Calvari Mount View Point - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Kalvari Mount Viewpoint (also known as Calvari Mount Viewpoint) offers charming views of the Idukki Reservoir, the hills of the Western Ghat Mountains and the tribal villages surrounding it. Situated 1,200 meters above sea level, here one would marvel at the sight of sprawling 15 km of waters of the Idukki Reservoir and the ability of nature to redesign itself to human interventions.

The views at the Kalavari Mount Viewpoint

Upon reaching the viewpoint area, visitors would have to hike to the top of Kalvari Mountain. It is a short and easy hike of about a kilometre - only bikes and SUV’s can reach the top as the road is unpaved and narrow. Once at the top, you will be amazed to see the breathtaking views surrounding it. The mountain is filled with tall grasses, and a large cross and bench overlooks Idukki reservoir. The two most prominent tribal villages of the region- Kamakshy and Mariyapuram also can be seen from the viewpoint at a distance. 

Idukki reservoir was formed after the implementation of Idukki Hydroelectric Project in 1975. Three dams - Idukki, Cheruthoni, and Kulamavu hold the water of the Periyar river and use it for Hydroelectric power generation at a power plant in Moolamattom. Idukki Dam is one of the largest arch dams in Asia.

Visitors who are planning to stay overnight at the mount have option to stay in small huts managed by the forest division. Each of the huts can accommodate five people, and comes with basic sanitation facilities.

The Christian connection

In addition to being a beautiful viewpoint, Kalvari Mountain serves as a Christian pilgrim centre. The pilgrims climb the hill during the days of Lent and Good Friday. Fourteen crosses are placed at regular intervals on the way to the top, with the largest one at the peak of the mountain.

Getting to Kalvari mount and best time to visit

Kalavari Mount is located in Narakakkanam Town in Idukki District of Kerala State in Southern India. It is located 5 km from Idukki Town, en route to Kattappana. Idukki and Kattappana are connected to the rest of the districts by buses. The nearest major railway stations are in Ernakulam (111 km) and Kottayam (112 km) from where there are direct buses to Idukki and Kattappana.

The viewpoint is open throughout the year offering different views in each month. During monsoon season between June to August, it will be covered in mist most of the time. After the monsoons it offers the clearest views of the surroundings. Evenings are the best time to visit as the viewpoint offers a breathtaking vista of the sun setting behind the waters of the reservoir.