Elaveezha Poonchira

Elaveezha Poonchira (celebrated across Kerala as the legendary 'flowery lake where no leaves fall' and one of the Western Ghats' most stunning, treeless high altitude mountain lookouts), situated atop the rolling green knolls of Melukavu near Pala in the Kottayam highlands just 55 km northeast of Kumarakom in Kerala, is one of the state's most dramatic, windswept, and visually grand hill destinations.

Perched at an elevation of over 3,200 feet (1,000 meters) above sea level amidst three colossal rocky hillocks, Mankunnu, Kodayathoormala, and Thonippara, Elaveezha Poonchira earns its poetic Malayalam name from the unique fact that its sweeping mountain bowl has virtually no trees, ensuring that not a single fallen leaf ever touches the crystal clear pool of water resting in its valley floor.

It's the home of an extraordinary 360 degree panoramic vantage point from where visitors can clearly gaze across five districts of Kerala (Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Alappuzha, and Pathanamthitta) on clear days, thrilling 4x4 off road jeep safaris tackling rugged rocky trails from Kanjar and Melukavu, spectacular sunrise and sunset vistas where the distant Arabian Sea gleams like a silver ribbon on the western horizon, the ancient Krishna temple and natural freshwater spring pool associated with the bathing hermitage of the Pandavas and Draupadi during their forest exile, cool high altitude mountain winds blowing non stop across open grassy slopes, and an untouched eco trekking terrain popular with campers and astrophotographers.

It represents a rich highland, grassland ecology, and adventure sanctuary where treeless mountain hydrology, epic Mahabharata bathing lore, five district panoramic lookouts, and invigorating mountain winds unite in Melukavu grama panchayat.

Located in Melukavu near Pala along the Kottayam Idukki border, it sits just 20 km from Pala, 35 km from Thodupuzha, 55 km from Kottayam Railway Station (KTYM), 55 km from Kumarakom, and 75 km from Cochin International Airport (COK), easily accessible by road via Pala Melukavu followed by rugged 4x4 jeep trails.

The Treeless Valley Lore & Five District Panorama

Surrounded by Mankunnu, Kudayathoor, and Thonippara peaks, the wide valley bowl features lush velvet grasslands without a single overhead tree canopy.

On clear winter mornings, the unobstructed view stretches from the high Idukki mountain peaks on the east all the way to the coastal Arabian Sea on the west.

Truth is, standing on the breezy grassy ridge at twilight watching the sun sink into a golden blanket of clouds is profoundly peaceful.

4x4 Off Road Jeep Safari & Trekking Trails

Thrilling Jeep Ascent: The final 5 km rough mountain ascent from Melukavu or Kanjar requires sturdy 4x4 jeeps, offering an exhilarating off road adventure.

Grassland Hiking: Adventurous trekkers enjoy walking across the undulating grassy ridges connecting the three high sentinel peaks.

Mahabharata Bathing Pool & Draupadi Spring

The Sacred Spring: Epic folklore tells that the Pandavas created the natural pool for Draupadi to bathe during their exile, with divine devas guarding its water from leaves.

Misty Campgrounds: Stargazers and overnight campers pitch tents on designated knolls to experience brilliant night skies and misty morning dawns.

After soaking in the sweeping mountain vistas of Elaveezha Poonchira, relax along the quiet backwaters of Kumarakom, visit the ancient temples of Pala, or explore the cascades of Illickal Kallu nearby.