Meenachil River
About: |
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Meenachil River The Meenachil River is a significant river in Kerala, India, known for its scenic beauty and cultural importance. It originates in the Western Ghats and flows through the districts of Idukki, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta, eventually merging into the Pamba River. The river or rather the stream is of ravenous beauty as it gushes and gurgles forth through the rocks and creates baby waterfalls and little pools on the way down. The Meenachil River flows through the center of the Kottayam district of Kerala. The river originates from the Western Ghats. The river is formed when several small streams merge together namely, as Kullathukadavaru, Thrikovilaru, Poonjarapuzha, Chittur and Payyaparathodu and the length of the river is 78 kilometers.The river finally surrenders itself in to the Vembanad Lake. 
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Location info: |
| Address: Meenachil, near Kottaym town, Kottayam district, Kerala, India. |
| District: Kottayam district |
| Nearest City: Idukki, Cheeranchira, Kottayam. |
| Best time to visit: October to February. |
Climate/Weather: |
| Temperature varies between a minimum of 20.8°C to a maximum of 34.1°C. C |
History: |
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The Meenachil River has a rich historical significance, having played a crucial role in the region's agriculture, transportation, and cultural development. It has been associated with various temples and mythological stories. |
Interesting things to do: |
| Watch the Kurishumala hills, and the Chittar River and also other tourist destination in Meenachil. |
Interesting things to Visit: |
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Vembanad Lake: The Vembanad Lake is located 16km from Kottayam town, is an enchanting picnic spot and a perfect back water tourist destination. The lake bordered by Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts is one of the longest and largest lake in Kerala having a length and width of 83.72km. and 14.48km respectively. Kumarakom: Kumarakom is situated about 10 kms. from Kottayam. This idyllic rich green, sleepy little sub-tropical paradise is located on the banks of the Vembanad lake and interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals. Th There are several resorts here which provides perfect accommodation and special entertainment opportunities like Ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation, boating, fishing and swimming. Kumarakom is also wellknown for its famous bird sanctuary. St. George Forane Church: St. George Forane Church is located in Edappally, about 10 kms from the city of Kochi. It is accessible by road from any part of India. Two national highways NH 47 and NH 17 join the bypass junction at Edappally which begins and continues up to Panvel, Maharashtra, in India. Pathiramanal: This is an tiny beautiful island is located at the Vembanad Lake. The island is home for hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The name Pathiramanal has the meaning 'The Sand of Midnight' and it lies in between Kumarakom and Thannermukkom. The place is accessible only by boat. The island Pathiramanal is an ideal location for poets, means tranquil lovers. It is a small island that is easily reachable using the water route. The journey to reach the island is an exhilarating one. Both sides of the lake have breath-taking beauty that would remain etched in the mind of the tourists. |
Mobile range info: |
| Mobile network coverage is generally good in Kerala, with major operators like Airtel, Vodafone-Idea, and Jio providing services. |
How to reach? |
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Nearest Railway Station: Kottaym Railway Station |
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Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport |
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Road Transport: Meenachil is well connected with other parts of the district and state by road transport and the nearest railway station is Changanasserry. For inward travel, most depend on three wheelers or own two wheelers. |
Nearest Visiting places: |
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Vazhikkadavu: This hill station of rocky terrains is on the outskirts of the district. On one side of the main rock are extremely tall and steep rocks and on the other is a valley of fearful depth. Bordering this crude landscape like a silver lace is the Meenachil River. During the months of December/January the landscape comes alive in a riot of colours with orchids and wild flowers. Kallara: This a little village is located about 20 km northwest of Kottayam town. The place can be easily accessed from Kottayam by road as well as rail.Kallara and the neighboring villages of Kaduthuruthy and Thalayolaparambu has unending stretches of lush green paddy fields crisscrossed by numerous canals that drain into the backwaters of Ezhumanturuth and fall into the mighty Vembanad lake. In ancient days, large barge like country boats transported goods from Alapuzha to Thalayolaparambu and Kaduthuruthy through these intricate networks of waterways. Ithipuzha: As you travel form Vaikom to Ernakulam by road you pass three bridges in succession. As you look out, you are greeted by lush green scenery on either side. It is the river Muvattupuzha and its numerous branches that drain into the Vembanad Lake at this spot creating picture post card scenery all round. And this village is called Ithipuzha. There are few houseboats, no resorts and hence charming and serene waterways all round the village. The various distributaries of the river create numerous beautiful islands in its course. Here there are endless stretches of coconut palms and vast green paddy fields. You can relax yourself on a country canoe ride - floating on the gentle ripples of the rivers and watching the fishermen carrying their catch in small canoes. lthipuzha can easily be accessed from Kochi. Pallam Backwaters: Pallam is located to the south of Kottayam town and is accessible via the Main Central Road. The setting is typical Kerala rural with quiet villages escorted by scenic backwaters and vivid green all along. Migratory birds come seeking this verdant landscape every summer and frolic in the natural splendors till the end of the season. A boat ride in this river Kodoorar to Kumarakom via Pallom backwaters is a great way to relax and enjoy nature's bounties. Elaveezhapoonchira - Walk in the rain clouds: Skirting the Kottayam district are beautiful valleys of Elaveezhalpoonchira, spread over thousands of acres in Melukavu village. The pristine beauty of nature is preserved almost intact here in the imposing mountain ranges with rocky cliffs. The verdant landscape is punctuated by five gigantic hills viz. Vindhyan medu, Hidumbanmedu Mankallumudi, Kolanimudi and Mukalanthumudi each rising to around 3200 ft. Elaveezhapoonchira means valley where leaves don't fall and is named so because the place has no trees. The vast horizon gives a panoramic view of the surrounding five districts. During the monsoons when the valley fills up to form a scenic lake, this place unveils another beautiful slice of nature. Kannadipara: As the name suggests, the valley of this rocky mountain reflects the morning sun with a mirror like perfection. This is also the highest point in Elaveezhapoonchira. Three km from here is the Pazhakakanam Plateau nourished by the Kadapuzha River. Bamboo groves, meadows and wild flowers make this place exotic. An added attraction here is the Kazhukankulimali Waterfalls that playfully cascade down the mountain and greet the river below with a magnificent splash. Mankallu Mudikal: The three hills in this region lie close to each other, their flat hilltops covered with lush grasslands. An aerial view of these resembles a traditional clay oven. With no trees around, the hilltops give you the feeling that you are walking in the clouds. Kootickal: This quaint hamlet situated in the Western Ghats is located 5km north of Mundakkayam in Kottayam District. The majesty of the mountain ranges combined with the beauty of the forest and the artificial lake created by the check-dam of the Manimala River makes the spot linger in your mind. Amruthameda, famous for medicinal plants is nearby. Kootickal is located only 12km from the pilgrim centre of Erumeli. Kurisumala: Three km from Vazhikkadavu is this renowned Christian pilgrim centre where hundreds of devotees from far and near converge during the holy week and after, to climb the hill in faith, carrying small wooden crosses. The peaceful Monastery at the top of the hill, the silence of the hills, the cool mountain air and the lush green landscape are all soothing to the soul. On the eastern side of the hill is Muruganmala housing a rock cut temple dedicated to Murugan (son of Lord Shiva). Bharananganam: Bharananganam is an important pilgrimage center for the Christians. It is located next to the St. Mary's Church. The church is a thousand years old and has a well-carved cavern of Virgin Mary. Matrumala: Matrumala is located in Kooropada village and is about 8 km from Vennimala. The place can be accessed from Kottayam through Pampadi. Matrumala is a hill top that offers stunning views of the entire surroundings.The place got its name as it has a small temple on its top dedicated to Goddess. The temple is believed to have been built by Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala who installed idols of the seven Goddesses (Saptamathas) here. Champakara (Ayurvedic Centre): Champakara is just 18 kms from Kottayam is Champakara, which is an important Ayurvedic Centre for 'Thirummuchikilsa'in Kerala. Sreerangam CVN Kalari Chikilsa Kendram attracts people from all over Indiaand abroad. Kesari Waterfalls: The Kesari waterfalls is also known as Valanjamkanam falls, it lies between Kuttikanam and Murinjapuzha on the Kottayam-Kumaly route. Valanjamkanam is a 3 hr journey from Kottayam by any bus to Kumaly. Mannanam: This place is about 8 km north of Kottayam is Mannanam, a small town but a great pilgrimage centre for Syrian Christians. Thousands of Syrian Christians gather each year at Mannanam to attend a religious convention that is one of the largest in Asia. The Driftwood Museum: This museum is well stored with a huge collection of driftwood sculptures collected from the islands of Andaman and Nicobar. The museum is the only one of its kind in the country. The works displayed here shows the artistic excellence and mere hard work of past generations. One can find here a huge collection of root sculptures of various shapes and designs. There are even sculptures depicting the Kargil War, fought between India and Pakisthan. The museum also showcases an amazing collection of flowers and buds. Thirunakkara Mahadev Temple: This temple is Located in the heart of Kottayam, this temple is built in the typical Kerala style. The architecture and murals are stunningly beautiful.The murals on the walls are a major attraction here. The sanctum sanctorum is decorated with scenes from Hindu epics. In the month of March, on the occasion of the annual temple festival the temple pulls in a large number of pilgrims. |
Nearest Petrol Pump: |
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Parangot Petrol Pump Indian Oil Petrol Pump BP Petrol Pump Indian Oil Petrol Pump |
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
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Coconut creek farm and Homestay Illikkalam Lake Resort Kumarakom Lagoon Hotel The Zuri Kumarakom Aida Hotel |
Things to carry: |
| Comfortable clothing suitable for the tropical climate. Rain gear, especially during the monsoon season. Sunscreen and a hat to protect from the sun. Comfortable footwear for walking and exploring. |
Tips & Suggestions: |
| Respect the local customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting temples. Carry a small amount of cash, as not all places accept cards. Plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your trip. |
Help Line/Phone Number: |
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Police Station: Police Station Ponkunnam Police Station Perumbavoor Police Station |
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Nearest Hospital: Bharath Hospital Kottayam Medical College Government Hospital |
| Society/Community Phone Number: |
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Link: http://meenachilmozhikal.blogspot.com/2009/11/kerala-state-school-kalolsav-going-hi.html |
Photo Gallery
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Video Gallery
| Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary |
| The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located at Kumarakom village, a distance of 16 km from Kottayam town. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is highly rich in its sheer scenic beauty. It is rightly known as a heaven to birds. The great collection of birds here is a remarkable thing. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise.This place is home to more than a few hundred bird species and a large number of migratory birds also arrive here, on a regular basis. Hence, the sanctuary witnesses the rush of a large number of visitors, every year.....more |
| Kumarakom Backwaters |
| Kumarakom backwaters is the major backwater stretch is in Kottayam district, where a network of rivers and canals empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake. Located at Kumarakom 16 km from Kottayam town, the Vembanad Lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating and Fishing.Kumarakom slumbers on the banks of the famous Vembanad Lake. The Vembanad Lake with its majestic canals, streams and distributaries along its banks weave an intricate and enchantingly beautiful web. The gorgeous green of the fringed palms ripple in the blue waters and blend into wavelets.....more |
| St.Mary's Cathedral Church |
| St Mary's is a small church in Vazhappally Village, part of the Cathedral church and the Arch Diocese of Changanacherry, Kerala. It was first established in 1177, and reconstructed and consecrated in 1887.More than 125 families are gathering here for daily masses and other prayers.The Cathedral church is located on Market Road, about half KM from Changanassery town. A new semi-circular section was added to the rear of the building in the 60s to accommodate a growing congregation. Outside, at the head of the building, stands the tallest structure in the town, namely, the bell tower. The ringing of the bell can be heard throughout the city.....more |
| Kallumkathra St George Jacobite Syrian Church |
| Kallumkathra St George Jacobite Syrian church is situated in Pulikkuttissery village in Aymanam, about 10 km west of Kottayam town, Kottayam District, Kerala. Established in 1817, the church is bounded by a canal. In the past, devotees could reach here only via water transport. Today the church is well connected by road. It is one of the oldest churches in the Kottayam diocese.The picturesque landscape and the innumerable tributaries of Meenachil river adds to the beauty of the village. The church itself is surrounded by a canal. Till recently water transport was the only possible way to reach the church premises.....more |
| Orthodox Theological Seminary Church |
| The first Orthodox Christian school of theology in Asia, the Orthodox Seminary, was founded in 1815 at Kottayam, in the state of Kerala (ancient Malabar) by Ramban Ittoop, a priest-monk of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.St.Thomas Orthodox Theological Seminary is one of the two primary seminaries under the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church of India. This seminary is dedicated to the theological training in orthodox christian beliefs and priesthood. This Seminary will cater to the needs of parishes in North India as well as to the mission front of the Church. The learned monk from Kunnamkulam was carrying out with singular courage a major decision of the church made at Kandanadu in 1809 to start two schools of theology (Padithaveedu), one in the North and the other in the South of Kerala......more |
| Poonjar Palace |
| Poonjar Palace is situated in Meenachil taluk at Poonjar on the Pala-Erattupetta route, 47 km away from Kottayam district, kerala. Poonjar Palace is one of Kottayam’s well known landmarks, a favored destination for art & history lovers and a reminder of Kottayam’s glorious legacy and past. Poonjar Palace has beautifully preserved the past which is now exhibited through the grand chandeliers, Nataraja sculptures and military equipments etc. Poonjar Palace is a scintillating evidence of the magnificent and royal collection of the rich past of this place. The palace has an amazing collection of royal antiques like palanquin, weapons of warfare, grand chandeliers, jewel boxes.....more |
| Ezhumanthuruthu Island |
| Ezhumanthuruthu is a small "thuruthu" ie island situated 8 km west of Kaduthuruthy town. It falls in Kottayam district, the city of letters. It is a densely populated place of Kaduthuruthy Gram Panchayat.The place is also blessed with the presence of the ancient Devi temple Kunnummel Kavil situated on the top of the Ezhumanthuruthu Hill from where you can have a beautiful view of the surrounding places upto the radious of 10 to 15 kilometers.Now this island village which was unreachable without the help of a country boat is connected with well built high ways with Vaikom, Thalayolaparambu, Kaduthuruthy, Muttuchira, Kallara and other places.....more |
| Vembanad Lake |
| Vembanad Lake is located in Kumarakom, Kottayam district.The Vembanad wetland system covers an area of over 1512 km and is bordered by 3 districts. Several rivers flow into the lake and Canals link the lake to other coastal lakes of the region.One of Asia's largest freshwater lakes, the Vembanad Kayal, as it is locally known, is a giant reservoir and a major ecological resource. The dense vegetation on its banks is a wonderful sight. Asia, and it is connected to a network of canals throughout the region. Some plants on the lake include paddy fields, coconut groves and white lilies. It is located in proximity to the KumarakomBird Sanctuary, which is worth a visit.....more |
| Thazathangadi Juma Masjid |
| Thazhathangady Jumma Masjid situated on the banks of the river Meenachil, Thazhathangady, 2km from Kottayam one of the Heritage Zones of Kerala, India, near the town of Kummanam. This is also called as the “Taj Juma Masjid”. The ancestors of this Masjid came and settled in Kottayam, from different parts of Kerala. They started living as a community in the Hanafi Tradition from 1947 onwards under the spiritual guidance from Kottayam Settu Masjid. Cremations used to be done in the cemetery of this Masjid. The Muslims who lived here played an active role in Freedom Struggle and other National Movements.....more |
| Bay Island Driftwood Museum |
| Bay Island Driftwood Museum is located at Kumarakom, Kottaym District, kerala. A Museum to display a unique collection of superior quality driftwood articles of very high artistic value, prepared through a rate and innovative modern art form, is functioning at the scenic village of Kumarakom. A Visitor would find there a huge collection of root sculptures of various shapes and designs.The collections in the museum are from the serene beaches of the Islands, situated in Bay of Bengal. These islands are know as Andaman and Nicobar Islands or Bay Islands and hence the name Bay Island Driftwood Museum. Bengal or know as Andaman and Nicobar Islands or Bay Islands and it is the reason to name the museum as Bay Island Driftwood Museum.....more |
| Manimala River |
| Manimala River has its origin on the Muthavara Hills near Peerumedu in Idukki District of Kerala. The river passes through the districts of Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and finally joins the Pamba River at Muttar in Alappuzha District. The villages, which lie in the course of the river Manimala, are Manimala, Mallappally, Kaviyoor, Kalloppara, Thalavadi, Kozhimukku and Champakkulam respectively. It has a length of 91.73 Km and drainage area of 802.90 Km. The people are from several religions and castes.Manimala is a village on the banks of Manimala River. It is sort of divided into two with the Manimala River running between. Manimala is blessed with scenic beauty .....more |
| Ettumanoor Temple |
| Located 12 kms north of Kottayam town, at Ettumanoor is an ancient Shiva temple, which was built in the 16th century. Ettumanoor temple is a marvelous example of the Kerala style of architecture, attracts many Hindu devotees from all over the state. The copper plated conical roof of the central shrine, is in itself a majestic structure.The present temple building, with its gopuram and the fortress around it, was reconstructed in (1542 AD). The mural paintings on the walls inside and outside the gopuram are quite famous. The images of Balagopalam and other Devas are painted with high artistic ingenuity. The golden flag staff inside the temple is a beautiful sight. On the top of it is the image of a bull surrounded by a small bells and metal leaves of the banyan tree. The temple roofs are covered with copper sheets and it has 14 ornamental tops.....more |
| Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall |
| Aruvikkuzhi waterfalls is located 18 km from Kottayam town, and 2 km down a mud lane from Kumarakom, Kottaym District, Kerala.Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls is a beautiful picnic spot where streams snake through the landscapes that house fascinating rubber plantations and the gushing waters make gurgling noises that are a treat to the ears. The waters splash down the mountains from a height of 100 ft.Rushing down from a great height, the waterfall presents a picture of breathtaking beauty. It would not be wrong to state that the Aruvikkuzhi waterfall carries with it a magical quality that allures visitors at the very first glance.The waterfall is a beautiful sight to behold especially after the Indian monsoon season is painted with a fresh coat of green and the thundering roar of the waterfalls makes conversation impossible.....more |
| Kesari Waterfall |
| The Kesari waterfalls, also known as Valanjamkanam falls, lies between Kuttikanam and Murinjapuzha on the Kottayam-Kumaly route. Valanjamkanam is a 3 hr journey from Kottayam by any bus to Kumaly; trek to Kuttikanan offers additional adventurous spirit and closeness to nature.Valanjamakanam is a three-hour journey from Kottayam by any bus to Kumili.Valanjamkanam is a 3 hr. journey from Kottayam by any bus to Kumaly; trek to Kuttikanan offers additional adventurous spirit and closeness to nature.this amazing waterfallincreases the spirit to the tourists who are on their way to Kuttikanam, the nature blessed place in Kottayam. Also known as Valanjamkanam fall, this waterfall has been captured in the cameras of those passing by......more |
| Maramala Waterfall |
| Maramala Waterfall lies a few kms away from Eerattupetta. It is exactly 7 kms from Teekoy rubber estate. From here a private vehicle can take you further 2 kms after which the road is not motor able. To reach the falls one has to trek through the estate over the rocky path. The waterfall is about 60 metres in height, falling into a 12-meter deep pool and joins the River Teekoy way down.From there, it's easy to trek trough the estate and get there.The waterfall cascades from a height of 60 meters and slides down about 200 meters to meet the Teekoy river.....more |