Top 5 unexplored places to visit in Kerala

Lakshmi
Lakshmi
Aug 25, 2017 · 4 min read

Kerala is a land of unending natural beauty, mouth watering cuisine, unique customs and traditions, warm and inviting people and breathtaking colors. Though a land with a strong stake hold in the tourism map of India, there area innumerable places in the state which are yet to get its due recognition. Here are five of the most note worthy destinations,that have gone unexplored.

  1. Kolukkumalai

Situated about 7,200 ft. above sea level, Kolukkumalai is technically part of Tamil Nadu but is approached from Kerala via Suryanelli near Munnar. It is a small hamlet at a distance of 32 ks away from Munnar town.

Kolukkumalai is famous for its tea plantations, which are the highest in the world in terms of altitude.One can get a tour of the ancient tea factory from the 1930's which is still up and running. The altitude adds to the freshness and taste of the tea produced and processed here.

One must hire a jeep to reach here from the town. The bumpy and adventurous ride is all worth it once you get to experience the stunning sunrise view from here, when you can watch the white blanket of clouds gliding beneath your feet.

2. Ramakkalmedu

Rama — kal — medu literally means “Land of Rama’s Stone” or “Land where Rama kept his leg” (Rama is a Hindu God in the epic Ramayana). One story says that Lord Rama kept his feet at the tip of Ramakkalmedu to search Ravana the King of Lanka, who abducted his wife Sita.

Situated on the western ghats at a height of 3,500 ft (1,100 m) above sea level, Ramakkalmedu is a quiet little hamlet near Nedumkandam on the Munnar-Thekkady route. Ramakkalmedu gives a panoramic view of Tamil Nadu, situated beneath its foothills.

This place is also unique due to the winds that blow here at a speed of 35 km/hr irrespective of the season. There are wind mills installed here to utilize this wind energy.

A statue of “Kuravan and Kurathi” by C.B Jinanwas erected herein 2005. It is said that they depict the Kuravan and Kurathi who guided the authorities to find the right place for constructing the Idukki dam.

3. Ilaveezhapoonchira

Surrounded by three enchanting hillocks — Mankunnu, Kodayathoormala and Thonippara, the beautiful valleys of Ilaveezhapoonchira, spread over thousands of acres is ideal for trekking enthusiasts as well as travelers looking to spend some calm and relaxing time.

Ilaveezhapoonchira literally translates into “the valley of flowers where leaves don’t fall”. During the monsoon the valley fills up to form a scenic lake. Located in Kottayam district, it is also believed to have been named so, as the region has no trees but is filled with grasslands.

This lovely view point from which sunrises and sunsets are viewed has now slowly started to gain popularity. Kannadippara, the highest peak in Ilaveezhapoonchira offers the best view of Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta and Thrissur districts.

4. Keralakund Waterfalls

It is also known as Kalkundu Waterfall and Karuvarakkundu Waterfalls and is located in the middle of Silent Valley territory in Karuvarakundu, a small town in Malappuram district.

These are said to be oldest waterfalls that still exist with all its glory still intact.A pond has been formed beneath the falls, on the rocks. This pond is always brimming with crystal clear water and attracts nature lovers. In spite of being a very beautiful location, it is not crowded and hence maintains all its purity.

5. Ranipuram

Ranipuram is a hill station in the Kasaragod district of Kerala and is very famous among trekkers and nature lovers. Often compared to Ooty, Ranipuram Hills are 750 meters above sea level.

With evergreen shola woods, monsoon forests and grasslands, the vegetation and trekking trails attract travelers and adventure seekers. The two and a half kilometer trek up the summit promises you not only a breath taking view but also an adventure one can never forget.

Check out some of these places on your next trip to Kerala.

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Lakshmi

Written by

Lakshmi

“Traveling — it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”

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