Kattadipara – for all-terrain tourists

Looking to add a bit of adventure to your weekend, try Kattadipara in Konnathadi panchayat, en route Ramakkalmedu, Idukki. Climbs, constant gusts of wind and mist, Kattadipara has nature’s gifts aplenty. Wild and untamed, it is a much sought-after tourist destination.

However, before packing your backpack make sure that you have the heart of a true footloose traveler, for Kattadipara will test you in many ways.

The hurdles

• There is no proper motorable road to reach the scenic spot.

• There are practically no facilities available at the place. The authorities seem to be little bothered about the difficulties faced by tourists.

Only a small stretch of road leading to Kattadipara from Panikkankudi-Mullarikudi road has been tarred*. The rest is an arduous trek.

Of late, local folks have taken up the cause of Kattadipara and there’s a clamor for better roads and facilities to the scenic spot*.

The stretch is home to rare species of plants which grow in abundance on the hill slopes. Kattadipara is surrounded by some of the best tourists destinations in Idukki district. One could enjoy bird's eye view of Perinjamkutty plantation area, Pallivasal, Kolukkumala, Kailasam, Mavadi Hills, Vathikudi, Kanthipara and other sightseeing places nearby from the hilltop.

How to reach

Kattadipara is approximately 45 km from Thekkady and Munnar is about 77 kilometers away.

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

Nearest railway station: 130 km away from kottayam

Nearby Places

Ramakkalmedu

Vagamon

Peerumede

Ilaveezha Poonchira

Thrissangu

Peeru Hills

Pasuppara

Things to do

Camping, trekking, birding, wind energy farm, nature walk

(*At the time of publishing this article)