There are snow-capped hill tops in almost every area. But to reach the top of such a mountain, one has to travel a long distance and trek. Therefore, the elderly and physically weak those who have difficulty walking can enjoy that natural beauty only in photos and videos.
Chakkippara, is a magnificent viewpoint located at Vazhakulam also known as the ‘Pineapple City’, in Asia. If you trek a short distance to the top of the hill, you can enjoy the view of the mist covered mountain and the vast expanse of scenery that can be seen when the fog changes. When we arrive the morning after a rainstorm, we are greeted by heavy fog. If you look down from this hilltop, you can see the town and areas of Vazhakulam town and countryside. The vast rock has space for as many people as possible to enjoy the natural beauty. But only that the steepest depression is much more dangerous. There are no security settings at the Chakkipara hill top.
Travel during the Covid period.
In this Covid period has taken us to the places we once went to, or wanted to go to, in the countryside itself. Chakkipara is such a hidden natural beauty. Travelers who looking for new places in Ernakulam, Idukki and Kottayam districts can get a great experience from here. Chakkipara is located at a distance of 4 km from Vazhakulam town. It’s close to Carmel Public School.If you seek help from Google Maps, you may be misled. It would be better to seek the help of any of the natives.
Bottom of Chakkipara.
Once you reach the bottom of Chakkipara through a perfectly populated area full of many houses, then it becomes a desolate area. To reach the top of the rock you have to go through the place of private individuals.
Bike riders will also get a bonus of a gigantic off-road ride through the rocky and muddy dirt road amidst the lush greenery on either side.
Every year there is a pilgrimage from Vazhakulam Church to Chakkippara on Good Friday. A cross is also built in the middle of the rock. A beautiful 360 view at an angle awaits us as we ascend. The small trees on the sides of the rock are a special sight to behold from under the blue sky.
Want to see the sunrise or the sunset?
Tourists mostly come here to watch the evening sunset. But the morning snow-covered Chakkipara, the beauty of the countryside waking up amidst the occasional breeze, and the scorching morning sun rays suggest that it is best to arrive here in the morning.
There are no facilities for tourists and there are few security threats.A Night camping does not seem to be that safe either.
What more can be said about the beauty of a hilltop is that you can go and enjoy it. Chakkiipara offers breathtaking views of the plains, snow-capped mountains, morning trekking and off-road rides.
Akhil Sasidharan
Akhil Sasidharan is a passionate full-time traveler, vlogger, blogger, and photographer. He belongs to Kerala, God's Own Country, the south-most state of India.