Thekkady - Tourist Attraction in Thekkady

Thekkady, Tourist Attractions in Thekkady

Tourist Attraction in Thekkady

The other tourist places in Thekkady are Kumily, Murikkady, Pandikuzhi, Mangala Devi Temple, Chellarkovil, Vandiperiyar, Vandanmedu and Pullumedu. Kumily and Murikkady offer excellent experiences of spice scented plantation towns at their best. Peermade, the famous plantation town and the areas around it offer immense possibilities for trekkers and nature enthusiasts. The tribal settlements in Peermade are a window to a unique tribal heritage.
Kumily
Kumily is the plantation town which is closely associated with Thekkady. Kumily is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar national park. Shopping centre, spice trade centre, the main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region are in Kumily.

Murikkady Washed in fresh spice scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations. Vandiperiyar The river Periyar flows through the centre of Vandiperiyar and 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 anthurium at this place.
	Pullumedu The winding journey to this hill town, along the Periyar river, offer a stunning view of the rolling hills draped in lush greenery. Valvet lawns, rare flora and fauna add to the beauty of Pullumedu which can be accessed only by jeep. The famous Sree Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala and the Makara Jyothi illuminations 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 Offer or the Range Officer.
Mangala Devi Temple Mangala Devi Temple is hidden in the dense woods at the top of a peak 1337 m above sea level. The ancient temple 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 hill villages of Tamil Nadu. Chellarkovil Chellarkovil, about 15 kms from Kumily is the sleepy village. This little village offers breathtaking view of the plains and cascading waterfalls. The village slopes down to the famous coconut groves of Cumbum in neighbouring Tamil Nadu. Pandikuzhi Pandikuzhi, about 5 kms from Kumily is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border. It is a popular picnic spot and offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer’s delight. This picturesque region is famous for its exotic flora, fauna and gurgling streams. Vandanmedu Vandanmedu, about 25 kms. from Kumily is one of the world’s largest auction centres for Cardamom. A walk through the sprawling cardamom plantations of Vandanmedu is a heady experience.