Enchanting Kerala

KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER

Urumbikkara – A Captivating Castle of Greenery

A journey laced with adventure at every step - that is what is in store for the travellers to the Urumbikkara Hills in Idukki district. Located at an altitude of 3,500ft above sea level, the Urumbikkara Hills stand tall between the scenic Kuttikanam and the pristine Vagamon. 

Enthayar village, which is around 12km from Mundakkayam, lies against the background of the hills. From Enthayar, the thrilling off-road trip through rocky forest path to Urumbikkara begins. A daring expedition amid a serene environment, the trip uphill will give travellers unending sights of misty hills, green pastures, rich flora and fauna and huge rocks. On the way, Nature will spring pleasant surprises in the form of Pappani and Vellappara waterfalls.

The end result of the strenuous climb will leave you in astonishment — an unhindered 360-degree view of the lowlands with dark rock patches and lush green pastures.

If you crave more, you can take a stroll among the vast expanse of tea estates and cardamom plantations in the vicinity or take a trek towards little-known Madamkkulam waterfalls with the help of a guide.

The estates and mansions in the area have an interesting story to tell. Way back in the 1900s, the British introduced tea plantations in Urumbikkara. An Irish planter named John Joseph Murphy, known as Murphy saipu among the locals, built plantations, estates and factories with the help of a native named Raman.  After the end of the colonial era, Raman became the owner of the estates and mansion.

If you want an adventurous journey to an unexplored destination rich in natural beauty, then the Urumbikkara Hills should be on your bucket list.

For a sneak preview of Urumbikkara, visit https://www.keralatourism.org/video-gallery/urumbikkara-hill-station/1330 

For details
District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC)
Civil Station, Kuyilimala
Painavu P.O., Idukki
Ph: + 91 4862 232248

Getting there
Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 70 km
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 120 km