Chittar – A weekend Gateway

Villages in Kerala are remarkable in their serenity and peace. They exhibit the slice of life of the people of Kerala. Their friendly nature, their openness to visitors and the amazing food are awesome. The best way to have a great weekend vacation would be to visit one of the villages in Kerala. Away from the busy towns and bustling metropolis, these villages really do put you in your element. Chittar is one such place. Let’s explore Chittar this month.

About Chittar

Chittar is one of the most enchanting places in Pathanamthitta, just 29 kilometers away from the main town. So it would just take you a little under one hour to reach the village when you are coming in from Pathanamthitta.

Located in the Western Ghats, lying on the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Chittar Lake and its nearby locations are quite soothing to the eyes and the mind. The pristine countryside makes you forget the woes of the material world, and become one with nature. 

Places to visit in Chittar

Chathurakkalli Para

It is a huge lovely rock, with an underground cave. You can take photos of the place and take a short trek into the cave.

Kannunaruvi Waterfalls

The cascading waterfalls located just 7-8 kilometers from Chittar village with the waters falling down into the rocks far below is a lovely sight to see.

You can venture out and visit any of the villages near Chittar. Some of the noted ones are Koothakkulam in Ranni, Vallel, Ittychuvadu, Neeliplavu also in Ranni (about 10 kilometers away), Maniplavu, Manakayam, Panniyar Colony and so on. Maniplavu is often visited by weekend travelers as it is a beautiful hilly area with a ruined temple adding to the charm of the place.

You can walk around the rubber plantations and watch the locals engaged in pineapple and tapioca farming at Chittar. The natives are friendly people who would take you around to see their nuts, ginger and pepper cultivation. Most of the locals are into agriculture, and would wholeheartedly welcome guests.

The natives get water for irrigation from River Kakkataar, which passes through the village. The climate is pleasant all year through so you can plan a trip anytime. 

Chittar is surrounded by forests on three sides, and the richness of the flora and fauna adds to the beauty of the village. 

To Reach Chittar

You will have to travel by road to reach the village because the nearest railway station is in Kottayam, and airports are at Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. If you would like to explore the nearby villages, you can stay with one of the villagers as most of the natives have provision for homestay as it supplements their income from agriculture. 

Conclusion

So the next time you want to take a breather and enjoy pure nature, head down to Chittar, Kerala. The village is just like a healing balm.