Devikulam

Hill Station

Kerala

16°C / Clouds

History
Places to visit
How to reach

Do you ever feel like visiting a place which is famous for a legend associated with Hindu mythology? If yes, then you ought to travel to Devikulam. Located at a distance of around 10-12 kilometres from Munnar, it is believed that this is the place where Goddess Sita bathed in the celestial waters of Devikulam.

The sheer energy which you feel after visiting here is simply astounding. Moreover, it is also said that the lake has certain curative powers present in its mineral waters. Travelling to this place, you feel a kind of rush of nature’s beauty coming as a downpour in your thoughts which stimulates your imagination. The very name Devikulam is a conjunction of the word Devi meaning Goddess and Kulam meaning pond.

People who like solace and want to relax under the immense greenery of nature would definitely be liking Devikulam. The Sita Devi Lake, the mountains in the backdrop, the vast sky are some major factors to visit this place.

Best Time to Visit Devikulam

The winter season is generally a good time to take a trip to this place and experience the beauty of Devikulam as compared to the summer season when the sun showers its scorching rays to the fullest.

History of Devikulam

The history of Idukki district depicts no clear evidence about the Palaeolithic age. Apparently, some historians believe that Kuzhumur, which was also the capital of the early Chera Empire is present today as well, which is in the form of Kumily Peerumade Taluk.

Coming on to the period of around 1100 AD, the place, Vempolinad, was split up into Vadakkumkur as well as Thekkumkur; and Karikkode in Thodupuzha Taluk which became the capital of the Vadakkumkur Rajas. Vadakkumkar acted as a subordinate to the Perumpadappu Swaroopam for a very long period of time in history. It is believed that during this time, Thekkumkur was the all-powerful king. And perhaps, it was owing to this and throwing in some internal politics and jealousy that occasionally there were quarrels between Cochin and the Vadakkumkur Kingdoms.

The Colonial Period

During the 17th century, the Dutch East India Company saw that there was great potential in the growth of pepper as a cash crop. Thus, a formal agreement or we can say a treaty was signed on June 16, 1664, with the Thekkumkur Rajas on spices, cinnamon, opium. It is said that owing to this, Manavikramakulasekhara Perumal, the Pandya King, had to immigrate to Kerala as a refugee.

Then in the 15th century, the Poonjar Raja acquired an extensive area of land which today forms a major chunk of the Idukki district. Immediately after the annexation of Thekkumkur and Vadakkumkur, the Poonjar Principality was also annexed and further given to Travancore in 1749-50.

Best Tourist Places to Visit Devikulam

1. Sita Devi Lake

It is believed that once upon a time, Goddess Sita bathed in this very lake. So, for history lovers, this is truly an amazing place to explore. Surrounded by majestic hills, this lake is truly a must-visit spot.

2. Pallivasal Falls

It is an excellent spot for activities like picnicking and sightseeing. These falls are an ideal place for those who are looking to get away from the chaos of city life to find peace and comfort under the immense sky.

3. Thoovanam Falls

Located in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, this is really an amazing place to discover. Interestingly, it is even visible from the highway which connects Udumalpet and Marayoor. Apart from this, it is more or less a perfect place for trekking and a mindblowing place to enjoy the sights of the wild flora and fauna.

4. Tea & Spice Plantations

Acres of these tea and spice plantations can be visited and enjoyed here. These are typically adorned with numerous exotic varieties of trees and if you love nature, then this is something which you would definitely like to explore. Moreover, rare varieties of fauna and flora can also be sighted in these spice gardens.

How to Reach Devikulam

Devikulam is located at a distance of about 2,646, 1,377, 2,62, 469 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Here are the details on how you can reach here by the following means of transport.

By Air

Cochin International Airport (COK) is the nearest airport situated at an approximate distance of 100-150 km from Devikulam. The airport is well-connected with other Indian cities by both direct and connecting flights to reach here. After deboarding at the airport, you will need to cover the remaining distance by some means of public transport.

Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Kochi

By Train

The nearest railway stations are located in Kochi (Ernakulam Junction) and Kottayam (Kottayam Railway Station) situated within 150 km. Both of these railway stations are well-connected to nearby cities and towns via good train connectivity. After you deboard here, you would need to continue your journey via a cab or some other means of public transport.

By Road

Devikulam is very well connected via well-maintained and accessible road networks with other Indian cities as well. From the nearby towns and cities, you can opt for travelling on interstate or private buses. Apart from that, you can also consider travelling via cab or can even self drive to the destination.