# Illikkal Kallu Backside

Illikkal Kallu Backside is a rugged, lesser-known natural attraction located approximately 5–6 kilometers from Moonnilavu village in the Kottayam district of Kerala, India. Situated on the western slopes of the Illikkal Mala hill range in the Western Ghats, it is an untamed extension of the more prominent Illikkal Kallu, a 1,200-metre-high monolith renowned for its dramatic landscape. Known for its unrestricted access, pristine vistas, and opportunities for adventure, Illikkal Kallu Backside appeals to trekkers, campers, and nature enthusiasts seeking solitude away from commercialized tourist circuits. Its proximity to Moonnilavu positions it within the village's emerging eco-tourism landscape.

## Geography

Illikkal Kallu Backside is part of the Illikkal Mala ridge, a segment of the Western Ghats in Kerala's Kottayam district. Located at an elevation of approximately 3,400–4,0001,219 meters) above sea level, it shares its altitude range with Illikkal Kallu. The site features a broad, rocky hilltop with sparse shrubbery, grassy patches, and steep inclines, offering unobstructed views of mist-clad hills, deep valleys, and, on clear days, distant plains. Unlike Illikkal Kallu, where half the monolith has naturally split away, the backside lacks such a distinct geological feature but compensates with its expansive, untouched terrain. Mountain streams from Illikkal Mala, feeding the Meenachil River, are audible nearby, though less prominent than at the main site. Its isolation and minimal human intervention preserve its raw, natural character.

### Flora and Fauna

The Illikkal Mala region, encompassing the backside, supports a diverse Western Ghats ecosystem. Vegetation includes hardy shrubs, seasonal wildflowers, and patches of tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen flora typical of mid-to-high elevations. While specific species for the backside are not extensively documented, the broader area is associated with rare medicinal herbs, including the mythical Neela Koduveli, though its presence here remains unverified. Fauna comprises birdlife such as vultures and buzzards, occasionally observed overhead, as reported by visitors in 2024 TripAdvisor reviews. Smaller wildlife—squirrels, butterflies, and possibly langurs—may inhabit the slopes, though the rocky terrain limits larger mammals.

## Access

Illikkal Kallu Backside is accessible via a trek of 40 minutes to over an hour from Moonnilavu village (5–6 km) or a shorter route from the Illikkal Kallu base, where jeep services terminate 1–2 km away. The trail is unmarked, featuring rocky surfaces and steep inclines, requiring moderate to advanced trekking skills. Unlike Illikkal Kallu, which offers jeep rides and an entry fee, the backside has no formal infrastructure or charges. Visitors typically approach via the Erattupetta–Moonnilavu road, parking near Moonnilavu or the Illikkal base before proceeding on foot. The nearest town, Teekoy, is 10–12 km away, with Kottayam city approximately 57 km southwest.

## Features

The site's primary feature is its expansive, unrestricted hilltop, offering a tranquil alternative to Illikkal Kallu's regulated summit. It provides 360-degree vistas of the Western Ghats, valleys, and occasional distant plains, often enveloped in mist post-monsoon. The terrain, with flat rocky areas, supports camping under minimal light pollution, ideal for stargazing. Its lack of fencing allows free exploration, though steep drops necessitate caution. Seasonal wildflowers and breezy conditions enhance its appeal, with visitors describing a “top-of-the-world” sensation amid cool winds and fog.

## Tourism and Activities

Illikkal Kallu Backside attracts adventurers and those seeking solitude, with key activities including:
* Trekking: The unmarked trail offers a moderate-to-strenuous challenge, with slippery rocks noted during monsoons (June–September).
* Camping: The open hilltop, free of restrictions, is suitable for overnight stays, requiring self-supplied gear.
* Photography: Dramatic landscapes, especially at sunrise and sunset, draw photographers, with mist adding a mystical effect.
The optimal visiting period is October to March, when clear skies and temperatures of 20–25 °C enhance visibility and comfort. Monsoon visits showcase lush greenery but increase risks due to wet conditions.

### Visitor Experiences

Recent 2024 feedback highlights the site's growing appeal. A motorbike enthusiast on Team-BHP (October 2024) praised its “stunning natural beauty” and “serene isolation” after an impromptu ride, though noted steep, curvy access roads. A TripAdvisor reviewer (June 2024) called it a “great spot to chill,” citing fresh air and sparse crowds, despite minor litter concerns. Visitors consistently laud the breathtaking views and adventurous trek, though some caution about hazardous descents and poor road conditions, corroborated by Onmanorama's July 2024 safety report.

## Practical Information

No entry fees or facilities (e.g., restrooms, electricity) are available, necessitating self-sufficiency in food, water, and camping gear. The nearest amenities are in Moonnilavu (shops, homestays) or Teekoy. Mobile coverage is patchy, and navigation tools (e.g., GPS) are recommended due to the trail's isolation. Sturdy footwear and weather checks are advised, particularly post-monsoon. The site's proximity to Illikkal Kallu (a 30-minute trek apart) allows combined visits, though its tranquility sets it apart.

## Significance

Illikkal Kallu Backside enhances Moonnilavu's eco-tourism profile by offering an uncommercialized contrast to Illikkal Kallu. While lacking the cultural lore of its neighbor (e.g., Neela Koduveli tales), its rugged simplicity and pristine state appeal to niche adventurers. It indirectly supports local economies through visitor spending on guides and homestays in Moonnilavu, maintaining its status as a secluded retreat within Kerala's tourism landscape.