Parunthumpara – Idukki Destination

The Parunthumpara is a breathtaking hill station in between Peermedu (3000ft) and Thekkady (3900ft) high above the mean sea level. The Parunthumpara literally in Malayalam means the ‘Eagle Rock’. Either, huge rock of this hill is in Eagle shape. This is a scenic hillside drive place to see the enchanting beauty of the Western Ghats in Idukki District of Kerala State, India. In the recent times, the Munnar trip is incomplete without halting at Parunthumpara Village. The best time to visit here is summer season (March to May).

This is the only place to see the full hill view of Peermedu. You can also see the Shabari Range and entire low laying lush grassland along with these ranges. It is a scenic place where you can see endless ranges and its peak. The suicide point is also present in this hilltop with very deep trench. The forest area of Periyar Tiger reserve is also view able from this point. The tourists can take a 360-degree video and photography of these mountain ranges. In the morning time, it is mostly filled with mist and cold wind. The botanical specialty of this hill station is Neelakurinji Poo (Strobilanthes Kunthiana). This is a rear flowering plant, which blossom only in every 12 years. In the year 2018, it will blossom once again and make these hill ranges look blue due to the color of this flower. The summer months are the best to view far away mountain ranges.

Other Near-by Best places to visit in Idukki:

Munnar

Munnar is the important hill station of Kerala state and without visiting this place; the Kerala tour circuit is incomplete. Since, Idukki District has major three highest peaks of Western Ghats. Once in Munnar it is advisable to visit Meesapulimala, which is the 3rd highest peak with an altitude of 8660ft above the mean sea level. The Munnar is a scenic place with tea, coffee and cardamom plantations. Munnar is the main town to accommodate tourists and from here only rest of the attractions are covered. The landscape of Munnar with tea plantation is very rear and you cannot find such place anywhere the world with special greenery soothing your eyes.

Panchalimedu

The Panchalimedu is a unique place to view the length and breadth of 5 neighboring districts adjoining Idukki. You can have the panoramic view of far-flung landmasses of Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Kollam and Idukki. The Panchalimedu name is derived from the epic saga Mahabharata. This is the place where Droupathi, wife of Pandavas took bath in a natural pond. This pond still exists here and you can see plenty of water in the monsoon season. The natural pond name is Panchali kulam. This is the excellent place to relax in the vicinity of scenic hillside village with cool breeze and fresh air. This is less populated area and good for trekking and camping.

How to Reach Parunthumpara

By Air

The Cochin International airport is the nearest one to reach Parunthumpara, which is 126km away.

By Train

The kottayam junction is the major railway station to alight for Parunthumpara.

By Road

NH 220 passes through Parunthumpara making it accessible via road from Kerala and Tamil Nadu side.