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Elaveezhapoonchira
Elaveezhapoonchira , a hill station near Melukavu Mattom, 60 kms. from Kottayam is gaining tourist importance. Elaveezhapoonchira means valley where leaves don't fall and is names so because the place has no trees. This is also one of the best places in Kerala to witness both the sun rise and sunset.
Located among three beautiful hillocks Mankunnu,Kudayathoormala and Thonippara, Poonchira is a place of picturesque charm. Legends say that the pool here was a bathing place for Panchali the heroine of Mahabharata. The D.T.P.C. is developing this place into a trekking spot.The beautiful valleys of Poonchira spread across thousands of acres. The verdant land scape punctuated by the gigantic hills , each rising to around 3200 sft. is an ideal place to un wind. During the monsoons when the valley fillup to form a scenic lake, this place unveils yet another beautiful slice of nature.
Kurisumala
Three Kms. from Vazhikkadavu, this renowned Christian pilgrim centre is where hundreds of devotees from far and near converge during the holy week and after, to climb the hill in faith, carrying small wooden crosses. The peaceful Jewish monastery at the top of the hill, the cool mountain air and the lush green landscape are all soothing to the soul. On the eastern side of the hill is Murugan mala, home of a rock cut temple dedicated to Murugan ( son of Lord Siva). The road to Kurisumala offers wonderful sight-seeing opportunities in a European model house and the beautiful artificial lake both designed by the renowned architect, Laurie Baker.
Poonjar palace
The Poonjar palace in Meenachil taluk is a glorious testimony to the regal opulence of a by gone era.With the palace walls is an extra ordinary royal collection of antiques and exquisite furniture which include a palaquin, a thoni carved out of a single piece of wood for ayurvedic massages, huge chandeliers, palm leaf engravings, jewels boxes, a variety of lamps, sculptures of Nataraja (dancing Lord Siva), grain measures, statues and weapons. A unique couch preserved here is taken out once a year for ritualistic
purpose. Near the palace is an amazing replica of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple. The walls of this temple have sculptures with war fare stories from the Puranas (the legends of ancient India).However the most fascinating thing here is the Chuttuvilakku (row of lamps) carved out on the stone walls of the Sastha temple nearby. Such rock cut lamps are rare in India.
Vaikom
A picnic spot ideal for langourous break. Tourists can avail of various recreation options. Boat cruises are available on the Vaikom lake.
Vayaskara and Chirattamon
These places are well known for their ayurvedic rejuvenation centres.
Monroe light
The Vemband lake at its glorious magnificance is seen at Pallom. The sunset from the Monroe light area is an unique experience, that one will always cherish. The vast expanse of the blue waters as seen from here, awakes the glorious feelings of awe and love for the mother nature. Situated at the eastern extremity of the Vembanad lake, the light was established by colonel Monroe, the Resident in 1813. This being an engineering marvel, the like of which is very rare.
Wagamon
Situated 64 kms. from Kottayam, this enchanting hill station at an elevation of 1100 meters above sea level is a trekkers paradise. This enchanting hill station on the Idukki -Kottayam border dotted with tea gardens and meadows, will soon be one of India's foremost eco- tourism projects. The breeding centre of the Kerala Live Stock Board is located here.
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