Ramakkalmedu Hills

Ramakkalmedu Hills

A hill station and hamlet in the Idukki district of Kerala, Ramakkalmedu is one of the most beautiful destinations in Kerala, which cannot be neglected while having a trip to the Gods Own Country. Ramakkalmedu is located in Karunapuram Panchayath, just 15 km east of Nedumkandam in Thekkady. Ramakkalmedu stands on the Western Ghats at an altitude around 3500 ft above the sea level

Ramakkalmedu is a hill station and a hamlet in Idukki district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is located about 15 km from Nedumkandam on the Munnar-Thekkady route. The ecosystem of the area consists largely of grass land Shola forest type which is laced by sporadic bamboo forests.

Constant wind is another factor which makes Ramakkalmedu unique. Wind blows at a speed around 35 km/ hour at Ramakkalmedu throughout the year irrespective of the season and time. Tourism villages like Pushpakandam and Kuruvikanam near Ramakkalmedu is the second place in Kerala where wind energy farm is installed, though it is private holdings.

Currently the capacity is at about 12.5 MW. This electricity is distributed to Kerala State Electricity Board. Even though Ramakkalmedu has potential to produce much electricity, as it is said to be one of Asia's largest wind blowing area.

The main tourism importance of this place is the presence of excellent wind from Tamilnadu. Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat. The hill top also offers a panoramic view of picturesque villages of Bodi and Cumbum on the Eastern slopes of the Western Ghats.

You'll have a bird's view of 5 major towns of TN. Its dryness, its brownish ground, its straight roads, and houses that look like a hut from top of the hills can be viewed. You just have to turn back, to see the contrast a completely green kerala, with peaks blocking every view of yours. You can leave your vehicle near the Shiva Temple. There should be a few small shops open where you can rejuvenate yourself for the climb. 

Best season to visit Ramakkalmedu is from September to May. Rainy season can be avoided.

Tourism

Ramakkalmedu has the potential to become an international tourist destination, and already attracts more than 100,000 visitors. However, as of 2015 not much had been done for the improvement of basic facilities nearby. The government of Kerala has announced plans to develop this tourist station by improving transportation facilities with buses, upgrading of the Kerela police and other measures.

The scenic beauty of Ramakkalmedu has attracted thousands of people, including Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio. DiCaprio has reportedly said about this place that "If there is a paradise on earth, it is here."

There is a bamboo forest at here which is another attraction to see. The major fascination at here is the abundance of constant gentle breeze. The Sun rises on the eastern hills and sets at the western mountains and the beauty of sunrise and sunset through the mountains surrounded by green forest is a unique view that can be experienced only at Ramakkalmedu.

At night the view of the townships gives you a feeling that there is festival of lights in the forest. The place is a safe haven for a number of birds that will put you asleep in the night with their beautiful songs and their chirping songs will wake you up in the morning to start a beautiful day at Ramakkalmedu.

The landscape, mountains and ravines have so much beauty and greenery that sooths your eyes. The panoramic view from the Ramakkal mount or the Kuravan mount must be felt to experience this beautiful hill station.

It’s still beholds the virginity of the mountains and forest as there is not much encroachments by the humans other than the few settlers who came just after the formation of the State.

Weather, except in monsoon (June, July & August) and winter (November, December & January) it’s very pleasant with bright sunshine. Being high altitude and with gusting winds it is like heaven. During Monsoon, it is mostly raining with strong winds and evenings are colder.

Trekking becomes more adventurous and rain gives the forest and mountain more colour and beauty, it’s really marvelous to see the rain (probably to have a rain dance) on the mountains of Ramakkalmedu. From November to February it’s like a paradise with beautiful sunshine.

The altitude of Ramakkal is about 3560 feet from the sea level and about 1500 feet from the plain of land adjoining the mountains in Tamil Nadu.

It provides a panoramic view of Tamil Nadu villages and towns. It is the proposed site for power generation using winds. It believes that or there is a folk-tale that lord 'Sree Rama', the Hindu mythological God had set his foot on this rock and hence the name Rama-Kal-Medu (Meaning: Rama's foot imprints) 

Although Ramakkalmedu has a good potential for it to become a fine tourist destination, not much is done for the improvement of basic facilities nearby. Since this is a place where one can complete the visit in one day. Other attractions in-and-around Ramakalmedu include places like frog rock, turtle rock and the highest twin-statue in Kerala; called Kuravan and Kurathi

Ramakkalmedu-is the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu and located centrally between the famous tourist attractions of Kerala such as Periyar Tiger Forest of Thekkady, Kuttikanam and Parunthumpara, Munnar Hill station and many more wild life attractions and spice farms.

On the way to Ramakalmedu, travellers can enjoy the vast stretches of plantations that include rubber, tea, cardamom, coffee, pepper and the beautiful hills of Kuttikanam.

Kuravan and Kurathi Statue

Ramakalmedu is a historic site with a Monument to Kuravan and Kurathi – a large statue that depicts the Sangam Period and Sangam landscape of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The view from the monument provides a panoramic view of Tamil Nadu villages and towns, including Cumbum, Theni, Kombe, Thevaram, Uthamapalayam, Bodinaykannor and Vaigai. Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat. The view is striking at dusk when all these towns are lighted.

Statue of Kuravan & Kurathi located at the top of one of the Ramakkalmedu hills is one of the major tourist sites in Ramakkalmedu. C.B. Jinan shadod of Balaramapuram is the architecture of this famous statue. It was launched in 1st August of 2005. Hundreds of tourists visit here daily. Tourists are not allowed to climb up the statue at anytime. It's strictly prohibited by rules. From the statue we can see the family of Kuravan along with a cook. Behind the statue, the authority made up a Mandapam, which serves as a rest house for tourists.

Rama – kal – medu literally means "Land of Rama’s Stone" or "Land where Rama kept his leg" (Rama is a Hindu God in the epic Ramayana). One story says that Lord Rama kept his feet at the tip of Ramakkalmedu to search Ravana the King of Lanka, who abducted his wife Sita.

The statue depicts two historical characters behind the construction of the Idukki Dam. The rocks between the Idukki dams are named after Kuravan and Kurathi, who helped authorities to find the right place for constructing the dam.

WIND FARM

Studies have shown that Ramakkalmedu is the most suitable place for setting up the farm, as the area is blessed with uninterrupted and high velocity wind during the season. Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan inaugurated the first wind farm in Idukki, set up at Ramakkalmedu with private participation, at a function held in Thookkupalam on 27th April 2008. Seven wind farm units have started supply of power to the KSEB Kallar sub-station. 

With more power units to come up in the area, the total power generated will be marginally increased. Seven more units are in under construction. Agencies like Agency for Non-Conventional Energy and Rural Technology (Anert) are keen to launch wind units at Ramakkalmedu, which has been found best suited for generating wind power, sources. Average wind speed here is 30.04 Km/h. The wind farm is an added attraction to Ramakkalmedu, which is known as a major tourism spot that provides a panoramic view of Tamil Nadu. Around 10,000 visitors come to the area each day since the launch of the windmill.

Official sources say the cost of installing (excluding the land price) a wind unit is Rs.4.15 Crore and the power generated is sold to the KSEB at a rate of Rs.3.15 paisa a unit as fixed by the Central Regulatory Authority. Each unit now produces 500 to 600 kWh electricity and it can reach 1,500 kWh calculated at a maximum speed of 24 rpm (revolution per minute). Companies such as Etton World, Sun Star, IBN, Zenith Energy, Eastern and Miton have installed units with technical support of Vestar India, an arm of Vestar Denmark, which at present has 35,000 wind farms the world over.

With more private companies set to enter the sector, it is expected that power shortage in the peak hours will be considerably reduced. The technical support for setting up the wind farm is provided by Vestas India. Companies such Mitcon, Eastern, Zenith Energy, Sun Star and IBN have wind farm units at Ramakkalmedu. Since Ramakkalmedu lies between Thekkady and Munnar and is already in the tourism map, wind farm is set to supplement tourism

·        Second most suitable place in the country for setting up wind farms.

·        Total production of wind energy would reach 50 MW.

·        Totally 20 turbines at Ramakkalmedu.

·        Started power supply to the KSEB Kallar substation.

·        917 km transmission line. 

Things to do

·         Trekking

·        Mountaineering

·        Paragliding

·        Sight seeing

·        Bird watching

Contact

Karunapuram Grama Panchayath Office: +91 – 4868 - 236207

Nedumkandam Circle Inspector Office: +91 – 4868 – 233260

Tips

Ø  Don't show over enthusiasm at viewpoint and on rocks. 

Ø  Don't go near to cliffs

Ø  Avoid using dhotis as the wind may embarrass you

Ø  Since here is no guards, it is not advisable to keep your family there after sunset

Accommodation

Plenty of accommodations are available in Thekkady which is located 36 Kms away from Ramakkalmedu

Punarjani Resorts 

Balanpilla City, Ramakkalmedu

Idukki, Kerala,

India 685552.

Mob: +91 960 5767 201 | 960 5767 202

Corp. Office 

Gurudeva Bhavan,

Tass Road, Aluva,

Mob: 08136818883

Windhaven Resort

Ramakkal, Idukki, Kerala 

Mob: +91-9747110319

Phone: +91 04868-221319

Email: guest@windhavenresort.com,  windhavenresort@gmail.com

Connectivity

By Road: Buses and cabs are available from nearby cites. It is located 36 km north to Kumily, 40 km from Thekkady via Puliyanmala and Tukkupalam, 20 km from Kattappana & 70 km from Munnar. Buses and taxis are available from Kumily, Kattappana and Nedumkandam. Ramakkalmedu can be reached from Kumily via Chellarkovil by a taxi. From Tamilnadu Ramakkal Medu can be reached from Cumbum via Cumbummedu. 

By Rail: Nearest railway station is Changanacherry, about 93 km, Kottayam around 140 Kms.

By Air: Nearest airport is Madurai (Tamil Nadu) about 140 km and Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 190 km.