Ramakkalmedu, Idukki
Situated at the Western Ghats, Ramakkalmedu is one of the windiest places in Asia. The place is close to Nedungandam in Idukki district. According to the legend, Ramakkalmedu got its name as it was blessed by the touch of Lord Rama’s feet during his search for Sita. The huge statues of ‘Kuravan’ and ‘Kurathi’ and their child looking down serenely at the visitors on the open meadows is one of the highlights of the place. Trekking to the hill surrounded by greenery is a beautiful experience. Located on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, Ramakkalmedu offers a panoramic view of the picturesque villages of Bodi and Cumbum. It is an ultimate pick for those who love serenity and adventure. Ramakkalmedu is approximately 140 km from Kochi and one can reach by road.
Kakkathuruthu Island, Alappuzha
Kakkathuruthu Island was just another place till it got listed in the National Geographic’s Around the World in 24 Hours, a photographic tour of travel-worthy spots in the world. Cuddled up along the Kerala Coast, this tiny island on Kerala’s backwaters has found its place among the selected stunning destinations across the world, in their 24 hours’ list, (Kakkathuruthu) Kerala at 6 p.m. The charisma of this small island with sea green waters, lush coconut groves and muddy roads has been captured by the magazine photographers during dusk when ‘the shadows lengthen and the sky shifts from pale blue to sapphire.’ The natives of Kakkathuruthu, overwhelmed by the news are still wondering how their minuscule island, which is intermittently visited by tourists made it to the list. The place is 20 km away from Ernakulam. From the National Highway, take a turn to the east from Moham Hospital to reach the ferry, from where you can hire a country boat to get to Kakkathuruthu. There is no other way to reach this place.
Thoovanam Waterfalls, Munnar
If you are ready for a jungle gym and a thick forest march, pack your bags and go to Thoovanam Waterfalls. This is an ideal location to feel the nature and forest and to swim in the crystal clear water. Located at the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, a 4-km trek from Alampetty junction checkpost is required to reach Thoovanam Waterfalls. It will be a guided trek (forest guides must accompany you) through the dense forest and usually would take 2-3 hours from the check post. It is also the best place to spot animals. Trekking time is limited from 7 am to 10 am and 3 pm to 6 pm. The place is 50 km away from Munnar and 10 km from Marayoor.
Pythal Mala, Kannur
If you think that Kannur is a district that just has remarkable history written on its ancient forts, old shrines and eminent cultural institutions, you are wrong. It also has some scenic landscapes. Pythal Mala is one such spot. A place near the Kerala-Karnataka border, it is an enchanting hill station 4,500 ft. above the sea level. It bears an overtone of green with a never-ending line of lush green hills and breathtaking ravine. A 6 km trek is needed to reach the top of the hills. If the world calls Wagamon Asia’s Scotland, Pythalmala definitely deserves to be termed ‘Kannur’s Scotland’. The nearest railway station to reach Pythal Mala is Kannur. If you are taking air service, get down at Calicut International Airport, which is about 159 km away from the destination.
Jatayuppara, Kollam
Jatayuppara is a huge rock in Chadayamangalam, Kollam district. It is not just a trekking place, but also a site of mythological significance that attracts abundant adventure enthusiasts. Situated 1000 ft. above the sea level, covering an area of around 60 acres, this beautiful spot is well-heeled in natural scenic beauty and offers the experience of exotic forests and views of the rocky hillock. As per the legend, the mythical bird Jatayu is believed to have collapsed on this rock after failing in his attempt to rescue Sita from Ravana and the bird took his last breath on this rock. The large rock is named after the bird. The Jatayupara Adventure Park, now open for public, features a 200-feet-long, 150-feet-wide and 70-feet-tall sculpture of Jatayu, the world’s largest bird sculpture. It also offers several adventure sports such as mountain biking, rock climbing, bouldering, zip lining and paintball, laser tag, archery and air-rifle shooting among others. The nearest railway station is Kollam from where you have to travel 38 km. It is 51 km away from the Thiruvananthapuram airport.
Thusharagiri, Kozhikode
‘Snow-capped mountains’ — that is the literal meaning of Thusharagiri, which is one of the most stunning waterfalls in North Kerala. Thusharagiri gets its name from the three waterfalls that create a snowy spray. The first waterfall is easy to reach. The remaining two can be accessed from the first one by trekking through the thick forest. It is a challenging task as one has to trek approximately 5 km and do rock-climbing through river path and numerous waterfalls to reach the origin of the stream. If you are going by road, it is 35 km from Kalpetta and 47 km from Kozhikode.
