Pambooran Para Stream Trekking: A Day of Hills, Streams and Nadan Food

It was 5:00 in the morning when we started from Edappally, with five of us packed into a Duster and a full day of adventure ahead.

Our destination was Ilaveezhapoonjira, but the journey would take us through the beautiful hills around Ilaveezhapoonjira, a stream trek, a traditional Kerala lunch, and finally a refreshing dip at Thriveni Sangamam.

The early morning drive was peaceful. After travelling for some time, we stopped at Moovattupuzha for a quick breakfast. With our stomachs full and the morning still young, we resumed the journey towards Ilaveezhapoonjira.

By around 7:30 AM, we reached Ilaveezhapoonjira. The viewpoint is only a short, walkable distance from the parking area. From there, we could already see the watchtower standing against the hills.

After an introductory session explaining the day's plan, the group was ready.

There were around 25 of us, and at about 8:00 AM, we started the trek from behind the DTPC building.

Trekking Through the Hills of Ilaveezhapoonjira

The trail initially took us through hills covered with rocks and lush green pullu (grass). The landscape was incredibly beautiful.

The rolling meadows, greenery and panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys created a peaceful atmosphere. It was one of those places where you naturally slow down and simply enjoy being outdoors.

As we walked through the grass, there was another unexpected experience — the smell of pulthailam. The earthy fragrance of the grass and the surrounding vegetation made the walk even more memorable.

After some walking, we got our first glimpse of the Ilaveezhapoonjira pond from one of the hilltops.

Ilaveezhapoonjira literally means “the valley where leaves do not fall.” It is a pristine landscape surrounded by three hills — Mankunnu, Kodayathoormala and Thonippara.

There is also a popular legend connecting the area with the Pandavas, who are believed to have stayed here during their exile.

Standing on the hilltops, we could enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, the views stretch across several districts.

Another famous destination nearby is Illikkal Kallu, one of Kerala's well-known viewpoints.

As we continued along the trail, we could see the Melukavu road far below us. From the top of the hills, the winding road looked tiny against the vast landscape.

Leaving the Hills and Searching for the Stream

After nearly two hours of trekking, we descended towards the Melukavu road.

We walked along the road for a few minutes before taking a deviation towards the Thumarakapara–Kolanithottam road.

This was where the much-awaited part of the trek began — stream trekking.

The road constructed by the Malayora Vikasana Agency was a steep climb, and as we walked, we could hear the sound of water flowing somewhere below us.

That sound became louder as we continued.

Soon, we reached the mouth of the stream.

It was time for a break.

And, of course, it was also time for a bath.

After the long walk through the hills, getting into the cool water was incredibly refreshing. Everyone took some time to relax, cool down and recharge before starting the next part of the adventure.

Stream Trekking to Pambooran Para

With renewed energy, we started walking through the stream.

The stream bed was full of rocks, so every step had to be taken carefully. We followed the watercourse, climbing over and around rocks while enjoying the surroundings.

For nearly an hour, the stream itself became our trail.

There was something special about walking through a natural stream instead of following an ordinary trekking path. The sound of flowing water, the rocks under our feet and the greenery around us made the experience completely different from the morning's hill trek.

Eventually, we came out of the stream and reached Pambooran Para.

But the trek wasn't over yet.

The trail continued with a steep climb up one of the hills. We crossed the hill and reached an area near a pond, where a small cottage stood facing the water.

After crossing one more hill, we finally reached the starting point of the trek.

It was around 1:00 PM.

Everyone was tired.

And everyone was hungry.

A Much-Needed Nadan Lunch

After nearly five hours of walking, climbing and stream trekking, food was the next priority.

We headed towards Susheela Chechiyude Nadan Bhakshanashala at Moolamattom, around 14 kilometres from Ilaveezhapoonjira.

The lunch turned out to be another highlight of the day.

The meal came with more than 25 different side dishes, and every single one was delicious. After a tiring trek, sitting down to a proper Kerala-style nadan meal was exactly what we needed.

By the time we finished lunch, it was around 2:00 PM.

We were ready for a rest.

A Quiet Afternoon by the Dam Catchment

Instead of immediately heading home, we decided to find a quiet place on the way towards Kulamavu Dam.

We came across a beautiful spot surrounded by trees, with a lovely view towards the dam catchment area.

It was the perfect place to simply sit back and relax.

After the morning's trek and the heavy lunch, nobody was in a hurry.

We rested there until around 4:00 PM, enjoying the greenery and the peaceful surroundings.

Refreshing Bath at Thriveni Sangamam

Our final destination for the day was Thriveni Sangamam at Moolamattom.

After a long day of trekking, we had one more thing in mind — another well-deserved bath.

Thriveni Sangamam is a picturesque spot where three streams meet and form the Thodupuzha River. The confluence includes the water discharged after power generation along with the Nachar and Valiyar rivers.

The place is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a beautiful spot to spend some time near the water.

A hanging bridge is another attraction here.

After the long trek, the cool water was incredibly refreshing. We spent some time enjoying the place before finally saying goodbye to Thriveni Sangamam.

Tea, Snacks and the Journey Home

After the bath, a hot cup of tea and some snacks tasted especially good.

By then, the day's adventure had come to an end.

It was a long and tiring day, but also one filled with beautiful landscapes, good food, flowing water and great company.

Soon, we started our return journey to Ernakulam, carrying back tired legs, full stomachs and plenty of memories from one unforgettable day in the hills of Idukki.