is a place where you can put aside the rush of everyday life, sit under the shade of the trees, and simply take in the surroundings.

A Simple and Relaxing Day Trip

After exploring the main walkway and wildlife areas, you can make your way back towards the entrance and follow the trail down towards the lower entrance/exit. 

So, if you're planning a one-day trip from Ernakulam and want somewhere that combines nature and wildlife without the rush of a typical tourist destination, Abhayaranyam is certainly a place worth exploring.

A Day in Mangomeadows

 

Sometimes, the best escapes are the ones that take you away from the noise of everyday life without taking you too far from home. While searching for an ideal one-day getaway near Kochi, I came across Mango Meadows Agricultural Theme Park, located at Ayamkudi near Kaduthuruthy in Kottayam district, Kerala.

Tucked away from the bustle of the city, Mango Meadows turned out to be a wonderful destination for a relaxed day surrounded by nature.

Spread across nearly 30 acres, the park is home to thousands of varieties of plants and trees. It is a privately owned, paid attraction that combines nature, agriculture, recreation, and Kerala's traditional culture in a rather unique way.

A Day Surrounded by Nature

Mango Meadows has plenty to keep visitors occupied. There are swimming pools, pedal boats, row boats, water cycles, go-karts, cycling trails, boating experiences and several other activities.

The park also has a fishpond, tree groves, farmland, a cattle farm, a boat safari, a ropeway and a restaurant. You can easily spend a couple of hours here, but if you want to experience most of what the park has to offer, keeping aside an entire day would be a better idea.

One of the things I particularly liked was the effort to combine entertainment with education. The park showcases biodiversity, traditional practices and the importance of plants and trees, making the visit enjoyable as well as informative.

Starting the Visit

On reaching the park, visitors are directed to a parking area. Our first stop was the Visitors Center, where we purchased the entry tickets and booked our lunch time.

We were then directed to a waiting area, where a guide was assigned to us.

The guided tour was an interesting introduction to the park. Our guide explained the importance of various trees and plants and shared interesting scientific information about them. Walking through the greenery while listening to these stories made the experience much more meaningful than simply wandering around on our own.

The Tea Garden

Our tour took us through several themed areas of the park, including the Tea Garden.

There was something fascinating about seeing different plants and learning about their uses and significance. The greenery, fresh air and peaceful surroundings made the walk especially pleasant.

Tea Garden

The Bible Statue and Bible Garden

One of the major attractions at Mango Meadows is the Bible Statue, a striking structure measuring about 25 feet by 25 feet.

The statue is made of concrete and incorporates original pages from the Bible in Malayalam. Around it is the Bible Garden, which contains around 125 plants, trees and herbs mentioned in the scriptures.

It was one of those places where nature, culture and spirituality come together in an unusual setting.

Bible Statue

Valentine's Garden and Eden's Garden

Mango Meadows also has a few themed spaces designed to add a touch of romance and imagination to the park.

The Valentine's Garden is a charming spot for couples, while Eden's Garden, inspired by the biblical story of Adam and Eve, offers another interesting corner to explore.

These themed gardens add variety to the otherwise nature-focused experience.

Valentine's Garden

Discovering India Through Trees

Another attraction that caught our attention was the Indian Map Statue.

Children, in particular, can learn about the different states of India and their respective state trees. Trees representing the different states stand within their corresponding spaces, turning the area into an interesting outdoor learning experience.

I thought this was a wonderful way of introducing children to India's incredible botanical diversity.

 Indian Map Statue

A Glimpse of Kerala's Traditional Culture

A few metres away, we came across a temple pond that seemed to evoke Kerala's traditional landscape.

Nearby was a sarppakavu, or sacred grove traditionally considered an abode of snakes. Such sacred groves are an important part of Kerala's cultural heritage and traditional biodiversity conservation practices.

It was interesting to see these traditional elements incorporated into a modern theme park.

Exploring the Park on Our Own

After completing the guided tour, we were free to explore the park at our own pace.

There are several activities available for visitors, including cycling and boating.

Free cycling is allowed for 20 minutes with a ₹100 deposit, which is refunded when the cycle is returned within the allotted time. Riding through the park was a pleasant way to enjoy the greenery and surroundings.

We also tried archery, which turned out to be one of the most thrilling experiences of the day. Holding the bow, taking aim and releasing the arrow was surprisingly exciting!

Tea and Pazhampori

No Kerala outing feels quite complete without tea and snacks, and Mango Meadows had a delightful surprise for tea lovers.

There is a small tea shop where tea is prepared in a traditional way. Watching the tea being prepared and enjoying it in such peaceful surroundings was a memorable experience.

And, of course, I couldn't resist having pazhampori with my tea.

I have always loved tea, but somehow it tasted even better that day — perhaps it was the traditional preparation, perhaps it was the company, or perhaps it was simply the beautiful surroundings.

A Relaxing End to the Day

As evening approached, it was time for us to leave.

After spending several hours walking through gardens, learning about plants, cycling, trying archery and enjoying a traditional cup of tea, we left Mango Meadows with refreshed minds and happy memories.

If you're looking for a one-day getaway near Kochi, especially a place where you can slow down, breathe some fresh air and spend time surrounded by greenery, Mango Meadows at Ayamkudi is certainly worth considering.

We left with a refreshed mind — and with the hope of returning again someday.

Vagavanam Trek, Idukki

Vagavanam is near to the famous hill station Vagamon, which is located in Idukki district, in the Indian State of Kerala.

We started our journey from Kochi in the early morning. Had a pit stop at Thodupuzha for breakfast. From Moolamattom onwards, the journey uphill having narrow roads and curves, was not at all comfortable. We stopped our car before reaching Vagavanam and collected our packed lunch. Reached Kerala Forest Department office at Ottamarapara, which is 8 kms from the Junction. There was a small shop selling honey and tea dust and we decided to purchase those when we return.

Kerala Forest Department arranges  windy walk trekking at Kuvalettam. Total trekking distance would be around 7 kms, which can be covered within 3.5 hours.

After taking entry ticket for Rs.155/- and completing formalities by filling form , we started out trek with our guides. Initial trek was through tar road, then we deviated to mud jeep road. Since this was rainy season, the road was slippery. We stoped at the foothill of the first hill, and had group introduction to know each other and resumed our trek.

Walking with greenery and fresh wind makes life easier here. We could see Vagamon in a distance.

We reached the top of the first hill. We could see a herd of elephants way down the hill.

It is all about walking up and down through the grasslands and enjoying the heavy wind. Few areas were slippery, rocky patch, so one needs to be careful while climbing. The journey is also scenic and is worth visiting for all nature lovers. Its beauty enhances during the monsoon season.

We trekked further until we reached the final hill which is the last point in windy walk trekking. Other side of the reservoir is Kulamavu. From the peak, we could get the beautiful views of catchment area of Idukki reservoir.  We rested for a while, had packed lunch, took pictures and started return trekking. 

It was around 3 pm, when we returned to the starting point of the trek. Next up in our chart was a bath in the nearby Kallattupara waterfalls. It was not a big waterfall, but water was cold and a bath beneath the falls, gave a lot of relief to us. After bath, we had a pit stop near the reservoir and shared our experience in this trek.

Kallattupara waterfalls

A beautiful challenging one-day trial with a mixture of greenery, rain, grass land and heavy wind. 

Trek to Moodal Mala, Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary

I already had a couple of treks to  Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary but trek to Moodalmala is a new trek path opened recently by the  Kerala  Forest Department. This is one of the highest trekking point in Peechi WLS. 

Our reporting point was Forest Office, Peechi, near Thrissur , Kerala ,  at 9 a.m.   After getting the required permission from  the Forest office, we started our trek at around 9.30 a.m accompanied by two  forest guides. We walked through the jeep road until we reached the mouth of the forest. This is the real starting point of the trek. After a small introduction of group members , we started our trek.

Initial trek was a hike through dense forests, and we took halt in regular intervals. On the way, our guide showed us different trees and plants and shared his deep knowledge about those trees and plants.  After a steep hike, we reached  a viewpoint, and we could see Kochi Coimbatore National Highway and the  Kuthiran Tunnel.

We took halt in the  open rocky area and we were greeted by picturesque views and gusty winds.  I found a comfortable spot to sit and relax. From this spot, we could see the  reservoir at a distance.

Then we resumed our trek downwards through the  thick forest without any proper route. We passed through Elephant passage route known as Anathara. We had a pit stop near a rivulet. Had our packed lunch and some of us  filled our water bottles too. Rest of the trek was beside the reservoir.

There was a surprise waiting for us.  It was amazing to see  many  wild dogs just on the  opposite side of the reservoir. They were seen heading to the  water to catch their meal. 

We waited there to click few  photos as they moved to the  forest after taking their meal.

 

Then we resumed our trek and returned to the  Forest office.  This is one of the best one-day trip in Peechi WLS.

Weekend at Abad Turtle Beach Resort, Mararikulam

 

After an hour's drive from my home at Kochi, we arrived at the vast expanse of the resort, and I felt some relaxation after seeing the neatly maintained area spread across 13 acres of land with palm trees. I took a deep breath, and it was starting of our two day's fun.

We spent two days in Abad Turtle, and we loved everything about Abad Turtle. There are lots of unique and different things to do in the resort for families that makes it a fun and memorable place to visit. It's an absolute joy to wander and discover what is around in each corner. The rooms were cozy and spacious and had open sky bathrooms.

There were hammocks outside to relax, lot of space to walk around and direct access to beach.   There is a small garden where they grow vegetables. I cycled around the area.

The swimming pool at Abad Turtle is another major attraction to spend a cool and fun filled time in the waters ...

Delicious meals are served for Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

One of my favorite spots for taking photos is the beach. Sunset view was breathtaking. I love the sea, and also  to stroll along the beach listening to the waves. In the morning, we woke  up early and walked to the beach and spent time for fun filled activities by running with the kids through the beach, taking candid photos etc.

I felt that I should have visited this place long before. I wished I could extend my holiday at Abad Turtle!!     

My stay at KTDC Tea County, Munnar

 

I had the pleasure of staying at the Tea County Munnar in March 2022. It was a memorable stay especially as a break from my regular routine. The weather as was cool.

I stayed in the first floor of a cottage which had a balcony with a clear view of the picturesque Munnar valley and adjacent hill. The chair in the balcony was my favorite corner in the room and I enjoyed the magic of the mist and the mountains.

The bed was comfortable leading to a good sleep all around I enjoyed complimentary buffet breakfast and lunch as well as dinner from the hotel. 

 

I walked around the area and enjoyed the greenery of the land that extends to about eight and a half acres. And this leisure trip was really rejuvenating for me.