Ottakkal Look Out

Ottakkal Look Out or Ottakkal View Point is a wonderful viewpoint in the Kollam district of Kerala and is a part of the Thenmala Ecotourism Project. This place is located near the Ottakkal dam, which is a weir dam constructed over the Kallada River as part of the Kallada Irrigation Project. The dam is situated about 5 km away from the Thenmala Dam, another tourist attraction in Thenmala.

The main attraction of Ottakkal Look Out is the lookout tower, which offers an aerial view of the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary and the Kallada River. The tower is about 20 meters high and has a circular platform at the top, which can accommodate about 10 people at a time. The tower is accessible by a spiral staircase and has a railing for safety.

From the tower, one can enjoy the panoramic view of the greenery and the water below, as well as spot some wildlife such as monkeys, deer, elephants, and birds. The view is especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset when the sky changes colors and reflects on the river. The place is also ideal for photography enthusiasts, who can capture some stunning shots of nature.

Ottakkal Look Out is a perfect place for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers. It is a place where you can relax and rejuvenate your senses with the soothing sounds and sights of nature. It is also a place where you can learn more about the ecology and culture of Thenmala and its people.

The best time to visit the Ottakkal Look Out is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. It is open from 9 AM to 5 PM every day, and there is no entry fee for visitors. However, there is a parking fee of INR 10 for two-wheelers and INR 20 for four-wheelers.

The viewpoint is easily reachable by road from Thenmala town, which is about 10 km away. There are also buses and autorickshaws available from Thenmala to Ottakkal Look Out.  The nearest railway station is at Punalur and Kollam railway station for national connections. The closest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport which is located about 91 kilometers away.

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