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There’s something about the hills of Thodupuzha that pulls you back – the mist, the light, the silence, and the sound of water echoing through dense green canopies. Today, I’m taking you along on a journey through three nature-embraced gems of Idukki: Uravappara, Anachadikuthu, and Thommankuth – each with its own untold story.
Uravappara – The Hill Where the Sun Whispers Through Clouds
Our journey began before sunrise, racing through sleepy roads with one goal: to reach the top of Uravappara hills by 6:30 – 7:00 AM. Trust me, if you miss this window, the clouds roll in, and the magic fades. Located near Thodupuzha KSRTC, the hilltop is home to a serene temple and a peaceful pond – almost like a sacred pause before the sun bursts over the horizon.
The view from the top is surreal – layers of hills interlaced with floating clouds and golden rays slicing through. It’s a sunrise you feel more than you see. We stood in awe, soaking in the moment and capturing its calmness on the Realme Narzo 70 Pro and some timeless stills on my Nikon DSLR.
Anachadikuthu – A Forest Whispered in Waterfalls
Next stop: Anachadikuthu – and it truly felt like entering a hidden paradise. Thick forests, vibrant greens, the sound of birds and cascading water – everything felt untouched and alive. As we wandered deeper, I set up for some long-exposure waterfall shots. Just then, I noticed a fellow traveler bathing under the falls – that spontaneous moment added a beautiful, human depth to my shot.
We later climbed to the upper levels of Anachadikuthu, revealing a sweeping view of the forest’s geography. If the water is low, this spot gives you incredible opportunities to photograph raw nature – earthy textures, trickling water trails, and wild symmetry.
Thommankuth – When Forests Sing in the Rain
Only 15 km away, Thommankuth offers a moodier, more mystical vibe. This time, we left our gear in the car, choosing to walk freely with our mentor Sreekumar Menon Sir, engaging in deep conversations about photography and nature. The forest was calm, until halfway in – it began to drizzle.
But we didn’t stop. The rain added rhythm to the trek. Thommankuth is different from Anachadikuthu – less height but wider, silkier waterfalls flowing down smooth slopes. As we reached the base of the falls, rain intensified. We took shelter under a small forest watch hut and simply listened – to rain, to wind, to the voice of the forest. It was around 6 PM, and golden light was slipping away slowly.
A Journey Close to My Heart
Each of these locations brought something unique – sunrise serenity, waterfall drama, and forest rain stories. If you’re planning a trip to Thodupuzha, these are must-visit destinations. And if you’re someone who loves chasing sunrises, capturing waterfalls, or just escaping into the wild – this journey might inspire your next one.
🎥 Watch the travel cinematic video from this journey on my YouTube channel [Flickerspot]
Nearby Attractions Section
- Thommankuthu Waterfalls
- Uravappara Viewpoint
- Moolamattom Tunnel
- Malankara Dam
