KERALA

GOD'S OWN COUNTRY               Page 4

At this point, we were left to 2, the rest left home. 

Located on the highlands of Western Ghats that seperates Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Kumily is a small town next to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Cool climate, this is one of the hill stations in Kerala. About 5 hrs of driving from Kochi ( about 156 km). From Trivandrum, we drove almost 6 hrs, but it was worth it. The mountainous way up to the Ghats through small villages and towns was simply marvelous. 

Inside Periyar Sanctuary, you must take the ferry trip on the lake. If you're lucky, you might see a herd of elephants, a tiger or even a leopard. We got to see otters, bison, deer, wild boars, some birds...Best time to catch animals is in the first or the last ferry trip. 

Hotel

Woodlands Prime Castle. Located on Thekkady Rd., walking distance to town. New and well-maintained. Rate for double A/C Rs 400 discounted rate. Owner is friendly.

Places to visit

A 2 hr-boat trip on the man-made lake inside the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Entrance into the park: Rs 50 per person, boat ride Rs 10. Costs more if booked thru hotel. 4 available cruises. Earliest ride is at 7.00 a.m. and the last at 4.00 p.m. These are best timings to see wild animals if you're lucky. Also great for bird watching.  

There are spice gardens all around Kumily. You could also get cardamoms, cinnamon, pepper,  honey, coffee and tea from local stores as souvenirs. 

Look for Bambu Cafe, on the way from town to the park for best Keralite dish of appom and egg curry for breakfast. Tea is excellent. 

A serene look of Periyar Lake early morning as seen from the ferry.

Admiring the natural beauty and the calmness of the morning...

Ferry with a group of European tourists overtakes ours.

At the ferry jetty.

Elephant ride at Cardamom County Hotel

Next (Munnar)