Pooyamkutty

Nestled in the picturesque Kothamangalam taluk of the Ernakulam district of Kerala is the charming village of Pooyamkutty. This village, located along the Pooyamkutty River, which is a tributary of the Periyar River, is a sight to behold with its lush green forests and hills that surround it.

At a Glance

Uncover the Natural Beauty and Adventure of Pooyamkutty

While it may not be the easiest place to get to due to its limited road access, Pooyamkutty is still a popular tourist destination because of its serene surroundings and natural beauty. Adventure seekers and nature lovers are drawn to this village, thanks to its numerous outdoor activities such as trekking, camping, rafting, fishing, and birdwatching.

Pindimedu Waterfall is one of the village’s main attractions, along with the abundance of wildlife, especially elephants. The hydroelectric project by KSEB is another noteworthy landmark in Pooyamkutty, originally intended to build a hydroelectric power station at Pindimedu waterfall. Unfortunately, the project had to be abandoned in the 1990s due to environmental clearance.

If you’re a movie buff, you’ll be thrilled to learn that several locations used in popular Mohanlal movies, such as Pulimurugan and Shikkar, were filmed in Pooyamkutty. This beautiful village offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern amenities, making it an ideal destination for tourists looking to experience the true essence of God’s own country.

How to Reach

Pooyamkutty is accessible by private vehicle or by bus from Kochi, Kothamangalam, and Muvattupuzha, with private buses being the most popular mode of transportation. These buses are the primary means of travel from Kothamangalam to Manikandamchal and Vellaramkuthu, with the former fully occupied by farmers and the latter occupied by the Adivasi tribal community.

The Manikandamchal bridge, built in 2002, connects Pooyamkutty to Manikandamchal and is considered a significant addition to the region, benefiting farmers residing in Manikandamchal, Vellaramkuthu, and Kallelumedu. This bridge is the only possible route to access the nearest town. During monsoon, the river can be dangerous and the bridge connecting it with the nearest town may be flooded.

Pooyamkutty is located just 7 kilometers from Kuttampuzha, 27 kilometers from Kothamangalam, 38 kilometers from Muvattupuzha, and 78 kilometers from Kochi. The nearest railway station is Aluva, located 59 kilometers away and the nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, located 58 kilometers away.

Visitors from Kochi can reach Pooyamkutty via the Kochi-Muvattupuzha-Kothamangalam-Thattekad route, while visitors from Munnar can take the Munnar-Adimaly-Neriamangalam-Thattekad route to reach here.

Best Time to Visit

To make the most of outdoor activities and sightseeing, plan your visit to Pooyamkutty between September and March when the weather is cool and dry. These months see less rainfall and lower humidity levels, making it comfortable to explore the scenic river, waterfalls, and hills. Keep in mind, though, that peak season prices and crowds can be a factor.

Places to Visit Nearby

There are several exciting places to visit near Pooyamkutty. Some of them are,

• Pindimedu Waterfalls
• Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
• Bhoothathankettu
• Anakkayam River Beach
• Mamalakandam
• Inchathotty Hanging Bridge

Check out our extensive list of places to visit in Ernakulam district for more exploration and adventure!

Photo by: Manu Thomas