Tired of visiting the cliché holiday spots lacking a new adventure? Let us introduce you to a lesser known yet unique spot near Thekkady which would definitely be an unforgettable part of your trip. Anchuruli is a potential tourist destination that has left the rushing tourists baffled for its spooky yet curious 5.5 kilometers long tunnel. The name ‘Anchuruli’ means ‘five vessels’, and is known so as it gives a magnificent view the five mighty hills of Idukki which are visible when the water levels of reservoir are low. Located at a distance of 30kms from Hills and Hues Resort, with one hour drive, you can easily reach the place. Built in 1984, and inaugurated in 1980, the tunnel used to carry water from Erattayar dam to Idukki reservoir. The mammoth tunnel was built from two places and joined in the middle and about 22 workers died in the course of its construction period. The tunnel, which located at the highest
point of the Kalyanathandu hill was used for the climax scene in the movie “Iyyobinde Pusthakam”- Malayalam Movie. Though it is not advisable to walk through the huge musty tunnel when the water level rises in rainy season, we can take a stroll when the water dries up to a bare minimum during summer. It is a chilly experience to walk through the long and mysterious tunnel with water flowing up to your knee level. Due to the huge tourist rush to this area, the village panchayat has planned to integrate tourism activities of Anchuruli with the Ayyappancoil village nearby where they have the famous shastha shrine. The new face lift that Anchuruli gets will definitely bring out the fame that it deserves. The striking rustic look of the tunnel with the towering hills of Idukki surrounding it makes
Anchuruli a perfect photography spot. So pack your pack your bags and leave to Anchuruli if you are looking for a different holiday experience.

Best time to visit Anchuruli
The most advisable time to visit Anchuruli is during the summer when the water level is low and you can confidently take a long walk through the tunnel without a fear of slipping and facing strong currents. Yet if you want to avoid the scotching heat, the best time would be from September to the last of March.

How to reach Anchuruli
The nearest airport is Madurai at a distance of 163 kilometers, from where you can take a cab to Anchuruli. You can also fly down at Cochin International Airport which is at a distance of 120 kilometers from Anchuruli. If the plan is to come by a train, the nearest railway station is at Kottayam (110 kilometers. From there, you can take a cab or public transport. If you are planning a road trip, you can drive 9 kilometers from Kattapana via Elappara to reach Anchuruli. From kochi, you can drive 120 kilometers via Kottayam Pala route to reach Anchuruli.

Hotels/Resorts nearby Anchuruli
Thekkady, being a famous tourist destination has a huge tourist flow each year which has brought in many hotels and hostels in the area. If you are looking for luxury resorts in Thekkady, there are numerous options. Hills and Hues, located at a distance of 30 kilometers from Anchuruli, is the best boutique resort in Kerala. Located at just 4 kilometers from Thekkady town, the place offers a breathtaking view of hills, valleys and woods. Get ready to plunge into the marvelous infinity pool and have a cup of sizzling tea hearing the chirping of birds and embracing the chilly wind from the woods. Sit back and get a spa or a massage or ho hiking into the mountains from here.