Kalvari Mount, Idukki Overview
Located on the Kattapana-Idukki Road, Kalvari Mount is a hillock and a popular Christian pilgrimage site about 5 km from Idukki town. Also known as Kalyanathandu, the viewpoint sits at a height of 20 m and offers sunrise and sunset views, along with views of the valley below and Idukki Dam. Visitors sometimes spot elephants bathing in the lakes below. The site holds notable celebrations for Good Friday and Lent.
The hillock however, has a very steep slope and is mostly scaled by professional trekkers. As the road is rugged and the rocks are mostly slippery, it is advised to climb to the top only on foot. But if you are a professional driver and you have an SUV, you can choose to drive up. There is enough space to park your vehicles on top. In addition to this, Kalvari Mount is also a popular picnic spot. You can also choose to extend your stay and enjoy surreal views of the adjacent dense green forest and sweeping views of the valley. There are two cottages at the foothills of the mountain that are managed by the forest department, where you can stay for the night.
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Tips
- Wear comfortable footwear preferably sports shoes, as the slope upwards has a lot of rocks which are slippery and might pose a risk.
- It is advised to trek upwards on foot and to avoid driving as the slope is really steep and dangerous.
- Remember to carry some refreshments and water with yourself, as there are no shops on the top.
- Bikes and cars can go to the top; there is ample parking space for the same. However, larger vehicles need to be parked at Idukki kattapana road, 1.5 km downhill from the vantage point.
- Do not litter the place. Remember to pick up plastic bottles or any leftover food that you carried with yourself.
- It is advisable to carry a raincoat or an umbrella as the area experiences frequent rainfalls.
