Student Projects/The Misty Hills of Kudayathoor

Kudayathoor is located in Elamdesam block on the Kottayam-Idukki border, in Idukki district, Kerala. The towering presence of the Western Ghats on its one side adds to its pristine beauty.The village has attracted trekking enthusiasts and travellers over time. It used to be a hidden getaway known only to a few people from other places. It is a favoured spot for film shooting. Kunjikoonan (2002 film), Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum, Kadha Parayumbol, Vismayathumbathu, Drishyam, Rasathanthram etc. are some of the Malayalam films shot here. The Thodupuzha river flows through the village. Kudayathoor is used as the catchement of Malankara dam, a hydro electric power plant located in Muttom.

Etymology
The name Kudayathoor comes from the Malayalam words "Kuda" meaning umbrella and "Oor" meaning village. Kudayathor literally means "the village which is always under the umbrella". One reason for this name might be that it receives rainfall throughout the year and heavy rainfall during monsoon. The other reason might be that it is covered by the canopies of tropical wet evergreen forest.

Geography
The village has an area of about 20.93 km2. The forest here is tropical wet evergreen forest. Endemic species like the Malabar grey hornbill, the Malabar gaint squirrel, and the Indian gaint flying squirrel are found here.

Occupations
Agriculture is the main source of income, rubber being majorly cultivated. Other crops like tapioca, pepper, mangoes, pineapples, clove, turmeric, ginger, cocoa, etc. are also cultivated. Paddy is also grown in small-scales along the slopes.

Facilities
A few shops are found in the village especially along the Thodupuzha-Puliyanmala road and very few in its interiors.

Education There are government and aided schools in the village having classes 1-12 and the colleges are around 8-12 km away.

Medical There is a small clinical laboratory and also a primary health centre.

Religion
The religions followed here are Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. All the communities live here together in peace and harmony.

Places to visit
Kudayathoor bridge

The Kudayathoor bridge is a must to see location in the village. The spot offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountain ranges.

Muthiyamala

It takes about 2 hours to trek the mountain from the base. There is also a road that leads up halfway uphill from where it takes about an hour's trek to the top. The view from there is breathtaking.

Nearby tourist locations
Ilaveezhapoonchira, Vagamon, Ulupunni, Illikkal Kallu, waterfalls such as Njandirukki, Mechal, Kattikayam, Kadapuzha waterfalls, etc. are some of the other beautiful places to visit loacted close to Kudayathoor.