Ilaveezha Poonchira An offbeat trail of Kerala

Ilaveezha Poonchira means pond of flowers, where the leaves do not fall. Surrounded by Mankunnu, Thonippara and Kodayathoormala located in Kottayam district Mellukaru village. This unexplored spot of Kerala borders Idukki, that you are not devoid of green plantations and valleys.

MYTH STORY BEHIND- I was not satisfied by only knowing the meaning of this hidden gem. Upon further research from a local, during Mahabaratha era Draupadi wife of Pandavas used to bathe in the nearby pond. Bewitched by her beauty, some Devas started watching her. Lord Indra who got to know this, raised three hills filled with flowers but no trees.

THINGS TO DO - Located 3200ft above sealevel, filled with mesmerising beauty of nature, here is what travellers could do.

-Touching the cascade falls of Kazhukankulimali where water is seen at its best purity.

-Exploring Pandavas Guha a small cave where the belief Pandavas stayed during their exile.

-Viewing Idukki, Thrissur and Kottayam from hilltop Mankunnu. These views are lush surrounded by spell bounding nature.

-Malakara reservoir is called as scenic spot filled with streams and waterfalls which offers panaromic views.

-Kudayathoor Vindhyan is 900m above sealevel where you could see best sunrise and sunset. The best part is clouds sweep through this hills, which you can touch.

-Illikkal Kallu meaning rock is a beautiful landscape, where herb Neelakuduveli is present.

-Erattupetta, palai, kanjar, and Thodupuzha are nearby towns, while Marmala falls, keezharkuthu falls and anachadikuthu waterfall are lush with nature around.

-June to September is an ideal time to visit. Summers are scorching while monsoons are slippery and make the place look lush around.

REACHING- From Thodupuzha via Melukavu 6km away is Ilaveezha Poonchira. Another route is via Kanjar 10km away is this paradise spot.

UNIQUE THINGS - There is a remote pond, where you won't find even a leaf.

Another is it is a popular trekking spot that you can do mountain climbing and try jeep driving too.

Food is awesome and very very tasty, they are made out of local herbs that you shouldn't miss biting, biryanis, parotta and puttu kadala.

On the whole a lovely trekkers paradise, filled with mist and fog which just passes by you. An unexplored spot, which needs to be explored especially by nature lovers.