Tucked away in the serene hills of Kerala's Idukki district lies a hidden gem – Nadukani Pavilion. Perched at an altitude of 3000 feet above sea level, this hilltop viewpoint offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the Western Ghats. Our visit here turned into a peaceful evening adventure, complete with golden light, misty mountains, and a valley lit up like a painting. Let me take you through this beautiful journey.
📍 Where is Nadukani Pavilion?
Nadukani is located between Thodupuzha and Idukki, right along the Thodupuzha–Puliyanmala Highway. After crossing Asoka Junction, we climbed up 12 exciting hairpin bends to reach this scenic spot, nestled close to Kulamavu. This makes it a perfect detour if you're exploring Idukki’s many hill stations or on a route to nearby dams and viewpoints.
🏞 What to Expect
As soon as you reach Nadukani Pavilion, you're greeted with a sweeping view of:
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Moolamattom town
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Malankara Reservoir
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The river flowing from the Moolamattom hydroelectric power station
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Rolling green hills, with Ilaveezhapoonchira right in front
A two-storeyed stone structure built in 1966 by Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) serves as a viewing platform. It was originally built as part of the Idukki Hydroelectric Project and is now a peaceful getaway for locals and travelers alike.
🎟 Entry & Facilities
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Entry Fee: ₹25 for adults, ₹15 for children
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A children's park nearby makes it a great family outing spot
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Small tea stall and an eco shop selling local products and spices
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Seating areas and railings for safe viewing
🌅 Why Visit in the Evening?
Evenings at Nadukani are pure magic. As the sun sets, the skies turn golden and the valley below begins to light up, revealing twinkling towns and the glowing river. It felt like watching a real-life painting unfold in front of our eyes. The backdrop of towering mountains made the moment even more surreal.
We even caught a glimpse of the Greenberg Resort, made famous by the Malayalam movie 12th Man. If you're planning a trip to that resort, Nadukani Pavilion is a must-stop en route.
🗺 Nearby Attractions
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Kulamavu Dam – Just 5 km away
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Thumpichi Viewpoint – Great for a wider view of the Malankara Reservoir
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Ilaveezhapoonchira – Already explored in a previous video (linked above!)
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Moolamattom Power Station – Asia's first underground hydroelectric power station
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