Idukki
Idukki is the second largest district of the State A landlocked region, here, high ranges and wooded valleys are girded by three main rivers-Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhayar- and their tributaries. Powering Kerala with one-third of the State’s electricity, Idukki is also famous for its gigantic arch dam. Predominantly populated by tribes, an astonishing 50 percent of its total area is covered by forests. As a tourist destination, the place offers diverse attraction like wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, spice plantation tours, mountain treks, and elephant rides etc. Idukki’s numerous trekking trails and spectacular landscape dotted with rich flora and fauna make it a dream destination for nature enthusiasts.
Place to Visit
THEKKADY
Altitude: 900-1,800 m above sea level
Temperature: 130C-300C Rainfall: 2,500 mm
The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice-scented plantations. The Periyar forests of Thekkady are one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunity for treks and mountain walks.
Accessing Thekkady
Road: There are frequent buses from Kottayam and other cities to Thekkady. Jeep services are available from Kumily to Thekkady (4 km.)
Bus timings from Kumily: Thekkady: 08.00, 12.30 hrs. Kumarakom: 07.00 hrs, Munnar: 06.00, 06.40, 09.45, 05.30 hrs, Ernakulam: 05.25, 05.40, 06.15, 06.40, 08.10, 08.45, 10.30, 12.10, 12.30, 01.20, 02.00, 03.15, 04.00 hrs. Thiruvananthapuram (from Kumily): 08.40, 11.00 hrs: (from Thekkady): 08.20, 03.15 hrs, Kottayam: Frequent buses, Alappuzha: 01.10 hrs, Cherthala: 02.15 hrs, Idukki: Frequent buses, Chennai: 04.30, 07.00 hrs, Pondicherry: 04.30 hrs. Madurai:01.15, 05.15, 05.25, 06.45, 07.16, 07.20, 07.30, 07.55,08.35, 09.40, 10.30, 10.45, 11.20, 11.55, 01.00, 01.15, 01.20, 02.20, 03.15, 1540, 1550, 1650, 1705, 1800, 1840, 1905, 2045 hrs, Dindigal: Frequent buses, Kodaikanal: There is no direct bus from Kumily to Kodaikanal. The Dindigal bus takes you to Vathalakundu from where there are frequent buses to Kodaikanal (149 km) Trichy: 08.55, 10.45, 07.25 hrs, Palani: 09.30, 11.35, 06.30, 06.50 hrs Pathanamthitta: (Via Gavi): 05.30 hrs
Distance of a few major towns from Thekkady: Kumily: 4 km (15 min) Sabarimala via Pullumedu: 5 km (2 hrs), Idukki: 65 km (2 ½ hrs), Munnar: 106 km (4 hrs)
Kumarakom: 128 km (4 hrs), Sabarimala via Erumeli: 134 km (4 hrs), Kodaikanal: 149 km (5 hrs), Alappuzha: 164 km (5 hrs), Kollam: 220 km (6 hrs), Ooty: 390 km (11 hrs)
In and around Thekkady
Flora Over 1965 flowering plants including 171 grass species and 143 species of orchids and the only South Indian conifer Podocarpus Wallichianus.
Fauna
Mammals: 35 species, including the wild elephant, gaur, sambar deer and wild boar that can be sighted from boats, the Nilgiri Tahr in the higher rocky areas, the endangered lion-tailed macaque confined to the evergreen interiors, the bonnet macaque, Malabar giant squirrel, flying squirrel, tiger, jungle cat, sloth bear etc.
Birds: 265 species including migrants. The hornbill, stork, woodpecker, kingfisher, raptor, cormorant, grackle, darter etc.
Reptiles: Cobra, viper, krait, a number of non-poisonous snakes and the monitor lizard.
Amphibians: Frogs, toads and limbless caecilians including the colourful Malabar gliding frog, common Indian toad, fungoid frog and bicoloured frog.
Pisces (fish): Periyar’s lake and streams have several species of fish including the masheer, the famous and endangered game fish of India. The otter, the only mammal found in the lake, can be frequently spotted.
Plantations: Tea, cardamom, pepper and coffee plantations surround the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Sanctuary Watch Towers: There are two watch towers in the interior of the Periyar forest. Reservations can be made at the Divisional Forest Office, Thekkady, Ph: 04869-222027
Permitting Authority: The Wildlife Preservation Officer, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady.
Ecotourism Programmes (Ph: 04869-224571): Nature Walk & Green Walk-Day time trekking, 3 hours/slot, Rs. 1,200 for six people (Min. Rs. 800). Periyar Tiger Trail-1 night Rs. 4,000 per person (Min Rs. 6,000 ) 2 nights & 3 days, Rs. 6,000 per person (Min. Rs. 9,000), Bamboo Rafting-Full day rafting & trekking, 9 hours, Rs. 1,500 per person (Min. Rs. 3000) Jungle Scout-Night time trekking, 3 hours/slot, Rs. 750 per person (Min. Rs. 1,500), Bullock Cart Discoveries- Visit to the farmlands of a tiny hamlet with an optional coracle ride, Rs. 1,000 per person (Min. Rs. 2,000), Jungle Inn-Night stay, 13 hours, Rs. 2,000 per hut Bamboo Grove-Stay in Bamboo Cottage, 24 hours, Rs. 1,500 per hut, Border Hiking-Full day trekking, 9 hours, Rs. 6,000 for 6 people (Min. Rs. 4,000), Jungle Camp-Stay in Tent, 13 hours, Rs. 500 per person (Min. Rs. 1,000), Clouds Walk Day time trekking, 3 hrs, Rs. 300 per person (Min. Rs. 1,500).
For more information, please contact: Tourist Information Office, Kumily, Near SBT Ph: 04869-222620
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: (Open 0600 to 1800 hrs) Snuggled in the Western Ghats, one of the world’s richest bio-diversity spots, is the fascinating natural wildlife sanctuary of Thekkady - the protected Periyar Tiger Reserve. Spread across 777 sq.km, of which 360 sq.km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Idukki District was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the reserve attracts visitors from all over the world. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary in India where you have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat. The greatest attractions of Periyar, however, are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake. Vasantha Sena-an initiative of the eco-development committee at the Periyar Tiger Reserve comprises of a voluntary group of tribal women who patrol the reserve to ensure that it remains pristine and poachers are kept at bay.
Kumily: (4 km from Thekkady) This plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady, is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. An important shopping centre and spice trade centre, the main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region are in Kumily.
Murikkady: (5 km from Thekkady) Washed in fresh, spice-scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.
Pandikuzhi: (5 km from Kumily) This picturesque spectrum of exotic flora, fauna and gurgling streams is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border. A popular picnic spot, Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer’s delight.
Chellarkovil: (15 km from Kumily) This sleepy little village with its breath taking view of the plains and cascading waterfalls is a feast for the eyes. The village slopes down to the famous coconut groves of Cumbum, in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
Vandiperiyar: (18 km from Thekkady) The River Periyar flowing through the centre of this town nourishes its vast tea, coffee and pepper plantations. A major trade centre, Vandiperiyar is also home to a number of tea factories. The Government Agriculture Farm and Flower Garden have a delightful array of rose plants, orchids and anthuria.
Vandanmedu: (25 km from Kumily) This is one of the world’s largest auction centres for cardamom. A walk through the sprawling cardamom plantations of Vandanmedu is a heady experience.
Pullumedu: (43 km from Thekkady, 26 km from Periyar) The winding journey to this hill town, along the Periyar River, offers a stunning view of the hills draped in lush greenery. Velvet lawns, rare flora and fauna and to the beauty of Pullumedu which can be accessed only by jeep. The famous Sree Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala and the Makara Jyothi (celestial light that appears on Makaravilakku Festival) at the shrine are visible from here. Since it is part of the restricted forest zone, special permission to visit Pullumedu has to be obtained from the Wildlife Preservation Officer, Thekkady Ph: 222027 or the Range Officer, Vallakkadavu Ph: 252515.
Things to do in Thekkady
Plantation Tours: The tour cover visits to spice, coffee and tea plantations, tea factories, tribal settlements etc. and can be arranged through the District Tourism information Office near SBT in Kumily.
Spice Plantation Tours: Spice plantation, coffee plantation, tea plantation, tea factory, flower garden (4 hrs) Starting Point-District Tourist information office, Near SBT Kumily, Ph: 04869-222620 Timings-10.00 am - 02.00 hrs & 02.30 pm 06.30 hrs.
Elephant rides: Elephant ride through the plantation, conducted by private agencies, Rs. 350 per person.
Boat cruises on the Periyar Lake: Entrance Fee-Foreigners: Rs. 300, Indians: Rs. 25, Timings: 07.00, 09.30, 11.30, 01.30, 03.30 hrs. The Forest Department (Ph: 222028) and the Kerala Tourism development Corporation Ltd. (Ph: 222023) conduct boating trips from Thekkady- Fare: Rs 40 & Rs. 150 respectively.
Trekking: Main trekking areas near Thekkady: Kurisumala, near Kumily, Pullumedu, 43 km from Thekkady & 26 km from Periyar, Ottakathalamedu, 5 km from Kumily, Grampi, near Vanidperiyar. The Forest Department conducts daily treks from the boat landing station at Thekkady to the Nellikkampetty area and Manakkavala, Timings: 08.00 to 05.00 hrs Fare: Rs. 250+ Rs. 10 entrance fee. Bookings can be made with the wildlife Preservation Officer, Thekkady Ph: 222027
MUNNAR
Altitude: 1,500-2,500 m above sea level Temperature: 00C-300C Rainfall: 275 cm
Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams-Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. 1,600 m above sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue once in every twelve years will bloom next in 2018. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2,695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.
Kathakali: Daily Show-Mudra Mob: 9446824380, Manthra: 9495035480
Elephant ride & horse riding: Carmalagiri Elephant Riding, Korandikkadu, Mattupetty Mob: 9447045467, Paragliding & waterfalls rappelling: Edel Weis Adventures, Sumesh Mob: 9446135663, 9447876751
Accessing Munnar
Road: Munnar is easily accessible by bus services from all over the State.
Bus timings from Munnar: (KSRTC enquiry Ph: 230201)
Thiruvanathapuram: 10.30 hrs, 04.50 hrs, 05.30 hrs& 05.00 hrs, Ernakulam via
Alappuzha: 11.40 hrs, 12.50 hrs, Alappuzha: 06.20 hrs, Kottayam via Thiruvalla : 01.30 hrs, 04.10 hrs.
Distance of a few major towns from Munnar: Pothanmedu: 6 km-Pallivasal: 6 km, Devikulam: 7 km, Mattupetty: 13 km, Rajamala: 15 km, Anamudi: 20 km, Kundala: 28 km, Top Station: 34 km, Marayoor: 40 km, Chinnar: 60 km, Idukki: 60 km, Theni: 70 km, Amaravathy Dam: 80 km, Thodupuzha: 91 km, Vaiga Dam: 105 km, Thekkady: 110 km, Palani: 122 km, Ooty: 146 km Kottayam: 147 km, Thrissur: 158 km Madurai: 160 km, Kumarakom: 160 km, Kodaikanal: 195 km, Alappuzha: 200 km.
Tourist Information Offices: District Tourism Office, Kumily Ph: 222620
DTPC Information Centre, Old Munnar Ph: 231516
Travel Agencies: Happy Holidays, Kumar Travels, KPN Travels
In and around Munnar
Pothanmedu: (6 km from Munnar) Pothanmedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills and the lush mountains here are ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.
Devikulam: (7 km from Munnar) This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.
Pallivasal: (8 km from Munnar) This is the site of the first Hydro-Electric Project in Kerala and a place of immense scenic beauty.
Attukad: (9 km from Munnar) A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukad, located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long treks.
Nyayamakad: (10 km from Munnar) Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1,600 metres. The enchanting surroundings make an excellent picnic spot and trekking point. Gravel Banks, a delightful trout fishing site, is tucked away in a remote corner of Nyayamakad Estate.
Chithirapuram: (10 km from Munnar) With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts, Chithirapuram still exudes an old world charm. Home of the Pallivasal Hydel Power Project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantations.
Mattupetty: (13 km from Munnar) Situated at a height of 1,700 m, Mattupetty is known for its highly specialised dairy farm- the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project. Over a 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into 3 of the 11 cattle sheds at the farm. Ph: 04865-231516 The Mattupetty Dam, just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala Tea Plantations and the Kundala Lake are the other attractions nearby. DTPC Idukki provides boating facilities in the Mattupetty Dam. Speed launch, slow speedboats and motorboats are available on hire.
Lockhart Gap: (13 km from Munnar) This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worth a visit.
Blossom International Park: Sprawled over 16 acres, this park has a garden with a profusion of blooms and a plethora of activities for adults and children including boating, cycling, roller skating, games etc.
Rajamala: (15 km from Munnar) This is the natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr. Half the world population of the rare mountain goat (Hemitragas hylocres), which is an endangered species, is now found here. The Nilgiri Tahrs are today reduced to small herds found in the Eravikulam – Rajamala region and their total number in this region is estimated to be 1, 317.
Eravikulam National Park: (15 km from Munnar) The 97 sq. km park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. The Anamudi Peak (2,695 m) is located in the southern region of the park.
Echo Point: (15 skm from Munnar) This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo Point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar.
Sanctuary visit: The Park is divided into three regions- the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area which is in the Rajamala region. The Nilgiri Tahr can be observed at close quarters here. Visiting time: 08.00 hrs to 04.30 hrs. Visitors are not allowed during the monsoon season. Entrance fee: Rs. 15 for adults, Rs. 200 for foreigners.
Trekking facilities are available here. Tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi. This is also a place for adventure tourism. Trekking areas: Anamudi, Rajamala.
Power House Waterfall: (18 km from Munnar) This waterfall, on the way to Thekkady from Munnar, cascades down a steep rock 2,000 m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic western mountain ranges, and is an ideal place for a break on the way to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady.
Anayirankal: (22 km from Munnar) This place is a lush green carpet of tea plants. The Anayirankal Dam is surrounded by the Tata Tea Plantation and evergreen forests. It is an ideal picnic spot and a boat ride on this splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience.
Top Station: (32 km from Munnar) 1,700 m above sea level, this is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal Road. The rare Neelakurinji (Strobilanthus) belongs to this region. This plant blooms once in every twelve years, bathing the hillsides in bright blue. Top Station also offeres a panoramic view of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu.
Kollukkumally: (38 km from Munnar) Located in steep, rugged terrain, Kollukkumallay is the highest tea garden in the country at 7, 900 ft. Accessible only by jeep, a visit to the estate includes a drive around the tea fields and a tour of its factory. What gives Kollukkumallay tea its special flavour is presumably the high altitude.
Kundala: (20 km from Munnar) Kundala is a picturesque town on the way to Top Station. A golf course which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd is located here. The Kundala Artificial Dam is another attraction and is also known as Sethuparvathipuram Dam. Aruvikkad Waterfall is also near Kundala.
Marayoor: (40 km from Munnar) This is the only place in Kerala that has a natural growth of sandalwood trees. The sandalwood factory of the Forest Department, the ancient caves (muniyaras) with murals and relics from the Neolithic Age and the children’s park spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single banyan tree are of great interest to tourists. Thoovanam Waterfall and the Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also nearby.
Cheeyappara: The Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls are located between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi-Madurai Highway. The cheeyappara Waterfall, which cascades in seven steps, is a real feast for the eyes. This is also a great place for trekking.
Meenuli: This place is noted for the two acres of evergreen forests upon a huge rock. The rocks more than 500 acres in area and is and is an ideal spot for mountaineering.
Malankara Reservoir: (6 km from Thodupuzha) Located on the Thodupuzha - Moolamattam Road, this artificial lake is accessible by road and is ideal for boating and fishing.
Thommankuthu: (17 km from Thodupuzha) Famous for its seven-step waterfall, Thommankuthu is an ideal place for adventure tourism. Other attractions: Pedal boating, forest trekking, night camping, bathing in the waterfall etc.
Keezharkuth: (25 km from Thodupuzha) The Rainbow Waterfall which cascades down a rock from a height of about 1,500 m is a major attraction of this spot. It can be seen throughout the year in all its splendour. The forest around this spot is home to various medicinal plants. It is an ideal place for rock climbing, mountaineering, camping and trekking.
Palkulamedu: (12 km from Idukki) Kochi, Alappuzha and other nearby towns can be seen from this peak.
Ramakalmedu: (16 km from Nedumkandam, Thekkady-Munnar Road) Cool, green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat. The hilltop also offers a panoramic view of the picturesque village of Bodi and Cumbum on the eastern slope of the Western Ghats. Distance: 45 km from Thekkady and 75 km from Munnar. Bus timings: Munnar 09.30 hrs, Kottayam 10.30 hrs, Ernakulam 09.30 hrs. Valara: (10 km from Adimali on the Kochi-Madurai Highway) Valara has a chain of waterfalls surrounded by thick green forests.
High Range Club: Charmingly colonial in style, this clubhouse built of wicker and teak still serves as a social centre for the far-flung farmers of the region around Munnar. The club houses an elegant lounge and dining room, an obligatory gentlemen’s bar, a billiards room, a library etc. Entry is limited to members only.
Plantations of Munnar
Tea: (Camellia sinesis) Tea plantations in South India are located on the Western Ghats, the eastern part of central Kerala and adjoining parts of Tamil Nadu, usually at an elevation of 4,300 to 6,200 ft above sea level. The high ranges of Munnar were earlier known as the Kannan Devan Hills, named after a landlord in the Anchanad Valley on the eastern side of the district. Tea cultivation started on the Nilgiris in 1832, on an experimental basis, and later in 1878 was taken up on the Kanan Devan Hills in Munnar. Today, tea is cultivated on 24,000 hectares of land in Munnar, Peermedu and Devikulam areas with an annual yield of 47,568 metric tons.
Tea Processing: The tender tea leaves collected from the plantations are withered in hot air at the factory and then sent to the rollers. After being rolled into particles and fermented, they are fed into driers before they are ready to be packed.
Medicinal Value of Tea: Stimulates the central nervous system. Leads to increased period of awakening. Prevents drowsiness and dullness. Keeps the intellectual faculties alert.
Coffee: Coffee cultivation in India dates back to 1600 AD when Ba Abadan, a Muslim saint from the holy city of Mecca brought seven precious coffee seeds and sowed them in the Chandragiri Hills near Chikmagalore in Karnataka. The main varieties of coffee cultivated today are Robusta and Arabica. Coffee plantations occupy 15,400 hectares in Devikulam, Peermedu, Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks of Idukki. The average yield per hectare is 320 metric tons.
Things to do in Munnar
Daily Sightseeing Tour: Timing: 10.00 to 04.00 hrs Tariff: Rs. 250 per head. For bookings, contact: DTPC, Information Centre, Munnar Ph: 231516
Tea Valley Tour: Mattupetty, Echo Point, Kundala, Top Station, Rajamala (Eravikulam National Park) Timing: 10.00 to 06.00 hrs Tariff: Rs. 300 per head. For bookings, contact: DTPC, Information Centre, Munnar Ph: 04865231516, 231516. Permission to visit any of the 26 factories of Tata Tea Ltd can be obtained from the Regional Office at Munnar: 230561 to 230565
Sandal Valley Tour: Nyayamakad View Point, Lukkom Waterfalls, Vaguvarai View Point, Coffee- Tea Plantations, Sandalwood Forest, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Timing: 09.00 to 04.00 hrs Tariff: Rs. 350 Tour covers: Marayoor, Chinnar Departure: 09.00 hrs Arrival: 07.00 hrs.
Boating : Munnar: DTPC boating facilities at Old Munnar Ph: 231516
Fares: Rowboat: Rs. 30 per head for 30 min. Motorboat: Rs. 200 for 8 for 30min.
Pedalboat: Rs. 50 for 2 seater and Rs. 100 for 4 seater for 30min.
Mattupetty: (13 km from Munnar) DTPC provides cycling facilities at Munnar (Rs. 15 per cycle for an hour and Rs. 150 per cycle for a day)
Tea Museum: (Open 10.00-04.30 hrs) India’s only tea museum run by Tata traces the evolution of the tea industry in Munnar from the 1880s. It houses an interesting array of relics and artefacts from the past. Entrance fee: Rs. 50 per head.
Mountain Climbing, Paragliding & Rock Climbing: Track Finder, Munnar Ph: 231516
Trekking: Anamudi - Rajamala - Meesapulimala-Top Station-Kundala-Devikulam.
Tourist Circuits in Munnar: Munnar-Mattupetty Dam- Indo –Swiss Livestock Project-Echo Point-Kundala Dam-Top Station (34 km) Munnar – Pothanmedu – Chithirapuram - Pallivasal-Cheeyappara-Adimali-Valara (40 km) Munnar-Rajamala-Marayoor-Chinnar (70 km) Munnar-Devikulam-Lockhart Gap- Power House Waterfall, Anayirankal (32 km)
PEERMEDU
Altitude: 915-1,100 m above Sea level Temperature: 130C-240C
Rainfall: 2,500 mm
Peermedu, the famous plantation town, takes its name from Peer Mohammed, a Sufi saint and close associate of the erstwhile royal family of Travancore. Wide vistas of tea, cardamom, rubber and coffee plantations interspersed with silver cascades, sculptural rocks, meadows and mist-cloaked hilltops make Peermedu an unforgettable experience. The most delightful trekking trails complement the panoramic landscape. Monuments like the summer palace and summer residence of the royal family add to the splendour of the land. The summer residence, now converted into a government guest house under the department of Tourism, offers comfortable accommodation.
Accessing Peermedu
Road: Frequent bus services are available from Kottayam and other destinations in the State to Peermedu. Jeeps are the best mode of transport.
Bus timings from Peermedu: Thiruvanthapuram: 0930, 1630 hrs, Alappuzha: 1215 hrs, Cherthala: 1515 hrs, Kottayam: Frequent bus services, Kumily: Frequent bus services, Ernakulam: 08.00, 02.15, 04.00, 05.15 hrs, Madurai: Frequent buses from Kumily
Distance of a few major towns from Peermedu: Vagamon: 25 km (½ hr), Kumily: 40 km (1hr), Thekkady: 44 km (1 ½ hrs), Kottayam: 75 km (3 hrs), Alappuzha: 114 km (4 hrs), Munanr: 140 km (4½ hrs), Kochi: 150 km (5 hrs), Madurai: 174 km (5 ½ hrs), Thiruvananthapuram: 225 km (6 hrs).
In and around Peermedu
Kuttikanam: A place for adventure tourism and trekking, or even a languorous, tranquil break. This picturesque plantation town washed in the fragrance of cardamom is surrounded by lush, green hills.
Thrissanku Hills: (4 km from Peermedu, ½ km from Kuttikanam) The rolling hills, the lovely landscape and the gentle breeze make this an ideal spot for long walks. The hills offer a breathtaking view of the sunrise and sunset.
Summer Palace: This huge palace, where the Maharajas of Travancore used to spend their summers, is set amidst lush greenery.
Panchalimedu: This largely unexplored area is said to have been the camping site of the Pandavas. The pond, Panchalikulam is said to have been used by Panchali, the wife of the Pandavas.
Peeru Hills: (4 km from Peermedu; 1km from Kuttikanam) This idyllic hill station is a favourite haunt of trekkers and picnickers. The hill is named after Peer Mohammed, the Sufi saint, who spent his last days here. The mausoleum of the saint, the summer palace of the royal family and the residence of the Diwan situated nearby are all worth a visit.
Grampi: (5 km from Peermedu; 10 km from Vandiperiyar) Grampi is also known as Parunthupara (eagle rock) because of the panoramic view from its high peaks. Rocky plains, lush hillsides, forests, trekking trails and picturesque views lend charm to this destination. The road to Grampi is flanked by unending stretches of cardamom, tea and coffee plantations.
Amritha Medu: Amritha Medu offers a bird’s-eye view of the entire Peermedu region and is famous as an ideal trekking spot. On Good Friday, a large number of people gather here in memory of Christ’s crucifixion.
Madammakkulam: A natural pond under a gushing waterfall, encircled by deep woods, this was a favourite spot of British planters in the colonial times. The pond has been named Madam’s pond or Madammakkulam after a British lady who used to frequent this spot.
Pattumala: (17 km east of Peermedu; 28 km west of Thekkady) Lofty peaks, little streams and ever expanding tea plantations are the attractions of this place. Pattumala (which literally means hill draped in silk) is home to two famous tea plantations-Harrisons Malayalam and AV Thomas & Co. The Velankanni Matha Church, built entirely of granite, at the top of the hill is a famous pilgrim centre. The nearby flower garden with roses, orchids and anthuria is a fascinating riot of colours.
Koottickal-Mundakayam: Excellent stopovers, these adjacent places are blessed with the bounty of nature. But Mundakayam’s claim to fame is that the first commercial production of rubber started here in 1904.
Sahyadri Ayurvedic Centre: A well-established Ayurvedic Hospital, Sahyadri, managed by the Peermedu Development Society in Pallikunnu, is known for its curative and rejuvenating treatment packages. The centre has well-appointed treatment and accommodation facilities, a unit for manufacturing Ayurvedic medicines as well as a well-maintained raw drugs museum where more than 200 varieties of rare and endangered herbs are preserved. More than 400 herbs used for medicines are grown in the hospital’s own garden which is spread over 35 acres. For permission to visit the herb garden, contact the Director-Peermedu Development society, Peermedu, Idukki Ph: 233157, 232247 Fax: 232096
Plakkathadam: The Orali, Malapandaram and Malayarayan tribes live in the hills of Peermedu. The main tribal settlement here is Plakkathadam which is also known for its trekking trails.
Things to do in Peermedu
Peermedu and its surrounding areas are ideal for trekking, cycling and horse riding, Trekking Sites: Peeru Hills, Kalthotti, Vagamon, Karandakapara Hills, Grampi (Parunthupara), Memala. Plantation visits (Tea, coffee, cardamom, rubber etc.): Trips to Meloram, Nallathanni, Panchalimedu, Valanjamkanam Waterfalls etc. Visits to tea factories in and around Peermedu.
Vagamon: (25 km from Peermedu) A curious blend of religious mysticism and European legacies, this hillside village is a haven of tranquility. Grass covered hills, velvet lawns and the cool mountain air makes Vagamon a perfect holiday retreat. This enchanting hill station dotted with tea gardens and meadows is on the Idukki- Kottayam border. The chain of three hills- Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurishumala- is a mark of religious harmony. The dairy farm managed by the Kurisumala monks is worth a visit. The breeding centre of the Kerala Livestock Board is located here,
Special Attractions
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary: (60 km from Munnar) Situated on the Tamil Nadu border, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 90.44 sq.km.
Animals: Most of the South Indian wild animals can be found in this forest. These include the grizzled giant squirrel, champal squirrel, elephant, sambar deer, gaur etc.
Birds: Jungle fowl, myna, laughing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl etc.
Access: Munnar- Udumalpetta Road: 60 km, Coimbatore- Udumalpetta- Chinnar Road: 100 km, Kochi-Chinnar: 190 km, Pollachi-Chinnar via Udumalpetta: 60 km, Kottayam-Chinnar: 208 km
Visiting time: 0700-1800 hrs. Entry passes are available at the office of the ACF or the Check-Post Information Counter.
Permitting authority: Wildlife Warden, Idukki Wild Division, Painav/wildlife DFO, Munnar Ph: 231587
Trekking routes: Palapetty-Champakad Karimutty- Inchapetty Karimutty-Alampetty.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary extends over the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks of Idukki District, Spreading over 77sq. km and is about 450-748 m above sea level. The Idukki reservoir formed by three dams- Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamav- extends to 33sq.km.
Animals: Elephant, bison, sambar deer, wild dog, jungle cat, tiger, wild boar etc.
Snakes: Cobra, viper, krait and a number of non-poisonous snakes
Birds: Jungle fowl, laughing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl, woodpecker, kingfisher etc.
Kalvary Mount/Kalliyanathandu: (10 km from Idukki) This famous Christian pilgrimage site perched atop a hill offers an aerial view of the Idukki Reservoir and its surrounding peaks and forests. It is also an ideal place for mountain climbers and trekkers. Guided trekking can be availed from here to nearby places. During Lent, the area turns into a pilgrimage centre as Christians go in a procession up the hillock.
Kulamav: (20 km) Attractions-Trekking trail, view point, Painav: Trekking trail, evergreen forest, Cheruthoni: Idukki Arch Dam, reservoir, hill view park.
Malankara Dam: (6 km from Thodupuzha) An artificial lake spread over 11 km, the reservoir is a popular picnic spot.
Thumpachi Calveri Samuchayam: (35 km from Thodupuzha) This is a picnic spot also ideal for meditation, relaxation and watching the sunset.
Places of Worship
Annamalai Temple, Karikodu: This 1,800 year-old temple dedicated to Lord Siva is built in the Chola style of architecture and remains as it were, even today. It has a window with nine lattices pointing to the Navagrahas or nine planets.
Karikodu Bhagavathy: (Open 05.00-11.00 hrs, 05.00-08.00 hrs) This temple opposite to the Annamalai Temple is about 460 years old. The Kumbha Bharani here is the most famous festival in the central Idukki region, drawing thousands of devotees.
Mangala Devi Temple: (15 km from Thekkady) This ancient temple is hidden in the dense woods at the top of a peak, 1,337 m above sea level. The temple, believed to be more than 2,000 years old, is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. Visitors are allowed here only on the Chithra Pournami festival day. The peak commands a panoramic view of the eastern slopes of the ghats and some hilly villages of Tamil Nadu. Permission to visit the area can be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Thekkady.
Mount Carmel Church: Established in 1898, this was the first Roman Catholic Church in the High Ranges.
Nainar Masjid, Karikodu: The largest and the oldest mosque in Idukki, stone steps bearing inscriptions of an ancient script are found here.
