Elaveezha poonchira.

The pond of flowers where leaves never fall It was a quiet Saturday evening we were taking rest after a heavy holiday meal and thinking were to roam in the evening. I look at the Sky, it was so clear . yes, it is the best time to go to elaveezhapoonchira the place which I longed to see We started at 3pm from our house . 10 minutes.. we reached kanjar , where the board shows.7 Km to elaveezhapoonchira. We travelled the narrow beautiful hill road to chakkikavu; from there we hired a jeep. it was a 4 wheel drive.. jumping from one stone to onotherIf we walk, we could reach before the jeep !! By 4:30PM we reached the top.cool montain breeze gently blew around us

I looked around.. the colourful valley surrounded by three enchanting hillocks - Mankunnu, Kodayathoor vindhyan and Thonippara each above 3200fts from sea level. There are no trees to fall the leaves.thats why it named Elaveezha poonchira.

Evening light paints beautiful shades over the hill and valley.

There is a police outpost on the top. Jeep way ends here.

If we want to explore further we have to find our way amidst bushes and pigmy palms, climbing small rocks to reach the top of Kudayathur vindhyan (It is not safe to visit the place during rain due to heavy lightning). The plant we can see all around is Chittenth - the dwarf mountain date palms (Phoenix loureri var. humilis) having a small trunk, long leaves and cluster fruits , widely distributed in Western Ghats

My husband told he and his sister had trekked the foot hill and steep rocks behind our house in their child hood to come here and collect these dates. At that time even jeep road was not available so that a whole day to and fro trekking was needed We collected some dates and tasted....sweet

Some people collect the leaves of this palm for making brooms, which may destroy this beautiful plant. Rare Flora of this hot spot is to be retained for future generations

Stories say Pancha pandavas along with Panchali came here during Vanavasakalam and Indra created a pond guarded by the gorgeous hills for her to bath

The view from Kudayathur vindhyan is so fascinating On the edge of sunset; sky was gorgeous with rainbow colours.and the Scenic beauty of Malankara Dam Reservoir

we could never forget the view of kanjar and muthiyanmala from kudayathur vindhyan

I heard of this place for the first time when I was a teacher in University college. On a fine morning just before going to the class ,my final year students told Miss, we are going to Elaveezhapoonchira, we got permission from HOD- I was surprised but allowed them knowing how much they wanted to enjoy the last days of their college life. When they came back and showed me the pictures I too wished to see that beauty. But when I got my new job I left the place without seeing poonchira Now Im am so glad It got me back to spend rest of my life in the shadows of this great mountain range, our priceless heritage .

Sun is slowly going down sky turned golden red..

Jeep is waiting for us We bid farewell to the cool embracing breeze sadly saying we will come back

-The end-