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Magical vistas galore

The view from a peak near this place is mesmerising, says K. BALAKRISHNAN

SIMPLY MAGICAL Expanse of breathtaking beauty will enchant the visitor

Idukki District has many places of great beauty capable of entrancing visitors. But the rigours of travel and lack of infrastructure deter many from visiting Idukki except for Munnar, Thekkady and Kuttikanam. On a recent visit to Kattappana, a friend happened to mention Nirmala City. The name was intriguing.

The place was called so because the people who reside there are simple and innocent and hence the Malayalam word `nirmala,' which means innocent.

Superb view

From a peak close to Nirmala City one can get a sensational view of the catchment of the reservoir of Idukki dam too. Nirmala City is approximately five km from Kattappana on the Kattappana-Idukki road.

We started climbimg up a steep jeep track towards the peak. The jeep track ended on a small plateau.

The view that unfolded before us was awesome. The Idukki reservoir studded with emerald islands stretched out in front of us. The air was very still and not a ripple stirred the waters. It reflected the late evening light like a mirror and the play of light on the water was enchanting.

We started our ascent. The going was tough but not gruelling. A climb of about 500 feet brought us to the top.

We soaked in the vistas that unfolded before us. We could practically see the whole of the catchment area from this point. Since the rain had fed the reservoir it was almost full.

Just below us was the region called Anchuruli. Here, the waters from the dam at Erattayar joins the reservoir through a subterranean tunnel. Thickly wooded islands with majestic trees were seen below and the waters of the reservoir were up to the tree line.

The point enjoys a 360 degree view and we found that we were overlooking Kattappana town also. When the water levels goes down, animals can be sighted and elephant sightings are very common as also boar and deer. On returning to the lower plateau we enjoyed a picnic in the shade. A light breeze rippled the waters below and the setting sun coloured the waters with shades of crimson - truly magical.

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