Kumily – Kerala Travel Guide
There is no dearth of scenic towns and villages in God’s Own Country; Kumily is one among them. Revered as one of the most scenic plantations towns in the entire of Kerala, this sleepy town at an elevation of 2,890ft is located on the state border that separates Tamil Nadu from the state.
The once a part of the Travancore Kingdom, this picturesque plantation town has strong roots to the British era. It was the British rulers, who turned Kumily into a gorgeous plantation town from being only a verdant forestland. Since then, this tiny, yet pristine town has become a significant name in the production of cardamom, pepper, coffee, and cinnamon.
How to Reach Kumily
1By Road:
If you are planning to reach Kumily by road, Kottayam, Kochi and Kollam would be the best locations to start your trip. You can also reach this town easily from other parts of Kerala as it has a well-sorted network of roads. Tourists from nearby cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Ooty, Coimbatore, and other nearby places can also reach Kumily by road with an ease.
2By Train:
Theni Railways Station is around 64km from this beautiful plantation town. To reach Kumily by train, passengers boarding a train to this station, and hire local taxis or take buses to reach Kumily by road.
3By Air:
While Kochi International Airport is at around 157km away, the Madurai Airport at 150km would be the best way to reach Kumily by air. On arrival at either of these airport, one would ample of road transport options to complete the remaining portion of the journey to reach Kumily by road.
Best Time to Visit Kumily
Winter (December – February) – Best Time: Kumily welcomes winter soon after the monsoon rains. Starting from December, the town experience a crispiness in the climate with the atmosphere gaining more visibility. For those searching for the best time to reach Kumily, they should plan their visit within this season.
Summer (March – May) – Good Time: Being at an elevation of 2,890ft, Kumily enjoys a pleasant climate almost throughout the year. Even though summer heat causes the temperature to rise, it always remains within a range of 19-28 degrees. This period also serves as an ideal time for outdoor activities like trekking, hiking, nature trails, and plantation visits in Kumily.
Monsoon (June – September) – Average Time: If you are not an outdoor enthusiast, you would definitely enjoy visiting Kumily during the monsoons. With the arrival of the monsoon showers, the entire plantation town gets embossed with an appealing shade of nature’s green colour, and makes the ambiance irresistible and equally magical. However, since the terrains gets slippery and get over overspread with leeches and other insects, it is not an advisable time for most of the outdoor activities.
Places to Visit around Kumily
Thekkady: The gem of Idukki district – Thekkady, should be the first place to visit while you are in Kumily. Located merely 1.5km away from the plantation town, Thekkady is a natural home to numerous natural marvels.
Periyar National Park: While visiting Thekkady from Kumily, visitors shouldn’t miss out the fascinating Periyar National Park at any cost! The natural abode of Indian Elephants, White Tigers, Gaur, Wild Pics, and other endangered wildlife species, this park will fulfil all your wildlife desires and fantasies.
Vandiperiyar: Located only 13km from Kumily, Vandiperiyar is a wonderful town to come across the trading of tea, coffee and pepper. Gurgling Periyar River flowing through this town is also a site you would never wish to miss!
Periyar Lake: Nestled amidst the Periyar National Park, Periyar Lake boasts of being the largest artificial lake in the country. A common sipping ground within the park, one can easily spot the inhabitants of Periyar National Park while visiting Periyar Lake.
Abraham’s Spice Garden: En route to Thekkady from Kumily, there is this magnificent organic garden called Abraham’s Spice Garden! By paying an entry fees of INR20, one can step into a verdant world of organic farming, spice plantations, Ayurveda, and lot more.
Murikkady: Ideal for day picnics, plantations visits and nature walks, Murikkady is among the most adored places to visit near Kumily. Located only 5km from Thekkady, Murikkady is famous for cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.
Kadathanadan Kalari Centre: Located in the heart of Thekkady, this cultural centre is a wonderful place to witness Kerala’s traditional art and culture. Be it Kathakali, Kalaripayattu, or the folk cultures of Kerala, one can have a livelier glimpse of everything in Kadathanadan Kalari Centre.
Mangla Devi Temple: Situated within the locales of Periyar National Park, this pious temple is dedicated to Goddess Mangala Devi who stands for moral powers of a woman. While enjoying the salubrious environs of Kumily, visitors can make it to Mangala Devi Temple and seek blessings from the deity.
Chellarkovil: Peace and serenity are the two most significant offerings of this quaint village. Located within 17km from Kumily, Chellarkovil could be one the most scenic destinations you come across while touring around this plantation town.
Vandanmedu: Resembling much to Kumily, this gorgeous hill resort is a wonderful escapade for the tired souls. Located just 23km away, it sits at an altitude of 4,000ft, and is known to be world’s largest cardamom auction market.
Things to Do in Kumily
Plantation Walks: While in Kumily, it would be unfair if you don’t embark on plantation tours. Go for these fun-filled tours; step into a world of soul-stirring aromas while exploring how spices are grown, harvested, and packed to reach your home.
Nature Trails: These tours are the best way to have a tryst with the undulating beauty of Kumily. Scenic hills carpeted with evergreen plantations, narrow and whirly terrains passing through them; everything just make it for a heart-warming experience in Kumily.
Wildlife Safaris: For the wildlife lovers, they can visit the fascinating locales of Periyar National Park, and satiate all their yearnings to come face-to-face with the mighty predators and wild cats.
Trekking: The perfect way to unravel the magical beauty of Kumily, trekking is also among the most sought-after things to do in Kumily. Lush thickets, scenic plantations, outstanding backdrops, and much more awaits the trekkers in this pictorial plantation town.
Bamboo Rafting: Conducted in the Periyar Lake, bamboo rafting has its own charm and thrill. An adrenaline pumping activity, visitors can participate in bamboo rafting in the Periyar Lake along the edges of Periyar National Park.
Boating: While on a visit to Periyar Lake, one can also go for boating in the lake. While boating, visitors can also spot the inhabitants of the park in their natural forms and traits.
Hotels around Kumily
Kumily offers plenitude of homestays and cottage stays; the town doesn’t have such luxury hotels and other stay options. However, if you decide to stay around Thekkady; which is only 1.5km away, you can check-in into luxury hotels and ample of jungle resorts.
