Kuttikkanam
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Kuttikkanam, the land of lush green tea plantations, lofty peaks and gushing streams, lies in the Peermade village of Idukki district, Kerala, in southern India, 3,500 feet (1,100 m) above the sea level. Clouds gently touch the peaks that flank the verdant slops of Kuttikkanam. Indeed, the streams silvering down from the top hill peaks will fill your hearts with warm feelings.
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[edit] Kuttikkanam as tourist destination
The place had been the destination of the 'glitterati' from the times of imperial sway. It served as the summer sojourn for the Travancore Kings and as a home away from home for the English.
The seamless mingle of sky and land lends a heavenly aura to Kuttikkanam. Here all the amenities a well-groomed person seeks for are within a hands reach. The place has a golf course, some of the finest Multi-Cuisine restaurants, an ayurvedic rejuvenation center & many a modern facility that would make one's holiday a time worth remembering. Acres of green meadows on which cattle grazes, an endless carpet of tea plantations, serene places where wind whispers, rocky patches and nimble waterfalls..... the list is endless.
[edit] History of Kuttikkanam
The history of Kuttikkanam dates back to 1750's. In 16th Century the place was under the rule of Changanacherry Kings. In 1756, the King of Travancore conquered Changanacherry, and brought the place under his supremacy. At that time Kuttikkanam and Peermade outside human haunt. It was a CMS Missionary, named Henry Baker who first discovered the uniqueness of this place and he started coffee plantations here. But the plantations were shifted to tea, during the regency of Srimoolam Thirunal. After that the spread the fame of this place was just a matter of time . Soon many Europeans toed the line of Henry Baker.
With their arrival the place began to prosper and soon became the destination of the glitterati .At that time there were no good roads connecting Kuttikkanam with any towns . To reach the place there was only a pathway. The English started Aerial rope way LTD; which was incidentally Travancore states' first public LTD company, however poor economic aspects crippled the company, and they shifted their focus to road transport The renaming of company into Road Transport Corporation marked the complete change. Later in 1960's, owing to political and social reasons the company was taken over by Mr. Michael Kallivayalil, a brilliant young entrepreneur from Kerala. By that time, most of the English owned properties had been handed over to native entrepreneurs.
During the British reign and after, man power was brought to Kuttikkanam from various places of Kerala and Tamilnadu .They constitute the major part of the population of Kuttikkanam.
Kuttikkanam, which came into the social stream as a plantation town was slowly transformed into that you could see today, thanks to the vision and determination of many a sterling soul. Many educational and other institutions have come up in Kuttikkanam. Now it is no more the old plantation town, but a place which has all the modern facilities, yet sustaining the security and tranquility of mother nature.
[edit] Historically Important Places
1.Summer Palace Built by His Highness Srimoolam Thirunal, this was the favorite summer residence of Travancore Rajas. A place where history sleeps, It is now a private residence.
2 . Hope Church One of the oldest churches in Kuttikkanam, it boasts of a history of more than 150 years. As the name suggests, it was the hope for hundreds for many a generation. A must see place for the spiritually inclined.
3 . Ashley Bungalow The first ever of its kind:Ashley Bungalow still remains as a spot of example, for the beauty of Colonial Architecture. Flanked with spectacular surroundings, you will find it hard to leave the place in a hurry.
4 . Tomb Of Peer Muhammad The Tomb of the Muslim Saint, to whom Peermedu owes its name, is situated at the footage of Peer hills. A walk through the jungle towards it quite refreshing.
5 . Panchalimedu As the legend goes, the 'Pandavas' of Mahabaratha stayed here during their 'vanavasam' (exile).
6 . Amrutha Mala If trekking is in your blood, you will just love it. The second highest peak in Kerala offers many beaten and not so beaten paths to conquer. And there is always an attractive bonus of discovering a new path.
[edit] Places of Interest
Peeru Hills: About 1 km from this salubrious land. This hill station is named after Peer Mohammed, the Sufi saint and a close associative of royal family of Travancore spent his last days here. By the way to this beautiful place we can see the mausoleum of the saint, summer palace of erstwhile Travancore Royal family and residence of Divan.
Grampi: Commonly known as Parunthupara, a sculpture of rock hill of about 150 ft (46 m) high. Parunthupara is about 3,800 feet (1,200 m) above sea level. It attracts a lot of tourists from inside and outside the state. In ancient times, it is believed that only eagles can reach the place.
Thottapura: This is a historical place which Travancore royal family used for storing weapons during the region. It is an ideal place for trekking.
Thrisangu Hills: These hills are associated with the restaurant 'Thrisangu Haven'. These hills are known as rolling hills. The hilltop rewards the tourists with a panoramic view of valleys. It is an ideal place for long walks. When viewed from these hills the beauty of sunset and sunrise is beyond description.
Panchalimedu: A view point and an ideal trekking place for tourists. According to legend it is one of the many hiding places of Pandavas and Panchali. Here we can see a pond known as Panchalikkulam. From here you can witness 'Makarajyothi', the divine flame lit during the pilgrim season in Sabarimala.
Valanjanganam Waterfalls: It is one of the main attraction of Kuttikkanam, also known as Ninnumullippara and the waterfall is about 75 ft (23 m) in height. It is so beautiful that no one will bypass it without spending a few minutes there. Most of the time covered by mist, it is surely a piece of beauty.
Nallathanni View Point: It is a beautiful viewpoint recommended by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation and it is en route to the Kuttikkanam, in the Kottayam-Kumily State Highway. Offering a spectacular view of hills and valleys abundant, it will surely take your breath away.
Artificial Forest: Sprawling over an area of 100 acres (0.40 km²) it is a dense pine forest. With an estimated diversity of 30 different kinds of birds, including some of the rare endangered spices. It is the heaven of a bird watcher. It is declared as a buffer zone by forest department of The Kerala Government
Azhutha Diversion Project: It is a prime project undertaken by The Kerala Government in the Azutha river, for the purpose of diverting water from here to Idukki Reservoir, through a 987 m long tunnel. Visitors can enjoy the view of the mini dam and its tunnel in the wildness.
Kokkad Hills: Kokkad hills is all about wild, scenic beauty. A solitary place where wind whispers in your ears, it is an ideal place to take a stroll.
Peruvanthanam : A beautifull village on the way to Kuttikkanam. Panchalimdu belongs to Peruvanthanam Panchayath. Peruvanthanam provides some excellent spots to shoot pictures of virgin hills.
[edit] Places to Stay
Misty Mountain plantation resort.
A unique plantation resort, picturesquely located amidst the rolling hills and set in a thousand acre property on which coffee, cardamom, pepper, tea, vanilla and other spices are grown interspersed with jungle, grassland and rocky area. To enjoy the unspoiled beauty and cool climate - take easy walks or invigorating treks filled with tittering and tattering of birds. Inhale scent of wild flowers and plung into the picturesque surrounding and lo, you are in seventh heaven.
Motel Sabala (Run by K.T.D.C)
Motel Sabala keeps you cool on sunny days. It is the only beer parlour in Kuttikkanam.
Yathri Nivas [Owned By KTDC - Kerala tourism Development Corporation]
Yathri Nivas -of KTDC,'The Official host of God's own country ' is fully owned by the Govt. of Kerala. It is about 2 km away from Kuttikkanam. Accommodation at Yathri Nivas is available in a wide range with all facilities. Thrisangu Haven Hill Resorts (two star) — "In the mist, on the mountains, among the clouds" . The resort is built and maintained without losing the cohabitation of natural world charm and modern life proficiency. All modern facilities like and amenities are provide for the guests, added with the services of efficient and experienced staff.
Wood Palace Heritage Resort
This century old wooden house with its elaborate history once housed one of the most ancient aristocratic families of medical practitioners in central Travancore. The house, now renovated and refurbished is restructured in accordance with the principles of 'Vasthusasthra'. It renders a legacy in carved teak and polished teak wood. It is truly an unmatched living experience for those who appreciate excellence, decorum, luxury and above all, aesthetic beauty. The walls and ceilings are made from polished wood carved and engraved a couple of generations ago. This heritage resort among the pine trees and the woods welcome you to experience the beauty of Kuttikkanam.
Rose Garden Residency
Only 2 km away from Kuttikkanam lies Rose Garden Residency - The place where you will experience a home away from home. Visitors are welcome to utilize the facilities to rejuvenate themselves.
