Idukki's 'Charlie Kulam' attracts a steady flow of visitors this season
As it is a pond formed naturally during the monsoon season, you might not be able to enjoy its scenic beauty if you visit at other times of the year.
As it is a pond formed naturally during the monsoon season, you might not be able to enjoy its scenic beauty if you visit at other times of the year.
As it is a pond formed naturally during the monsoon season, you might not be able to enjoy its scenic beauty if you visit at other times of the year.
The 2015 Malayalam film Charlie, starring Dulquer Salmaan, was a movie that won over fans with its unique story and scenic locations. Idukki's 'Meesappulimala,' which is mentioned in a popular dialogue in the film, shot to overnight fame since its release, winning a consistent influx of visitors ever since. Another Idukki spot, which became a favourite among tourists after 'Charlie' is the 'Charlie Kulam,' a scenic pond that is featured as the backdrop of a sequence featuring Aparna Gopinath and Dulquer. A waterbody that emerges naturally in the region in the monsoon season, tourists, shutterbugs and photoshoot enthusiasts pour into the region this time of the year to enjoy its beauty.
What makes it unique?
The dreamy blue pond is lined by majestic trees on either side bearing fiery yellow and red flowers. Occasionally, the flowers fall onto the pond, adding to its charm. The pond is surrounded by tea plantations, winding mud trails of the high range and village lanes. The pond looks its best in misty, rain-soaked mornings and dusky evenings, as fog and a soft drizzle can add to the landscape's visual allure tenfold. The sides of the road of Ladrum Estate, where the pond is situated, also offer spectacular visuals of tea pluckers and tractors transporting fresh tea leaves.
How to reach the spot
Head to Peermade via Kuttikkanam and take a left turn toward Ladrum Estate, where the pond is located. The pond is also within an hour’s drive from popular destinations like Parunthumpara, Pine Forest, Ottakathalamedu, Thekkady, Anyarkolu, Valanjanganam, Ammachikkottaram, Vagamon, Pulozhukumpara, and Pullikkanam. Nearby towns such as Peermade, Pampanar, Kuttikkanam, Thekkady, Kumily, and Vandiperiyar offer a wide range of accommodation options. You can find the location easily via Google Maps as well, by typing 'Charlie Kulam Idukki' or 'Ladrum Charlie Film Location.'
Please note
As it is a pond formed naturally during the monsoon season, you might not be able to enjoy its scenic beauty if you visit at other times of the year, especially in summer. However, the region would still be worth a visit for its tea plantations and rustic beauty.