Panchalimedu

Panchalimedu
പാഞ്ചാലിമേട്
Hill station

View from Panchalimedu
Panchalimedu
Panchalimedu

Location in Kerala, India

Coordinates: 9°34′15″N 77°00′52″E / 9.57083°N 77.01444°E / 9.57083; 77.01444Coordinates: 9°34′15″N 77°00′52″E / 9.57083°N 77.01444°E / 9.57083; 77.01444
Country  India
State Kerala
District Idukki
Government
 • Type Panchayath
 • Body Peruvanthanam panchayath
Elevation 762 m (2,500 ft)
Languages
 • Official Malayalam, English
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN 685532
Area code(s) 04869
Vehicle registration KL-37
Nearest cities Kuttikkanam, Mundakkayam
Website http://panchalimedu.com

Panchalimedu (Malayalam: പാഞ്ചാലിമേട്) (Tamil: பாஞ்சாலிமேடு) is a picturesque view point and hill station near Kuttikkanam in Peerumedu taluk of Idukki district in the Indian state of Kerala. The place is surrounded by beautiful deep valleys and hills with enchanting meadows, grasslands and cool refreshing climate.[1] On the 'Makar Sankranti' day, lots of Ayyappa devotees camps here to witness the sacred 'Makaravilakku' (holy flame) that appears in the Ponnambalamedu near Sabarimala temple.[2][3]

Topography and location

The road leading to Kanayangavayal via Panchalimedu

Geographic coordinates of Panchalimedu is 9°34′15″N 77°00′52″E. Predominantly it is a high altitude region situated at a height of 2,500 ft (760 m) above the mean sea level. Many tourists arrives here for trekking and to get refreshed.[4] At times of monsoon, the place will be covered by charming mist and thick fog.[5] Although, a pleasant climate is experienced here throughout the year.[6] The place can be accessed from Murinjapuzha (5 km) and Amalagiri (6 km) on the Kottayam - Kumily state highway (K.K road). People from west and south can reach here through Mundakkayam - Thekkemala route. Jeep services are available from Murinjapuzha at fair rates.[7] There are two hills here, one has the temple dedicated to Bhuvaneswari Devi and the other one have a main cross accompanied by 13 other crosses. The presence of these crosses and the temple marks the sign of religious harmony.[8]

Nearby attractions

Myths

Shivalinga with the shrine of Bhuvaneswari Devi at Panchalimedu

According to the myths, Pandavas along with their spouse Panchali had a sojourn here at time of one-year exile.[9] Hence the place got its name 'Panchalimedu' which derived from the words Panchali (Draupadi) and medu (hill). Even now, there is a temple dedicated to Goddess 'Bhuvaneswari', which can be approached by a walkway from the main road. The temple which hadn't daily poojas in the past is currently under the administration of Travancore Devaswom Board. Several Shiva lingas, Trishulas (trident) and Nāga idols are also placed near this shrine.[10] A small pond known as "Panchali kulam" is situated here, in which Pandavas and Panchali took their daily bath.[11] One cave also exist here named Pandavaguha, in which the footprints of Bhima can be witnessed.[12] Local folks still believe that it is the footprints of the mighty Bhima himself.[13]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Panchalimedu - Near Kuttikkanam in Idukki district of Kerala". Panchalimedu. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
  2. ↑ "Panchalimedu: Beyond a pit-stop". OnManorama. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
  3. ↑ "Makaravilakku, Sabarimala View From Panchalimedu". World News. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
  4. ↑ "panchalimedu kuttikanam, parunthumpara kuttikkanam, peeru hills, travancore palace, pattumala church". www.dreamlandhillresort.com. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
  5. ↑ "The allure of magical Panchalimedu". The Hindu. 2009-03-03. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
  6. ↑ "Panchalimedu". Kochi Taxi | Kerala Taxi | Kerala Tour Packages. 2016-01-01. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
  7. ↑ "Thekkady | Thekkay Kerala | Places in Thekkady | Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary | sanctuary watch towers | Kumily | Mangala Devi Temple | Chellarkovil | Vandiperiyar | Pullumedu | Grampi | Mullaperiyar Dam | Mundakayam | Panchali Medu | Valanjaganam Waterfalls | Peru hills | Amrithamedu Hills | Pallikkunnu | Vagamon | The Moonhill | Patumaala | Places in Thekkady | Thekkady". thekkady.kerala1.com. Retrieved 2016-12-04.
  8. ↑ "Panchalimedu, Hill Station". www.keralabeing.com. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
  9. ↑ "Panchalimedu, Idukki". Kerala Trips. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
  10. ↑ "Panchalimedu - Home". panchalimedu.org. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
  11. ↑ "Panchalimedu-Idukki tourist places". Beautiful tourist places around Idukki. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
  12. ↑ "Panchalimedu - About Panchali medu". panchalimedu.org. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
  13. ↑ "Nature Calling | Kattupara trekking". naturecalling.in. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
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External links

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