Illikkal Kallu is a monolith located on top of the Illickal Malaa in the Kottayam district of Kerala, India.The distance from kottayam railway station to illikal kallu is 57km. Situated at around 3400 feet above sea level, Illickal Kallu is a major tourist attraction in Moonnilavu and Thalanadu village of Meenachil taluk. Only one half of the original rock remains, as the other half of the rock has fallen off. The nearest town is Teekoy. Numerous mountain streams originate from this peak and flow down to form the Meenachil River. Tourists must trek <1 km to reach the summit of the peak. Illikkal Mala comprises three hills, each rising up to 3,400 ft above sea level. Each of the hills has a peculiar shape. One of them resembles a mushroom, which is why it is known as Kuda Kallu. The second hill has a small hunch on the sides and is therefore referred to as Koonu Kallu. There is a -foot-wide bridge called Narakapalam connecting these two hills. The beauty and the landscape of illikkal kallu is similar to that of the pillar rocks in Kodaikanal. It is said that the mythical medicinal herb Neela Koduveli grows here. This mythical blue flower is also believed to possess supernatural powers, which could increase wealth and ensure a rich harvest. From the hilltops, the Arabian Sea can be seen on the far horizon as a thin blue stroke. The view of the sunset from above the peak in the evening of a full moon day can be sensational: the moon can be seen rising up like another sun, as the orange sun goes down.
Tourism
The view from illikal kallu is mesmerizing with numerous hills rising to the clouds and the deep valleys. There is a check-post set up by DTPC <1 km before the summit and private vehicles are not allowed beyond this point. Visitors are required to pay entry fees and parking fees at the ticket counter here and can opt for a walk to the summit or utilize Jeep safaris provided by DTPC to reach the top. Currently, the entry to the top of the peak via Narakapalam is restricted due to a tragedy, which lead to the demise of a fellow traveler in 2017. Thereafter proper fencing is placed on the top of the view point in order to avoid any dangerous situations. Mistywindvalley Resorts near to illikkal kallu is a premium unfussy relaxed country resort and Eco-Tourism Hub. They offer guided nature Trails, Jeep Safaris and promotes Sustainable Tourism including hydroponic farming practices. Adventure Sports are conducted on a regular basis, including river rafting, zip lining and camping. Kattikayam Waterfalls is around 2 kilometers from Illikkal Kallu. A trek of about 2 km to this falls is indeed a mesmerizing experience. Though there are no risks in visiting this waterfalls, visitors need to take care of slippery rocks. Ilaveezhapoonchira is another nearby attraction which is only 7 kilometers away from Illikkal Kallu. The road to Ilaveezhapoonchira is not paved and can be considered for an off-road adventure. Ilaveezhapoonchira means ‘valley where leaves don’t fall’. The highest point is known as Kannadipara. Valley of this rocky mountain reflects the morning sun with mirror-like perfection. Pazhakakanam plateau with bamboo groves, meadows & wildflowers nourished by Thodupuzha river & Kazhukankulimali waterfalls is nearby. During monsoons, the valley fills up to form a scenic landscape that attracts tourists from all around Kerala. Vagamon: Another nearby attraction, a hill station and one of its kind in Kerala. National Geographic Traveler has listed Vagamon in their directory of the "50 most attractive places to visit in India".
