Ananganmala: A Hill Rich in History, Nature, and Folklore

Every hill has its tale. Some tales find place in history books; others are etched forever into the annals of generations. Ananganmala, a majestic rock among Ottapalam’s prominent natural landforms, has its share of history and a tale that unfolds around the Ramayana, one of the greatest Indian epics. Ask any elder living in villages like Ananganadi or Kizhur about the origins of this granite hill’s name; the answer is often a vivid narration tracing all the way back to the Ramayana.

During the battle against the demon king Ravana, Lakshmana was gravely wounded by Indrajit. On the advice of the Vanara physician Sushena, Lord Rama asked Hanuman to bring the divine Mritha Sanjeevani herb from Mount Dronagiri in the Himalayas before sunrise to save Lakshmana’s life. Unable to identify the life-restoring herb, Hanuman lifted the entire mountain and flew towards Lanka. According to the local folklore of Valluvanad, a chunk of the mountain is said to have dropped down near present-day Ananganmala in Ottapalam, giving birth to the legendary hill that continues to inspire stories across generations. Hanuman tried to retrieve it but failed since the massive stone refused to budge. Ever since, this hill acquired the nickname of “Anangaa Mala” (which means the hill that cannot be moved), which has since evolved into Ananganmala.

However, the story is merely folklore and lacks documented evidence. Some historians believe this folklore might also hint at traces of ancient Jainism spread in this part of the land. 

A hill that guarded Valluvanad

Whether you have faith in the legend or you consider it an imaginative narration, no one can dispute the significance of this granite giant. Lying a little north of Ottapalam town, at a distance of around 10 km, the magnificent granite hill Ananganmala has long stood guard over villages such as Ananganadi, Kizhur, Melur, Kothakurissi, Chunangad, and Ambalappara. Measuring around 18km from end to end, Ananganmala stands as one of the unique landforms in the region of Palakkad Pass. 

Even though referred to as a mountain by the local population, geologically, it is a granite hill reaching its peak at around 394m above sea level. 

Nature’s very own repository.

Though this granite rock might seem like just another viewpoint, for generations, it was treated as a treasure trove of various medicinal plants and rare Ayurvedic herbs. The rainwater that trickled down this herb-rich slope nourishes the nearby paddy fields [also known as ‘kunduvayal’] of Chunangad. These fields once produced the famed Chunangadan rice, a grain so prized that it was reserved for royals and rulers of the region.

Among the other stories surrounding Ananganmala is the belief that when its cool breeze reached the fertile fields of Koodallur along the Bharathapuzha River, farmers could expect a plentiful harvest, thereby testifying to the close bond between the region and its hill. 

Secrets hidden within the granite

Similar to many ancient rock formations, Ananganmala has many mysterious elements as well. The local people tell tales of a naturally occurring sticky resin called ‘kanmadam’ found dripping from the granite rocks, which is used as a traditional remedy. Legends of unending wells, concealed springs and sacred stones continue to be shared amongst them.

It hardly matters if all these stories are based on documented evidence; the sheer fact that they have managed to preserve the legacy is worthy of adoration. They also speak of how a large portion of the hill once belonged to the renowned Varikkasseri Mana, a legendary manor house in Valluvanad. 

 From ancient myths to modern explorations

For centuries, Ananganmala has been a part of our culture and history. With the recent establishment of the Ananganmala Ecotourism Project, visitors can enjoy this fascinating natural attraction to its full potential. Today, it is one of the most popular visiting sites in and around Ottapalam, offering trekking routes, scenic viewpoints and ecotourism activities. 

Each stone laid during your hike along its uneven tracks offers a grander vista, be it the paddy fields of Valluvanad down below or the distant Western Ghats that stand against the sky beyond the well-known Palakkad Gap. A land that is a haven for nature, this hill has been a source of inspiration to artists and poets over the ages, captured in poems and canvases and immortalised in the memories of countless people. 

Many Malayalam and Tamil movies have also been filmed against the picturesque backdrop of the hill and its paddy fields, attracting more and more tourists. You can conveniently combine a trip to Ananganmala with a visit to Kizhur Aqueduct Bridge, Varikkasseri Mana and the banks of the Bharathapuzha River for an exciting day tour.

No matter the reason for your visit – be it the ancient legends, its recorded history, its natural beauty, or even for a bit of peace – it is guaranteed to give you a sense of deep connection to the age-old heritage of Ottapalam and Valluvanad.

Want another fascinating story from Ottapalam? Read Why Ottapalam Is Malayalam Cinema’s Favourite Filming Destination by the same author and discover why this charming town has been the backdrop for some of Malayalam cinema’s most memorable films.