Unexplored Palkulamedu, Idukki, Kerala

Palkulamedu (Palkulam Hills) is one of the highest peaks in Idukki district, in the Indian state of Kerala. This hill station is located 3200m above sea level which offers a beautiful view of nearby towns . Ever since I saw the Malayalam movie 'Idukki gold', I wanted to see the beauty of Idukki and Palkulamedu (in Malayalam  'medu' means ' hill')  - one of the jewel places in Idukki.

To experience Palkulamedu, I started my journey from Kochi at around 10 AM in my car.

Route Map:

Kochi - Perumbavoor - Kothamangalam - Oonukal - Thalakode - Neriamangalam - Chembakuzhy - Needapara - Keerithodu - Churli - Karimban - Asoka Junction ( 106 kms )

I took a diversion to Idukki before reaching Neriamangalam. Made my way to Idukki through the lonely roads!  And I stopped my car at few places to click photos of the picturesque scenery around. The lofty mountain ranges were constant companions and unsurprising.

The road stretched on ahead with dozens of curves. Further on, was a series of waterfalls plunging into the road.

I was driving beside the  Periyar river. After leaving lower Periyar hydro electric project area, there is a diversion -  one goes to Munnar and the other to Idukki.

By about 1. 00 PM, after three hours journey, I reached Asoka junction- a small town in Idukki and had lunch from there. A road trip comes with its own enjoyment and a drive with beautiful views was indeed a refreshing experience. Further 5 kms drive took me to the Kokkarakulam campsite. Our campsite was a newly constructed small house which is near to the Palkulamedu waterfalls.

View of the Palkulamedu waterfalls from the base

LEISURE TIME

After having rest for sometime, we moved to the Palkulamedu waterfalls. Palkulamedu waterfalls is a seasonal waterfall which descents here from Palkulam Pond at a  height of about 2000 feet, providing a spellbinding sight.

CELEBRATE EVERYTHING

It was a big relief for us after an entire day of travel.

Palkulamedu waterfalls

Upon reaching back to the campsite, a cup of hot black tea was served. Few of us took a long walk through Kokkarakulam village. Kokkarakulam is a high range village. The main source of  income for the villagers is agriculture. The many domestic animals including buffaloes, cows and dogs add to the liveliness of the place. By evening,  everyone assembled near the campsite. We tried to make a campfire but the rains intervened.  It was time for dinner and our host had already prepared tasty meals for us.

DAY 2

After an energetic black tea, we moved to bathe in the waterfalls.  A bath under  the water falls  is a rejuvenating experience.

After breakfast, we started the trek at around 9 AM. Our trek route was through Muyalpara to Palkulamedu. The trek begins from the waterfalls. Till Mulyalpara, the trial goes through the plantations, revenue lands and forest. There are various types of medicinal plants, herbs and small streams inside this forest. 

We were moving through the edge of a steep slippery rock.  We managed this stretch by walking little ahead and our guide Mr. Pious somehow managed to create a route by cutting grass. Soon we reached the base of Muyalpara. From here, we could see the Cheruthoni dam which is  part of the Idukki Hydroelectric Project, along with two other dams at Idukki and Kulamavu.

Few steps ahead is the 'Bhagavan Thotti '. Legend says that the Pandavas spent few days at this place and they prayed to Lord Siva. It is also said that Lord Hanuman sent an arrow from here as a result of which the mountain  moved back .

Further trek goes through grass lands. Climbing up the hill, we could see the surrounding places though occasional mild showers and mist was an interruption.

Finally we reached the top of the Palkulamedu. It is an ideal fusion of pleasant weather and plentiful greenery. There is a cross on top of Palkulamedu where devotees  come on Good Friday. From this spot, we can have a distant view of  towns, including Munnar. You can also hear the whistle of the soft wind as it blows through  the mountains. And as the clouds descend, the foggy mountains get silhouetted with a dark, bushy foreground.

Further walk will take you to suicide point. You can also enjoy the cool air amidst the mist. After spending some time at the top, we started descending. Descending was quite easy.

 
Soon we reached Palkulam pond. The water flowing down from the Palkulamedu peak accumulates on a small pool in the rock and then falls downwards. Water flowing down from this pond make it the Palkulamedu water falls. A bath in this natural infinity pool was a rejuvenating experience.

By that time Saji and team had carried our packed lunch to the top of the mountain. After lunch and rest for some time, we started moving down through a shola cover.

Soon we reached the base that marked the end of the trek.  By 4 PM, evening tea was served. Our host served 'Kappa Biriyani' (usually called as 'Asiad' in high range areas of Idukki) and hot tea which made us feel at home.

It was a memorable trek and I enjoyed the village, the stay, the food and the drive.