Chellarkovil, Kumily

Chellarkovil is a small sleepy village situated 15km north to Kumily in Idukki district. The village is in the Anakara Panchayath which is located on the Kerala – Tamil Nadu border. It is known as the best eco-tourism spot in Idukki. The picturesque beauty of the mountains, waterfalls and greenery all around is a unique experience for the tourists. The cascading waterfalls of this village emerge in Kerala state and fall into the Tamilnadu region and provide irrigation to the vegetation throughout the path. The place is situated 1200m above the sea level. The nearest railway station in Tamilnadu region is Theni and it is 60km away. In Kerala region is Kottayam and is at a distance of 109km from Kumily. Cochin and Madurai airports are close by and at a distance of 140km approximately. Local bus service is available from Kumily town directly to Chellarkovil. The village slopes down to the eminent coconut groves of Cumbum, in Tamil Nadu. 

In 2008, the eco-tourism project was launched here with the minimal funding from the eco-tourism council and the forest department. The villagers took the initiative in this project. In this project a number of huts, path ways, watch tower, herbarium of medicinal plants and a tourist amenity centre are built for the convenience of tourists. The watch tower is equipped with a telescope in its balcony and it is known as ‘God’s own balcony’. The view of sunset and sunrise from the balcony is awesome. Tourists can enjoy guided tour to spice garden and Ayurvedic garden. Tree top huts are built as a part of the eco-tourism programme. Trekking is another attraction of Chellarkovil. Home stays are available for tourists to have the experience of village life in the high ranges. The income generated from these activities is mainly used for the environment protection and afforestation. People can visit this high range area except the heavy monsoon time of June and July. From the top of Chellarkovil people can see the panoramic view of Theni and Mangaladevi (highest point of Periyar Tiger Reserve).

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