Manikkal village, actor Thilakan’s birthplace, turns tourism spot

Mundakkayam East: Till recently, the main centre of Manikkal, a village near Peruvanthanam in Kerala, comprised a trijunction, an iron bridge to cross the stream flowing nearby and a temporary shop under a huge banyan tree. However, the village has undergone an amazing transformation into a tourism spot and is attracting several visitors. 

Now, at the same place are a new check-dam, bridge and a large water body. The check-dam was built by spending Rs 60 lakh under the employment guarantee scheme of the Peruvanthanam Panchayat. Named ‘Park and lake’, the tourism centre offers two pedal boats and a coracle for visitors to take a trip on the reservoir. Four employees have also been appointed.

Incidentally, Manikkal is the birthplace of noted actor, the late Thilakan.

According to KT Binu, president of the Peruvanthanam Panchayat, “The local body is planning more developmental works at the spot. They include a hanging bridge, a statue of Thilakan and a children’s park.”

How to reach

From Mundakkayam, travel five km along the 35th Mile-Medical Trust Road to arrive at Manikkal. The hill station of Panchalimedu is a mere 15 km from here. Visitors can travel from Manikkal to Panchalimedu without entering the national highway by taking the Paloorkkavu-Thekkemala route.