unique destination- PANIYELI PORU,ERNAKULAM

       THIS IS DEDICATED TO THOSE WHO REALLY INTERESTED IN NATURE AND IT'S BEAUTY AND WANT TO ENJOY . PANIYELI,SMALL VILLAGE IN PERUMBAVOOR IN ERNAKULAM DISTRICT IN KERALA,WHERE YOU CAN SPOT OUT SOME AMAZING MUST SEE THINGS SUCH AS ROARING RIVER,WATERFALLS,HILLS,DENSEFOREST,RARE SPECIES OF PLATS AND ANIMALS AND SO ON... MORE OVER SERENE ATMOSPHERE AND SCENIC BEAUTY WILL MAKE YOU PEOPLE FEEL AS IT IS A HEAVEN. 

Paniyeli "Poru"

Paniyeli is a place for adventurous travellers, a little known picnic destination, on the outskirts of Kochi. This place is not explored much still, gives a fresh, lively and perfect escape for refreshing your soul.‘Paniyeli Poru’, is near Krariyeli, Perumbavoor, Kerala. It has natural water falls, small rivulets, offshore surrounded by rich flora and fauna. There are no entry fees or travelling restrictions.

Resting, by sitting on the offshore surrounded by dense trees, is a unique experience. The sweet, melodious sound of birds, the bustling sound of water waves makes your heart, mind and body cheerful. The crystal-clear water of the lovely river ‘Periyar’ flowing in between two main lands ‘Malayattoor’ in the north and ‘Paniyeli’ in the south, provides a Panoramic view to the visitors. The hilly terrain of St: Thomas mount, western Ghats, the famous kraal at Kodanad etc. forms part of ‘Paniyeli Poru’. The reserve forest area here comes under the jurisdiction of the Divisional Forest Office, Malayatoor. The forest headquarters is at Kodanad, nearly 10 kilometres from Poru.

Caution:

Persons traveling to this place should be cautious. The strong water currents and deep vortex formed between the strata of rocks and mangroves can be dangerous. Beware of the strong under currents, before stepping into the water. The slippery rocks and pebbles may lead to danger.

Although the dense forest on the shore of ‘Periyar’ is devoid of wild animals, deer, pig, and python can be seldom seen. Leeches are also rampant along the pathway leading to ‘Poru’. The milky waterfall at ‘poru’ can be seen from the distant shore. It is risky to reach there by crossing over the strata of rocks and mangroves. Even during hot summer, when water level falls, it is dangerous to cross over the strata of rocks, unless vigilant. It is advisable to enjoy the beauty of water bursting, by sitting on the shore. Even if the water level is below buttock level, the gap between the rocks may be slippery and fathom. Even a good swimmer cannot with stand and tide out of the strong water currents here.

Do not immerse in deep and farther water. Don’t step in to water after consuming liquor. The rocks in between the mangroves may be slippery due to the in flow of gushy dam water and rain. It is advisable that tourists carry food packets and drinking water, bathing towels, etc.While in Kerala you may also visit Kothamangalam, and Munnar, a hill station and good tourist destination.

The favourable season to visit ‘ Paniyeli Poru’ is from December- May. Advisable time to spend here is from 10am -5pm. There are no hotels or lodges here. Nearest Lodging is available at Perumbavoor or Aluva. Also places like Kumarakom, back waters of Kerala, Thekkadi, Kuttanad, and many places may be of your interest.

Paniyeli Poru is approx 54 kilometres from Kochi, the business Capital Of Kerala. The nearest railway station is Aluva at 35 kms. The Kochi International Airport, Nedumbassery is 35 km

Paniyeli Poru is in Ernakulam District of Kerala state in India.

Its an amazing sight of Periyar river flowing thorugh rocks and between dense rain forests. The vast view of distant green hillocks and the tranquility around the place is really great.

 Understand

Mid November to End of May is the good time to visit as the water flow will be reduced during this time thus exposing the rocks and whirlpools. For adventurous travellers, a little known picnic spot, on the outskirts of kochi, awaits you. ‘Paniyeli Poru’, near Vengoor, Perumbavoor, has natural water falls, small rivulets, offshore surrounded by rich flora and fauna, where the visitors can rest etc. There are no restrictions, entry fee, but the visitors must be cautious. The strong water currents and deep vortex formed between the strata of rocks and mangroves can be dangerous. Youths in inebriated condition had fallen here fatally. Beware about the strong under currents, before stepping into the water.The slippery rocks and pebbles may lead to danger. Nearly 150 youths have died here during the last one decade. The latest casualty being the death of a girl student on November 5,2005. It is the first, incident, in which a female tourist lost her life here. Resting, by sitting on the offshore surrounded by dense trees, is a unique experience. The sweet, melodious sound of birds, the bustling sound of water waves makes your heart, mind and body cheerful. The river ‘Periyar’ flowing in between two main lands ‘Malayattoor’ in the north and ‘Paniyeli’ in the south, provides a Panoramic view to the visitors. The hilly terrain of St: Thomas mount, western Ghats, the famous kraal at Kodanad etc. forms part of ‘Paniyeli Poru’.

 History

The name ‘Poru’ ( means fight in Malayalam) was derived from the old custom of raftsmen fighting with the unruly waves, deep vortex, to sail out from the area. The raft forms after bamboo cut from the ‘Edamalayar’ forest, tied as logs. It was the old practice of bamboo cutters, to carry logs to destination like ‘Kalady’ & ‘Malayattoor’, through river ‘Periyar’. Only an experienced raftsman could sail the log through the unruly water here. The area, where the rafts man fights fiercely against these adversities, was later called by ‘Poru’. Now a days logs of bamboo cut from the forest are carried away through the road in Vehicles.

‘Poru’ came in to the limelight of tourist map lately. The crowds began in 2000-01. Heavy rush of tourist appear on saturdays, sundays and Public holidays.During Summer season in March -April, people in large number throng here to escape from the hot, sweat condition. A bathe in fresh, crystal clear water of ‘periyar’ makes your body and mind warm and fresh. Beware about the death trap between the strata of rocks connecting mangroves, existing in the the river belt. Do not immerse in deep and farther water. Don’t step in to water after consuming liquor. The rocks in between the mangroves is slippery due to the in flow of gushy dam water and rain. Normally, the concerned department announce in advance, the opening of shutters of ‘Edamalayar’ and ‘Idukki’ dams.

] Landscape

 Climate

 Get in

Paniyeli Poru is 55 kilometres from Kochi. The nearest railway station is Aluva that is 35 km from this place. Poru is 20 km away from Perumbavoor, the nearest town. From here take a left deviation from the MGM School Junction, Kuruppumpady, on the busy Aluva-Munnar (AM Road) road. There are bus services from Perumbavoor to Paniyeli on half-hour duration. One has to walk at least a kilometre to Poru after alighting the bus at Paniyeli. Jeeps and motorcycles can take you up to Poru. The roads to Poru are not tarred and in very bad shape. It is better to leave the cars and scooters and trek all the way.

 Fees/Permits

As this property is under the Reserved forests and under the control of Kerala State Forest Department, a pass of a nominal fee is neede at the entrance to this area.

There are forest department volunteer guards available there and they are of great help.

No liquor is allowed in this area.

 Get around

Although the dense forest on the shore of ‘Periyar’ is devoid of wild animals, deer, pig, and python can be seldom seen. Leeches are also rampant along the pathway leading to ‘Poru’. The milky waterfall at ‘poru’can be seen from the distant shore. It is risky to reach there by crossing over the strata of rocks and mangroves. Even during hot summer, when water level falls, it is dangerous to cross over the strata of rocks, unless vigilant. It is advisable to enjoy the beauty of water bursting, by sitting on the shore. Even if the water level is below buttock level, the gap between the rocks may be slippery and fathom. Even a good swimmer cannot with stand and tide out of the strong water currents here.

There is no organised rescue system in ‘poru’ now. It is the locals who come into the rescue of those who fell into trap. The visitor some times, under estimate the tranquil of water in the surface. A little distance away from the off shore is advisable for swim and bathe. Even though, the water level may be buttock bottom, the fathom can be dangerous. Many have fallen here fatally after hitting on rocks, while slipping away.

The nearest fire and rescue service is at Perumbavoor, 20km away from ‘Poru’. More over, the fire force is not equipped with the rescue operation of this type. Those who slip away in the water currents, cannot be saved by the traditional away of rescue operation carried out by the Fire force. Dwellings, a little in number are situated 1-2 km away from the water falls.

 See

Tickets should be bought from the forest department counter at the entrancr. Rate is Rs-5/pax and Rs-10/ for the vehicle. You need to park the vehicle 500mts before the river and walk. It is best to visit in summer as the river is safer. Nature walk alon the river is rejuvanating and there is a tree house from where you can enjoy the senic beauty and tranqulity. Place is closed at 5pm for visitors. There are no guides available.

 Do

Just spend the time in the banks of Periyar river enjoying the tranquility. During summer, the area around Poru is a very cool and refreshing.

Walk around the banks and can cross the river to the half by walking on the tops of rocks.

A good scenic photography location.

A canopy of trees, sweet warbling birds, crystal-clear water of a lovely river. This is Paniyeli Poru, a serene, scenic picnic spot. It forms part of the Periyar River and is located at Paniyeli, Vengoor near Perumbavoor. This little-known destination is fast attracting tourist attention. This place is now a favourite location for filmmakers, with many Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu film shot in its backdrop.

 Trekking

• Trekking from Poru to Bhoothathankettu ( arond 20km ) along the river side, through the dense forest, is around 6 hour trip and refreshing. Local guides can be available.

• Trekking, crossing the river , to Malayttoor is another option and need permission from Forest department - Try to go with guides, this area is a natural habitat of elephants.

Surrounded by trees, chirping birds and the sound of the river as it flows by makes it a perfect weekend escape. Mangroves are formed on several strata of rocks. These rocks are the perfect place for visitors to relax.

Of course, they must be extra careful while trying to step between the strata of rocks. From here there is a panoramic view of the hills on top of which is situated the famous shrine of St. Thomas and the imposing Western Ghats.

The Periyar flows from east to west through Malayattoor and Kalady in the north and Edamalayar and Perumbavoor in the south. The reserve forest area here comes under the jurisdiction of the Divisional Forest Office, Malayatoor. The forest headquarters is at Kodanad, nearly 10 kilometres from Poru.

The water here is a veritable death trap. Though the water may not be very deep at most places there are strong undercurrents that can sweep you away. Many have lost their lives after being swept away and crashing against the rocks. Efforts are on, with the initiative of the Vana Samrakshana Samithy, to form rescue teams and guides. On holidays, two policemen from the Kuruppampady police station, nearly 15 kilometres away, are posted at this place to curb anti-social activities.

There are no houses around except for a small shop that also doubles up as Poochakkara Rajan's residence. It is therefore advisable that tourists carry food packets and drinking water. Rajan also provides this service if he is contacted well in advance. Despite all these limitations tourists flock to this place, especially during Sundays and holidays.

 Buy

Wild honey is available at the forest office.

 Eat

Carry your own food and water as there is only ice cream available near the entrance.

 Drink no drinks in forest

 Sleep no night stay alowed

 Lodging

Nearest avaiable lodging is at Perambavoor town. Camping

 Backcountry

 Stay safe

Thought the place is of stunning scenic beaty, its one of the most dangerous water bodies in Kerala. Quite lot of people have lost their lives here. The deep shafts between the rocks are tricky and if you lost into this, its difficult to be saved.

No amenities here - please bring your water and eatables

 Respect

Kerala Forest deaprtment urges you to follow a no trace left behind policy. What ever you bring, please keep every waste in your own carry bag and throw to a garbage box in the next human inhabited area.