Ramakalmedu Mountain Region, located in Idukki district of the Indian state Kerala, is a hill station and a hamlet. This mountain is named after the impressions of the feet of Lord Rama which have been found on the rock surface. This legend has been mentioned in Ramayana too. The place also has historical significance and houses a monument of Kuravar and Kurathi statue which indicates the Sangam Period and Sangam landscape of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Fresh mountain breeze and rolling green hills makes the place immensely inviting.
Geography of Ramakalmedu
Ramakalmedu is noted for its picturesque views of villages and towns like Vaiga, Bodinayakkanur, Uthamapalayam, Thevaram, Kombe, Theni and Cumbum in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, which is towards the eastern side of the Western Ghats. The illuminated towns at night in fact provide an even more enchanting view. Ramakalmedu in nestled at an altitude of 3500 feet above sea level in the magnificent Western Ghats. Grass land Shola forest type, laced by sporadic bamboo forests comprises the main ecosystem of the region. It is one of the windiest places in Asia. Wind blows in Ramakalmedu at a speed of 35 km per hour throughout the year irrespective of season and time. Due to this a wind farm generating electricity, which is an undertaking of the Government of Kerala has also been established here. It is also credited as the second place in Kerala where a wind energy farm has been installed.
Attractions of Ramakalmedu
A tall, pillar-like rocky structure which is about 300 metres high and faces east is a prominent attraction here. Other attractions in-and-around this place includes places like frog rock, turtle rock and the highest twin-statue in Kerala; called Kuravan and Kurathi. On the way to Ramakalmedu, one can also see vast stretches of plantations that include rubber, tea, cardamom, coffee, pepper and the beautiful hills of Kuttikkaanam. The magnificent beauty of Ramakalmedu has attracted a number of tourists and the place has a great potential for being a cherished tourist destination.
Visiting Information
Ramakalmedu is about 40 kilometres from Thekkady and 15 kilometres from Nedumkandam. By travelling on the Thekkady-Munnar road, one can reach the hills of Ramakalmedu in the Western Ghats. Changanacherry, located at a distance of 93 kilometres, serves as the nearest railways station whereas Madurai, 140 kilometres away, hosts the nearest airport.
