Ilaveezhapoonchira 

 Ilaveezhapoonchira is located on the border of Idukki and Kottayam districts in Kerala. This tourist destination is situated in Melukavu village in Kottayam district near Kanjar. Ilaveezhapoonchira is surrounded by three hills, Mankunnu, kodayathoormala and Thonippara. It is located at an elevation of 3200 FT above sea level. This place is a place of natural beauty and serenity that delights the mind. During the monsoon season, the entire valley transforms into a beautiful lake and becomes a spectacle of natural beauty.

It is said that Ilaveezhapoonchira got its name from the fact that there are no trees. In the area and the leaves do not fall on poonchira. Ilaveezhapoonchira is located at a distance of 55 km from Kottayam. However, it is located at a distance of 20 km from Thodupuzha in Idukki district. Trekking in Ilaveezhapoonchira  can be a thrilling experience. It is said that if you look up and down the Mankunnu hill, you can see 6 districts of Kerala. Those districts are Idukki, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Pathanamthitta, and Thrissur. So it would be good to consider binoculars when going uphills.

Jeep Safari are good for those who do not want to walk. Jeeps are availables from Kanjar, which is located at a distance of 9 km from Ilaveezhapoonchira. The jeep safari will be an unforgettable journey through the steep and rough roads of Kanjar. The main attraction of the place is the mountains that sleep under a blanket made of mist to escape the cold wind that blows all the time. Apart from this, the views during sunrise and sunset are very beautiful. Illikkal kallu , which is visited by a large number of tourists, can be seen from a short distance from Ilaveezhapoonchira. There is a one-way street to walk here, it is called Hell Bridge. Access to the bridge was halted due to frequent falls while walking on the bridge.

Legend

Ilaveezhapoonchira, the legend and geography of this place are intertwined with its name. It is believed that they lived in Ilaveezhapoonchira during the exile of the Pandavas. There is also a Chira which is said to have been built by Bhimasen for bathing Panchali. While Panchali was bathing, Some gods  would be waiting. Noticing this, Indran the king of the gods, decided to build a curtain around the lake to hide Panchali from their eyes. Thus created are the three hills around the lake. A nearby temple can be seen to strengthen this legend.

How to Reach 

Ilaveezhapoonchira is located at a distance of 20 km from Thodupuzha in Idukki district. From Thodupuzha, travel to Moolamattom and reach Kanjar  village. From there, turn right for 7 km to reach Ilaveezhapoonchira. You can easily reach Ilaveezhapoonchira from Pala. Ilaveezhapoonchira is located at a distance of 55 km from Kottayam.

Ilaveezhapoonchira is the best place to watch the sunrises. It is also one of the first places in Kerala to experience thunderstorms. Lighting strikes often occur while looking at the views from the top of the mountain. Spending too much time here is now restricted to avoid the risk of this happening. DTPC  is currently developing the area as a trekking center. DTPC has built a dormitory here that can accommodate up to 15 people.

Now here's another surprise. Neelakurinji blooms in the kanjar Ilaveezhapoonchira hills. Many peoples are coming here this spring to see it. The Neelakurinji flower blooms on Alunkappara in the Chakkikavu hill near Ilaveezhapoonchira. Neelakurinji, found in the highlands of the high range,is the first to bloom in the low range.

Alunkappara hills is a government land spread over Kottayam and Idukki districts. From Chakkikadavu, you can reach poondikulam level via Mechal by walking for 2 km. Neelakurinji blooms in various places in the Steep hills. This place is situated at an elevation of 3000 FT above sea level.