Paniyeli Poru is in Ernakulam District of Kerala state in India.

The Periyar River flowing through rocks and between dense rain forests is an amazing sight. The vast view of distant green hillocks and the tranquility around the place is really great.

A canopy of trees, sweet warbling birds and the crystal-clear water of a lovely river. This is Paniyeli Poru, a serene, scenic picnic spot. It forms part of the Periyar River and is located at Paniyeli, Vengoor near Perumbavoor. This little-known destination is fast attracting tourist attention. This place is now a favourite location for filmmakers, with many Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu films shot in its backdrop.

Mid-November to end of May is the best time to visit as the water flow will be reduced during this time thus exposing the rocks and whirlpools.

For adventurous travellers, a little known picnic spot, on the outskirts of Kochi, awaits you. Paniyeli Poru, near Vengoor, Perumbavoor, has natural water falls, small rivulets, offshore surrounded by rich flora and fauna, where the visitors can sit, relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. There are no restrictions, but the visitors must be cautious.

Resting by sitting on the banks of the river surrounded by dense trees is a unique experience. The sweet, melodious sound of birds, the bustling sound of water waves makes your heart, mind and body cheerful. The river Periyar flowing in between two main lands Malayattoor in the north and Paniyeli in the south, provides a panoramic view to the visitors. The hilly terrain of St. Thomas Mount, western Ghats, the famous kraal at Kodanad forms part of Paniyeli Poru.

History

The name ‘Poru’ (which means 'fight' in Malayalam) was derived from the old custom of raftsmen fighting with the unruly waves and deep vortex to sail out from the area. The raft forms after bamboo cut from the Edamalayar forest, tied as logs. It was the old practice of bamboo cutters, to carry logs to destination like Kalady and Malayattoor, through river Periyar. Only an experienced raftsman could sail the log through the unruly water here. The area, where the rafts man fights fiercely against these adversities, was later called by Poru. Nowadays logs of bamboo cut from the forest are carried away through the road in vehicles.

Poru came in to the limelight of tourist map in 2000-01. Heavy rush of tourists appear on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. During summer season in March-April, people in large numbers throng here to escape from hot, sweaty conditions. A bath in fresh, crystal clear water of Periyar makes your body and mind cool and fresh. Beware of the death trap between the strata of rocks connecting mangroves existing in the river belt. Do not immerse in deep and farther water. Don’t step in to water after consuming liquor. The rocks in between the mangroves is slippery due to the in flow of gushy dam water and rain. Normally, the concerned department announce in advance, the opening of shutters of Edamalayar and Idukki dams.

Get in

Paniyeli Poru is 55 km from Kochi. The nearest railway station is Aluva, 35 km from this place. Poru is 20 km away from Perumbavoor, the nearest town. From here take a left deviation from the MGM School Junction, Kuruppumpady, on the busy Aluva-Munnar (AM Road) road. There are bus services from Perumbavoor to Paniyeli on one hour duration. You must walk at least a kilometre to Poru after alighting the bus at Paniyeli. Jeeps and motorcycles can take you up to entrance office. The roads to Poru are not tarred and in very bad shape. It is better to leave the cars and scooters and trek all the way.

Fees and permits

As this property is under the Reserved Forests and under the control of Kerala State Forest Department, a pass of a nominal fee is needed at the entrance to this area.

There are forest department volunteer guards available there and they are of great help.

No liquor is allowed in this area. Also, this is a no-plastic zone. You are not allowed to carry any plastic items to the area. Entry passes are valid for times between 8AM and 4PM.