Why Leonardo DiCaprio Fell in Love with Ramakkalmedu ?

THE CONNECTION WITH DICAPRIO

Any relation between the Titanic fame, Oscar award-winning Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio, and Ramakkalmedu? A small hill town in Idukki district in the state of Kerala, India. “Yes” is the answer, as he was awestruck by the natural beauty of this place. For him, this place was like, “If there is a paradise on earth, it is here.” That was the tag he gave to this beautiful, picturesque spot during a short holiday spent here.

WHERE IS RAMAKKALMEDU

Ramakkalmedu is in the state of Kerala, India, close to the border with Tamil Nadu — a destination not very popular, but highly attractive with its natural landscape and bright surroundings.
It is part of the Idukki district, not far from Kattappana, in the southernmost state of India, proudly known as God’s Own Country.

This is one of the few places in South Kerala still known for its natural beauty rather than man-made buildings and shopping complexes that look like concrete jungles. Within a short distance, you can explore many spots connected to Asia’s largest arch dam — the famous Idukki Dam.

THE MYTH WITH EPIC RAMAYANA

For those fond of myths, this place has a connection with Lord Rama of the Ramayana. The name Ramakkalmedu literally means “Land of Rama’s Stone.” It’s also known for its strong winds, which is why many windmills are installed across the area.

The journey to the location may not look so exciting at first. We parked our car and started walking towards the entrance, where there were two paths — one leading to a gentle hill, and the other towards rocky terrain that looked slightly steep, more like a small trek. We chose the second one, curious about what awaited us.

THE PATH IS NARROW WHEN YOU START

The path was steep but manageable, with small steps at places. Sometimes we passed through narrow spaces, spending time taking photos and selfies. The view kept changing — every few steps opened up a different landscape.

Many couples and groups were seen enjoying this easy trek, if it can be called so. After a few minutes, we reached an open area that offered a beautiful, wide view — Tamil Nadu could be seen far away on the other side. A tall cluster of rocks stood ahead, with a few people already at the top. We decided to move further, hoping to climb the peak through the cleared pathways along the plains.

THERE WAS A SURPRISE ON THE WAY

It’s not always just the mesmerizing beauty that makes a trip memorable, but also the natural surprises that come along the way. As we walked towards the rocky mountain, one such moment arrived.

On our right stood a gigantic rock beside a deep valley, leaving only a narrow space to its left — just enough for one person to pass at a time. Villages could be seen far below in the valley. We carefully walked through that narrow path to see how far it went and what lay ahead. There wasn’t any big discovery, but the thrill of walking beside that deep valley and the stunning view made it totally worth it.

THE RESULT OF EFFORT IS PRICELESS

The wind started blowing heavily as we climbed higher. The open area, untouched by man-made structures, was a refreshing sight for city dwellers like us. The green top, the distant rock, and the vast landscape stretching into Tamil Nadu made the effort worthwhile.

It didn’t take long to reach the top, though one last set of huge rocks had to be climbed carefully. The space was narrow, and the position of the rocks made it tricky. Many youngsters were already on top, and I had to defy my age and overcome a bit of fear to follow them.

The effort was worth it — the view from the peak was simply marvellous. The geography of nature here was breathtaking, and it was a sight to be cherished for a long time.

THROW A STONE, IT WILL REACH ANOTHER STATE

From one side of the top, Tamil Nadu spread far below — as far as the eye could see. Nothing specific was visible due to the distance, but the vastness itself was amazing.

I noticed a survey mark embedded in concrete, and as a Civil Engineer, I knew what it was — a permanent reference point used for profiling boundaries. This was likely a baseline for defining the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border. It was fascinating to realize that I was standing in Kerala, and if I threw a stone to the left, it would land in Tamil Nadu!

The top was crowded, mostly with students and youngsters, jumping from one rock to another despite the risk. The strong wind and the blazing sun drained our energy, but we enjoyed every bit of it.

On the way back, an old man selling buttermilk mixed with green chilli and ginger was a welcome sight. That refreshing drink was all we needed after the tiring climb.

SYMBOL OF HISTORY IN THE OPPOSITE LOCATION

The trip would be incomplete without visiting another nearby spot — home to a man-made marvel that adds to Ramakkalmedu’s charm. Here stand gigantic statues of a man and woman, known as Kuravan and Kurathi.

Legend says they helped the authorities identify the perfect spot for building the Idukki Dam. The statues are placed in another stunning location, surrounded by open hills and windmills, perfectly capturing the spirit of this land.

It made absolute sense why DiCaprio fell in love with this place. And honestly, it didn’t surprise me. This tiny village in Idukki district, along the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border, is highly recommended for a day trip.

Go through more photos from the same place – A Paradise In God’s Own Country – Ramakkalmedu

More information can be found on the Wikipedia page of Ramakkalmedu.

HOW TO REACH RAMAKKALMEDU

Ramakkalmedu is about 13 km from Kattappana, around 32 km from Kumily or Nedumkandam, and nearly 40 km from Thekkady in Kerala’s Idukki district.

• By Road: Regular buses and taxis are available from Kattappana, Kumily, or Thekkady. The hill roads are well-maintained, offering scenic views all along.
• Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam (about 120 km away).
• Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (around 145 km).

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Ramakkalmedu is from October to March, when the weather stays pleasant and the windmills turn the landscape into a mesmerizing sight.

TRAVEL TIPS

• Carry enough water, especially if you plan to trek to the top.
• A light jacket or scarf is useful — it can get windy.
• Avoid going too close to the cliff edges; the wind is strong at times.
• There are small shops and stalls near the parking area for tea and snacks.
• Early morning or late afternoon gives the best view for photography.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Ramakkalmedu is not just a single viewpoint — the entire stretch around it is filled with places worth exploring.

• Kuravan and Kurathi Statues:
  Just a short walk from the main viewpoint, these giant statues of a man and woman stand as symbols of local legend. It is believed they helped identify the site for the famous Idukki Dam.
• Idukki Arch Dam:
  Asia’s first and largest arch dam, about 40 km away, is a must-see for anyone visiting this region. The sight of the dam nestled between two mountains is simply stunning.
• Kattappana Town:
  A small but lively town nearby — good for a short break, local snacks, and to experience the lifestyle of the Idukki high ranges.
• Thekkady and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary:
  Around 35 km from Ramakkalmedu, this is one of Kerala’s best-known wildlife reserves. Perfect for those who wish to extend the trip for another day.
• Chellarkovil Viewpoint:
  Another beautiful spot on the way to Kumily, giving a clear view of the plains of Tamil Nadu.