The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : Perumbavoor in tourism circuit

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jul 03, 2005

Kerala

Kerala - Kochi

Perumbavoor in tourism circuit

REVERED SITE: The Kallil cave temple near Perumbavoor..

The Perumbavoor municipal town and its adjoining areas have been identified as tourism spots with high potential. With Kochi emerging as a major hub of commercial activities, the municipality is actively pursuing tourism development at several picnic spots in Perumbavoor.

Perumbavoor municipality has submitted a plan of action to the authorities to develop infrastructure at various places, said municipal chairman N.C. Mohanan. The projects include the famous elephant-training centres at Kodanad, Iringol forest and Kallil cave temple. Baoting facilities in the Periyar would be part of the scheme.

The Kodanand elephant-training centre has attracted visitors from far and wide. The elephant `kraal', a huge wooden structure, constructed here during the princely regime to tame wild elephants, is a key attraction. The cub elephants at the centre and in the adjoining zoo attract visitors throughout the year. The forest area near Kodanand along the Periyar is being considered for elephant safari packages.

The Kallil cave temple, situated atop a hill a few kilometres away from Perumbavoor town, has attracted scores of tourists from India and abroad. A huge stone, known as hanging rock, perched atop the hill provides a protective roof to the idol at the Devi temple. A stone-walled well in the nearby hilly terrain does not dry up even in summer, according to local people.

Illithode is a rural area at Mulankuzhi, near Malayattoor. Few people know that it is a scenic location. Several films and serials have been shot in the picturesque locales of a mahogany estate, located close to the forests and the Periyar. However, picnickers should take care while stepping into the river, as there are strong undercurrents in certain areas. Iringol, 3 km. away from the town, is another place in Perumbavoor that has potential to attract tourists. An ancient temple deep inside the thick forest provides a unique experience. The forest has a peculiarity of its own as no trees or even shrubs are cut off keeping with the temple traditions.

R. Ramabhadran Pillai

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