Important Tourism Places
Tourism Attractions of Kumily Grama Panchayat
Kumily Grama Panchayat in Idukki district and its surrounding areas are blessed with several renowned tourist destinations, including Thekkady–Periyar Tiger Reserve, Mangaladevi Temple, Ottakathalamedu Kurisumala, Chenkara Kurisumala, Miracle Mount, elephant rides, spice gardens, and the Chellarkovil Waterfalls. The region is also known for its lush green tea and cardamom plantations, scenic landscapes, and boating facilities. Sharing its border with Tamil Nadu, Kumily is the largest grama panchayat in Kerala by geographical area.
Periyar Tiger Reserve (Thekkady)
The Periyar Tiger Reserve, located adjacent to Kumily, is the area's most prominent tourist attraction. It is famous for:
- Wildlife safaris
- Boating on Periyar Lake
- Nature walks and trekking
- Rich biodiversity and scenic forest landscapes
Mangaladevi Temple
Located about 15 kilometers from Kumily, Mangaladevi Temple is an ancient shrine known for its:
- Distinctive Pandyan-style architecture
- Historical and cultural significance
- Panoramic views of the surrounding hills and forests
Kurisumala & Pandikuzhy
Kurisumala and Pandikuzhy are popular destinations for trekking and nature exploration. The region offers breathtaking landscapes, valleys, and opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Chenkara Kurisumala
Chenkara Kurisumala is a picturesque pilgrimage and tourism destination situated in Kumily Panchayat, Idukki district. It is a relatively unexplored hill that offers visitors the opportunity to experience the full beauty of Kerala’s High Range region.
Key Features
Location:
Chenkara Kurisumala is located in Chenkara, near Thekkady and Kumily.
Natural Beauty:
Surrounded by verdant hills, mist-covered landscapes, and cool weather, the area is ideal for nature lovers. It is especially suitable for:
- Trekking
- Photography
- Sightseeing
- Nature walks
Pilgrimage Significance:
Like other well-known Kurisumala pilgrimage sites in Kerala, such as Vagamon and Elappara, Chenkara Kurisumala is gradually developing into an important Christian pilgrimage destination, offering a serene and prayerful hill-climbing experience.
Ottakathalamedu Kurisumala
Ottakathalamedu is situated at an elevation of approximately 2,000 feet above sea level and is one of the most scenic viewpoints in the Kumily-Thekkady region.
Highlights
- Spectacular views of Thekkady Lake
- Distant views of Mangaladevi Temple
- Panoramic vistas of parts of Tamil Nadu
- Pleasant weather with continuous cool breezes throughout the day
Visitors can enjoy stunning sunrise and sunset views from the hilltop. The watchtower at Ottakathalamedu offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, valleys, forests, and plains, making it one of the most attractive viewpoints in the region.
Tourism Profile of Kumily
With its rich biodiversity, spice plantations, tea estates, forests, waterfalls, pilgrimage centers, and adventure tourism opportunities, Kumily has emerged as one of Kerala’s premier eco-tourism destinations. Its strategic location near the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border further enhances its importance as a gateway for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.
