Devikulam

Devikulam is a wonderful picnic spot located 8 kilometres away from Munnar. Its velvet lawns and vast range of exotic flora and fauna have made it a must visit spot for all who are in the vicinity. The nearby Sita Devi Lake is frequented by visitors throughout the year. Its pristine waters and picturesque surroundings make it a beautiful location to unwind. This area is also perfect for trout fishing.

The name Devikulam is a combination of two words Devi from the goddess Devi and kulam meaning pond. According to legend, the goddess Sita Devi bathed in Devikulam Lake now named as Sita Devi Lake. The lake draws tourists not only because of its sacredness but also for the curative powers of its mineral waters. The lake is also idle for trout fishing. The scenic beauty, adventure sports, beliefs and religion come together to make the Sita Devi Lake a major tourist attraction in Devikulam.

The lush green open spaces and the high cliffs of Devikulam provide scope for hiking and mountaineering. There are several tea plantations in and around Devikulam that add to the charm of the hill resort. The gum trees in red and blue are the other major highlights of the natural vegetation at Devikulam. For those of the tourists to Devikulam interested in visiting the tea estates, tea plantations or the factories conducted tours are available. Power House Waterfall, Lock Heart Gap and Anayirankal Dam are the nearest attractions to Devikulam.

Prior permission from Tata Tea Regional Officer (Kanan Devan Hills Plantations - at KDHP House in Munnar) is required in order to visit the lake. There are a lot of small places where you can stay for the night. The Government owned Guest House at Devikulam ensures a comfortable stay in the midst of the misty slopes of the Western Ghats.

History Behind Devikulam
The story behind the naming of Sita Devi Lake, and subsequently the very hill station of Devikulam, lies in the Ramayana, the Hindu epic which is often regarded as religious text. They say that Sita, who is oftentimes conferred the title of god, took a bath in this lake.
The lake is high in essential minerals, making it therapeutic. This is also, at times, attributed to the tale of Sita bathing in this lake. A dip in the Sita Devi Lake is said to cure many diseases, just as many other natural mineral pools in many parts of the world are through to do.
The Malayali translation of Devikulam is ‘lake of the goddess’ (as ‘devi’ means ‘goddess’ and ‘kulam’ means ‘pond’), giving proof that the place was named after the very lake that calls it home.