The picturesque village of Kochareekkal in Ernakulam district has been luring visitors with its serene beauty and radiant charm. At a time when the film Manjummel Boys and the 'Guna Caves' featured in it are impressing film buffs, the caves at Kochareekkal are winning a lot more attention. The dense forest that is home to unique species of flora, the natural fences formed with wild creepers, the pond with its sparkling waters and the spectacular caves that hide behind two giant trees are some of the scintillating features that make Kochareekkal seem as mysterious as a distant village in a tale of fantasy. Kochareekkal, which is just twelve kilometres away from the Piravom town is the perfect destination to enjoy a one–day trip with your friends and family.
There is a chasm-like region right in the centre of the village where the iconic caves are located. The steps here lead to a verdant forest that is beautiful and serene. Interestingly, it's not just the caves that make Kochareekkal a favoured tourist destination. These caves are surrounded by fabulous natural beauty and greenery that grant a magical ambience to the area. The caves are visible as soon as you begin climbing down the stairs. There is a small stream that embraces the floor of the caves. Interestingly, the stream doesn’t dry up even during the summer and the people of the village rely on this clean water for drinking purposes. The stream flows into the square-shaped pond below. The water in this pond is so clear that you can see the rock floor underneath. People often visit this shallow pond, especially during the monsoon season.
Giant trees whose branches seem to be touching the skies are the highlight here. These huge trees with thick foliage are what make Kochareekkal darker even during the day. Moreover, these trees grant a mysterious vibe to the forest here. Interestingly, the roots of these trees, which would grow up to forty metres, have taken the shape of caves. The roots protect and sustain the caves. The stream in the caves is as clear as a mirror. The ancient caves that are hidden behind the giant trees are revealed as you walk on the steps. Up to forty persons could enter the cave at the same time. The legend says that warriors used to hide in these caves that were almost three kilometres long. The caves have many unique sights in store for the adventurous ones who seek them.
Kochareekkal dons unique emotions during the summer and the monsoon. Blooming flowers, the ponds with crystal clear water and the flowing rivulets are some of the sights that could be enjoyed during the monsoon. Meanwhile, the summers are pleasant and the cave entrances look spooky with the rock floors covered in withered leaves.
You could see around the caves, walk through the forests and enjoy the beautiful nature in just half a day. Kochareekkal is a perfect place in Ernakulam to stop by on the way to Munnar. Besides, the Areekkal waterfall is close to Piravom. So, do not wait to plan a wonderful trip to Kochareekkal and Areekkal to enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of nature.
