Illikkal Kallu, Vagamon - Timings, Accessibility, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 10 km from Marmala Waterfalls, 30 km from Vagamon, and 57 km from Kottayam, Illikkal Kallu is a monolith located on top of the Illickal Mala near Meladukkam village in the Kottayam district of Kerala, India. It is one of the scenic viewpoints in the Western Ghats, and among the top places to visit during Vagamon tour.

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. Each of the hills has a peculiar shape. One of them resembles a mushroom, which is why it is known as Kuda Kallu (umbrella-shaped rock). The second hill has a small hunch on the sides and is therefore referred to as Koonu Kallu (hunch back rock). There are two bridges connecting the hills, known as Naragapalam (Hell bridge) and Swargavathil (Entrance to Heaven). A new rope-way is proposed connecting Illikal Kallu and the nearby hill Ilaveezha Poonchira, as a part of Kerala Tourism.

The beauty and the landscape of Illikkal Kallu are similar to that of the Pillar Rocks in Kodaikanal. Only one-half of the original rock remains, as the other half of the rock has fallen off. The view from Illikal Kallu is mesmerizing with numerous hills rising to the clouds and the deep valleys. From the hilltop, the Arabian Sea can be seen on the far horizon as a thin blue stroke. The view of the sunset from the peak in the evening of a full moon day can be sensational.

Numerous mountain streams originate from this peak and flow down to form the Meenachil River. Kattikayam Waterfalls is around 2 km from Illikkal Kallu, and the trek to this waterfall is indeed a mesmerizing experience. Though there are no risks in visiting this waterfall, visitors need to take care of slippery rocks. Ilaveezhapoonchira is another hilltop 14 km from Illikkal Kallu with similar features.

The hilltop is a 3 km trek from Mankombu, which can be reached by bus from Erattupetta. Alternatively, you can also drive down or hire a private vehicle that can drop you till Pazhukkakaanam, from here jeeps are available to take you to Illikkal Kallu. There is a check-post set up by DTPC (District Tourism Promotion Council) 1 km before the summit and private vehicles are not allowed beyond this point. From here, visitors can opt for a walk to the summit or utilize Jeep safaris provided by DTPC to reach the top.

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

Entry: free