Painavu- top hill station

Painavu

Painavu- Top hill station in Idukki, Kerala

The hilltop station, Painavu is regarded as a famous destination due to its picturesque location and pleasing ambience. Being nearer to Idukki wildlife sanctuary and Arch Dam people find it easier to locate this hill station and spend some time there. The place is basically visited from Idukki bus station which is just 5 km from there. The headquarters of the Idukki district is located here. Being nearer to Munnar and Kochi people find this place an amazing weekend destination. It is a hill resort that stands at a height of 3900 ft.

Painavu is a famous tourist hotspot as well a popular commercial centre. The government engineering college of Idukki and the Civil Station is located here. In rainy and winter seasons you may spot elephants passing through the roads. Trekking is a wonderful activity that can be experienced here. And on the way, you could have a pristine view of the nearby towns and forests and lakes from the hilltop. September to May is the best time to visit this place.

How to reach Painavu

The nearest railway station is Kottayam which is 98 km away. It is easily accessible by road and also by waterway. You can head for a cruise journey from this place that travels between Kalumavu and Cheruthoni.  Cochin International airport lies nearby that is only 100 km away. Public Buses and autos are available to reach the place but it is better to access the journey in a rented cab or o your private vehicle as there are many beautiful spots to see on the way to Painavu and you must get down to have a look on those places which is possible only in a cab.

Nearby attractions of Painavu

Painavu is beautiful in itself and it takes half the time of the day to visit the place. However, stay there for a day to explore other places of interest.

Chinnar wildlife sanctuary

This one is in Marayoor and is one of the twelve wildlife sanctuaries in the state of Kerala. This sanctuary is taken good care by the government as it houses many wild species that include mammals, birds and reptiles.

Cheruthoni dam

It is a popular dam in Idukki that supplies water for irrigation is some of the nearby towns and villages. The dam is suitable for photography purposes and is also a peaceful weekend destination. The dam is built over the Cheruthoni River which is a tributary of the Periyar River. This dam is one of the third dams in Project Idukki reservoir.

Anakarra

It is a village that is near to the Idukki wildlife sanctuary and is famous for its plantations of spices and wonderful waterfalls. This small village is extended up to an area of 50 square kilometres.

Idukki arch dam

This is the second Arch dam in the whole world. It is a huge dam and is constructed across Kurathi and Kuravan hills. Place near the Cheruthoni Barrage, this is the best place to enjoy the greeneries of nature and soothe the tired eye.

Keezzharrkuthu falls

Standing at a height of 1500 m this falls offers a nice destination for spending some time at the weekend. The lush green forest consists of medicinal plants that are used for preparing Herbal medicines. Camp tracking, mountaineering and rock climbing are some of the activities explored here.

Where to stay

Some of the best hotels in and around Painavu have been mentioned here. These hotels have been marked with brilliant hospitality and wonderful services that could not match any other resorts.

  • Blue mount homestay
  • Vagamon tourist home
  • Hotel new Mereena
  • Bell vedera resort

Painavu is the most scenic place in the district and it has been known through many reviews of experienced people that they have enjoyed it at the highest and none other places in the district could provide such a wonderful travelling experience. Being atop the hill you could get the opportunity to view the near and far scenic beauties. The weather is just awesome in the winter and rainy months and you must be there if you are planning for Kerala. Local people find this place an ideal weekend gateway to enjoy the silence of nature.

Activity

In Painavu, there are several activities that visitors can enjoy. Some of the popular activities include:

  1. Trekking and Hiking: The rolling hills surrounding Painavu offer many opportunities for trekking and hiking. Visitors can explore the lush green forests, scenic waterfalls and breathtaking mountain views.
  2. Camping: Camping is a popular activity in Painavu, and visitors can spend the night in tents surrounded by the beauty of the hills.
  3. Bird Watching: Painavu is home to a rich variety of bird species, and visitors can enjoy bird watching in the area.
  4. Wildlife Safaris: Visitors can go on wildlife safaris in the nearby Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and experience the local flora and fauna.
  5. Tea Plantation Tours: Painavu is famous for its tea plantations, and visitors can go on tea plantation tours to learn about the tea-making process and taste some of the best tea in the region.
  6. Boating: Visitors can go boating on the Periyar River and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding hills.

These are just a few examples of the many activities that visitors can enjoy in Painavu.

Things to do

In Painavu, there are several things to do for visitors. Some of the popular things to do include:

  1. Explore the Scenic Beauty: Painavu is surrounded by rolling hills, and visitors can enjoy scenic walks, picnics, and photo opportunities in the area.
  2. Visit the Tea Plantations: Painavu is famous for its tea plantations, and visitors can go on tea plantation tours to learn about the tea-making process and taste some of the best tea in the region.
  3. Go on Wildlife Safaris: Visitors can go on wildlife safaris in the nearby Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and experience the local flora and fauna.
  4. Visit the Periyar Dam: Visitors can visit the Periyar Dam, which is a popular tourist attraction in the area.
  5. Go on a Trekking or Hiking Expedition: The rolling hills surrounding Painavu offer many opportunities for trekking and hiking, and visitors can explore the lush green forests, scenic waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain views.
  6. Go Boating: Visitors can go boating on the Periyar River and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding hills.
  7. Enjoy Local Cuisine: Painavu is famous for its local cuisine, and visitors can try traditional dishes such as appam, stew, and dosa.

These are just a few examples of the many things to do in Painavu. Visitors can choose activities that interest them and make the most of their trip.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Painavu, Kerala is from October to March, during the winter months. During this time, the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities such as trekking, hiking, and camping. The temperatures range from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it comfortable for sightseeing and exploring the local area.

During the monsoon season, which is from June to September, the area receives heavy rainfall and may not be suitable for outdoor activities. However, this is the best time to visit if you’re interested in experiencing the lush green scenery of the region.

Overall, the best time to visit Painavu depends on your personal preferences and the activities you plan to do during your trip. If you’re interested in outdoor activities, it’s best to visit during the winter months, while if you’re interested in experiencing the lush green scenery, the monsoon season might be a better option.

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