At Ramakkalmedu the Western Ghats simply stop. One moment you are on a grassy ridge at about 1,100 m; the next you are looking down a sheer escarpment at the flat, chequered farmland of Tamil Nadu’s Cumbum valley, many hundreds of metres below. The wind that funnels up this wall is among the strongest and steadiest in Kerala, which is why a line of turbines stands along the crest.
The name means “the hill where Rama set his foot”: local legend says Lord Rama stood on this rock while searching for Sita. The ridge is about 15 km from Nedumkandam, close to the state border.
Top things to do at Ramakkalmedu
Climb to the Kuravan and Kurathi statue
A short stepped path leads up to a monumental sculpture of a tribal couple and their child, made in 2005, which recalls the legend behind the Idukki dam’s two hills. The 360-degree view from here takes in the turbines, the plains and the ridges running north.
Scramble out to the rock
On the other side of the saddle a rough path climbs to the rock outcrop on the cliff edge — the classic Ramakkalmedu photograph. It is exposed and very windy; keep well back from the edge.
Ride a jeep to Aamappara
Local jeeps run a steep off-road track to Aamappara (“tortoise rock”), a higher viewpoint with a narrow rock passage, and on to other points along the ridge.
How to get to Ramakkalmedu
- From Thekkady (Kumily): about 40–45 km north, 1.5 hours via Nedumkandam — a comfortable half-day trip.
- From Munnar: about 70 km, 2.5 hours via Poopara and Nedumkandam; it fits well as a stop on the drive between Munnar and Thekkady.
- By bus: buses run to Nedumkandam and Thookkupalam, from where local jeeps and autorickshaws cover the last stretch.
Insider tips
- Late afternoon gives the best light over the plains; the morning can be hazy on the Tamil Nadu side.
- Hold on to hats, scarves and phones — the gusts are no joke.
- There is very little shade. Carry water and sun protection.
- A small entry fee is charged at the hilltop park.
Tours that include Ramakkalmedu
These guided trips cover Ramakkalmedu or combine easily with a visit:
Private tour from US$77 Wilderness & Culture: One-Day Tour of Thekkady with Jeep
A full Thekkady day put together for you: a jeep trip into the hill country, a spice plantation, the boat on Periyar Lake and a Kathakali performance in the evening. It saves arranging each piece yourself.
- Jeep ride through the hills around Thekkady
- Spice plantation visit and Periyar Lake boat ride
- Evening Kathakali dance performance
Private jeep tour from US$34 From Thekkady: Jeep Safari & Periyar National Park Visit
A flexible day out from Thekkady that mixes an off-road jeep drive and the Parunthumpara viewpoint with a tea factory, a spice plantation walk and boating on Periyar Lake. Shorter and longer versions are offered, so check which stops your option includes.
- Off-road jeep safari and the Parunthumpara viewpoint
- Tea factory visit and a spice plantation walk
- Boat ride on Periyar Lake
