Kuttikkanam is one of the Western Ghats’ most underrated trekking hubs, with a compact cluster of viewpoints, hill slopes, waterfalls, and forest paths that suit everyone from first‑time hikers to seasoned monsoon trekkers. 

This guide profiles the best trekking trails around Kuttikkanam, explains difficulty and highlights, and gives practical tips so you can turn them into a 1–2 day trekking‑focused itinerary.

Why trek in Kuttikkanam?

Kuttikkanam sits on the Kottayam–Kumily corridor, surrounded by tea, cardamom and coffee estates, shola forest patches, and rolling grass hills, which means most trails combine viewpoints, plantations and cool misty weather even in summer.

Distances between major spots like Parunthumpara, Peeru Hills, Madammakkulam, and viewpoints such as Peelikunnu are short, so you can realistically cover multiple treks in a single day with a vehicle as base support.

Key trekking types you get here include:

• Short, family‑friendly walks to viewpoints (Parunthumpara, roadside sections of Peeru Hills)

• 1–3 km forest and plantation hikes (Peelikunnu, Peeru Hills inner trails)

• Slightly more adventurous off‑road plus short treks to waterfalls like Madammakkulam

1. Parunthumpara Viewpoint Trek

Parunthumpara, is one of the most iconic hilltop viewpoints near Kuttikkanam, located between Peermade and Thekkady and known for its eagle‑shaped rock and 360‑degree views over deep valleys and layered Western Ghats ridges.

It sits roughly 14 km from Kuttikkanam and about 6–7 km from Peermade, making it an easy early‑morning or late‑afternoon excursion from either base.

Trail character:

• The main access involves a short walk of a few hundred metres from the parking area along paved or stepped paths to multiple viewpoints, suitable for beginners and families.

• The best time for trekkers and photographers is sunrise or sunset, when the grass slopes glow in golden light and clouds sometimes fill the valley, but fog can drastically reduce visibility in the monsoon.

For safety, avoid venturing beyond fenced areas or rocky outcrops during mist or strong winds, as there are sharp drops and past visitor reviews repeatedly stress staying within the designated zone.

2. Peeru Hills Forest and Ridge Trail

Peeru Hills lies only about 4–5 km from Kuttikkanam and doubles as both a natural and spiritual trekking destination because it is associated with the Sufi saint Peer Mohammed and features his tomb in the area. As a relatively less‑commercialised hill zone, it offers quieter forest trails, birdwatching, and picnic spots compared to Parunthumpara’s crowds.

Trekking features:

• From the Kuttikkanam side, trails run through tea gardens and mixed forest, with gentle to moderate gradients ideal for half‑day hikes.

• The ridge portions open out to long valley views towards Peermade and neighbouring hills, and the region’s cultural importance adds a devotional layer to the trek if you also visit the saint’s shrine.

Monsoon increases leech activity and makes the soil slippery, so closed shoes, leech socks or salt, and trekking poles are strongly recommended if you plan deeper forest explorations rather than just the outer viewpoints.

3. Peelikunnu Viewpoint Hike (via Ammachikottaram)

Peelikunnu is a lesser‑known but highly rewarding hill viewpoint near Kuttikkanam, often accessed via the historic Ammachikottaram (the old Travancore royal summer retreat).

Travel videos and local write‑ups describe Peelikunnu as giving a “drone‑like” aerial view of Kuttikkanam town and surrounding plantations, while remaining relatively unexplored compared to mainstream spots.

Trail details:

• From Kuttikkanam junction, you typically turn off towards Ammachikottaram; from near the palace area, you then walk roughly 1–1.5 km on tracks and paths to reach the Peelikunnu hill viewpoint.

• An elevation reference of around 950 m has been cited for Peelikunnu Peak, meaning weather is pleasantly cool and the trail passes through tea estates and open grass slopes with clear sightlines.

This makes Peelikunnu ideal for sunrise or sunset treks for those who want good views with moderate effort and a “hidden gem” feel, and it combines well with a heritage walk at Ammachikottaram and a quick stop at the nearby Peer Mohammed tomb.

4. Madammakkulam Waterfalls Trek

Madammakkulam Waterfalls, a less‑explored cascade near Kuttikkanam, blends a short trek with off‑road or jeep access and is known for its serene atmosphere, natural pond, and dense green surroundings. The name comes from a British lady (“Madamma”) who is said to have frequented the spot during the colonial era, with “kulam” meaning pond in Malayalam.

Access and trek:

• Kerala Tourism notes that from Kuttikkanam you travel towards Kattappana and turn left after roughly 1.5 km to head to the falls, with the final stretch involving off‑roading; visitor descriptions mention that from the last drivable point you walk about 200 m down to the waterfall area.

• The waterfall is around 60 feet high, and the pool at its base is popular for dips in the right season, but the flow becomes stronger during peak monsoon and rocks can be slippery, so local guidance and caution are essential.

As a trekking experience, Madammakkulam is more about the destination than a long hike, but you can pair the outing with nearby hill walks or plantation paths to turn it into a fuller half‑day trek.

5. Sunrise and Ridge Treks: Panchalimedu and Kokkad Hills

Regional travelogues and local videos around Kuttikkanam often highlight sunrise treks and ridge walks to nearby hills like Panchalimedu and Kokkad (sometimes called Kokkad Hills or Suicide Point), which are usually approached from the Kuttikkanam–Peermade–Vagamon belt.

Panchalimedu in particular is known as a mythologically linked hill station associated with the Pandavas and is famous for steep ascents to grassy hilltops where you can view the distant Makara Jyothi during the Sabarimala season.

Trail overview:

• Panchalimedu generally requires a steep but not very long climb up to rolling grasslands and wind‑swept ridges, making it a strong candidate for those wanting more effort and big views; it is often clubbed with sunrise photography.

• Kokkad areas featured in local vlogs list them as dramatic cliff‑edge viewpoints reachable as part of multi‑stop rides that also include Valanjanganam Falls, Ammachikottaram, and Peelikunnu, so they work well as short, scenic out‑and‑back treks from roadside parking spots.

Both hills can be extremely windy and foggy, so trekkers should carry layered clothing, avoid cliff edges in low visibility, and respect any local signboards around restricted or unsafe zones.

Practical trekking tips for Kuttikkanam

For a trekking‑focused trip, the most rewarding period is usually between October and February, when skies are clearer, temperatures are comfortable, and major viewpoints like Parunthumpara, Peelikunnu and Panchalimedu offer reliable visibility.

During the southwest monsoon (June–September), waterfalls and forests are lush and dramatic, but paths become slippery and leeches are common, so good footwear, leech protection, and flexible plans are essential.

Useful pointers:

Start major viewpoints (Parunthumpara, Panchalimedu, Peelikunnu) at dawn or just after sunrise to beat crowds and get unobstructed photos, then shift to shaded forest trails like Peeru Hills or waterfall treks like Madammakkulam once the sun rises higher.

Carry water, light snacks, a rain jacket, and basic first‑aid; respect local restrictions, stay behind safety barriers at cliffs, and consider hiring local guides for lesser‑known trails to reduce the risk of getting lost in misty conditions.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose the easy walk to Parunthumpara, the quiet forest lines of Peeru Hills, or the hidden charm of Peelikunnu, each trail feels like a slow reset for the mind. The distances are short, the treks are flexible, and every route carries that gentle Western Ghats magic.

Staying at Misty Mountain Experience in Kuttikkanam can make this entire trekking circuit even more effortless. You can wake up to cold mountain air, step out for a sunrise trek, return for a warm breakfast, and head out again to another trail by noon. It’s the perfect blend of adventure and comfort.

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