Ilaveezhapoonchira

Ilaveezhapoonchira is a beautiful hill station located in Melukavu village near Kanjar in the Kottayam district of Kerala. It is a beautiful valley surrounded by three enchanting hillocks called Mankunnu, Kodayathoormala, and Thonippara.

The place is ideal for trekking as it offers great trails and has an elevation of 962 m. The district tourism promotion council is currently focusing on the development of Ilaveezhapoonchira as one of the major trekking trails of the region.

At a Glance

Explore the Hidden Gem of Ilaveezhapoonchira

According to legend, the valley gave refuge to the Pandavas during their life incognito, and Lord Indra built screens of hills to protect Draupadi from the eyes of other Devas while she bathed at the lake. The name, Ilaveezhapoonchira, means ‘the pond of flowers where the leaves do not fall’. This name comes from a legend that says this was a bathing place for Panchali of Mahabharata. The pond is formed by rainwater that collects in the valley between the mountains during the monsoon season. It is a sight to behold when it reflects the blue sky and the clouds.

If you are interested in movies, you might be excited to know that Ilaveezhapoonchira was also a shooting location for the Malayalam thriller film called Ela Veezha Poonchira. The film is directed by Shahi Kabir and stars Soubin Shahir as one of the police officers who investigates a mysterious murder case at this hill station. Ilaveezhapoonchira is a hidden gem that deserves more attention from travelers who love nature and adventure.

Activities, Best Time to Visit, Entry Fee

Ilaveezhapoonchira is an ideal destination for trekking enthusiasts as it has many trails that lead to different viewpoints. The elevation of this place is 962 m above sea level, which makes it pleasant and cool throughout the year. You can also enjoy camping, birdwatching, and photography here. There are some basic facilities available for tourists such as restrooms, cottages, and food stalls.

Watching both the sunrise and sunset from the valley is strongly recommended as the stunning scenery reveals itself in a distinctive and thrilling manner during those particular moments. One can visit this place any day throughout the year but the best time to visit this place is between November and March when the weather is clear and dry. The entry fee for Ilaveezhapoonchira is INR 20 per person and surely the place is more than worth it.

How to Reach Ilaveezhapoonchira

Ilaveezhapoonchira is easily accessible by road and one can take a bus or taxi from nearby towns like Kanjar or Thodupuzha to reach the spot. From Kanjar village, one has to travel about 8 kilometers to reach Ilaveezhapoonchira. It is important to note that the roads leading to the hilltop can be very bad, and it is not recommended to go during bad weather conditions. The nearest railway stations are Ettumanoor located 47 kilometers away and Kottayam about 56 kilometers away. The closest airport is Cochin International Airport which is located 75 kilometers away.

Places to Visit Near Ilaveezhapoonchira

Melukavu is a breathtakingly beautiful part of the Kottayam district and there are plenty of places to explore. Some of the nearest attractions are,

• Kolaani Hill (6 km)
• Kattikkayam Waterfalls  (9 km)
• Illikkal Kallu (12 km)
• Marmala Waterfalls (29 km)
• Aanachadikuth Waterfalls (40 km)
• Thommankuthu Waterfalls (41 km)

To make the most of your visit, check out our extensive list of places to visit in the Kottayam district and the rest of Kerala.

[Image source|CC BY-SA 3.0]