Float among the clouds in Idukki's Pasuppara

Idukki has always been known for bewitching scenic beauty. The spectacular views and the general natural charm up the hills are quite inviting. Many gleefully accept the invitation and go up the hills. Then, they come down happy and recharged having lapped up everything on offer. So many sights and so many places… Idukki has so much more in store and the tempting invitations keep coming. Following up on one such temptation, it is now destination Pasuppara, leaving aside other more popular spots.

Pasuppara is a patch of greenery full of tea plantations. Two adjoining hills named 'Arjunamala' and 'Panchalimala' protect Pasuppara like sentinels. The Arjuna-Panchali relation was special. It would seem that these hills bearing their names carry a fondness for each other too. These hills are favourite haunts for trekkers. The pathway to 'Arjunamala' starts from the 'Lakshamveedu' Junction. It takes hours of trekking to reach the top. Clouds float about and gently urge us on. Any number of hours could be spent there savouring the natural beauty.

The trek to the top of 'Panchalimala' is not as arduous as that to 'Arjunamala.' 'Panchalimala' will resemble a young woman lying on her side. The trekking route to 'Panchalimala' starts from a point some 2 km further along the Alampally river. The views from these mountaintops are indescribable. The interplay of gentle drops of rain, the mist and the clouds is fascinating.

The first human settlement in Pasuppara came 100 years back. The first settlers cleared a small part of the forest for dwelling and farming. They worked hard and grew tea, coffee, cardamom and pepper. The nature backed up their hard work. That reflected in the harvest. The Pasuppara settlers got bountiful returns for their toil. The first of these settlers were from Tamil Nadu.

Idukki is full of such charming places. The travellers keep coming back to Idukki for more.

Pasuppara is in the Upputhara Panchayat of Idukki. There are two main routes to Pasuppara. From Elappara on the Kottayam-Kumily road, Pasuppara is 12 km. Pasuppara can also be reached via the Thodupuzha-Kattappana route.