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A nest of solitude

Vellanickal is a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of life, says S. Binu Raj

Photo: S. Binu Raj

PICTURE PERFECT Vellanickal is a good place for meditation

"I love you so much that I won't forget you even if I die," says an estranged lover on the wall of this hilltop temple. For nature lovers, Vellanickal, a verdant hilltop, is the perfect spot to be.

The road to Vellanickal goes via rubber plantations and the terrain is quite rough and proves a challenge to both driver and vehicle.

I reached the hilltop as the sun was setting. The vast stretch of hills and valleys are enveloped with an orange shawl and the clouds dotted with tints of gold. Birds that were patrolling their valley have gone to roost.

Vellanickal is not for revellers. It is a place for quiet meditation as you watch the sun sink in the western horizon. The mercury dips perceptibly and the cool breeze gives it the feel of a hill station. The view is picture perfect as darkness gradually envelopes the valley.

Away from the crowds

Surprisingly there aren't any visitors around as I stretch out on top of a rock to watch the distant horizon.

The hilltop temple, called paramukal kovil (hilltop temple) is dedicated to Thampuran. It is, however, open only on Fridays.

It is advisable to visit the place in large groups as the place is rather remote.

As the sky darkens and mist enfolds the hilltop and temple, I reluctantly decide to begin the return journey. As I take a final look at the place, the words of the estranged lover come back and I whisper, "I love you so much that I won't forget you even if I die."

How to get there

There are two ways to reach Vellanickal. Drive straight to 16th mile near Thonnakkal on the National highway. It is 25 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram. Turn right and drive 2 kilometres to reach Vengode. Vellanickal is 3 kilometres away from Vengode.

The second way to reach Vellanickal is via Pothencode, which is 20 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram. Drive 3 kilometres from Pothencode to reach Koliacode. Turn left and drive 4 kilometres from Koliacode to reach Vellanickal.

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