The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) is planning to organise guided trekking and off-road safari at Panchalimedu, near Kuttikanam, with the completion of the first phase of infrastructure works there.
The work on the entrance gate, walkways, resting places, rain shelter, toilets, and solar lighting are over.
Like the grasslands of Wagamon, Panchalimedu has a wide area to walk around and, on a sunny day, provides a distant view of areas in the neighbouring districts.
Cool ambience
The cool ambience and misty air there attracted tourists and its proximity to Thekkady made it a favourite tourism destination, said DTPC secretary Jayan P.Vijayan.
Hundreds of Sabarimala devotees throng Panchalimedu to view the Makaravilakku.
The myth has it that during their life in exile, the Pandavas stayed there for a brief while. There is also a cave by the name ‘Bhiman cave’ where Panchali is believed to have stayed.
The work has been taken up at an estimate of ₹3.5 crore, Mr. Vijayan said. Trekking will be allowed to the Bhiman para, half-a-kilometre from the main entrance, from the Christmas/ New Year season, he said.
The jeep safari will take tourists to nearby scenic areas, he added.
In the second phase of construction work, a statue of Panchali will be installed and facilities for boating will be introduced in the check-dam.
Accessibility
Panchalimedu is 4 km from the main road connecting Kumily with Kottayam on the Kollam -Theni National Highway and is accessible by taxis and jeeps.
