Anakkayam Lake

Anakkayam Lake in Athirappally (celebrated across Kerala eco tourism as 'Anakkayam' / The Elephant Pool and one of the Western Ghats' most tranquil, untouched mountain river lakes, formed where the crystal clear currents of the Chalakudy River expand into a wide, deep natural forest pool amidst towering granite cliffs and ancient teak trees, world famous for its deep emerald green waters, calm riverbank sandy beaches, wild elephant bathing herds, soothing natural swimming shallows, and ancient Kadar tribal legends recounting wild tuskers resting in its cooling depths), located along the Sholayar rainforest route in Athirappally in Kerala, stands as the rainforest corridor's premier offbeat natural haven.

Deriving its name from the Malayalam words 'Aana' (Elephant) and 'Kayam' (Deep Pool), this untouched forest water body served for generations as a secluded natural watering hole for native wildlife wandering between the Vazhachal Forest Division and Parambikulam reserves.

It's the home of the expansive glass like forest lake reflecting dense green jungle canopies and blue mountain skies, the cool rocky shoreline strewn with smooth river pebbles and white river sand where visitors relax in natural forest shade, the gentle river rapids upstream providing soothing ambient water music, the rich bird watching corridors where kingfishers, cormorants, and Malabar grey hornbills swoop across the water's surface, and an intensely peaceful, meditative wilderness atmosphere far away from crowded tourist circuits.

It represents a rich Kadar tribal forest lore, riverine conservation heritage, and offbeat Western Ghats nature tourism where crystal clear mountain pools, wild elephant habitats, bamboo groves, and Athirappally eco tourism unite in Anakkayam Lake.

Located along State Highway 21 (SH 21) past Vazhachal, it sits approximately 20 km east of Athirappally Waterfalls, 15 km east of Vazhachal Forest Gardens, 50 km east of Chalakudy railway station (CKI), and 65 km from Cochin International Airport (COK), accessible by private vehicle or eco tourism trekking paths.

The Legend of the Elephant Pool & Kadar Tribal Lore

According to local tribal tradition, wild elephant herds gather at Anakkayam during hot summer months to immerse themselves in the deep cool waters and feed on tender riverbank grasses.

The lake features a calm, lake like expanse framed by tall terminalia and bamboo thickets that maintain a remarkably cool microclimate even during the dry season.

Truth is, sitting on the peaceful sandy shore of Anakkayam while watching butterflies flutter over the glassy water is completely relaxing.

Natural Riverfront Shallows & Rainforest Birdlife

Peaceful River Shallows: While the central pool is deep, the sandy edges offer shallow wading areas where nature lovers can dip their feet in mountain water.

Avian Diversity: A favorite spot for wildlife photographers looking for white throated kingfishers, fairy bluebirds, crested serpent eagles, and river terns.

Athirappally Offbeat Eco Circuit

Rainforest Route: Sits just 15 km from Vazhachal Forest Gardens, 20 km from Athirappally Falls, and 12 km from Peringalkuthu Dam.

Highland Drive: Continues east toward Upper Sholayar Dam (35 km), Malakkappara Tea Estates (40 km), and Valparai (65 km).

After unwinding by the calm waters of Anakkayam Lake, explore Peringalkuthu Dam, visit Vazhachal Falls, or tour Athirappally.