Kumily is a town near Thekkady in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. It is well known for its beautiful scenery, spice gardens, and proximity to the Periyar National Park, which is home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve. The town serves as a major tourist hub for travelers looking to explore the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats.
Kumily is well-connected by road to major cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The nearest airport is Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu, which is about 140 kilometers away. The nearest railway station is in Kottayam, which is approximately 114 kilometers from Kumily. Buses and taxis are available from these points to reach Kumily.
The main attractions in and around Kumily include the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where visitors can enjoy boat rides on the Periyar Lake, wildlife safaris, and nature walks. Other attractions include spice plantation tours, elephant rides, and trekking in the nearby Cardamom Hills. The Anakkara and Murikkady areas are also popular for their scenic vistas and spice gardens.
The best time to visit Kumily is from September to April when the weather is pleasant. This period avoids the heavy monsoon rains from June to August and the scorching heat of the summer months.
Thekkady, which is a part of the Periyar National Park area, offers a range of activities such as boat cruises on the Periyar Lake to observe wildlife, nature walks, and jungle safaris for a closer encounter with the sanctuary's diverse flora and fauna. Tourists can also visit spice plantations, attend cultural shows such as Kathakali and Kalaripayattu, and indulge in Ayurvedic treatments.
Yes, Kumily offers a wide range of accommodation options ranging from budget homestays and lodges to luxury resorts and hotels. Many of these are situated close to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, providing easy access to the park.
While the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady is a tiger reserve, tiger sightings are relatively rare due to the dense forest. However, there is still a possibility to spot one. Besides tigers, there are many other animals like elephants, bison, and various species of birds that can be observed.
Visitors do need permits to enter the Periyar National Park. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or could be part of a guided tour package. It's recommended to check the latest information on permits and fees with the park authorities or tour operators as policies can change.
Yes, tourists can participate in conservation-focused activities like nature walks, bamboo rafting, and tribal heritage tours that educate about the local tribes' culture and the importance of environmental conservation. Such activities are often organized by the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
When in Kumily, visitors should try the traditional Kerala cuisine, which includes dishes like appam with stew, Kerala style fish curry, puttu with kadala curry, and various preparations of beef and duck. The rich spices grown locally, like cardamom, black pepper, and cloves, enhance the flavor of these dishes.
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