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Panieli Poru - A lesser known tourist destination
Water and rocks together make for a picturesque scene at Panieli
Poru, a little known spot on the eastern tracts of Ernakulam district.
Situated along the Malayattoor forest tracts, 20 km from Perumbavoor,
the place casts an enchanting spell that mesmerises the visitor.
The Periyar gushes along the rocky terrain here.
The rivulets of the Periyar, having separated upstream, join hands
at the spot and continue the onward journey. The flowing water makes
a symphony along with the chirping of the birds in the nearby forest.
It is indeed an alluring locale for those who have a love for nature's
splendour.
Life buoys available
The crystal clear water looks shallow and tempting, but there are
many dangerous spots within the rocky bed. About 80 people have
lost their lives in the areas within the last eight years, according
to local people.
Warning signals and boards have been put up at a few of such spots.
The Vana Samrakshana Samiti, an initiative of the Forest department
and the district administration, in association with other departments
and the local people, has drawn up a plan to streamline the tourism
activity here.The Samithy has been entrusted with the task of curbing
the menace of drinking among the holiday-makers.
The flowing water here has medicinal properties derived out of the
rich herbal presence in the area, says K.K. Linzy, president of
the samiti. Many visitors swim in the water for hours together.
Life buoys are being deployed to ensure the safety of the adventurous
lot.
Watchtower
A wooden watchtower, which could be double up as a tourism project,
is under construction.
The ideal time to visit the place is between November and May, says
Sasi, a guide and member of the samiti. Even during the monsoon
season there are many visitors, he says.
During peak season, about 400 people visit the place daily. With
a little more guidance and support from the Forest department and
other agencies, the flow of tourists is bound to grow.
And, what does the name Poru stand for? The Malayalam word `Poru'
means fight. It is the place of fight between rocks and water, hence
the name.
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