TREKKING FROM LLAVEEZHAPOONCHIRA TO VAGAMON

TREKKING FROM

LLAVEEZHAPOONCHIRA TO VAGAMON

Trekking from Ilaveezhapoonchira to Vagamon- Through the woods and dales, brooks and crags, a trail of adventure

Jungle path between Ilaveezhapoonchira - Vagamon is a scenic route, with lush green hillocks and waterfalls. Poonchira is in the midst of the beautiful hillocks near Thodupuzha. During monsoon, the valley fills up to form a scenic lake. The ascending journey up to the Ilaveezhapoonchira is through Idukki district and would land in Kottayam. The Poonchira exists only during the monsoons when the valley fills up to form a scenic lake. When looking from the police wireless station in the hill top, one can spot glimpses of Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam and Alappuzha districts. The Malankara dam and river channel through which water flows to Moolamttom were looking like in google map.
Ilaveezhapoonchira, means the 'valley where leaves don't fall' and is so named because the place has no trees. The trekking was organized by the Kalypso adventures in Kochi. Guides Amir from Fort Kochi and Jayan from Udumbanchola were waiting for us in the hilltop. Though there are resort facilities, the foreign group was seen residing in tents. Though Moolamattom powerhouse is nearer, there was no electricity in the resorts.Location  District: Kottayam. It is located at height of 3200 ft. nearest junction is Kanjar (Idukki). Kottayam 55 km.How to reach; By road: Proceed from Thodupuzha to Kanjar (15 km) along Moolamattom road (bus charge Rs 10). From Kanjar only four wheeler drive. Jeeps will climb up to Poonchira (7km). Jeep charge Rs 750-800 By rail: Kottayam (55km)/ By air: Kochi (76km)
Contact Kalypso adventures (conducts trekking) E-mail:vishal.kalypso@gmail.com, info@kalypsoadventures.com Website: www.kalypsoadventures.comAmeer (guide): 09539118002
Jayan(guide): 09961917293 Ratheesh (Jeep driver): 09645606676 Tourists info centre-0486-245519 Trekking fee;Rs 5000 per person, two nights, food included, minimum four persons needed.
Tips;No electricity connection in Poonchira resort-Take precautions against lightening-No hotels at Poonchira. Bring food items from Kanjar (7km)-Cell phone signals are rare in Poonchira and the entire trek route.Tips for Monsoon trekkers-For safe trekking The monsoon trekking is for those who are adventurous. The lush greenery of forest rivers and waterfalls attains scenic beauty during monsoon. But more precaution too is needed during monsoon. Beware of leeches. Prior to the journey apply the mixture of tobacco leaves and mustard oil over legs and shoes. Keep tobacco and salt with you.Don't try to forcibly remove if leech bite you. If one forcibly removes the creature, apply mixture of salt and mustard oil before bathing to avoid itching.If there is moist causing problem from having a better view, continue trekking only after it clears.Don't go alone for trekking. Accommodate guides who are well versed with the route. Begin the trekking early morning and rest during noon. Follow the instruction of guides and don't get separate from the team A bag with many pockets and which can carry all the needed goods for trekking must be used. The bags must have cushioned shoulders straps. Carry sleeping bags, tent, trekking rope with at least 50-meter length, rain coat.Carry torch, cigarette lighter, knifes small and sharp, blanket, water bottle, cap, candles, and torch batteries in extra.Avoid wearing dark colored outfits. Full sleeve shirts, which can cover the neck and cargo pants, are the best.Use trekking shoes only with good grip. The canvas shoe covering the entire foot are good, but it would create problems if gets wet.Soaks with good quality must be used and carry another 2 to 3 pairs.-Carry foods rich in carbohydrates. Don't use liquor and cigarette.-Before trekking ensure that you are medically fit. Those who are affected with high BP, heart diseases should not go for trekking. Carry painkillers, first aid kit, sunscreen lotion and the medicines prescribed by doctor for headache, cough, medicines to curb accidental decline of body temperature.-Stay Ilaveezhapoonchira: DTPC rest house (six rooms):Rs 750 (one room three persons), Rs 2500 (6 rooms)James Jacob - 09746395295, 04862-243273.Pazhukkakanam camp: Raghavan-9526512022

                                                                                                      Prof. John Kurakar