Panchalimedu is a hill station and view point near Gracevilla. On Makar Sankranti day, many Ayyappa devotees camp here to witness the sacred Makaravilakku (holy flame) that appears in the Ponnambalamedu near Sabarimala temple. On Good Fridays, Christians come here to follow the way of the cross and to attend the holy mass. According to myth, the Pandavas along with their spouse Panchali had a sojourn to Panchalimedu during the time of their one-year exile. Legend has it that that is how the place got its name Panchalimedu, which is derived from the words "Panchali" (Draupadi) and "medu" (hill).
Kuttikkanam is a hill station just 6 km from Gracevilla at 3,500 feet (1,100 m) above sea level and surrounded by lush green tea plantations.
During the 16th century the territory was under the rule of Changanacherry kings and was uninhabited. In 1756, the King of Travancore conquered Changanacherry, and brought the place under his supremacy. A Church Mission Society missionary, Henry Baker, started coffee plantations in this area, and under the regency of Sri Moolam Thirunal these became tea plantations.
Under the British Raj in India, Kuttikkanam became an up-market resort destination. During that time since there was no road and only a pathway, the British started the Aerial Ropeway Ltd., Travancore state's first public limited company. The summer palace of the Travancore kings was located in Kuttikkanam.
Thekkady in Idukki district is a tourist town near Periyar National Park, and an important and amongst the flagship tourist destinations in Kerala, India. The name Thekkady is derived from the word "thekku" which means teak and "adi" meaning bottom. Temperatures are lowest in the months of December–January and highest in the months of April–May.
The sanctuary is famous for its dense evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grass lands. It is home to herds of elephants, sambar, tigers, gaur, lion-tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 777 km2 (300 sq mi), of which 360 km2 (140 sq mi) is thick evergreen forest. The wildlife sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve in 1978. The artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River is a key element of the park. The greatest attractions of Periyar are wild deer and bison that come down to drink in the lake. The sanctuary can be accessed by trekking, boating or jeep safari.
Thekkady is famous for spice plantations including black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, ginger, and clove.
Madammakkulam Waterfalls, nestled amidst the towering peaks of Peermade in the Idukki district of Kerala, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This secluded natural wonder features a serene pond formed beneath a cascading waterfall, all surrounded by dense, verdant woods. The name "Madammakkulam" is derived from the local terms 'Madamma,' meaning foreign woman, and 'Kulam,' meaning pond. It is said that during the colonial era, a British lady frequently visited this tranquil spot, giving it its unique name.
Located near Kuttikkanam, Madammakkulam Waterfalls is a perfect picnic destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat into nature. The area is characterized by cool breezes, the soft rustling of leaves, and the occasional sightings of smaller wildlife, all of which add to the magical ambiance of this less-explored spot. The lush foliage surrounding the waterfall enhances its picturesque beauty, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Ammachi Kottaram was constructed by Travancore Maharaja, Moolam Thirunal, sometime in the 19th-century. Nestled in the cool tea and coffee growing highlands, it was mainly used as a royal retreat for the wife of the Maharaja. Travancore royal titles were passed matrilineally, so brother and sister ruled as the Maharaja and Maharani. The Maharaja's wife was thus given the title of consort rather than queen. It's believed that Thirunal constructed Ammachi Kottaram for his wife, although the exact history behind its construction remains murky.
Today, the palace grounds still cover around 25 acres of land across the foggy hilltops. The building itself contains a wrap-around veranda, three rooms, two large halls for receiving guests, as well as bathrooms, kitchens, and dining areas. There are also two secret passageways, one for movement within the palace, while the other was used as a subterranean escape tunnel.
Vagamon or Wagamon is a hill station located in the Central Travancore region of Kerala, India. It is a warm and friendly place with cool climate as the temperature is between 10° and 23°C during midday in summer. It is situated 1,100 m above sea level.
The Illickal peak, Maramala waterfalls, Poonjar palace, Ayyampara and Kurusumala asram are some of the tourist areas around wagamon.
© 2025 Gracevilla. All Rights Reserved. Powered By : Woven Webart