Ramakkalmedu - Idukki | രാമക്കൽമേട്‌ - ഇടുക്കി

Ramakkalmedu is a hill station and a hamlet in Idukki district in the Indian state of Kerala. The place is noted for its panoramic beauty and numerous windmills.

Constant wind is another factor which makes Ramakkalmedu unique. Wind blows at a speed around 35 km/ hour at Ramakkalmedu throughout the year irrespective of the season and time.



Although Ramakkalmedu has potential for it to become an international tourist destination, and already attracts more than 100,000 visitors. However, as of 2015 not much had been done for the improvement of basic facilities nearby. The government of Kerala has announced plans to develop this tourist station by improving transportation facilities with buses, upgrading of the Kerala police and other measures.

Ramakalmedu is a historic site with a Monument to Kuravan and Kurathi – a large statue that depicts the Sangam Period and Sangam landscape of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The monument provides a panoramic view of Tamil Nadu villages and towns, including Cumbum, Theni, Kombai, Thevaram, Uthamapalayam, Bodinaykannor and Vaiga. Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat. The view is striking at dusk when all these towns in Tamilnadu, are lighted.

Rama – kal – medu literally means "Land of Rama’s Stone" or "Land where Lord Ram set his holy foot" (Lord Ram is a Hindu God in the epic Ramayana). One story says that Lord Ram along with Lakshman (younger brother of Lord Ram who was accompanying him during his 14 years exile in the forest) kept his foot at the top of Ramakkalmedu in search of his wife Lady Sita, who was abducted by the Demon King of Lanka , Lord Ravan.
 

The Twin statue was sculpted by C.B Jinan and erected on the top of the hill in the year 2005. The statue depicts two historical characters who have some connection with the construction of the Idukki Dam. The Idukki Arch dam connects two massive rock hills named Kuravan Mala (Kuravan Hill) and Kurathi Mala(Kurathi Hill)
The scenic beauty of Ramakkalmedu has attracted thousands of people, including Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio. DiCaprio has reportedly said about this place that "If there is a paradise on earth, it is here.

Location Guide:

Google Location - https://goo.gl/maps/gSNYRy2CZEo

Distance from Cochin - 125 Kms (4.5 hours Travel)
Distance from Theni (Tamilnadu) - 60 Kms (1.5 hours Travel)