The hills are calling: Know more about Idukki's Pushpagiri

Idukki: Pushpagiri hills, spread with waving lemongrass at Kamakshi in Idukki, has emerged as a favourite tourist spot for travellers to the high range. It is located between Munnar and Thekkady and is only 50 kilometres away from both these tourist destinations.

The mist-laden hilltop is situated at least 3400 feet above sea level. The top station offers mesmerising views of Kuyilimala, Nedumkandam, Kattappana, Kalyanathandu, Ramakkalmedu, Munnar, Anamudi and Chokramudi.

The hills guard nannangadis (the megalithic burial monuments) on its peaks. Several small and huge Nannangadis were spotted in this region. Interestingly, the region was a leading lemongrass (‘Pul Thailam’) manufacturing hub in the state during the 1970s. 

Following the installation of the first mobile tower in 2005, many towers were set up on these hills. It gave Pushpagiri a sobriquet--land of towers. 

Despite interesting features, the region failed to attract the attention of the authorities concerned. The officials of the district tourism cell visited Pushpagiri in 2015 and assured to include it in Idukki’s tourism map. However, assurance has not yet become a reality.  The locals proposed to operate bus services from Thekkady to Munnar in Kattappana- Thopramkudy route to benefit Pushpagiri also. 

Twenty years back, Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT) installed a windmill on Pushpagiri and reported that the hills receive strong winds and the location is suitable to establish wind farms. However, no action followed the report.