Payna84
December 23rd, 2008, 03:57 AM
There is nothing like nature to rev up your spirit. So at the end of a rather hectic week, I had to choose between two getaways an evening at the Alappuzha beach and a day and night at a hill resort in Konni Pathanamthitta (http://www.keralaholidays.com/Destinations/Pathanamthitta.htm). My enthusiastic father surprised me by deciding on the second option.
Known for the famous Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, Konni is a good 150-km drive from Kochi and is 75 km from Kottayam, is in the heart of Pathanamthita district, a cash-rich NRI hub. Dominated by Christian population, the district has possibly the maximum number of Malayalee expatriates, especially based in the US. Huge, desolate-looking villas line up on the roadside. I was told that the educated, ambitious children have built these mansions for their parents twilight years.
Kattathipara in Kokkathodu - a few kilometres away from Konni. Kattathipara is particularly attractive with its gigantic rocks and the triple-echo phenomenon. The enormous array of rocks that tell the legend of a hunter and his mistress attract hordes of tourists every year.
Kumbhavuruthy - the beautiful waterfall amidst thick forests, is a 15-minute drive from the resort.
Achankovil river - Kerala’s famous Achankovil river has its origin in some of the small streams in Konni.
Forest temples - Achankovil and Aluvamkudi – These are two ancient temples.
Palaruvi Waterfalls- Amidst evergreen forests, 16 km from Thenmala towards Shenkotah, 300 ft height.
Known for the famous Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, Konni is a good 150-km drive from Kochi and is 75 km from Kottayam, is in the heart of Pathanamthita district, a cash-rich NRI hub. Dominated by Christian population, the district has possibly the maximum number of Malayalee expatriates, especially based in the US. Huge, desolate-looking villas line up on the roadside. I was told that the educated, ambitious children have built these mansions for their parents twilight years.
Kattathipara in Kokkathodu - a few kilometres away from Konni. Kattathipara is particularly attractive with its gigantic rocks and the triple-echo phenomenon. The enormous array of rocks that tell the legend of a hunter and his mistress attract hordes of tourists every year.
Kumbhavuruthy - the beautiful waterfall amidst thick forests, is a 15-minute drive from the resort.
Achankovil river - Kerala’s famous Achankovil river has its origin in some of the small streams in Konni.
Forest temples - Achankovil and Aluvamkudi – These are two ancient temples.
Palaruvi Waterfalls- Amidst evergreen forests, 16 km from Thenmala towards Shenkotah, 300 ft height.