Weekend Getaway – Kuttikkanam

It’s Christmas season again and everyone is busy with their shopping, decorating, baking and partying. Kuttikkanam is one of the best options for you.

Also, it’s a perfect time to go on a vacation trip!

Hmm…sounds interesting?

Well, why don’t you celebrate this year’s Christmas weekend with your family at a beautiful holiday destination?

Get ready for a memorable trip to Kuttikkanam – a small hill station situated near Peermedu in Idukki district..

Kuttikanam is a dream paradise for tourists who love to soak themselves in the cool climate of December. It stands at a height of 3500 feet above sea level and is covered with verdant tea and cardamom plantations. The presence of valleys, streams, pine forests and rich flora and fauna adds to its alluring charm.

Kuttikkanam was once ruled by the British and the kings of Travancore. It used to be the favourite summer destination of Travancore Rajas. There are many places here where you can go for sight-seeing.

Kuttikkanam Junction

Image by Reji Jacob via Wikimedia

Peeru Hills

If you are interested in going for trekking and spending some quality time with your family, then don’t miss Peeru Hills. It’s an idyllic haunt for adventure freaks and is just 1 km away from Kuttikkanam.

Valanjanganam Waterfalls

This 75 ft scenic waterfall is one of the main attractions of Kuttikkanam. It is located en route to Kuttikkanam on the Kottayam-Kumily state highway. The surrounding area is usually covered with mist and is the best stopover for tourists who want to take a break from the monotony of travelling.

Ashley Bungalow

How about reliving the legacy of the British era? Well, then Ashley Bungalow is where you should visit as well as stay. Built by the Baker family, this magnificent palatial house is considered to be the oldest surviving planter’s bungalow. The interior architecture and the overall ambience have been well preserved to this day.

Snap from Kuttikanam Junction

Image by Rameshng via Wikimedia

Panchalimedu

Situated 10 km from Kuttikkanam, this picturesque hill station is surrounded by fresh meadows, hills and valleys and it offers a captivating view of the Sabarimala “Makarajyothi”.  Legend has it that Pandavas (of the epic, Mahabharata) along with their wife, Panchali spent some part of their exile here.

Parunthumpara

Another breath-taking destination located in between Peermedu and Thekkady, Parunthumpara got its name due to its topography that resembles an eagle. (“Parunthu” in Malayalam means eagle and “para” means rock) This place offers a bird’s eye view of the surrounding lush green hills and low lying areas.

There are other interesting tourist spots in Kuttikkanam worth visiting like, the Summer Palace, Pattumala Church, Tomb of Peer Mohammad (in Peeru Hills), Baker Hills, Azhutha dam, etc. There is also a dense pine forest here that is home to a number of endangered species.

Tea Plantations at Kuttikkanam near Thekkady

Image by Geoshrad via Wikimedia

Kuttikanam is one of the must visit tourist places in Idukki and it has a pleasant climate throughout the year. There are a number of hotels, resorts and homestays overlooking the lush green tea plantations and tropical vegetation.

How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport is Kochi which is about 120 kms away.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Kottayam, 70 kms away.

By Road: Kuttikkanam is well-connected by bus-services plying from the nearest towns like Kanjirappally and Mundakkayam. You can also hire taxis from these places.

It’s great to go for weekend outings in order to get a fresh dash of energy after a really tiring week. With Christmas and New Year round the corner, it would be a wonderful experience to celebrate your weekend in the cool breezy climate of Kuttikkanam. Get ready for a memorable trip!

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6 Comments

  1. Salt in our Hair on January 2, 2017 at 7:27 pm

    What a beautiful looking place! We should do a collaboration some day 😉 !

  2. Geoffrey Deakin on June 12, 2019 at 11:48 am

    Hello,
    I was born in the Ashley Bungalow on 16 November 1944 to Katherine and John Deakin.
    Katherine was the daughter of Ethel Munro who married JAR Richardson.
    I am researching my family history, and trying to find the correct postal address for Ashley in those times.
    Can you help me please.
    With many thanks and best regards.

    • Sunu Philip on June 25, 2019 at 5:39 pm

      Hi Geoffrey,
      Here is the current address ASHLEY BUNGALOW KUTTIKKANAM, IDUKKI DISTRICT and best wishes for your research.

  3. Guru on September 25, 2019 at 1:05 pm

    Beautiful places to explore Kuttikkanam. I have missed these awesome places I will definitely plan for coming holidays. Thanks for sharing such a great post.

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