Elaveezha Poonchira, a hill station near Melukavu Mattom, 60 km from Kottayam is gaining importance. 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 legendary princess of the Holy book,Mahabharata. The beautiful valleys of Poonchira are spread across thousands of acres. The verdant landscape punctuated by the gigantic hills, each rising to around 3200 ft. is an ideal place to unwind. During the monsoons when the valley fills up to form a scenic lake, this place unveils yet another beautiful slice of nature. Elaveezha poonchira means a valley where leaves dont fall and is named so because the place has no trees. This is also one of the best places in Kerala to witness both the sunrise and sunset.
This shrine of St. Mary is a famous pilgrim center located not far from the place. The consecrated shrine present here is brought from the famous Velankanni Mother Church at Velakannni in Tamil Nadu.
These were the holiday homes of the Maharaja of Travancore. During the summer seasons, the Kings who once ruled Travancore resided in these summer palaces.
This is a Christian Pilgrimage Center and a Monastery. The large prayer Hall here is used for prayer and meditation. Attached to it here are a few spectacular diary farms.
This is Asia’s first arch dam, constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills.The Idukki wild life sanctuary rich in wild life -Elephant, Bison, Sambar Deer, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Black Bulbul, Woodpecker,King Fishe,r etc.- is located nearby.
This ancient temple is hidden in the dense forest at the top of a peak 1337 meters above sea level. The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. Visitors are allowed here only on Chithra Pournami festival day.
From the steep rocky ledge ten kilometers from High Valley Resorts is the most attractive spot in the High ranges. Trekking to this mountain will be an enchanting experience for adventure and nature lovers. At far distances you can see the Makara jyothi, the holy light during festival season. It is a calm and quite place where you can experience the cool and fresh breeze.
