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Illickal Kallu

2022-08-03T17:33:29Z

172.70.218.164:

{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2019}}
{{more citations needed|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Illikkal rock
| other_name =
| nickname =
| settlement_type = Tourist destination
| image_skyline = Illikkal Kallu (ഇല്ലിക്കൽ കല്ല് ).jpg
| image_alt =
| image_caption = Illikkal rock
| pushpin_map = India Kerala#India
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Kotayam, Kerala, India
| coordinates = {{coord|9.745227|N|76.8117649|E|mountain_region:INDIA_scale:100000|format=dms |display=inline,title}}
| mapsize = 290px
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = [[India]]
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Kerala]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name2 = Kottayam
| established_title = 
| established_date =
| founder =
| named_for =
| government_type = [[Panchayat]]
| governing_body = മൂന്നിലവ്, Thalanadu
| area_footnotes =
| area_rank =
| area_total_km2 = 33.41
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 1036
| population_total =
| population_as_of =
| population_rank =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym =
| population_footnotes =
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]], [[English language|English]]
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 686580
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| area_code =
| registration_plate = KL-35
| blank1_name_sec1 = Nearest city
| blank1_info_sec1 = [[Moonnilavu]], [[Erattupetta]]
| blank2_name_sec1 = Mountain Range
| blank2_info_sec1 = [[Western Ghats]]
| website =
| footnotes =
}}
'''Illikkal Kallu''' is a [[monolith]] located on top of the Illickal Malaa in the [[Kottayam district]] of [[Kerala]], India.The distance from kottayam railway station to illikal kallu is 57km. Situated at around 3400 feet above sea level, Illickal Kallu is a major tourist attraction in Moonnilavu and Thalanadu village of [[Meenachil]] taluk. Only one half of the original rock remains, as the other half of the rock has fallen off. The nearest town is [[Teekoy]]. Numerous mountain streams originate from this peak and flow down to form the [[Meenachil River]]. Tourists must trek <1 km to reach the summit of the peak.
[[File: Illikal Kallu.jpg|left|thumb|A Road leading to Illikal kallu]]
Illikkal Mala comprises three hills, each rising up to 3,400 ft above sea level. Each of the hills has a peculiar shape. One of them resembles a mushroom, which is why it is known as Kuda Kallu (umbrella-shaped rock). The second hill has a small hunch on the sides and is therefore referred to as Koonu Kallu (hunch back rock). There is a {{frac|1|2}}-foot-wide bridge called Narakapalam (bridge to hell) connecting these two hills. The beauty and the landscape of illikkal kallu is similar to that of the pillar rocks in [[Kodaikanal]]. It is said that the mythical medicinal herb Neela Koduveli grows here. This mythical blue flower is also believed to possess supernatural powers, which could increase wealth and ensure a rich harvest.<ref name="ilkal">{{cite web|url=https://www.holidayrentals.co.in/articles/details/91/Illikkal-Kallu,-a-beautiful-holiday-destination-for-adventure-seekers.html|title=Illikkal Kallu, a beautiful holiday destination for adventure seekers|publisher=Holiday Rentals|access-date= 2019-12-19}}</ref>

From the hilltops, the Arabian Sea can be seen on the far horizon as a thin blue stroke. The view of the sunset from above the peak in the evening of a full moon day can be sensational: the moon can be seen rising up like another sun, as the orange sun goes down.

==Tourism==

The view from illikal kallu is mesmerizing with numerous hills rising to the clouds and the deep valleys. There is a check-post set up by DTPC (District Tourism Promotion Council)<1 km before the summit and private vehicles are not allowed beyond this point. Visitors are required to pay entry fees and parking fees at the ticket counter here and can opt for a walk to the summit or utilize Jeep safaris provided by DTPC to reach the top. Currently, the entry to the top of the peak via Narakapalam is restricted due to a tragedy, which lead to the demise of a fellow traveler in 2017. Thereafter proper fencing is placed on the top of the view point in order to avoid any dangerous situations.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}}

'''Mistywindvalley Resorts''' near to illikkal kallu is a premium unfussy relaxed country resort and Eco-Tourism Hub. They offer guided nature Trails, Jeep Safaris and promotes [[Sustainable tourism]] including hydroponic farming practices. Adventure Sports are conducted on a regular basis, including river rafting, zip lining and camping {{Advert inline|date=September 2019}}.

'''Kattikayam Waterfalls''' is around 2 kilometers from Illikkal Kallu. A trek of about 2 km to this falls is indeed a mesmerizing experience. Though there are no risks in visiting this waterfalls, visitors need to take care of slippery rocks.

'''Ilaveezhapoonchira''' is another nearby attraction which is only 7 kilometers away from Illikkal Kallu. The road to Ilaveezhapoonchira is not paved and can be considered for an off-road adventure. Ilaveezhapoonchira means ‘valley where leaves don’t fall’. The highest point is known as Kannadipara. Valley of this rocky mountain reflects the morning sun with mirror-like perfection. Pazhakakanam plateau with bamboo groves, meadows & wildflowers nourished by Thodupuzha river & Kazhukankulimali waterfalls is nearby. During monsoons, the valley fills up to form a scenic landscape that attracts tourists from all around Kerala.

'''Vagamon:''' Another nearby attraction, a hill station and one of its kind in Kerala. National Geographic Traveler has listed Vagamon in their directory of the "50 most attractive places to visit in India" {{Citation needed|date=September 2019}}.

== References ==
{{Reflist}}
* http://travel.manoramaonline.com/travel/getting-around-kerala/illikkal-kallu-trek-backpack-adventure-mountain-travel.html - Travel review of Illikal Kallu
* https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g297634-d8059488-Reviews-Illikkal_Kallu-Kottayam_Kerala.html - Trip advisor page of Illikal kallu
* http://www.keralatrips.co.in/2015/06/illickal-kallu-poonjar-kottayam.html
* https://kochi2ladakh.com/listing/illikkal-kallu-history-trekking-guide-vagamon/ -Travel guide on Illikal Kallu
* https://www.facebook.com/illikkalkalluofficial/ - Facebook page of illikal kallu

== External links ==
{{commons category|Illickal Kallu}}
*https://www.facebook.com/illikkalkalluofficial/ - Facebook Page
*[http://www.illikkakallu.com/ http://www.illikkalkallu.com/] - the official website of illikal Kallu
* https://enteyathrakal.com/illickal-kallu/ - Illikal Kallu Travelogue
* http://healthacation.com/ - Healthacation official website {{Advert inline|date=September 2019}}
{{Tourism in Kerala}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Illikkal Mountain}}
[[Category:Mountains of Kerala]]
[[Category:Geography of Kottayam district]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Kottayam district]]

Athmallik

2022-05-30T03:55:25Z

172.70.218.164:

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
|name = Athmallik
|other_name =
|native_name =
|settlement_type =Town and Sub-divisional Headquarter
|image_skyline = Panchadhara Ghati, Athmallik.jpg
|imagesize =
|image_caption = Panchadhara Ghati, Athmallik
|pushpin_map = India Odisha#India
|pushpin_label_position =right
|pushpin_map_caption =Location in Odisha
|subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
|subdivision_name ={{flag|India}}
|subdivision_type1 =[[States of India|State]]
|subdivision_name1 = [[Odisha]]
|subdivision_type2 = [[Districts of India|District]]
|subdivision_name2 = [[Angul district|Angul]]
|subdivision_type3 =
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|population_footnotes =
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demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Odia language|Odia]]
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 759125
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| area_code = 06763
| blank1_name_sec1 = Nearest city
| blank1_info_sec1 = [[Boudh]], [[Angul]]
| blank2_name_sec2 = Avg. summer temperature
| blank2_info_sec2 = {{convert|48|°C|°F}}
| blank3_name_sec2 = Avg. winter temperature
| blank3_info_sec2 = {{convert|08|°C|°F}}
|timezone = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|utc_offset =5:30
|coordinates = {{coord|20|43|11|N|84|31|48|E|display=inline,title}}
|elevation_footnotes =
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|website =
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}}

[[File:Main gate of Maa Binikeyee Peetha, Athmallik.JPG|thumb|Main gate of Maa Binikeyee Peetha, Athmallik.]]
'''Athmallik''' is a town and a [[notified area committee]] and One of the 4 Sub division of [[Angul district]] in the state of [[Odisha]], India.<ref name="GM">{{cite map|title= Maps|publisher=[[Google Maps]]}}</ref>

== History ==
{{main|Athmallik State}}
Athmallik was initially an estate ([[jagir]]) which was recognized as a [[princely state]] in 1874. Athmallik was one among the 26 feudatory states of Odisha. Kaintragarh was the capital of Athmallik State, being carved out of the erstwhile [[Baudh State|Baudh]] ex-feudatory state. In the 11th century it became a separate princely state, established by King Prattap Deo, a scion of the Kadamba Dynasty. Prattap Deo was said to have found a ''Honda'' (Metal Vessel) which was considered to be lucky enough, after which the territory was then named as "Hondpa". In the course of time, one of the chiefs divided the ex-state into eight divisions and placed one sub-chief called "Malla" in each division with a view of suppressing the unruly tribes; on this basis the kingdom changed its name from "Hondpa" to "Athmallik". The state merged with Dhenknal from the rule of Kishore Chandra Dev in 1948 and remained under Dhenkanal District until 31 March 1993. Due to bifurcation of the District Athmallik, a Sub-Division, is now under Angul District, as from 1993.

=== Rajas ===
Rajas of the princedom are as follows:.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rulers.org/indstat1.html|title=Rulers|publisher=Rulers.org|accessdate=26 October 2012}}</ref>

* Jogendra Samant (1874 - 1877)right
* Mahendra Deo Samant (4 Feb 1877 - 190.)
* Bibhendra Deo Samant (190.- 3 Nov 1918)
* Kishor Chandra Deo Samant (b. 1904) (3 Nov 1918 – 15 Aug 1947)
* Raja Surajmani Deo Samant (b. 1995)

== Demographics ==
{{As of|2001}} India [[census]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archivedate=2004-06-16|title= Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)|accessdate=2008-11-01|work= |publisher= Census Commission of India}}</ref> Athmallik had a population of 11,383. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Athmallik has an average literacy rate of 65%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 59% of the males and 41% of females literate. 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.

== Outstanding personalities ==
Athmallik is the birthplace of the internationally renowned [[Sweden|Swedish]] artist [[P K Mahanandia|Pradyumna Mahandia]]. Mahanndia was the portrait painter of [[Indira Gandhi]] before he went away to Sweden on a bi-cycle to meet his lady love ''Lotta''. [[Sanjay Leela Bhansali]] is a making a film on Mahandia's early life in Athmallik.

== How to Go ==
Athmallik is located at 235 km from [[Bhubaneswar]], 200 km from [[Cuttack]] and 160 km from Sambalpur and is well connected by road. The nearest railhead is at Boinda, 36 km from here, connected with the major cities of India. Nearest Airport is at Bhubaneswar.

== Accommodation ==
A circuit house (reservation authority is Sub-Collector, Athmallik), an Inspection Bungalow of public works department (reservation authority is Executive Engineer, R & B, Dhenkanal), a Guest house of Manjore Irrigation Project (reservation authority Executive Engineer) and a dharmasala managed by NAC provide accommodation facilities to the tourists. However the comfort loving travellers are advised to stay at Angul and cover the shrine in a day by hiring a vehicle.

==Education==
Athmallik has a few good educational and institutions. It houses many [[Odia language|Oriya]], Hindi, and English-medium schools (School).
Athamallik College (Junior & Degree) is the key centre for education in this area.

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
Pasayat, C. (1994), "Myth and Reality in Little Tradition: A Study of Dandanata in Orissa" in ''Man in India'', Vol.74, No.4, December 1994, pp. 413–427.

==External links==
*{{Commons category-inline}}
{{Angul district}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cities and towns in Angul district]]