KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER
Parunthumpara
Mist caressing the rocks and gently enveloping the hills; rain adding a touch of freshness to the air and soothing breeze kissing you. You are experiencing Nature’s charming beauty at Parunthumpara in Idukki district.
Parunthumpara is 6 km from the plantation town of Peermedu in Kerala on the National Highway 220. From the national highway, you have to take a rugged road and drive all the way up to the hilltop. Once at the top, the endless stretches of green meadows, mountains with deep valleys and the silver line of Azhutha river greet you.
A favourite among off-beat travellers, Parunthumpara is a trekker's delight offering a bird's eye view of an endless stretch of green forests and the landscape. At 4,700 feet above sea level, the pristine natural beauty is famous for a rock that resembles an eagle and hence the name Parunthumpara or ‘Eagle Rock’. The rock projection is called Tagore Rock as it appears to have the shape of famous Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore. The cool mountain breeze along with sweeping mist adds a magical charm to Parunthumpara.
On a clear day, the forest of Sabarimala, which lies 15 km away, can be viewed from here. During the time of Makaravilakku (January 14 this year), hundreds of pilgrims flock to Parunthumpara to witness Makarajyothi.
Tourists can visit the hills all round the year but the landscape is more beautiful during and right after the monsoon season from June to January when lush green meadows and hills with beautiful waterfalls at a distance create a serene atmosphere.
To have a 360-degree view of Parunthumpara, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dogNEVYgvX8
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 54 km from Peermedu
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 120 km from Peermedu
Contact
DTPC
Civil Station, Kuyilimala
Painavu P.O., Idukki
Ph: +91 4862 232248, +91 4865 231516
Email: info@dtpcidukki.com