Ottakathalamedu offers a breathtaking panorama, showcasing the vibrant town of Kumily and the serene Periyar Tiger Reserve lake. Its resemblance to Mysore’s Chamundi Hills, where the city can be easily viewed, makes it a popular tourist spot in Thekkady. From this vantage point, you can witness the famous Periyar lake boating activity in the distance. The night view of Kumily, is particularly picturesque and captivating. Even parts of Tamil Nadu are visible from this elevated location. Ottakathalamedu is situated 4 kilometers away from Kumily town on the Kumily-Munnar state highway in Idukki district, Kerala.
Ottakathalamedu is a relatively new tourist destination that lacks essential safety infrastructure and fencing. Situated at an altitude of 1300 meters above sea level, this location holds historical significance as the site of a famous hunger strike by A.K. Gopalan, a prominent CPI(M) leader. Gopalan protested against the inhumane conditions faced by displaced people during the Kerala government’s acquisition of land for the Idukki Hydro project. Despite the protests, the government under Chief Minister Pattam Thanupillai forcibly relocated families from Ayyappankovil to Amaravathy, leaving them without adequate shelter or sanitation. Tragically, many of these displaced individuals succumbed to illness or death in their new, inadequate living conditions.
Ottakathalamedu has many hotels and small home stays including four star hotel Poetree Sarovar portico.
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