Kumily

Understand

A major tourist destination and spices trading center. Kumily is an access point for many Kerala bound merchants and labourers, and in close proximity to the bordering points in Tamil Nadu.

Getting there

The nearest airport is Madurai and so is the Railway Station but since it is on the Kerala side it would be wise to get in via Kottayam. Bus from Kottayam. Buses from Tamil Nadu, especially Madurai at a distance of 120 km.

Getting around

Taxis, auto rickshaws and regional buses.

See

Chellarkovil. 1 Cheruthoni. Hill View Park. 2 Idukki Arch Dam. This is the world's second and Asia's first arch dam. 3 Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Idukki. 4 Kurishumala Church, Vagamon. Spice fields. 5 Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary (Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary). 6 Vandiperiyar. 7 Vagamon. A nice place to visit, with pine trees to explore! (updated Jun 2017) Kollampattada, Kumily

Do

Spices. Enjoy the Spicy flavours of Kerala. Walk among the cardamom plantations. Shop for spices. jeep safari. The safari here is quite bad, you pay rate for whole car, price starting at ₹2000-3000 per car (2023). It consists of a 2-hour drive through Vandiperiyar to the "safari" place and 1 hour in nature. No chance of animals, it is really rare to see them far in horizon, there are too many people and too much noise. It is recommended for people who like the crazy off-road. It is better to go by walking because you can at least enjoy the scenery then. boat safari. Better chances of animals you will get in morning with the boat ride from thekkady. ₹500 is entry fee to the reservation and ₹225 is for the 1.5h boat ride on periyar lake. (2023)

Buy

The biggest grocery store is Reliance SMART Bazaar. Spices and Condiments, Various types of Tea (Masala, Vanilla, Coca late, Cardamom), Coffee beans and powder

Hilltop Spices, J549+M23, Kottayam - Kumily Rd, Thekkady, ☏ +91 9953865830, +91 9447472413. Wholesale and retail dealers in cardamom, pepper, cloves, cinnamon and other spices, which are locally grown. Red Frog, ☏ +91 4869 224560, [email protected]. for Musical instruments, home accessories and spices (updated Jun 2015)

Eat

Lord's Family Restaurant on the main road of Kumily, in the center. The "Navrathan Kurma" is wonderful. Spice Village (Buffet Restaurant). (updated Jun 2015)

Sleep

Lot of hotels and home stays are available.

Coffee Inn. (updated Jun 2015) Michales Inn (on way to Thekkady). The Pepper Valley Stay (on way to Thekkady). Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. Budget. Spice Village. (updated Jun 2015) 1 Tree Top Hotel. (updated Jun 2015) Woodlands Prime Castle (on way to Thekkady). Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. Budget.