After every trip to Idukki, a traveller may feel that the place is more beautiful than before. Moreover, one can find newer attractions on each occasion. Kallimali viewpoint is one among such emerging traveller destinations and resembles Kalvari mount in the catchment area of Idukki dam.
A visitor can stop the vehicle on a hilltop, get down and take a look. The reservoir of Ponmudi Dam would come into view like a picture drawn by a school student. There is overwhelming greenery in the small islands and the bamboo groves sway in the wind. Kallimali is in the catchment area of Ponmudi Dam.
Regular film viewers might be familiar with Ponmudi Dam. It is the dam from which the character played by actor Asif Ali jumps in the movie 'Ordinary.' Visitors to Kallimali can also enjoy the beauty of Ponmudi Dam.
The Kallimali viewpoint is now witnessing a steady stream of visitors.
Another attraction of the place is the beauty of the sunset. After driving their vehicle over Ponmudi Dam, travellers can park and take a walk. In the evening, the view from above the dam is indescribable. Visitors can enjoy the sights of the dam before heading to Kallimali.
From the roadside, a good view of the reservoir can be enjoyed. If you are adventurous, a trek downhill can be attempted. However, care should be taken as Kallimali is yet to be developed into a tourist spot like Kalvari Mount. There are no handrails or warning boards at Kallimali. Neither is aid from Tourism Police available; visitors have to ensure their own security.
Apart from Kallimali viewpoint, other interesting spots in the area are Kuthungal waterfalls, the two powerhouses at Vellathooval, the step waterfall at Sree Narayanapuram and yet another view of the dam from Marakkanam. In addition, the trip offers an enjoyable drive through cardamom forests.
The route
Take the 116-km road from Ernakulam to Ponmudi Dam via Moovattupuzha, Vannapuram, Venmani, Kallarkutty and Panniyarkutty.
From Nedunkandam, head to Rajakkad, where Kuthungal waterfall can be enjoyed during rains. From there, Kallimali is 25 km away.
While travelling to Munnar, a deviation will take visitors to Kallimali. The route is Adimali – Kallarkutty – Vellathooval with its two powerhouses – Panniyarkutty – Sree Narayanapuram waterfalls – Ponmudi Dam – Kallimali viewpoint (26 km).
Things to remember
• The roads are narrow, so avoid driving at high speeds.
• As no considerable tourism development has taken place, do not attempt any risky adventures. Travellers should ensure their own safety.
• Even though Kallimali is not forest land, it is virgin area covered with greenery. Visitors should not spoil the place by littering. Group travellers have a habit of packing food and dumping the waste wherever they wish. This tendency has to be curbed at any cost to preserve the sanctity of the place.
