1-Day Self Drive Trip from Kochi to Illikkal Kallu

1-Day Adventure Trip from Kochi to Illikkal Kallu, Kottayam

Are you tired of traffic, city life, and the crowd? Are you looking for tourist places near Ernakulum for a trip to cut yourself from the tiring city life and  rejuvenate your mind and body?  Can a little adventure refresh your soul? Illikal Kallu in Kottayam,  a nearby district of  Ernakulam could be the perfect spot for you. Location-wise, Illikal Kallu is located in a sloping area found 10 km far from Erattupetta and 32 km from Thodupuzha. These days, it is getting wide attention from  fellow  travelers around Kerala due to the scenic beauty of the place. The adventurous nature of the spot due to the trekking possibilities draws the attention of the young crowd and adrenaline junkies. The  location is  4000 ft. above  sealevel and the glorious views you  can see are noteworthy. One strange thing about this site is the rising of the three hills, forming a magnificent colossal structure. One of these hills, called umbrella rock, is extensively popular as friction and other natural occurrences  have given it  the shape of an umbrella.  Tourists specifically seek these hills to enjoy the beauty of natural structural formation. Other hills have unconventional shapes, too, even though they are not yet attributed to the shape of a specific known object. Still, some people call the second hill a hunchback rock, as you can see a convex edge to the rock. 

You will also come across an extension that looks like a bridge but serves a different purpose at the exact location. It opens  into the deep valley, receiving  the name Narkappalam which means scaffold to damnation. Besides, the trekking zones, small water bodies, including small streams and intermediate waterfalls, are pleasant to the eyes.

Attractions of Illikkal Kallu

Illikkal Kallu, even though it is an attraction as a beautiful scenic point  and an adventurous destination, there are many tourist places near kottayam, which makes the spot even more attractive to  tourists. There is no limit  to enjoyment if you want to move to another destination immediately. There are multiple attractions to entertain you, like the following:

1. llaveezhapoonchira

llaveezhapoonchira is the closest beautiful tourist location near Illikal Kallu as it is only 12 KM away. It is a serene valley with incredible trekking trails and an excellent spot for family picnics. The valley becomes a lovely spectacle during the monsoons, and the view of sunrise and sunset from this valley is something you should not miss. 

2.Kattikayam Waterfalls

Kattikayam Waterfalls is stunning. This majestic waterfall will attract your eyes and  provide  a refreshing experience. If you are going to Illikkal Kallu, this is a must-visit spot.  It is about 2 to 3 kms from Illikal Kallu and is one of the lesser-explored locations in Kottayam. The steep steps offer an excellent trek down the waterfall, and the view is stunning. 

3.Vagamon Pine Forest

Vagamon Meadows is situated only at a distance of 40 KM from this beautiful place and is a widely sought  tourist destination. The Vagamon Pine Forest is one of the best Kottayam trip places for a tourist, as it's peaceful and excellent for long romantic walks. You will also find many shops along the way from where you buy knick-knacks. 

4. Keezharkuthu Waterfalls

Also known as the Rainbow Waterfalls,  most tourists visit the Keezharkuthu waterfalls to witness the view of the rainbow behind the waterfalls. One can observe this natural phenomenon all year round, making this place a beautiful tourist location in Kottayam. 

With numerous rock formations in the area, this spot is ideal for rock climbing, trekking, mountaineering, and camping, and forests with various medicinal plants surround this place.  

5.Marmala Waterfalls

The Marmala Waterfalls is one of the highest waterfalls in Kottayam as it plummets from a height of over  200 feet. Situated inside a rubber state, the waterfall meets an unblemished river below known as Teekoy river. There is a misty ambiance all around as the water splashes all over the place. Embraced by blue hills  and thick forests, the area is rich in biodiversity and is a great location for a thrilling trek. This is the best location to explore for a one day trip in Kerala from Kottayam.

How to Reach From Kochi

There are many ways to get to Illikal Kallu. For tourists not from Kerala, the easiest way to reach this destination will be by air. Cochin International airport is situated only 85 Km away from Illikkal Kallu..You can hire a cab from Cochin or nearby localities to reach the destination. However, if you're an Indian traveling from other parts of Kerala and cover significant parts of your journey by train, Kottayam Railway Station is your go-to destination. It is the closest to Illikkal Kallu, only 56 km from the main viewpoint. Buses are also available to Kottayam from all the major cities in Kerala. However, regardless of your way of access to Kerala, the tourists must cover the road route to reach the exact locations. Therefore, even though young people travel by two-wheelers to access the location, the use of cars is most preferred by travelers due to their convenience and adventurous nature. Besides, traveling on two-wheelers to the hilltops can be highly dangerous.

Hiring a rental car is the best way to cover Kochi to Kottayam distance by road. IndusGo is a self-drive car facility offered by Indus Motors. They are the first authorized dealers in Kerala. With IndusGo, you can experience affordable  pickup and drop-off facilities. 

It doesn’t matter where you are from;with a valid license and a copy of identification proof, you can book IndusGo services with greater flexibility. During your trip to Illikkal Kallu, you can hire this service rather than heavily priced cabs to experience maximum freedom and convenience. Car rental is the best way to visit all the nearby Kottayam tourist places.

Best Time to Visit Illikkal Kallu 

This is a year-round tourist destination. However, the best time to visit is between October  and February when you will experience enormous morning mist and chilly wind. But in the summer,you can visit this place between March and May if you want a reasonably cold climate.

Be that as it may, from  June to September, just like the rest of Kerala, this place also experiences a monsoon climate, and there will be rain. Illikkal Kallu is any man’s dream adventurous destination for a weekend trip to  escape the everyday chaos of daily life. This place offers the best sunsets and  sunrise views anyone can imagine. Besides, the morning mist and twilights in this area are extremely beautiful.