PANCHALIMEDU
Panchalimedu is a beautiful place for people who love to go trekking. It is in Idukki district, about 8 kms from Mundakkayam. While traveling through road, you have to make a turn from 'Murinjapuzha'. Its about 4kms from there to this exact spot. This place has been known as Pandavas and Panchali stayed here for sometime while on exile. There is a Panchalikulam, nearby, where Panchali is believed to have taken bath. This pond [kulam] never gets dry during extreme summer.
Panchalimedu has a wide area available for trekking. Moreover, there are no accident-prone areas, unlike in other hill destinations. It can be a halting point on the route to Thekkady from Kottayam. It is only by word of mouth that it is known and it has not been included in any tourist brochures so foreign tourists are not aware about it, sources said. Panchalimedu, which is soaked in snow, offers tourists a panoramic view of an unending stretch of valleys and hills. One would feel like entered in another world. The journey to the valley after climbing Murinjapuzha itself is endearing. The cool climate and refreshing breeze is a specialty here. The place offers an ethereal atmosphere.
Legend has it that the Pandavas and Panchali took a break in the area while on exile and hence the name Panchalimedu. Here a cave is known as bearing the footprints of Bhima. There is small temple dedicated to Bhuvaneshwari. The remnants of Shivalingas, thrishul, naga idols are also there. Panchalimedu has an enchanting set of hills, which refreshes the body and mind. The cliff in the western side points to the Mundakkayam. When the sky is clear, it is stated that even sea can be viewed from here. The Makarajyothi can be witnessed from Panchalimedu during Makarasankranthi days.
Location
10 km from Kuttikkanam
How to reach
By road: 7km hike from Murinjapuzha on Kottayam Kumili route. From Murainjapuzha, pick a jeep to Panchalimedu.
Altitude
2500 ft above sea level
Stay
Peermedu
Tips
Though the slopes are relatively safe, the cliffs in the west side are dangerous.
Don't litter the place
What to do
Enjoy the ethereal atmosphere. You can trek to Vallinankavu, a Malayaraya tribal village having an old temple, 4 km away
Best season
Throughout the year, except Monsoon
