Kudukkathupara — Attraction in Kerala

an ideal picnic spot, where you can spend the entire day taking in the glorious sights. How to reach Kudukathupara From Anchal, travel along the Chanapetta route to reach Aanakulam. From there, its 1800 metres of pastoral land. Until the foothills of Kudukathupara, you can travel by either a jeep or a two-wheeler. From the Kudukathupara forest check post board, proceed uphill on foot. As of now, there is no entry fee for the tourists visiting the spot. The miraculous white man’s cave Next to the forest check post, there are about 100 steps that will lead you to the White man’s cave or ‘Sayippinte Guha’ as it is locally known. It is believed that a German man hid in this cave during the Second World War. But nobody knows who he was or what his motives were. He left as mysteriously as he had arrived. The villagers also think that he must have been a spy. Anyway the cave is huge enough to comfortably accommodate 5 people, without being affected by the sun or the rains. The cave is also rumoured to have hid Naxalite revolutionaries during an uprising. A wake-up call for Tourism Department The Tourism authorities are yet to realize the immense tourism potential of Kudukathupara. What you can find here is a rock walkway with steel railings, 4 thatched shops and 2 huts that the Forest Department built using the Eco Tourism Fund. The Forest Range Officer, P. Subhash, informs us that the building for the ticket counter is almost complete. The Forest Preservation Department has already started to work on providing drinking water and lights on the top of Kudukathupara. The road from Aanakulam will also be repaired. But this is not enough facilities from the tourist’s point of view. The villagers’ dream of a comprehensive set up that is planned by roping in the Tourism Department. You can get to Kudukathupara, from the Jatayupara, a rock named after the mythical bird located in Chadayamangalam, via the Thenmala ecotourism project and en route to Palaruvi Falls. If only Kudukathupara featured in this route map, then more number of tourist would come visiting. There is also a project in the pipeline that calls for a rope-way connecting Kudukathupara with the nearby mountain ranges. With the aim of developing tourism in the area, the villagers have come together to form the 'Kudukathupara Eco-tourism Promotion Council'. The President of the council is Charlie Kolathu, Vice-President Babu Thadathil who is also a writer, Secretary Aanakulam Sajeevan, Treasurer S. Rajiv and other members like Varghese Thenginal, Ajose Chanapetta, Raju Jacob Kalukulam & Surendran have been striving earnestly to let the world know about the pristine beauty of Kudukathupara. They got the Vartha Vandi to visit Kudukathupara. While we were there, the Forest Watchers Joy, Balan & Indiran helped us find our way around the place. The following are some of the recommendations put forward by the council for promotion of tourism in Kudukathupara, 1 The Tourism Department should actively involve with the promotional activities in Kudukathupara. 2 Kudukathupara should be included in the Jatayupara – Thenmala Eco tourism – Palaruvi tourism...

A Breathtaking Escape Atop Kudukkathu Para

Kudukkathu Para isn't just a viewpoint, it's an experience! Nestled amidst the lush forests of Kollam, this place offers a glimpse into paradise.

The Journey Up

The drive to the entrance itself is a treat, with a serene forest road welcoming you under a grand arch. After a quick check-in with the friendly forest officer, you can choose your adventure. Trek the 1.5 km path, enjoying the cool embrace of the forest with plenty of rest stops along the way. Feeling adventurous? Bring your vehicle (cars go a third of the way, two-wheelers can manage all the way to the base) and feel the thrill of the forest trail.

Monkey Business and Refreshments

A friendly shop at the base offers refreshing drinks and snacks – a lifesaver before the climb. Keep your eyes peeled for the mischievous monkeys, a constant source of entertainment.

The 365 Steps to Heaven

The climb to the top is accompanied by 365 steps, each one taking you closer to a breathtaking panorama. Take your time, savor the fresh air, and admire the beauty of nature around you. There's ample space to rest and soak it all in. Remember, this is their home – be cautious of small wildlife and avoid littering. Bins are thoughtfully placed throughout for responsible disposal.

The Panoramic Paradise

As you reach the summit, two of the three rocks beckon you. One even has guardrails for safe picture-taking moments. The view from the top will leave you speechless. On a clear day, you can see four districts of Kerala and even a peek into Tamil Nadu!

Tips for an Enchanting Trip

Visit early morning or late afternoon for the most pleasant weather. Carry adequate water and snacks. Wear comfortable shoes for the climb. Entry closes at 4:30 PM, but those on top can stay till 5:30 PM.

A short trek with a big reward, Kudukkathu Para is a must-visit for nature lovers and anyone seeking an escape from...

Kudukkathu Para, situated in the serene Anakkulam forest region of Kollam district, Kerala, is a breathtaking destination that combines natural beauty, adventure, and tranquility. Rising to an elevation of approximately 840 meters above sea level, this stunning trio of rock formations offers one of the finest panoramic views in the region. Out of the three peaks, two are open for visitors, and reaching the summit is a rewarding journey in itself.

The experience begins with an exciting jeep ride through the dense forests, followed by a moderately challenging trek along the “Chenkuthaya” path, which translates to "red soil trail." Along the way, trekkers climb around 360 stone steps carved into the hillside, complete with hand railings and benches for rest. One of the unique attractions on the way is “Sayippinte Guha” — a mysterious cave believed to be linked to colonial times.

Upon reaching the top, you are greeted by “Conference Para,” a wide, flat rock surface that can hold hundreds of people and offers incredible views of the Western Ghats. On a clear day, you can spot parts of four Kerala districts — Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, and Alappuzha — and even a glimpse of Tamil Nadu. The distant Ponmudi hills, shimmering backwaters, and green valleys paint a picture of natural splendor.

What makes Kudukkathu Para special is its untouched and peaceful atmosphere. Unlike other commercial hill stations, it remains less crowded, allowing visitors to fully connect with nature. The area is also home to unique flora, including medicinal plants like Arogyapacha.

Whether you're a trekking enthusiast, a nature photographer, or a quiet soul in search of peace, Kudukkathu Para offers a memorable escape into the heart of Kerala’s wild and...