They say the best views come after the hardest climbs, but sometimes, the best views are hiding right in your backyard, waiting to be discovered. This is exactly how it feels to visit Oorakam Hill, a hidden treasure tucked away in the Malappuram district of Kerala.
Imagine standing 2,000 feet above the ground, where the wind whispers in your ears and the clouds feel close enough to touch. This isn’t just a hill; it is a place where history sleeps and the modern world looks like a toy set below.
The Journey Begins
The adventure starts on the Malappuram-Vengara State Highway. You leave the busy town traffic behind and turn off at a spot called Oorakam Poolapees.
For the next 4 kilometers, you travel along a winding path. The road here is what you might call "medium"—it isn't a silky smooth highway, but it isn't a rough off-road track either. It is a manageable drive that most vehicles can handle with ease. As you drive up, the air starts to get cooler, offering a refreshing break from the heat of the plains below.
The Steep Climb
Once you reach the base, the vehicle stops, and your feet take over. It is a steep trek, but don't worry—it’s short. For 20 to 30 minutes, you climb upward. Your heart might pump faster, but the surrounding greenery keeps you going. The locals call this area "Mini Ooty," and as you look at the rolling green slopes, you understand why.
The Summit: Where Planes Meet Peaks
Reaching the top feels like unlocking a secret level in a video game. The view opens up in a massive 360-degree panorama.
The Highlight: On a clear day, you can look into the distance and spot the Calicut International Airport. It is a surreal experience to stand on a wild, windy hilltop and watch tiny airplanes silently gliding down to land miles away.
Right at the peak, you will find a fenced-off signal light. It stands there like a lonely sentinel, guiding pilots in the dark night. Standing next to it, watching the sunset paint the sky in orange and purple, you can see the whole district of Malappuram and the winding paths of the Western Ghats laid out before you.
A 2,000-Year-Old Secret
But Oorakam Hill isn't just about views; it is about time travel. Just when you think this is purely a nature spot, you stumble upon an ancient structure built entirely of granite.
This is a Jain Temple, believed to be over 2,000 years old. It is one of the oldest religious sites in Kerala. Standing there, touching the cold, ancient stones, you realize that people have been climbing this hill to find peace for thousands of years. If you visit during October or November (the month of Thulam), the silence is replaced by the vibrant sounds of the annual temple festival.
A Note to the Traveler
As you walk back down, leaving the mist behind, there is a bittersweet feeling. You might notice stone quarries nearby—a reminder that this beautiful hill is fragile and under threat. It makes you appreciate the moment even more.
Traveler’s Notebook:
Best Plan: Go early for the sunrise or stay late for the sunset.
The Drive: The road is decent and accessible for most vehicles.
The Vibe: Peaceful, misty, and historic.
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