Kumily Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Kumily, India with our comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, activities, where to stay, and more!


Introduction to Kumily

Kumily is a small town located in the Northern Travancore region of Kerala in Southern India. The town is situated in the midst of the Cardamom Hills and is known for its spice plantations, wildlife reserves, and natural beauty. Kumily is a popular tourist destination and is particularly known for its unspoiled natural surroundings and its easy access to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

List of Places to Visit in Kumily

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

There are several museums and historical places to visit in Kumily, including:

  • Mangaladevi Temple
  • Pattumalay Temple
  • St. George’s Church

Mangaladevi Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Shakti. The temple is situated in a beautiful natural setting and is a popular destination for those interested in Hinduism and spirituality. Pattumalay Temple is another important temple in Kumily, dedicated to Lord Subramanya, the god of war. St. George’s Church is a beautiful church that is over 100 years old and is known for its stunning architecture and well-maintained gardens.

Natural Attractions of Kumily: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Kumily is blessed with natural beauty, and there are several places to visit to experience the same:

  • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Thekkady Lake
  • Gavi Forest

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest wildlife reserves in India and is home to a large variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can take part in several activities such as hiking, boating, and bamboo rafting, and can spot animals such as elephants, tigers, and bison. Thekkady Lake is a beautiful lake located near the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and is a popular destination for boating and photography. Gavi Forest is a beautiful forest area located near Kumily and is known for its untouched natural beauty, exotic birds, and wildlife.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kumily

There are several hiking and biking routes around Kumily that allow visitors to explore the beautiful natural surroundings of the town. Some popular routes include:

  • Bamboo Grove Trail
  • Kaikatty-Malakkappara Trail
  • Pullumedu Trek

The Bamboo Grove Trail is a popular hiking route that takes visitors through scenic bamboo groves and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills. The Kaikatty-Malakkappara Trail is a challenging mountain biking route that takes visitors through steep hills, deep forests, and scenic waterfalls. The Pullumedu Trek is a popular hiking route that takes visitors through beautiful tea plantations and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.

Best Things to Do in Kumily: Activities and Tours

In Kumily, visitors can take part in a variety of activities and tours, including:

  • Spice Plantation Tour
  • Ayurvedic Massage
  • Cooking Classes

The Spice Plantation Tour is a popular activity that takes visitors through beautiful spice plantations, where they can learn about the various spices grown in the area, and also get to taste some delicious local food. Ayurvedic Massage is a traditional Indian wellness treatment that involves a full-body massage using herbal oils that are believed to heal and rejuvenate the body. Cooking classes are also popular in Kumily and allow visitors to learn how to prepare traditional Indian dishes using local ingredients.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kumily

A week-long itinerary for Kumily could look like:

Day Activity
1 Arrive in Kumily and spend the day relaxing at your hotel or taking a leisurely walk around town
2 Take a guided tour of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and spot some exotic wildlife
3 Take a cooking class and learn how to prepare traditional Indian dishes
4 Spend the day exploring local spice plantations and learning about the various spices grown in the area
5 Visit the Mangaladevi Temple and the Pattumalay Temple and learn about the town’s cultural heritage
6 Take a hike through the beautiful tea plantations and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills
7 Spend the day indulging in a relaxing Ayurvedic massage and preparing for departure

Food and Drink Scene of Kumily

Must-Try Dishes

Kumily is known for its spicy and flavorful cuisine, which draws inspiration from the local spices grown in the area. Some must-try dishes include:

  • Appam and Stew
  • Puttu and Kadala Curry
  • Fish Molee

Appam and Stew is a popular breakfast dish in Kumily and is made using a fermented rice batter and a stew made with chicken or vegetables. Puttu and Kadala Curry is another popular breakfast dish that consists of steamed rice cakes and a spicy chickpea curry. Fish Molee is a delicious fish curry that is made using coconut milk and a blend of flavorful spices.

Local Beverages

Kumily is also known for its delicious local beverages, including:

  • Jal Jeera
  • Masala Chai
  • Tender Coconut Water

Jal Jeera is a refreshing drink made with cumin, mint, and lemon juice, and is perfect for hot summer days. Masala Chai is a spiced tea that is popular throughout India and is made using black tea, cardamom, cinnamon, and other spices. Tender Coconut Water is a delicious and refreshing drink that is made by cracking open a young coconut and drinking the clear, sweet water inside.

Where to Stay in Kumily: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kumily offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, including:

  • KTDC Lake Palace
  • Spice Grove Hotels and Resorts
  • Greenwoods Resort

KTDC Lake Palace is a beautiful hotel located on an island in Thekkady Lake and is known for its stunning views and serene surroundings. Spice Grove Hotels and Resorts is another great option and offers comfortable rooms, delicious food, and easy access to local attractions. Greenwoods Resort is a luxury resort that offers spacious rooms, a beautiful pool, and a relaxing spa.

What to Buy in Kumily: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Kumily is famous for its spices, and visitors can take home a variety of spices and spice blends as souvenirs. Some other popular souvenirs and local products to bring home include:

  • Tea
  • Handicrafts
  • Ayurvedic treatments

Tea is grown extensively in the region, and visitors can take home a variety of high-quality teas, including black tea, green tea, and herbal tea blends. Handicrafts such as jewelry, pottery, and textiles are also popular in Kumily and make for great souvenirs. Visitors can also take home Ayurvedic treatments such as herbal oils and massage creams, which are great for at-home self-care.

Local Culture and Customs of Kumily

Kumily is a predominantly Hindu town, and visitors should respect local customs and traditions. It is customary to take off one’s shoes before entering temples and other religious sites, and visitors should dress modestly when visiting these places. Public displays of affection are discouraged, and visitors should be respectful of local beliefs and practices.

Best Time to Visit Kumily

The best time to visit Kumily is between September and February when the weather is cooler and more comfortable. The monsoon season, which lasts from June to September, can be quite rainy and humid, while the summer months of March to May can be quite hot.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kumily

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites
  • Try local cuisine and beverages
  • Take part in local activities and tours
  • Shop for local products and souvenirs

Don’t:

  • Engage in public displays of affection
  • Disrespect local beliefs and practices
  • Engage in illegal activities

Safety and Health

Safety in Kumily

Kumily is generally a safe town, but visitors should take standard safety precautions such as keeping valuable items secure and being aware of their surroundings. Visitors should also be cautious when walking or driving on narrow roads and should avoid traveling alone at night.

Health in Kumily

Visitors should take standard health precautions such as drinking only bottled water and being cautious when trying new foods. Visitors should also be aware of the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever and malaria and should take precautions such as using mosquito repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants.

Getting to Kumily: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kumily

The nearest airport to Kumily is Cochin International Airport, which is located approximately 150 kilometers away. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India and offers international flights to several destinations.

Bus Stations Near Kumily

Kumily is well-connected to several major cities in Kerala, including Kochi, Trivandrum, and Kottayam. Kottayam is the nearest major bus station, located approximately 107 kilometers away.

Other Options

Visitors can also take a taxi or hire a private car to reach Kumily from nearby cities such as Kochi, Trivandrum, and Kottayam. The journey takes approximately three to four hours and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and forests.

How to Get Around in Kumily

Kumily is a small town that is easy to explore on foot. Visitors can also hire bicycles or motorbikes to explore the surrounding areas or hire a taxi for longer trips or to visit nearby attractions.

Where to Go Next from Kumily: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some nearby destinations and excursions from Kumily include:

  • Munnar: A beautiful hill station known for its tea plantations and scenic views.
  • Alleppey: A popular destination known for its backwaters and houseboat cruises.
  • Kodaikanal: A stunning hill station located in neighboring Tamil Nadu, known for its scenic beauty and serene surroundings.

Conclusion

Kumily is a beautiful town that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and exciting activities and tours. Whether you’re interested in exploring the local spice plantations, taking a relaxing spa day, or trying delicious local cuisine, Kumily has something for everyone. With its serene natural surroundings, rich cultural traditions, and welcoming locals, Kumily is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Southern India.

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