Pandikuzhi

Cradled between Chellaekovil in Idukki district and the Tamilnadu border lies a fine stretch of picturesque land pandikuzhi. The place, a feast for the senses, is rich in a wide spectrum of flora and fauna, heritage, vales and dales, gurgling streams, cascading waters, quaint villages and villagers. Need one ask for more?

Pandikuzhi is just 4.5 km from Kumily. Board any bus from kumily to Kattappana.alight at Randaam mile. One can either take an auto to Chellarkovil, 2km away and trek a ½ km or trek the entire distance to pandikuzhi. Or, catch any bus from Thodupuzha to Kattapana. Alight at Puliyanmala and take the bus to Kumily.

The thunderous cataract in the picture falling from a height of 1200 ft is just one among the seven falls here. But to get a full view of all the falls, one should go to the Gudalloor area of Tamil Nadu. The falls, again the backdrop of the lush greenery and the blue canopy above, are so inviting that one, for a split second, would like to plunge headlong. But never ever think of it. It's too dangerous. Three lives were lost recently.

The trek to Pandikuzhi is one great feeling. You find different species of vegetation struggling with one another to obtain a foothold in the woods. Insects trill and rasp, leaves whisper, little creatures scamper through the bushes leaving ripples of rustling and birds whistle their territorial claims

A visit to the area is incomplete without a visit to Perapara, 2 km from here. Perapara is a natural dome-shaped rock inside which nearly 30 people can have a sumptuous lunch! Carry food along. Stay at Kumily.

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