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Sep 14, 2003 |
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Illickal Mala
Illickal is a beautiful hill in Kottayam district. Numerous mountain streams in this peak, 6000 ft. above sea level, flow down to form the serene Meenachil River. The solitude, the tranquility, the gentle breeze and the star spangled sky here are all enchanting beyond words. Tourists have to trek up 3 km to reach the top of the hill. And if you so wish, you could even spend the night on the heights. Three hills, each rising to 4000 ft. and above, together form this
huge hill. Each of the hills have a peculiar shape. One of them resemble
a mushroom owing to which it gets its name Kuda Kallu (umbrella shaped
rock). It is said that the medicinal herb Neela Koduveli, which bathes
the hillsides in blue, grows here. This flower is also believed to possess
supernatural powers which could increase wealth and ensure a rich harvest.
The second hill, has a small hunch on the sides and is therefore referred
to as Kuunu Kallu (hunch back rock). Across this rock is a 1/2 ft. wide
bridge called Narakapalam (bridge to hell). From the hilltops, the Arabian
Sea can be seen in the distant horizon as a thin blue line. The sunset
on a full moon day is sensational, when the moon can be seen rising
up like another sun, as the orange sun goes down.
Getting there By road: 20 Minutes drive from Kottayam
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