Aanakkulam, Water reservoir in Mankulam Village, Idukki district, India.
Aanakkulam is a natural water reservoir nestled in mountainous terrain within Idukki district, surrounded by thick forest cover and rolling slopes. The basin sits in a landscape where vegetation rises steeply on all sides, creating a sheltered setting.
The region contains traces of human settlement from Neolithic times, as evidenced by megalithic structures and stone graves found across Idukki district. These archaeological remains show that the area has been inhabited for thousands of years.
The name means 'Pond of Elephants' in Malayalam, reflecting the landscape's traditional role as a gathering place for wildlife. This connection shaped how local people have understood and valued this water source over generations.
Private transportation from Kothamangalam, about 45 kilometers away, provides the most straightforward access to the site. Before planning a visit, check local road conditions, as the remote location means conditions can vary by season.
Wild elephants in the area consistently choose this water source over other bodies of water, drawn to specific qualities of the water itself. This animal preference reveals a natural value to the location that visitors often miss.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
