At a distance of 10 km from Marmala Waterfalls, 30 km from Vagamon, and 57 km from Kottayam, Illikkal Kallu is a major Indian tourist attraction spot in Moonnilavu village of Meenachil taluk in the eastern Kottayam district of the state of Kerala, India. Situated at an altitude of 3400 feet, Illikkal Kallu is a major tourist attraction in Moonnilavu and Thalanadu village of Meenachil taluk. Illikkal Kallu is one of the three hills comprising of Illikkal Mala, one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats.
The beauty and the landscape of Illikkal Kallu are similar to that of the Pillar Rocks in Kodaikanal. What makes this rock unique is that half of the rock has fallen off, and only the other half remains. The nearest town to this spot is Teekoy.
Illikkal Kallu Accident – The Aftermath
Back before the year 2016, there were no entry fees and restrictions at Illikal Kallu. The unfortunate events that resulted in the death of a young traveler resulted in some changes at Illikal Kallu
The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC Kottayam) along with local authorities has fenced some of the dangerous areas of Illikal Mala. Now the travelers can trek only with the specified limits of the Authorities.
Along with that, you are supposed to park your vehicle at about 1-2 km before reaching the top. Ample parking area is available there and you need to collect the entry ticket from the counter along with parking fees. A Jeep Safari (shuttle service)/is available to cover the rest of the distance from here. The jeep safari doesn’t costs much and it is helpful for people who don’t wish to do the ascend.
Illikkal Kallu Quick Facts & Details:
Name: | Illicka Kallu |
Name in Malayalam | ഇല്ലിക്കക്കല്ല് |
Other Names: | illickal Kallu/ illikka Kallu/illikkal kallu |
Nearest Town | Theekoy, Erattupetta |
District | Kottayam, Kerala. |
Famous for: | trekking, sightseeing, greenery, breezing atmosphere etc. |
Trekking Level: | Easy |
Entry Fees: | NIL |
By Air: | Cochin International Airport is the nearest Airport (89 KM). |
By Train: | Kottayam Railway Station is the nearest Railway station(56 KM) |
Tourist Places near Illikkal Kallu:
- llaveezhapoonjira (illikkal kallu to ilaveezhapoonchira distance is about 12kms)
- Kattikayam Waterfalls
- Thangal Para (about 32km away)
- Vagamon Meadows, Pine Forest (about 40kms away)
- Parunthumpara (about 72kms away)
- Marmala Waterfalls (about 11kms away)
- Uluppuni
- Naadukani View Point (about 20kms away)