Naalumanikkaattu – Road-side Fun ‘n Food

Naalumanikkaattu
Naalumanikkaattu

Naalumanikkaattu – Road-side Fun ‘n Food:

“Naalumanikkaattu” is a road-side park, or an amusement stop-over on the Manarcad-Ettumanoor Bypass road, close to Thiruvanchoor. The locality is called Palamuri, which is 2.7 km from Manarcadu junction on the Kottayam-Kumily Road.

You can park your vehicle, enjoy the caressing cool breeze (the term “Naalumanikkaattu” in Malayalam means “the 4’O clock breeze”), and relax on the benches provided here. The scenic view has lush green paddy fields on either sides, especially charming towards the end of monsoon and winter seasons.

Activities, Amenities and the Fun:

There are a few games and activities for kids – like swings, a snake boat model, a big slide, outdoor metal climbing toy etc. There’s also a small Butterfly Garden at one end of the stretch.

You can also find a small Library that rents books while you are at the park. If you wish to take the book(s) home, you can do so since the book’s price has to be kept as a security deposit with the librarian.

There are a few food counters that serve traditional Kerala dishes and snacks like Kaachil Puzhungiyathu, Kappa Veyichathu, Chempu Puzhungiyathu, Parippu Vada, Uzhunnu Vada, Pazham Pori, served with tasty Chutney and other side dishes or curries. Most of the food-counters are run by Kudumbashree members.

Most of these activities and food counters operate during prime leisure hours like Weekend & Holidays’ evenings, or between 4 PM and 7 PM on weekdays. The reason is obvious – not many people stop by at other times of the day.

During major vacations and festival seasons, cultural programs are also conducted at “Naalumanikkaattu”.

nalumanikattu-pic2

“Naalumanikkaattu”, as a project, is maintained by the Manarcad-Ettumanoor Bypass Residents’ Association. It was when the public road that stretched over 2 km became a garbage dump-yard for the uncivilized passers-by, that the association thought about the wonderful idea of converting it into a road-side Park.

The Residents’ Association turned their idea into a reality with the technical support from Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences, and the Park with its charming name “Naalumanikkaattu” came into being in 2011.

The next time you plan to take the Manarcad-Ettumanoor Bypass road, do stop by “Naalumanikkaattu”, and enjoy the cool breeze and food.

 

Watch a video from Amritha TV’s “Thattukada” show:

Watch another video by the “timepass” group:

Location Map:

If you can’t see the embedded location map above, click here.