How well do you know Kochi? What comes to your mind when you think of
places to go to and visit?
In the multitudes of clichéd well known places in Kochi, people often don’t get
to know about the smaller, lesser known spots perfect for adventurers and
thrill seekers. Kochi has an array of waterfalls, rivers and other spectacular
water wonders shrouded in green beauties. It certainly does not lack spots to
entertain the daredevils out there, though it lacks a bit of promotion and
publicity.
“In the midst of the big, fancy places, sometimes the lesser known wonders are
overlooked.” said Ramhari Narayan, Camp organiser and manager of IT, Bharat
Scouts and Guides of India, also an avid traveller who takes a special interest
in these smaller, lesser known natural beauties.
Ramhari also adds that these places are often not that well known because of
the lack of publicity by the tourism board due to the forest authorities who
worry about the well being of the place.
Here are some of the lesser known tourist spots in Kochi which is the home of
the longest hanging bridge in Kerala to a ‘killer’ river.
Pooyamkutti, is a scenic beauty with the Pooyamkutty River flowing alongside
it. This is also the spot where the trend setting film, Pulimurugan, was shot
which adds to its attraction. Forward of Pooyamkutti is a forest which is a 4/4
trekking spot.
Distance: 60.9km via Aluva-Munnar Road
Transportation: KSRTC bus available, self-drive,
Risk Factors: The Pooyamkutti River floods the bridge during rainy season, high
threat of wild elephants ahead of Pooyamkutti.
Safety measure: Require permission from Forest Department to cross the bridge
and enter the forest.
Nearby interests: Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, Kuttampuzha, Urulanthanni (perfect
for bird watching), Bhoothathan kettu Dam, Idamalayar Dam also a drive through
the forest,Peendimedu waterfall.
Inchathotti Hanging Bridge
With the Periyar River flowing beneath, it is the
longest hanging bridge in Kerala built by KEL with overall length of 183 meters
and 4 feet wide. Apart from having a wonderful view from atop it, it is also a
means of sustenance for the villagers living there. The bridge which connects
Inchattoti and Tattekkad (Veliyachal ) is more of a necessity for the residents
than a centre of attraction which is also a cause of its lack of promotion.
The DTPC has decided to add Inchathotti Hanging Bridge to the
2017 Tourism Brochure after they got to know about it from Express. The General
Manager of DTPC said, “We were not aware of this place before. It definitely
fulfils the criteria and will be included.”
Distance: 75km from Ernakulam
Transportation: KSRTC, Self-drive
Risk Factors: Wild animals can be often seen drinking water from nearby the
bridge in the early hours. Though a beautiful sight, it can turn out to be
dangerous due to reckless actions.
Added attraction: Drive through the forest to get to Inchattotil, possibility
of seeing wild animals near the bridge in the early hours, Kudirakuthu
waterfall,Thattekad, Bhhothathan kettu
Paniyeli Poru
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| Image Courtsey @ Google Images |
This is a river bank. The river is called as the killer river.
"The water looks calm and steady, but if someone steps into it, they get
sucked away due to the many natural tunnels present underwater," said
Ramhari Narayan. Quite a few deaths have taken place in this river. A resident,
Alex Abraham, told Express that even Navy officials, who hadn’t paid any heed
to the warnings given, had died. The trick is to follow the flow of the
current. "Often people have the tendency to swim back to the place where
they left their clothes at, even if the currents are pulling them in the
opposite direction," says Alex, "You shouldn't resist the pull or
panic, but should swim in the direction the current is taking you and get
off." Nearby this is the Panampoyi river which is safe like any normal
river. Apart from the river, the route to this spot is surrounded by greenery
most of the way making it a serene, peaceful ride.
Distance: 56.3km via Aluva-Munnar Road
Transportation: KSRTC, private buses, self-drive
Risk Factors: Dangerous waters
Safety Measures: life guards
Added Interests: Illithodu, Panampoyi River
Ezhattumugham
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| Image Courtsey @ Google Images |
Ezhattumugham is known as a 'nature
village' beacuse of its natural beauty. It is a shallow river consisting o the
Ezhattumugham check dam. This check dam was formed when the Chalkudi River was
split into two for irrigation purposes. A hanging bridge connects Ezhattumugham and Thumboomuzhi.
If you take the Ayyampuzha road you get
to see the plantation of PCM Ltd which is a sight to see with chances of seeing
wild elephants without any fear of danger. The ideal time is visit is between
September to February due to the increased force in the waterfall. Waterfall
can only be visited between 8am and 6pm.
Distance: 47.2km via Aluva-Munnar road
Transportation: KSRTC, Self-drive
Risk Factors: Risky waters (swimming prohibited)
Added interests: Athirapally-Vazhachal Waterfalls, check dam, hanging bridge
which connects Ezhattumugham and Thumboomuzhi.
Illithodu
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| Image Courtsey @ elginabraham |
It is a tourist eco spot located near Malayattoor Church. The place is
known for its Manjiya plantations. You also get to witness Periyar and its
beauties on one side and the rolling mountains on the other.The main attraction
is the river flowing through the forest, which is also a favourite location of
filmmakers. There is an off road track located between Idamalayar and Illithodu
which is open only during the holy week of the Malayattoor Church which
commences from March to April depending on Easter.
Distance: 47 km via Aluva-Munnar Road
Transportation: KSRTC, private buses, self-drive
Risk Factors: Strong undercurrents
Added Interests: Boating, Malayattoor Church, Bhoothathan kettu, Kodanade elephant training centre and
santuary (elephant rides too are available)
Idamalayar
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| Image Courtsey @ Google Images |
Idamalayar promises an amazing drive covering 10-15 km of lush green land
surrounded by forests with the Idamalayar dam at the end. The route to be taken
is the road connecting Bhoothathan kettu dam and Idamalayar Dam. It is also a
spot where motor mud racing takes place. It is a hub for elephants and the road
approaching the dam is accessible only through 4/4 vehicles. No nearby
restaurants available.
Distance: 36km via Kodamangala
Transportation: Bus, self-drive
Risk factors: Elephants
Added interests: Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, Kuttampuzha, Urulanthanni (perfect
for bird watching), Bhoothathan kettu Dam, Idamalayar Dam also a drive through
the forest.
Edavanakkad Beach
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| Image Courtsey @ Google Images |
It lies between Cherai Beach and Fort Kochi. A clean beach
surrounded by a line of trees with a must watch sunset. You also get some
fresh, tasty fish from here.
Distance: 23.3 km via Vypin-pallipuram road
Transportation: Bus, Cab, self drive
Risk Factors: No life guards
Nearby interests: Portuguese Azhikotta fort, Puthuvype lighthouse, more beaches
Mamalakkandam Trekking
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| Image Courtsey @ binil pakkattu |
It is a forest area and a 4/4 (off-road) trekking spot
which gives you the pleasure of a forest drive and opportunity to see wild
animals if lucky. The view from atop is beautiful with parts of Munnar visible.
Another reason for its lack of publicity is the disturbance the visitors and
tourists may cause to the many Tribes whose abode is on the way to
Mamalakkandam. "The motor vehicles and traffic may disturb the tribes that
reside here," said Sheik Haider Hussain,
DFO Malayattoor. "They might complain and will have problems,"
he told Express.
Distance: 86km via Aluva-Munnar Road
Transportation: Self-drive (4/4 vehicles)
Risk Factors: wild animal attack, trekking by foot, which is impossible, and by
bike is extremely dangerous and advised against.
Safety Measures: Entry restricted. No other measures.
Nearby Interests: Inchattotti
For the adventurers and adrenaline rush seekers, a few of these places might
just be the spot. But be sure to take sufficient precautionary measures in
order to keep yourself and the place safe from harm. These vibrant
inconspicuous beauties might just be the retreat you need for relaxation as
well as excitement and life.
