Ramakkalmedu is in eastern Idukki
towards the border of Tamil Nadu and 40 km from Thekkady, which is one of the
popular wildlife destinations in Kerala. It stands on the Western Ghats at an
altitude around 3500 ft above the sea level. The origin of the name
'Ramakkalmedu' is quite interesting. 'Rama-kal-medu' means 'Land of Rama's
stone' or otherwise 'the land where Lord Rama kept his leg'. As per legends,
one story is that this is the place where Rama kept his feet, while in search
of his beloved wife Sita. As per Hindu epic "Ramayana' Sita was kidnapped
by Ravana, the ruler of Lanka.
Statues of Kuruvan and Kurathi
located at the top of the Ramakkalmedu hills is one another major attraction
here. The statue depicts the Sangam
Period and Sangam landscape of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Ramakkkalmedu is also an ideal place for
paragliding and trekking. Thousands of
nature lovers and trekkers visit this place to feel the pleasant and bright
environment. Bright sunshine and gusting
winds gives every tourists a heavenly like feeling.
It is one of the windiest places
in Asia and being so, one can also find here a wind farm generating
electricity, which is an undertaking of the Government of Kerala. The first
wind energy farm in Ramakkelmedu was inaugurated in the year 2008 by then Chief
Minister of Kerala, V S Achuthanandan. The farm was set up with private
participation and now you can find around seven wind farm units here. The sight
of the massive wind mills is very exciting to the visitors. You will find
yourself as a very small creature in front of this huge structure of wind
mills. Other attractions in-and-around Ramakalmedu include places like frog
rock, turtle rock .Best season to visit Ramakkalmedu is from September to May.
Rainy season can be avoided.
On the way to Ramakalmedu,
travellers can enjoy the vast stretches of plantations that include rubber,
tea, cardamom, coffee, pepper and the beautiful hills of Kuttikkaanam. The
destination is around 36 km from Kumily. You can hire a taxi from Kumily to
reach this place. The nearest railway station is Chenganashery (90 km) and
nearest airport is Madurai (145 km).
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