Ramakkalmedu

One of the popular wildlife destinations in Kerala, Ramakkalmedu is in eastern Idukki towards the border of Tamil Nadu and 40 km from Thekkady. 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.

One major attraction here is the statues of Kuruvan and Kurathi located at the top of the Ramakkalmedu hills. The statue depicts the Sangam Period and Sangam landscape of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It’s also an ideal place for paragliding and trekking. Bright sunshine and gusting winds give every tourist a heavenly like feeling. Thousands of nature lovers and trekkers visit this place to feel the pleasant and bright environment.

The first wind energy farm in Ramakkelmedu was inaugurated in the year 2008 by the Chief Minister of Kerala, V S Achuthanandan. 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 sight of the massive windmills is very exciting to the visitors. The farm was set up with private participation and now you can find around seven wind farm units here. You will find yourself as a very small creature in front of this huge structure of windmills. 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, travelers 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 the nearest airport is Madurai (145 km).