Parunthumpara, Idukki Overview
Parunthumpara is a quiet, scenic landscape in the Idukki district of Kerala, at an altitude of 1200m. The name comes from the Malayalam words "parunthu" (eagle) and "para" (rock), describing the shape of its rocky terrain.
The small village of Parunthumpara is hence famous for its rock that resembles an eagle. The sprawling meadows and stunning natural beauty are ideal for a trek or picnic. On the other hand, Paranthumpara is easily accessible, en route and nearby to Kerala’s other tourist attractions. Kerala tourism is planning to showcase Parunthumpara as an essential stopover for tourists travelling between Kumarakom and Thekkady.
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Best Time to Visit
The monsoon season from June – September is the best time to visit Parunthumpara. The meadows are magnificent in the lush greenery, and the streams cascading off the slopes make beautiful waterfalls. The clouds and mist also add to the charm and drama, making it a wonderful picnicking, trekking and scenic spot. In the summers the meadows turn dry and walking or staying out in the open may get difficult due to the dryness and heat.
Nearby Attractions
Since Parunthumpara is well-connected and located close to various other attractions, it is recommended that you club a few of the nearby points of interests too.
1. The Valanjamkanam Falls are 15 km away from Paruthumpara, and the monsoons are the best time to visit to watch the frothy waters inflow. Falling from a height of 23m, these falls are also only 4 km away from Kuttikkanam.
2. Panchalimedu at a distance of 22km is associated with the story of the Pandavas. One has to climb atop a steep hill to view stunning scenery around. The Makarajyoti can be seen from here as well.
3. Thekkady and Kumily each are approximately 25 km away from Parunthumpara on either side. Each is fraught with various attractions, such as Thekkady Tiger Reserve in Thekkady and the Yodha Cultural Village in Kumily.
4. Vandiperiyar is 10km from Parunthumpara. A quaint town is known for its coffee plantations, spice markets and the Periyar River.
5. Parunthumpara is a great stopover destination, especially if one is travelling to Thekkady and Kumarkom. Its pristine beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it a perfect getaway destination. Since Parunthumpara is relatively unknown compared to the other tourist attractions of Kerala, it is less crowded and untouched, and this perhaps is its most significant advantage.
1. The Valanjamkanam Falls are 15 km away from Paruthumpara, and the monsoons are the best time to visit to watch the frothy waters inflow. Falling from a height of 23m, these falls are also only 4 km away from Kuttikkanam.
2. Panchalimedu at a distance of 22km is associated with the story of the Pandavas. One has to climb atop a steep hill to view stunning scenery around. The Makarajyoti can be seen from here as well.
3. Thekkady and Kumily each are approximately 25 km away from Parunthumpara on either side. Each is fraught with various attractions, such as Thekkady Tiger Reserve in Thekkady and the Yodha Cultural Village in Kumily.
4. Vandiperiyar is 10km from Parunthumpara. A quaint town is known for its coffee plantations, spice markets and the Periyar River.
5. Parunthumpara is a great stopover destination, especially if one is travelling to Thekkady and Kumarkom. Its pristine beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it a perfect getaway destination. Since Parunthumpara is relatively unknown compared to the other tourist attractions of Kerala, it is less crowded and untouched, and this perhaps is its most significant advantage.
Things to Do In and Around Parunthumpara
Parunthumpara is a perfect spot for those looking for a short break from the crowds and congestion of large cities. The calm natural beauty is its major plus, as more and more people are making way to Parunthumpara for picnics or treks for a half or full-day. There is nothing else much to do here except gaze at the hills, clouds, forests and meadows, but mind you, this is in fact, enough. With no restaurants or joints, except for a few shops that might line the walkway, it is best to carry whatever you need.
Essential Points
The hills, highlands and greenery are the main attractions of Paunthumpara. There is a walking path that leads to the rock, and a trek along it unfolds the different facets and angels of the eagle rock.
To climb up the cliff, one first needs to climb down for a bit before making way to the top. Though the walking path is safe, some tourists may venture out on their trekking over the slopes. It is essential to know that this might be dangerous, especially during the monsoons, since there are a few steep slopes and narrow valleys in the area.
Famous Points
The most popular points, however, are the Suicide Point and the Tagore Head. The Tagore Head is a rock that resembles the face of the famous Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore. The sloping meadows and highlands offer splendid views of the surrounding valleys, villages and forests. However, another prominent highlight is the Sabrimala Forests that can be viewed from Parunthumpara on a clear day. Pilgrims from Sabrimala visit Parunthumpara to witness the Makarajyothi and hence the place is usually crowded during Sankranti.
To climb up the cliff, one first needs to climb down for a bit before making way to the top. Though the walking path is safe, some tourists may venture out on their trekking over the slopes. It is essential to know that this might be dangerous, especially during the monsoons, since there are a few steep slopes and narrow valleys in the area.
Famous Points
The most popular points, however, are the Suicide Point and the Tagore Head. The Tagore Head is a rock that resembles the face of the famous Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore. The sloping meadows and highlands offer splendid views of the surrounding valleys, villages and forests. However, another prominent highlight is the Sabrimala Forests that can be viewed from Parunthumpara on a clear day. Pilgrims from Sabrimala visit Parunthumpara to witness the Makarajyothi and hence the place is usually crowded during Sankranti.
How To Reach Parunthumpara
Parunthumpara is located between Thekkady and Peermade. At a distance of 6 km from Peermade and 25km from Thekkady, Parunthumpara also is only 4 km off the National Highway 220 or the Kottayam Kumily road at the Kallar Junction.
A narrow but well-maintained 4 km road from Kallar Junction is the most often used road to get to Parunthumpara. It is also near Vagamon and falls en route on the way to Peermade.
The nearest railway station is Kottayam which is 60 km from Parunthumpara, and the nearest airport is in Cochin about 126km away.
Course of the Tour
Parunthumpara is hence accessible from two main courses, the Nedumbassery – Munnar road and the Kumarakom-Thekkady road.
A narrow but well-maintained 4 km road from Kallar Junction is the most often used road to get to Parunthumpara. It is also near Vagamon and falls en route on the way to Peermade.
The nearest railway station is Kottayam which is 60 km from Parunthumpara, and the nearest airport is in Cochin about 126km away.
Course of the Tour
Parunthumpara is hence accessible from two main courses, the Nedumbassery – Munnar road and the Kumarakom-Thekkady road.
