A district development meeting chaired by Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine at the district collectorate on Saturday resolved to reopen Palkkulam Medu, near Cheruthoni, one of Idukki’s premier tourism destinations.
The meeting directed officials to ensure that the Palkkulam Medu viewpoint is reopened to tourists by February 10. “The Kottayam Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) has been instructed to take the necessary steps to reopen the site. A recent meeting with Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran led to the decision to allow tourists back to Palkkulam Medu,” Mr. Augustine said.
District Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt presided over the meeting.
Located 12 km from Cheruthoni, Palkkulam Medu stands at an elevation of 3,143 feet above sea level. The viewpoint is known for its strong winds and expansive green landscapes that stretch across several kms.
Although Palkkulam Medu had emerged as a popular destination in the district, the Forest Department closed access to the hills three years ago. Reopening the site has since been a long-standing demand of tourism stakeholders and local residents.
The stakeholders believe the decision will provide a significant boost to tourism in Cheruthoni and the wider Idukki region. “Idukki Dam, Hill View Park, and the Hill View Park monument are currently the major attractions in Cheruthoni. The reopening of Palkkulam Medu will undoubtedly attract more visitors to the area,” said a local tourism stakeholder.
ends
Published – January 31, 2026 08:01 pm IST
