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Illikkal rock | |
|---|---|
Tourist destination | |
.jpg) Illikkal rock | |
  Illikkal rock Location in Kotayam, Kerala, India Show map of Kerala Illikkal rock Illikkal rock (India) Show map of India | |
| Coordinates:9°44′43″N76°48′42″E / 9.745227°N 76.8117649°E /9.745227; 76.8117649 | |
| Country | India |
| State | Kerala |
| District | Kottayam |
| Government | |
| • Type | Panchayat |
| • Body | മൂന്നിലവ്, Thalanadu |
| Area | |
• Total | 33.41 km2 (12.90 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 1,036 m (3,399 ft) |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Malayalam,English |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 686580 |
| Vehicle registration | KL-35 |
| Nearest city | Moonnilavu,Erattupetta,Pala |
| Mountain Range | Western Ghats |
Illikkal Kallu is amonolith located on top of the Illickal Malaa in theKottayam district ofKerala, India. The distance from kottayam railway station to illikal kallu is 57km. Situated at around 3500 feet above sea level, Illickal Kallu is a major tourist attraction in Moonnilavu Gramapanchayat. L. S. G.D., Thalanadu village ofMeenachil taluk. Only one half of the original rock remains, as the other half of the rock has fallen off. The nearest town isTeekoy. Numerous mountain streams originate from this peak and flow down to form theMeenachil River. Tourists must trek <1 km to reach the summit of the peak.
Illikkal Mala comprises three hills, each rising up to 4,000 ft above sea level. 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 is a1⁄2-foot-wide bridge called Narakapalam (bridge to hell) connecting these two hills. The beauty and the landscape of illikkal kallu is similar to that of the pillar rocks inKodaikanal. It is said that the mythical medicinal herb Neela Koduveli grows here. This mythical blue flower is also believed to possess supernatural powers, which could increase wealth, prosperity and ensure a rich harvest.[1]
From the hilltops, the Arabian Sea can be seen on the far horizon as a thin blue stroke. The view of the sunset from above the peak in the evening of a full moon day can be sensational: the moon can be seen rising up like another sun, as the orange sun goes down.
