The Cardamom Hills are part of the southern Western Ghats located in southeast Kerala and Southwest Tamil Nadu in South India. The name comes from the cardamom spice grown in much of the hill's cool elevation, which also grow pepper and coffee.
These hills are elevated regions, ranging from 2,000-2,500 m above sea level. Around half a million travelers make their way up into the Cardamom Hills every year. It is the place where the crisp, cool air is fragrant with the scents of spices, and soaring mountains give way to tea plantations and dense jungle. The main crops grown in these hills are teak, bamboo, pepper, coffee and cardamom, which gives the region its name.
Periyar and Kumily are the most convenient points from which visitors can easily explore Kerala's beautiful Cardamom hills. Guides will approach you with offers of trips via jeeps or taxis to the hills and if you can get a group together, these trips work out as a good travel value.
Vandanmedu 25 kms away from Kumily is one of the worlds largest trade centres for cardamom. A walk through the sprawling cardamom plantations of Vandanmedu is a heady experience.
Cardamom Club is a Plantation Resort set amidst in a beautiful cardamom farm. It is covered around about 15 acres of lush green area offers a great view from its top end. It also provides many adventurous sports such as trekking rock climbing, fishing and angling.
One of the 28 tiger reserves in India, the oldest – Periyar Valley in Thekkady, is also the largest protected area in Kerala. Due to its amazing wildlife, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations.
Situated in the southern region of the Western Ghats, this sprawling forestland is a habitat of the Asian elephant. A repository of rare, endemic and endangered flora and fauna, the Valley is also the place from where two important rivers, Periyar and Pamba, originate.
The tiger reserve that is situated in the Valley gets its name from the Periyar, a river that originates from the forested tracts of the reserve. In the centre of the reserve is a vast artificial lake, created by a dam constructed by the British in 1895. It was the engineering skills of one Colonel J Pennycuick who diverted the Periyar’s flow towards the barren eastern plains that gave birth to this fertile valley.
The best Sanctuary for watching and photographing wild elephants. The oldest wild Life sanctuary in the state. An estimated number of about 6 lakh tourists including a large number of foreigners visit this sanctuary every year.
The Periyar wildlife sanctuary can be divided into four categories. The open grasslands studded with fire-resistant vegetation and a variety of grasses including elephant grass,which are the common dining hall of herbivores - from barking deer to the elephant; which the most deciduous forest type dominated by trees like teak and Terminalia which shed their leaves seasonally; the semi evergreen forest close to the tropical forests and wet, stream areas and the sholas or tropical evergreen jungle often tigers and king Cobras that are found in the Valleys. This area of dense forest allows only a limited stream of sunlight through and in the moist, dark corridors.The best time to visit Periyar is between October and May. The best chance of watching animals during the hot months of March, April and May, when water gets low and the grass dried out, animals especially elephants come down to the Periyar lake to bath and frolic in the water along with their young ones.The varied habit at in the sanctuary supports a number of species of terrestrials, aquatic and arboreal animals. Elephant behaviour can be watched in such absolute comfort and safety. The wildlife population consists of estimated 600 elephants, 450 sambar deer, 550 wildboar, 180 troops of Nilgiri languor monkeys, 26 troops of bonnet and lion-tailed Macaques, 400 porcupine, 100 gaur, 50 mouse deer and a number of Bears, Wild dogs, jackals, Civets, flying squirrels, Mongoose, Pangolin cobra and others. Nilgiri Tahr is also reported to be seen in this area. There are now an estimated number of 45 Tigers and 15 Leopards in Periyar sanctuary. The lucky tourist may even see a tiger
People oriented and park centered community based ecotourism is the hallmark of Periyar Tiger Reserve. These programmes are conducted by local people responsible for the surveillance of the vulnerable parts of the reserve. By taking tourists along, they are involved in the conservation of the forests of Periyar and some valuable revenue is generated for community welfare. People who once made a living by illegal operations in the forests have since become forest protectors and earn their livelihood through these programmes. Hence, as a visitor, when you join them in any of these programmes, you are directly contributing towards forest conservation and community welfare.
The watch tower is an important tourist spot to visit within the park. You can have a wonderful view of the surrounding areas from here. It gives you a panoramic view of the park. The tower is maintained by the Forest Department and it is one of the best places to witness the animals, as the tower overlooks water holes in buffer zone. Wear proper boots and outfits to avoid scars and insect bites.
Camp at the forest cottage at Kokkara, which is an hour's trek from the forest check post. Watch the jungle come alive with avian splendour and at night experience its silence. You'll also be treated to wild animals roaming in the grasslands.
Rs 2,000 per cottage for 2 persons inclusive of dinner, trekking and entry fee.
The programme involves dawn to dusk trekking and rafting through some of the luxuriant forest tracts of Periyar Tiger Reserve. In this package, you can enjoy two hours of trekking one and a half hours of rafting and then, after a lunch break, return in the same manner. During this trial, you get a real feel of the pristine forest and a great chance to spot large animals and birds. You also get a glimpse of the lives of the indigenous people and see them fishing in the lake. An armed guard and four guides accompany a maximum of 10 people.
Starting at 8AM from the boat landing, a mosaic of habitats will be traversed before the party gets into rafts made of bamboos.
The team hitchhikes back to the boat landing by about 5PM. Tea, snacks and packed lunch will be served enroute.
Apart from camping in tents located on the banks of Periyar River at Vallakkadavu inside the Reserve, the package includes optional activities like visits to the Vanchivayal tribal colony and the historical Mullaperiyar Dam, trekking in the forests, tea factory and spice garden visits, vehicle safari, rafting, boating in the Periyar Lake, boating/angling at Vallakkadavu etc. Two to maximum thirty persons can partake in this camp.
This is a protection-oriented trekking and camping programme where reformed poachers act as tourist guides. They know the forest really well, so besides assisting you in pitching camp and cooking food, they also enlighten you about the flora and fauna. Camping facilities are a bare minimum^tourists are expected to carry their own travel kits. The most significant aspect of this package is the focus on prevention and detection of illicit activities in the forest
Treks to the ruined Mangaladevi temple - a beautiful old stone temple situated in the heart of the Thekkady forest
The programme is unique in being conducted by a team of poachers who turned protectors of the forests. The team members are hardy and dependable with an intimate knowledge of the forest terrain. The programmes are 1 night/2 days and 2 nights/3 days. The first day’s trek starts at 12 noon and ends by noon in the second or third day. The team consists of a maximum of 5 visitors, 5 guides and 2 forest officials. Normally 20 to 35 km of trekking distance will be covered, depending on the route chosen.
Here, one may chance to encounter much indigenous wildlife like Nilgiri langur, giant squirrel, elephant and who knows, even the tiger! The trek route passes through hills and valleys with a variety of tropical plants and wide-open spaces. Enroute vegetarian meals will be prepared and served and country tents will be pitched for holing up in the night. Trekking groups are accompanied by armed forest guards with good communication equipments, and geared to face any emergency situation. Remember to listen to unusual and strange adventure stories of the former poachers, now your guides and protectors of the forests.
Programme 1 One Night and two days Rs. 3,000 per head Maximum 5 persons in a group. Reporting Time 9 am
Programme 2 Two Nights and three days Rs 5,000 per head Maximum 5 persons in a group, Reporting time 9 am
Frequency of programmes twice a week"
Preconditions for joining the tiger trail: Visitors who are medically fit and aged between 15 - 65 are advised to take the tiger trail. Visitors should be serious nature lovers willing to sacrifice some of the luxuries and comforts of a hotel.
Note : Due to a tragic accident on Periyar lake, boating was temporarily suspended.
Travelling by boat in the reservoir is the only means of transport and it provides the most delightful way of spotting elephants and avifauna for which the part is known. You can board a boat at the tourist centre in Thekkady, from where it will pass slowly from one channel to another. Boat cruises are an exhilarating experience at sunrise and sunset when the chances olf viewing wildlife and bright.
Boat cruises make the best option to check out the wilds of Periyar Sanctuary, as the Periyar lake presents an excellent boating spot for tourists today. You occassionally come across a family of Elephants, Wild Boar, and Sambar Deer by the water's edge.
The upper deck is best for wildlife viewing when taking a boat cruise, but better turn up half an hour early to get the best seat. To maximise you chances, take the 7.00 am boat. You can also consider renting your own boat.
This is a conservation oriented, hard trek along the boundary of the tiger reserve where you can enjoy the rich flora and fauna. Two guides and an armed forest guard accompany trekkers.
The trekking starts at 8 o’ clock in the morning and ends in the evening.
The route passes through undulating terrains. Altitudinal ranges of 900 meters to 1300 meters will be covered and the trekkers could glimpse the lofty escarpments bordering the park watershed and the vast plains down below. Gaur, sloth bear, elephant, etc. are often sighted along this route apart from birds and butterflies.
Maximum of 10 tourist can take the programme in two different groups. The trekkers will go with two guides and an armed forest guard. Vegetarian refreshments can be had en route.
This programme is part of the regular night patrolling in the fringe ecodevelopment zones of the tiger reserve. By participating in this, one is actually helping in the protection of the forests of Periyar.
Border Hiking: Full Day
Rs 750 per person (inclusive of vegetarian food and entrance), Minimum 2 persons and Maximum 10 persons in two groups
Visit the farmlands of a tiny hamlet beyond the mountains of Periyar where guides enlighten you regarding the different traditional ways of farming.
An optional coracle ride is also included in the package. This three-hour package will have minimum 2 persons and maximum 9 persons.
Visit the farmlands of a village hidden in the valley behind the mountains of Periyar Tiger Reserve in a bullock cart.
The village is rich in bird diversity (New explorations for a serious bird watcher, also wonderful beginning for a novice)
With vineyards, diverse agricultural crops of mangoes, tamarind, onions, sunflower, jasmine and a score of other vegetables, the village will take your breath away when the guides start to interpret how farming has woven delicately with the culture and the life of the natives.
To feel the slow pace of the village life, to be part of the innocence, to take away you between cock and stick fights, to quench the thirst with the nectar from tender coconuts.
Conducted by a group of people who were encaged in sandalwood smuggling, later surrendered before the Forest Department .The profit from this programme goes to rehabilitate this group of people.
Rs 1,000 per head, Minimum 2 persons, Maximum 9 persons
Here there are typical tribal huts and tents erected in a vast bamboo grove in the middle of Anavachal. Nature lovers can avail of the experiential learning programmes conducted by the forest department. There is also a thatched seminar hills where sensitisation programmes are organised.
The two islets of elevated ground studded with bamboo thickets in Thekkady is the eco lodge for experiential learning. Here a miniature habitat is being recreated for man and nature to co-exist in the already available milieu of grassy downs, sedges and bamboos and stream fringed with screw pine.
Dwelling units made exclusively of natural materials like bamboo and grass and tents are slotted in the available spaces together with treetop huts to give the place an eco-friendly ambience.
Experiential learning and nature sensitization camps are conducted for discerning aspirants and the programme addresses different target groups. Lectures, discussions, audiovisual presentations, field visits etc. go with the programme.
Bamboo Grove: Timing: 24 hours
Rs 2,000 per cottage for 2 persons inclusive of dinner, trekking, boating and entry fee.
This ride would be through countryside villages with stop over at intermediary places. The duration can be stretched to any length of time as per actual requirement of the tourist. At a time only two tourists can take the ride while the others in a group could trek along and change over accordingly. Experienced elephant Master will guide & accompany the tourists during the ride. Riding an elephant takes you back to the royal era, when only the Kings use to ride on these majestic creatures. Elephant Safaris are equipped with a howdah, a large seat on which they and the visitors sit. More of all an elephant safari tour in the tropical wildlife sanctuaries of India gets you up, close and personal with these majestic animals.
All the above programmes are conducted with prior entry permission from Kerala State Forest Department at Periyar Tiger Reserve and in co-ordination with the trained Guides & Forest Guards.
The Forest Department, Thekkady offers facilities for elephant rides through the jungle. Time: 1000 - 1700 hrs. Duration: 30 Minutes. Fare: Rs.30 per person. Tickets are available from the Wildlife Information Counter. Ph:0486-322028
Gavi, a picturesque land is one of the off-the-track destinations ideal for a wilderness retreat replete with trekking, birding, canoeing and facilities for boarding.
There are hills and valleys, tropical forests, sprawling grasslands, sholas, cascading waterfalls and cardamom plantations. Endangered species including the elephant, Nilgiri tahr, lion-tailed macaque are often sighted at the outskirts of Gavi.
Green Mansion: Tariff: Rs. 1500/- per person (Minimum Rs. 2000/-)
Participate in this night patrolling programme and help the forest department in the protection of the forests of Periyar. Visitors are accompanied by two protection watchers and arrmed forest guards.
Its a must go for Jungle Trek during your visit to the Periyar National Park. There are different kind of options available for the Jungle Trek. There are options available for the short trek of 4 hours starting in morning and afternoon. One can also trek with the night patrol with the forest guard through the jungle, when there are better chances of spotting wildlife from up close.
During the trek the flora and fauna can be experienced at close quarters and if one is lucky enough there are chances to sight the bigger animals of the cat family.
Timing Hours: 3 Hours
Rs 500 per head, Maximum 24 persons (4 persons each in two groups on three time slots)
The Nature Walk, or guided day trek, involves trekking through selected nature trails accompanied by trained tribal trackers cum guides. The trails often pass through evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grass-lands. This interpretative programme provides incredible opportunities for the close observation of birds, butterflies and wildlife.
Wander through three different life zones in the course of a day. Move past evergreen, grassland or moist deciduous forests and come across various species of flora and fauna in each forestland. Filled with a different choir of birds. And harbouring some of the most fascinating collection of Orchids - 145 of them to be precise. A close watch of the trails will also reveal pug marks left by the forest inmates.
Different nature trails traversing diverse habitats form the trekking routes, generally 4 to 5 km. in length. This is an interpretive programme offering excellent opportunity to watch birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The trails often pass through evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grasslands.
The programme is offered between 7.00 am. and 10.30 am. and between 2.00 pm. and 3.00 pm. and lasts for about 3 hours. A maximum of 5 persons can go for trekking at a time along each nature trail, accompanied by a trained tribal guide. The Nature walk is the right programme to feel nature, hear her whispers and smell her flowers.
Nature Walk: 3 Hours
Rs 100 per head, Minimum 5 persons per trek
