Kuttikanam
Kuttikanam
Kuttikanam is a strikingly beautiful hill station, located near Peermade, in Idukki district. Kuttikanam is a must-visit destination for those who feel free in the mountains. The seemingly endless cardamom and tea plantations, and the milky white clouds hanging low over the lush green mountain tops add to the exquisite charm of the place. There is a golf course and Ayurvedic center in Kuttikanam for those looking for rest and rejuvenation. When it is hot in the plains, board a bus to Kuttikanam and lose yourself in the misty mountains.
History
In the 16th century the territory was under the rule of Changanacherry kings and was uninhabited. In 1756, the King of Travancore conquered Changanacherry, and brought the place under his supremacy. A Church Mission Society missionary, Henry Baker, started coffee plantations, and under the regency of Sri Moolam Thirunal these became tea plantations.
Under the British Raj in India, Kuttikkanam became an up-market resort. Since at first there was no road but only a pathway, the British started the Aerial Ropeway Ltd, Travancore state's first public limited company. The summer palace of the Travancore kings was located in Kuttikkanam.
During the British period and after, manpower was brought to Kuttikkanam from various parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The descendants of these migrant workers constitute the major part of the population of Kuttikkanam