Panchalimedu is a hill station and view point near Kuttikkanam in Peerumedu tehsil of Idukki district in the Indian state of Kerala. On the Makara Sankranti day, lots of Ayyappa devotees camp there to witness the sacred Makaravilakku (holy flame) that appears in the Ponnambalamedu near Sabarimala temple.Predominantly it is a high altitude region situated at a height of 2,500 ft (760 m) above the mean sea level. The place is surrounded by deep valleys and hills, accompanied by meadows, grasslands and cool refreshing climate. From there, the Koruthodu valley near Mundakkayam with widespread rubber plantations can be seen. Parunthumpara hills and Periyar tiger reserve lies to the east of Panchalimedu. Many tourists arrive there during the summer season for trekking and to get refreshed. When monsoon arrives, the place will be covered by charming mist and thick fog. However, a pleasant climate is experienced here throughout the year. Apart from Pullumedu, Panchalimedu is another spot in the district where lots of pilgrims from the various regions gather to witness the Makaravilakku, a holy flame that is believed to a supernatural phenomenon by the devotees, which appears annually on 14 January in the Ponnambalamedu summit.
Panchalimedu is located on the route to Kanayankavayal in the Azhutha block of Peerumedu tehsil. The place can be accessed from Murinjapuzha (5 km) and Amalagiri (6 km) on the Kottayam – Kumily state highway (K.K road). People from west and south can reach there through Mundakkayam – Thekkemala route. Jeep and auto services are available from Murinjapuzha at fair rates. There are two hills at Panchalimedu, and one has the temple dedicated to Bhuvaneswari Devi. Valliyamkavu Devi Temple is a historic temple lies 10 km (6.2 mi) southeast to Panchalimedu and it is dedicated to Goddess Durga.
According to the myths, Pandavas along with their spouse Panchali had a sojourn there at time of one-year exile. Hence the place got its name Panchalimedu which derived from the words “Panchali” (Draupadi) and “medu” (hill). The local tribes there offered selfless helps to the Kuru princes. Pandavas left the region before the beginning of one year incognito. They rewarded an idol of Goddess Durga to the tribal chief for their helps and instructed them to worship Devi. But, unexpected incidents occurred when the tribes worshipped Devi by following their own uncivilized puja methods. Hence the place became uninhabitable for them. Later, Devi herself moved to the present Valliyamkavu region and presided there. In light of this myth, people still believe that Panchalimedu is the moola sthana or sanctum sanctorum of Devi.