Ayyampara in Kottayam escapes rain fury, still draws tourists

Thalanadu: While several popular tourist spots suffered extensive damage during the very heavy rains and flooding, Ayyampara has been unscathed and is still enticing visitors in large numbers. With several massive rocks being the main attraction of the place, rain or flooding had no impact on Ayyampara.

Though nearby Vagamon and Illikkal Kallu are yet to witness tourist footfall after the floods, people are flowing to Ayyampara, especially when the sky is clear. Most of the visitors enjoy taking a stroll over the rocks, which are spread over an area of about 40 acres.

Ayyampara can be reached via Teekoy from Erattupetta. It involves a travel of about 30 minutes. The rocks are right next to the road and except on the side of the entrance, deep gorges surround Ayyampara. Even though a trek near the gorges poses danger, no accidents have been reported from the area so far.

The rocks at Ayyampara are situated over 2,000 ft above sea level and offer a panoramic view of the distant towns as well as nearby villages. Most of the visitors arrive after 4 pm and enjoy the cool breeze that blows all over the place at evening.

Another attraction of Ayyampara is a stunning view of the sunset if the skies are clear. Adventurous tourists can also venture into a small cave situated among the rocks.

According to local lore, the entire area was covered with a thick forest long ago and the Pandava princes had reached here during their journeys in exile. A temple with an Ayyappa idol, believed to have been installed by the Pandavas, can also be visited. Legend also says that a deep depression on a rock is the footprint of Bhima.