Ramakkalmedu

Location

It is located about 15 km from Nedumkandam on the Munnar-Thekkady route. Nearby towns are Thookkupalam (5 km), Kattappana (25 km), and Kumily (40 km).

Geography

Ramakalmedu stands tall in the western ghats at a height of 3,500 ft (1,100 m) above sea level.

Flora and fauna

The ecosystem of the area consists largely of grass land Shola forest type which is laced by sporadic bamboo forests.

Climate

Constant wind is another factor which makes Ramakkalmedu unique. Wind blows at a speed around 35 km/ hour at Ramakkalmedu throughout the year irrespective of the season and time.

Wind Energy

Villages like Pushpakandam and Kuruvikanam near Ramakkalmedu is the second place in Kerala where wind energy farm is installed,though it is private holdings. Currently the capacity is at about 14.25 MW of NEG MICON Make Wind Mills.This electricity is distributed to Kerala State Electricity Board.even though Ramakkalmedu has potential to produce much electricity,as it is said to be one of Asia's largest wind blowing area.

Tourism

Although Ramakkalmedu has potential for it to become an international tourist destination, and already attracts more than 100,000 visitors. However, as of 2015 not much had been done for the improvement of basic facilities nearby. The government of Kerala has announced plans to develop this tourist station by improving transportation facilities with buses, upgrading of the Kerala police and other measures.

The scenic beauty of Ramakkalmedu has attracted thousands of people, including Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio. DiCaprio has reportedly said about this place that "If there is a paradise on earth, it is here."

Kuravan and Kurathi

Ramakalmedu is a historic site with a Monument to Kuravan and Kurathi – a large statue that depicts the Sangam Period and Sangam landscape of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The monument provides a panoramic view of Tamil Nadu villages and towns, including Cumbum, Theni, Kombe, Thevaram, Uthamapalayam, Bodinaykannor and Vaiga. Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat. The view is striking at dusk when all these towns are lighted.

Rama – kal – medu literally means "Land of Rama’s Stone" or "Land where Rama kept his leg" (Rama is a Hindu God in the epic Ramayana). One story says that Lord Rama kept his feet at the tip of Ramakkalmedu to search Ravana the King of Lanka, who abducted his wife Sita.

The statue by C.B Jinan was erected on the top of the hill in the year 2005. The statue depicts two historical characters behind the construction of the Idukki Dam. The rocks between the Idukki dam are named after Kuravan and Kurathi, who helped authorities to find the right place for constructing the dam.