When Dulquer Salmaan-starrer Malayalam flick ‘Charlie’ had hit the theatres in 2015, one question that was on the lips of moviegoers was: ‘which was the picturesque place where the movie was canned?’ The movie buffs and others who were in search of that beautiful spot finally reached Ladrum Estate, which is at Teppakulam in Peermade in Idukki district. Interestingly, the number of travellers visiting this breathtaking destination, which is on the Kuttikanam-Vagamon route, is on the rise.
This is a great getaway if you want to spend quality time with your family members or friends and it is pretty easy to reach this enthralling destination. While travelling through Mundakayam, you can soak in the mesmerizing charm of Kodikuthimala and head to Valanjanganam. You can take a tea break and enjoy the beauty of waterfalls in Valanjanganam. From there you can drive towards Kuttikanam and the Ladrum estate is just 10km away from there. The sight of thick mist slowly enveloping the tall mountains on the way to Kuttikanam is indeed ethereal. The stretch is also dotted with cascades and waterfalls.
Take left from Pambanar and then turn right and drive for 4km to reach the pathway leading to the attractive Ladrum Estate. A major portion of the ‘Charlie’ film was shot on this stretch to the Ladrum Estate. The walk through the pathway leading to the Ladrum Estate can only provide enduring memories. You could see cute little houses with tiled roof on both sides of the track. The houses in different hues of blue look like a painting on a large canvas and are a feast for your eyes. People who had migrated from Tamil Nadu to work in nearby tea plantations live in these modest houses.
You could see a hill named Shivamala in the distance. Most of the travellers coming to Teppakulam make it a point to trek Shivamala to get their dose of adrenaline rush. The walk to the Ladrum Estate is simply amazing as you could enjoy amazing vistas on the way. The LP School amidst the expansive tea plantations, awesome greenery and rolling hills is picture-postcard material. The vast grassland is dotted with grazing goats that are reared by the local residents.
The Teppakulam pond near the school became known as ‘Charlie kulam’ after the release of the movie. Besides ‘Charlie’, the action sequence of Malayalam film ‘Sakhavu’ was also shot here. The pond and its surrounding areas are an epitome of serenity with majestic pine trees, thick tea plantations and lush greenery. And the pond with colourful water lilies is a sight to behold.
The pond will have water only during the monsoon season and many couples come to the pleasing water body for wedding photo sessions.
The Ladrum estate and its surrounding areas take a different hue during the monsoon and summer seasons. After copious rainfall, the Ladrum estate will be decked up in natural green, which is stunning, and it is better to avoid visiting the estate during summer.
