YHAI Trek: Elaveezha poochira, Kottayam.

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"There is a trekking program coming up," said Thomas.

"Where to?" I asked. "Elaveezha poochira, it is organized by Youth Hostel Association of India and the fee is just INR 200"


It was my first experience with YHAI and Thomas was excited to introduce me to it. " That is very reasonable I guess," I said.

Thus it was settled, we were going to Elaveezhapoochira.

Elaveezha poochira is a tourist destination located in Melukavu village in Kottayam district near Kanjar. Elaveezha Poonchira is surrounded by three enchanting hillocks - Mankunnu, Kodayathoormala and Thonippara. This makes the place ideal for trekking.

20th May 2016

The morning had all the indication of a rain. We took a bus to Thodupuzha from Kanjirapally and got down at Kanjirammukk, the stop after Muttam. Took a three-wheeler from there to Mayapuri, just 2 kilometers from Kanjiramukk. We had our breakfast from a small tea shop there.

It is from here that we start our trek. Michael, Thomas and I were on the same team.




We started walking. Soon, we had to take our pull-overs off as humidity got to us.

Michael had a good phone camera and he by default became our photographer. He did the job quite well I must say. We walked ahead, stopped for photos and rest occasionally.













We walked ahead and took some less traveled roads to take photos.

Elaveezha poochira has some of the least explored terrain around. It has not yet been fully exploited by human beings. The air you breathe here is fresh. It is the perfect place to rejuvenate your body and mind.



We got a four-legged friend on the way.

Walking ahead had its advantages. We had time to take photos and at times even to make a detour.









The water here is cold and pure. Washed our faces and waited there for a while.




 Walked upstream and reached a temporary shelter. This might have been a shop of some kind but is closed today.



We joined the other teams and resumed walking. We are about to reach the top.


This image is taken from the internet.

This is a KTDC guest house at Elaveezha poochira.

The below container cabin is a police wireless station.


This image is taken from the internet.

This is the highest police wireless tower in Kottayam district. Two policemen guard this place at all times. The risk of being hit by lightning is very high here.

We can see Kanjar river from the top. It is a breathtaking view.


Image taken from the internet


After having some snacks on the top, we started climbing down. We saw a broom making factory on the way down. The broom is made from a special kind of grass that grows here.



We had our lunch at Chakkikavu. From there we had an off road ride on a jeep to Koovapally. There are only a few bus services on this route. Our bus was at 2:40 pm, we took the bus and said our goodbyes to this heavenly place.

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