Devikulam is a small hill station located at an altitude of 1,800 meters from sea level and at a distance of 13 km south west of Munnar, down the Munnar-Kumily highway, SH 19, in the Idukki District of the southern state of Kerala, India. The literal meaning of the word “Devikulam” is a conjunction of the words Devi, from the goddess Devi and Kulam, meaning pond, thus “the pond or lake of the Devi”.
This gorgeous hill station with its breath-taking surroundings, velvet lawns and the cool breeze of air is popular for its smooth cascading waterfalls that pour down from steep heights and the eye-catching flora and fauna. Another famous attraction here is the Sita Devi lake, according to legend, the goddess Sita Devi of the Ramayana epic bathed in the Devikulam lake, hence it is referred as Sita Devi lake till the present date. The mineral waters of the lake are well known for its curative qualities and thus attracts tourists from distant places. The lake even offers trout fishing.
Devikulam hill station is an absolute scenic beauty which even promotes hill climbing, trekking, mountaineering and other such adrenaline gushing sports. Best time to visits is August to December.
Places to visit:
Thoovanam:
A beautiful fall formed by River Pambar, various animals and bird’s species can be found around. It lies inside the Chinnar Wildlife sanctuary.
Pothamedu:
Pothamedu is one of the prime coffee, tea and cardamom plantation hubs of Munnar. With lush mountain surroundings and rolling hills this place is perfect for trekking and hiking.
Kundala Lake:
Situated at an altitude of 1700 m, Kundala Arch Dam, well known for speed boating and peddling the slower watercrafts and related activities.
Mattupetty:
Mattupetty Lake is situated around 26 km from Devikulam, at a height of 1700 m above sea level. Best panoramic view of the tea plantations and boating facilities in the reservoir can be experienced here. It is also popular for its highly specialized dairy.
Mangalam Devi Temple:
Based on the hill top at 1337 meters, the present state of the temple are ruins with amazing views and its famous for the festival of ‘Chaitra Pournami’. Permission is required from the Forest authorities to participate in the festival.
Echo point:
This place has a natural echo phenomenon and is located on the way to the top station from Munnar.
Eravikulam National Park:
Ranging over 97 sq km in the Rajamalai hills, Eravikulam National Park attracts the visitors with its scenic beauty and lush greenery. The park was established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr.
Nyayamakad:
Nyayamakad lies between Munnar and Rajamala, this place holds breathtaking waterfalls cascading down a hill from a height of around 1600 meters.
Anayirankal Lake:
With lush tea gardens, forests, in which elephants can be seen, the lake is a sort of hidden lake.
Rajamala:
Nilgiri Tahr or Nilgiri Ibex, one of the fast becoming extinct goat species are found in Rajamala
Pallivasal:
This place holds the title of being home to the first hydro power project in Kerala, located at around 8 km from Munnar. Nature resides here in its splendid scenic beauty.
Idukki National Park:
The park is a natural habitat to various birds and animals. This place also nurtures Neelakurunji flower which is said to blossom once in 12 years, if it is the right season.
Keezharkuthu:
At a height of 1500 meters near the Udumbannoor village, Keezharkuthu attracts lots of tourists to the place, falling from 200 ft. the falls looks amazingly beautiful and also referred as Rainbow Falls.
Kuthumkal:
Kuthumkal falls holds gorgeous view of water cascading down hill, it can be reached by Rajakkad as well as Devikulam.
Kurinjimala Sanctuary:
The Western Ghats and the endangered Neelakurunji flower is the speciality of this sanctuary.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary:
A descent view of wilderness could be adored with least risk around; this place is the nearest protected area in Devikulam.
Nearest railway station: Aluva (AWY), about 112 km away.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, via Aluva-Munnar Rd, about 111 km away.