Illikkal Kallu
Illikkal Kallu
4.4
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Big Indian Tours
Asia652 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
The lofty peak, Illickal Kallu, boasts a distinctive feature where a part of its rock has been worn away. Perched atop the hill, this steep rock, resembling a clenched fist, stands as a striking example of nature's resilience. The remarkable rock formation is a sight to behold, especially when shrouded in mist, offering a picturesque view of Illickal Kallu's enduring charm. The best time to visit is between 8 and 10:30 in the morning, offering a breathtaking 360-degree view. The climate might change suddenly from sunny to foggy conditions at times. Railings are in place along steep sides for safety. There are benches and good fencing for safety at the top, you can even see a long view of Vembanad Lake from the top. There is no mobile network available at the top, so carrying cash is recommended as UPI payments are not possible.
Entry tickets are required, and there are additional fees for jeep services. Jeeps are available for pickup and drop for those unable to walk long distances in the mountains. Private vehicles are not allowed, and parking is a bit difficult when there are a lot of vehicles. The parking fee is Rs 20 and the entrance fee per person is Rs 20. A jeep safari from the parking area to the top costs around Rs 40 per person, making it accessible for elders. Snacks and drinks are available in the parking area.
Entry tickets are required, and there are additional fees for jeep services. Jeeps are available for pickup and drop for those unable to walk long distances in the mountains. Private vehicles are not allowed, and parking is a bit difficult when there are a lot of vehicles. The parking fee is Rs 20 and the entrance fee per person is Rs 20. A jeep safari from the parking area to the top costs around Rs 40 per person, making it accessible for elders. Snacks and drinks are available in the parking area.
Written 9 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jagan5577
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), India275 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
It's a good spot to have an adventure walk to the top of a mountain. This place is actually situated in Kottayam district and the nearest city is Erattupetta. Very good roads from Thodupuzha and Erattupetta. From the parking area, it is around 1.5 Km of a steep way to the top view point. There are some small shops for light food and drinks but no restaurant is nearby for breakfast & lunch. The DTPC arranges some jeeps for travelling to the top entry point; from there we need to be climbing up to the top by walk. Panoramic views from the top. Don't go there in the rainy season since this spot is very dangerous for frequent 'lightning' during rain.
Written 22 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Odyssey Diaries
Kerala, India23 contributions
Jul 2021
An amazing tourist spot in Kottayam district. A small trek leads to the top, from where the view is just awesome. The view of the monolith is the main attraction here. This scenic place is very good for a one-day trip with friends, family or lovers. The cool and calm climate here refreshes our mind.
Written 6 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gikil Roy
Bengaluru, India12 contributions
Mar 2020
One of the highest peaks in kottayam. Best Time to visit is during monsoons. The area is so cool and windy and foggy during the time. You have a few good resorts nearby to this place to stay and enjoy the weather. Illikkal kallu is 50 kilometres from kottayam.
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tomson KTJ
Kochi (Cochin), India21 contributions
Jan 2020
Just kidding with the name guys. Illikkal kallu is the real name of the adventurous destination located in Kottayam district. It's a monolith situated on the top of Illikkal mall.
We went there as a group of 6 members in 3 bikes. It's around 60kms from Kottayam district. In the midst of our journey, we got a mild drizzle which enhanced the beauty of the journey. As we head towards the rock or Illikkal kallu,the drizzling increases. It was a wonderful and adventurous journey or trekking until we reached the top of that rock.
PS: always take a pair of jackets
advisory warning: he/she should be physically fit
We went there as a group of 6 members in 3 bikes. It's around 60kms from Kottayam district. In the midst of our journey, we got a mild drizzle which enhanced the beauty of the journey. As we head towards the rock or Illikkal kallu,the drizzling increases. It was a wonderful and adventurous journey or trekking until we reached the top of that rock.
PS: always take a pair of jackets
advisory warning: he/she should be physically fit
Written 10 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nidhi Mathew
3 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
The crown of kottayam. Sunrise is best viewed from here. Best options would be to stay at a nearby resort. We stayed at mistywindvalley resort and they arranged the Sunrise trek to illikkal Kallu. The views are breathtaking and walk to the peak is mesmerising.
Written 27 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travel Paradox
Bhopal, India89 contributions
Mar 2020
One of the best places in kottayam district to chill out with friends and family. Located at a height of 7000 feet msl, this place feels like heaven. Must visit during rainy season when it is always mist covered and cold.
Written 13 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
manuaryan37
Muscat, Oman11 contributions
Aug 2017 • Friends
Illikal Kallu, near Teekoy in Kottayam District, came into prominence only a couple of years back or so as a tourist destination. The turn off to Illikal Kallu is just after Teekoy (Theekoy) on the way to Vagamon from Kottayam. The drive up to this spot is an exhilarating experience for the experienced driver and a terrifying one for one green behind the ears. But for the foolhardy inexperienced youth, it can turn out to be the last ride or one that can lead to months of convalescence.
Earlier, one could drive right up to the point where the trek started to the summit of what is the highest point in Kottayam District. However, recently the district tourism authorities have restricted access by private vehicles to a point about a kilometer or so before the trekking point. Parking space have been provided for the vehicles of the visitors. From this point, three jeeps carry the visitors to the trekking point at a cost of Rs. 20/- per pax (return trip included). This arrangement has led to less traffic snarls and arguments on the top where there is hardly enough space to maneuver more than a couple of vehicles.
The trek uphill is quite an experience with ripping winds that threaten to throw you off balance at every step. Despite this, the young, the old and the children whole heartedly toil up as the view from the top is breathtaking. From the summit is a precarious single lane walkway called 'Narakapaalam', Bridge of Hell, that leads to a sheer rock face that is the zenith. Many a foolish youngster have braved death to cross this bridge and scale the rock, an attempt which at best can be termed as utter lunacy. Some have been blessed to return home unscathed, thanks to the prayers of their parents, while the rest have suffered grievous injuries and a handful were plucked by the howling winds and thrown to their death.
Access to 'Narakapaalam' has been fenced off now, and officials from the tourism department are keeping vigil to prevent anymore mishaps.
There are stalls that serve bread and omelette for those who return from the trek hungry.
The best time to visit is from mid-October to March. The rest of the year the summit cannot be seen most of the time because of heavy mist and rain.
Consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited by law and law enforcement officers are there to make sure the law is adhered to.
Last but not the least: Those who drive up in their own vehicles are strongly advised to drive downhill using the same gear that took them up (first or second gear) and with minimal use of brakes at least until they cross the Masjid on the way back. Rely on gear power not brakes to get you down safely. The jeep drivers who drive you up from the parking lot to the trekking point will tell you the same.
Stay safe!
Earlier, one could drive right up to the point where the trek started to the summit of what is the highest point in Kottayam District. However, recently the district tourism authorities have restricted access by private vehicles to a point about a kilometer or so before the trekking point. Parking space have been provided for the vehicles of the visitors. From this point, three jeeps carry the visitors to the trekking point at a cost of Rs. 20/- per pax (return trip included). This arrangement has led to less traffic snarls and arguments on the top where there is hardly enough space to maneuver more than a couple of vehicles.
The trek uphill is quite an experience with ripping winds that threaten to throw you off balance at every step. Despite this, the young, the old and the children whole heartedly toil up as the view from the top is breathtaking. From the summit is a precarious single lane walkway called 'Narakapaalam', Bridge of Hell, that leads to a sheer rock face that is the zenith. Many a foolish youngster have braved death to cross this bridge and scale the rock, an attempt which at best can be termed as utter lunacy. Some have been blessed to return home unscathed, thanks to the prayers of their parents, while the rest have suffered grievous injuries and a handful were plucked by the howling winds and thrown to their death.
Access to 'Narakapaalam' has been fenced off now, and officials from the tourism department are keeping vigil to prevent anymore mishaps.
There are stalls that serve bread and omelette for those who return from the trek hungry.
The best time to visit is from mid-October to March. The rest of the year the summit cannot be seen most of the time because of heavy mist and rain.
Consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited by law and law enforcement officers are there to make sure the law is adhered to.
Last but not the least: Those who drive up in their own vehicles are strongly advised to drive downhill using the same gear that took them up (first or second gear) and with minimal use of brakes at least until they cross the Masjid on the way back. Rely on gear power not brakes to get you down safely. The jeep drivers who drive you up from the parking lot to the trekking point will tell you the same.
Stay safe!
Written 13 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joyissac
Vadodara, India77 contributions
Apr 2015 • Family
If you are looking for a trekking , or would like to have a short trip from pala , then don't miss this place. if you are really into hiking here are some trails from the bottom for trekking . And if you are lazy for climbing all the way up, there is a brand new road until almost the top point. The view is amazing .
I would suggest you guys to visit around 3 o clock in the after noon and stay there for sunset or get up early in the morning and reach there by 5 o clock and enjoy the amazing sun rise.
There are no shops or any other facilities up there, so prepare everything you need for the trip.
There is a coin throwing tradition here where people throw coins to the Illikkal Kallu from the top point.
I would suggest you guys to visit around 3 o clock in the after noon and stay there for sunset or get up early in the morning and reach there by 5 o clock and enjoy the amazing sun rise.
There are no shops or any other facilities up there, so prepare everything you need for the trip.
There is a coin throwing tradition here where people throw coins to the Illikkal Kallu from the top point.
Written 8 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WANDER LUST
14 contributions
Jun 2019 • Friends
Hello Traveller's
Today my review is about Illikal kallu, I have been to the place recently (June 2019)... I have enquired about the place and then planned my trip. The opinions was not that good but still I planned to visit. I know June is rainy season in Kerala and rain is going to hit continuously throughout the day I was well planned took some measures to cover me up.
We started at 7 30am from ernakulam and reached by 10 30am, journey was not continuous just took enough time to get relief. Local people was so helpful that we was guided at each points that we need their help.
There is a small fair for the ticket 15/head and you can take Jeep service to the top of the hill. Jeep service will cost 30Rs up and down. I would personally recommend you to take Jeep service to reach up hill. Once you reach up you will see the clouds touching you.... Really it's so breath taking seen that you will forget yourself there. The mist will touch your body and soul it's so beautiful that I can't explain you fully. I was planned to be there for an hour but I spend around 4hr and while coming back walk and come, plz avoid the Jeep service otherwise you will miss so many beautiful location it's hardly one km to parking area. Food may be a problem you will get snacks tea coffee and bread omelette.
Highly recommend for couple's
I would recommend you to choose rainy season or when there is a chance of mist then only you will enjoy the real beauty of the place from there I went to wagamon there is 28 km from there to wagamon.
The venue is situated in Kottayam district at meenachil taluk there is no public transportation at the venue you have to hire a taxi.
Thank you
Today my review is about Illikal kallu, I have been to the place recently (June 2019)... I have enquired about the place and then planned my trip. The opinions was not that good but still I planned to visit. I know June is rainy season in Kerala and rain is going to hit continuously throughout the day I was well planned took some measures to cover me up.
We started at 7 30am from ernakulam and reached by 10 30am, journey was not continuous just took enough time to get relief. Local people was so helpful that we was guided at each points that we need their help.
There is a small fair for the ticket 15/head and you can take Jeep service to the top of the hill. Jeep service will cost 30Rs up and down. I would personally recommend you to take Jeep service to reach up hill. Once you reach up you will see the clouds touching you.... Really it's so breath taking seen that you will forget yourself there. The mist will touch your body and soul it's so beautiful that I can't explain you fully. I was planned to be there for an hour but I spend around 4hr and while coming back walk and come, plz avoid the Jeep service otherwise you will miss so many beautiful location it's hardly one km to parking area. Food may be a problem you will get snacks tea coffee and bread omelette.
Highly recommend for couple's
I would recommend you to choose rainy season or when there is a chance of mist then only you will enjoy the real beauty of the place from there I went to wagamon there is 28 km from there to wagamon.
The venue is situated in Kottayam district at meenachil taluk there is no public transportation at the venue you have to hire a taxi.
Thank you
Written 24 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Venture61963940254
Irinjalakuda, India
Is it safe to go with a 4 month baby to illikkal kallu?
Written 2 July 2023
Hi,
I wish to visit illikal kallu pls tell which bus route i can opt for my travel from ktym bus stand.
Written 3 October 2021
How to reach illikkal kallu from erattupetta by bus and can i reach back before 2 pm from there?
Written 27 December 2020
What is the nearest airport to illikkal Kallu ?
How far away is it from the airport?
How would you get from the airport to the area - options for transportation?
Written 6 November 2020
can we go near the big rock now or is it not allowed??
Written 8 July 2019
It is allowed and you can go clocse to the rock and toiuch and feel it.
Written 8 July 2019
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