Illithode

If you are one of those who love to explore a place that is calm and peaceful, Illithode a rural area at Mulankuzhi in Ernakulam district is the right place to spend a one day. The serene surroundings is sure to rejuvenate one's soul.

Located at a distance of about 10kms from Malayattoor and 62kms from Kochi, this charming and picturesque place is bordered by rolling mountains on one side and the beautiful Periyar river on the other. Very few people know about illithode, but now this little known tourist spot is attracting more tourists day by day. The main attraction here is the river flowing through the forest. It will take 15- 20 minutes walk through the thick forest of Mahagony, Teak to reach the river. While stepping into the river one must be very careful as there are strong undercurrents in certain areas. One can also see monkeys climbing or moving through the trees. The deep forest and the river is a favourite location of film makers.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

Kodanad
Located 45 Kms north east of Kochi, it is one of the largest elephant training centres of South India. The adjoining zoo attract visitors throughout the year. Set on the southern banks of the Periyar river, Kodanad is known for the 'Elephant Kraa' - the place where the newly captured elephants are kept till they are properly trained and disciplined. It is a huge wooden structure, constructed here during the princely regime to tame wild elephants. The elephant training center and the Malayattoor St. Thomas Parish Church or Thazathe Palli lies on the opposite banks of Periyar river. In the mornings at the riverside, tourists may get a chance to massage the adult and baby elephants under the supervision of its Mahouts. The trained elephants are available for safari for the tourists. There is a small zoo sheltering wild animals which are unfit for survival in the forest. It is open from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm on all days except Mondays.

For enquiries contact:
Divisional Forest Officer, 
Malayattur Forest Division, 
Kodanad, Ernakulam Dist.
Ph : 0484 2649052

Malayattur St. Thomas Church
47 Kms from Kochi, the place is famous for the catholic church of St. Thomas, on top of the 600 feet high Malayattur hill. Thousands of devotees visit the church between March - April when the annual Malayattur festival is conducted. It is the first pilgrim centre in India to be accorded international status by the Holy See, the official seat of the Vatican. It is also the largest pilgrim centre in the name of St. Thomas in India.