Ramakkalmedu is a hill station and a hamlet in the Idukki district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is located about 15 kms away from Nedumkandom on the Munnar-Thekkady route. It provides a panoramic view of Tamil Nadu villages and towns. It is the proposed site for power generation using winds. It is believed that or there is a folk-tale that lord 'Sree Rama', the Hindu mythological God had set his foot on this rock and hence the name Rama-Kal-Medu originated (Meaning: Rama's foot imprints). The following are the highlights of this beautiful place:
- One and Only Wind farm in Idukki.
- The Land of Wind.
- Excellent view of Tamil Nadu.
- Great statue of Kuruvan & Kuruthy.
- Amakkallu
- Vilikelkkappara
- Natural Caves
- Biofarms
Getting there: Nearest railway station: Changanacherry, about 93 km. Nearest airport: Madurai (Tamil Nadu) about 140 km Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 190 km.
Statue of Kuruvan & Kuruthi located at the top of one of the Ramakkalmedu hills is one of the major tourist sites in Ramakkalmedu. C.B. Jinan Shadod of Balaramapuram is the architect of this famous statue. It was launched in 1st August of 2005. Hundreds of tourists visit here daily. From this hill we can see a certain portion of Tamil Nadu state. Also you can see here two huge statues of 'Kuruvan' and 'Kuruthi', the two historical characters of the local community whose names were given to the rocks between which the Idukki Dam was built. It is believed that Kuruvan and Kuruthi found the place for the famous Idukki Dam. Tourists are not allowed to climb up the statue at anytime. It's strictly prohibited by rules. From the statue we can see the family of Kuruvan along with a cook. Behind the statue, the authority made up a Mandapam, which serves as a rest house for tourists. From this site, we can see the Ramakkalmedu Wind Energy Farm.
MAIN FEATURES
- Statue of Kuruvan & Kuruthi located at the top of one of the Ramakkalm
edu hills is one of the major tourist site in Ramakkalmedu. - Studies have shown that Ramakkalmedu is the most suitable place for setting up the farm, as the area is blessed with uninterrupted and high velocity wind during the season. Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan inaugurated the first wind farm in Idukki, set up at Ramakkalmedu with a private participation, at a function held in Thookkupalam on 27th April 2008. Seven wind farm units started supply of power to the KSEB's Kallar sub-station.
- The main feature of this hill is that, tourists can reach there by foot or by vehicle. Parking area is also available here. Vehicles are not allowed to enter in to the statue compound. From this site, we can see the Ramakkalmedu Wind Energy Farm.
- The wind farm was set up after a survey of the wind path and its velocity. With more power units to come up in the area, the total power generated will be marginally increased. All the units have started supplying power to the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) Kallar sub-station, 17 km away from the installed area.
Kuruvan & Kuruthi statue
Statue of Kuruvan & Kuruthi located at the top of one of the Ramakkalmedu hills is one of the major tourist sites in Ramakkalmedu. C.B. Jinan Shadod of Balaramapuram is the architect of this famous statue. It was launched in 1st August of 2005. Hundreds of tourists visit here daily. From this hill we can see a certain portion of Tamil Nadu state. Also you can see here two huge statues of 'Kuruvan' and 'Kuruthi', the two historical characters of the local community whose names were given to the rocks between which the Idukki Dam was built. It is believed that Kuruvan and Kuruthi found the place for the famous Idukki Dam. Tourists are not allowed to climb up the statue at anytime. It's strictly prohibited by rules. From the statue we can see the family of Kuruvan along with a cook. Behind the statue, the authority made up a Mandapam, which serves as a rest house for tourists. From this site, we can see the Ramakkalmedu Wind Energy Farm.Wind Farm
With more power units to come up in the area, the total power generated will be marginally in
creased. Seven more units are in under construction. Agencies like Agency for Non-Conventional Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT) are keen to launch wind units at Ramakkalmedu, which has been found best suited for generating wind power, sources. Average windspeed here is 30.04 Km/h. The wind farm is an added attraction to Ramakkalmedu, which is known as a major tourism spot that provides a panoramic view of Tamil Nadu. Around 10,000 visitors come to the area each day since the launch of the windmill. Official sources say the cost of installing (excluding the land price) a wind unit is Rs.4.15 crore and the power generated is sold to the KSEB at a rate of Rs.3.15 paise a unit as fixed by the Central Regulatory Authority. Each unit now produces 500 to 600 Kwh electricity and it can reach 1,500 Kwh calculated at a maximum speed of 24 rpm (revolutions per minute). Companies such as Etton World, Sun Star, IBN, Zenith Energy, Eastern and Miton have installed units with technical support of Vestar India, an arm of Vestar Denmark, which at present has 35,000 wind farms the world over.
creased. Seven more units are in under construction. Agencies like Agency for Non-Conventional Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT) are keen to launch wind units at Ramakkalmedu, which has been found best suited for generating wind power, sources. Average windspeed here is 30.04 Km/h. The wind farm is an added attraction to Ramakkalmedu, which is known as a major tourism spot that provides a panoramic view of Tamil Nadu. Around 10,000 visitors come to the area each day since the launch of the windmill. Official sources say the cost of installing (excluding the land price) a wind unit is Rs.4.15 crore and the power generated is sold to the KSEB at a rate of Rs.3.15 paise a unit as fixed by the Central Regulatory Authority. Each unit now produces 500 to 600 Kwh electricity and it can reach 1,500 Kwh calculated at a maximum speed of 24 rpm (revolutions per minute). Companies such as Etton World, Sun Star, IBN, Zenith Energy, Eastern and Miton have installed units with technical support of Vestar India, an arm of Vestar Denmark, which at present has 35,000 wind farms the world over.
Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu and enchanting retreat. The hilltop also offers a panoramic view of Tamilnadu towns of Cumbum, Theni, Kombe, Thevaram, Uthamapalayam, Bodinaykannor and Vaiga. The sight is even wonderful if you could stay there till dusk and see all these towns lighted. One story says that Lord Rama kept his feet at the tip of Ramakkalmedu to search Ravana the King of Lanka who abducted his wife Sita.
Ramakalmedu stands tall in the Western Ghats at a height of 3500 feet above sea level. Here you can move upto the tip of the rock where you will feel yourself at the top of the world with a little fear. The eco system of the area largely comprises of grass land Shola forest type which is laced by sporadic bamboo forests. The speciality of the wind flow is another factor which makes Ramakkalmedu unique. Wind blows at a speed around 35 km per hour at Ramakkalmedu throughout the year irrespective of the season and time. You will have to experience it to understand how much it will rejuvenate you. Abundant in wind, Ramakkalmedu is the second place in Kerala where a wind energy farm is installed. Currently the capacity is at about 12.5 MW.
Tourism
Although Ramakkalmedu has a good potential for it to become a fine tourist destination, not much is done for the improvement of basic facilities nearby. Since this is a place where one can complete the visit in one day.
The scenic beauty of Ramakkalmedu has attracted thousands of people including Hollywood actor Leonardo Di Caprio. He has reportedly said about this place that "If there is a paradise on earth, it is here".
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If you are a photographer, you are gonna love this place for the great opportunity to test with your panoramic shot skills...But i think the place has to be felt in real than just seeing through photos..
The place is Kerala's second place where a wind energy farm is installed. You really have to feel the freshness of the constantly blowing wind over here..
You will love watching the cover of mist getting moved quicker with the winds.. You can get a much great view of the vast valley beneath in a sunny day..
Rock Formations in Ramakkalmedu mountain ranges of Kerala
Nature's Study Table!.Watch the Rock books ordered neatly one over the other.There are some peculiar rocks like these here. All of them are having names and i think this one is named Amakkallu, not sure..The place is truly adventurous, and equally dangerous if you are not watching your steps... You have to be physically a bit sound and a little brave if you wanna explore the place to the extreme, for it involves some walks through the edges..
By the time we visited there it was off season and not much people around.. The place was still developing in the stream of tourism facilities. It's likely to be gone much forward.. hope so!
By the time we visited there it was off season and not much people around.. The place was still developing in the stream of tourism facilities. It's likely to be gone much forward.. hope so!
Mountain peaks in Ramakkalmedu
Hmm.There..At the top...Care to take a flag to mark your presence! Highest peak in the Ramakkalmedu mountains. Snap from Kuravan MalaOne among the twin mountain peaks of Ramakkalmedu.The place has a myth related to it with the Hindu Lord Rama..Its says that when Ravana lofted with Sita, Rama placed his feet on the top of the highest peak here and watched around for Sita..The place got its name from the belief that Rama placed his foot over the rocks here..
There are points where you can stand by the extreme edge. Steep depth below your next step.. This rock is one among such a point..A single step will get your body to Tamil Nadu the neighbouring state beneath and soul to Heaven. At points like this you may not be much able to stand and look down for the winds can be much stronger and the depth may make you nervous.. hmmm it depends...
Had to take this snap for i didn't get a much clear view of the valley down in any other photos.. And we took only a few snaps too, which turned as a great loss.. Hope shall visit the place soon again and get some great photos.
Had to take this snap for i didn't get a much clear view of the valley down in any other photos.. And we took only a few snaps too, which turned as a great loss.. Hope shall visit the place soon again and get some great photos.
Vallay of Ramakkalmedu Kuravan Mala
What about Walking Down!!..valley beneath Ramakkalmedu mountain rangesHey don't judge this photo.. It's a mere limitation of the device.. You may even dare to stand there and look down if you are once there...If you like hiking, and you have a professional training for that, i think you can try out at your own risk..
Highest mountain peak- Huge Rock of Ramakkalmedu
The Top Point over the Layered Big Rock.If you want to reach the top most point of the place, just climb over that mountain.. There are some huge rocks like The Krishna's Butter Ball at Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu over that mountain top.. You can just jump from one to another, again a little risky job for the Rock pieces have a little gap in between...
The place is fun if you are with a group of friends on the adventurous side.. And it will be much refreshing and calm if you are with family and can just sit around and relax enjoying the big valley beneath and continuous cold wind. If you can wait untill dawn it will be much of a scene with electric lamps glowing in the valley below as if the stars have fallen down on earth.
The place is fun if you are with a group of friends on the adventurous side.. And it will be much refreshing and calm if you are with family and can just sit around and relax enjoying the big valley beneath and continuous cold wind. If you can wait untill dawn it will be much of a scene with electric lamps glowing in the valley below as if the stars have fallen down on earth.
Way to the Highest mountain Peak of Ramakkalmedu
On the Way to EcstasyMay feel little feary when you climb up and the wind hits you constantly like an enemy..No problem. keep moving..But I insist not to walk alone and go to the ends like this if you have a height phobia..
Hollywood actor Leonardo Di Caprio, after visiting the place commented on it as "Heaven on Earth"..Hmm he may have considered the height. Much closer to the Heaven above ..
Hollywood actor Leonardo Di Caprio, after visiting the place commented on it as "Heaven on Earth"..Hmm he may have considered the height. Much closer to the Heaven above ..
Big Rock
The pillar Rock...It seemed like one doesn't have to look for a great suicide point anywhere else if you are in search for one.. Unlike the suicide points of Kodaikkanal which is always invisible beneath as it is covered by a strong mist.
Vagamon hills..To be more specific, this place is also known as Kurishumala, one of the three hill ranges in Vagamon...
Vagamon is one of the ideal places in India's eco-tourism projects.. One of the enchanting hill stations of Kerala dotted with tea plantations and with a pleasant cool climate makes it prime among the holiday resorts of Kerala..
The place is having hills at heights of 1100 feet from sea level and attracts hikers... Three mountains comprise the whole place and are named as Thangal hill, Murugan Hill, and Kurishumala..The names are enough to tell you about the religious harmony...
The Christian monks run a huge dairy farm in Kurishumala and is worth a visit..On Good Friday, the Way of Cross in memory of the Crucification of Christ, is done by people along the hill sides of Kurishumala.. The 14 places are marked permanently with crosses along the valleys..
The place is having hills at heights of 1100 feet from sea level and attracts hikers... Three mountains comprise the whole place and are named as Thangal hill, Murugan Hill, and Kurishumala..The names are enough to tell you about the religious harmony...
The Christian monks run a huge dairy farm in Kurishumala and is worth a visit..On Good Friday, the Way of Cross in memory of the Crucification of Christ, is done by people along the hill sides of Kurishumala.. The 14 places are marked permanently with crosses along the valleys..
Vagamon:-
The closest town is Erattupetta (25 kms)..You can reach the place from Kottayam through KK Road by taking a turn from Peerumedu.. There are more than 10 tourist spots in and around Vagamon.
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