The region of Cumbum in Tamil Nadu is one of South India’s most fertile lands. Blessed with the rich nutrients in the soil and a climate that is suited for the cultivation of a variety of crops. Located between the Thekkady Hills, the Varusanadu Hills, and Kodaikanal, Cumbum Valley consists of large areas of farmland and includes crops like paddy, vegetables, grape vineyards, and mango and pomegranate farms. Cumbum also happens to be one of the few regions in Tamil Nadu that has thriving grape cultivation.
The farmers in the Cumbum Valley are able to harvest the fruits up to five times in two years. Visitors from Thekkady can take a 20 km long drive to cross the border into Tamil Nadu and into the Cumbum Valley.
Cool, green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakkalmedu an enchanting retreat. The place gets its name from the impressions of the feet found on the rock surface here, which is believed to be of Rama, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, as told in the Indian epic Ramayana.
Located in Idukki district of Kerala, Ramakkalmedu is about 40 km from Thekkady, which is one of the popular wildlife destinations in Kerala. The captivating hills of Ramakkalmedu in the Western Ghats, which is about 16 km from Nedumkandam.
Periyar Tiger Reserve offers 1.5 hrs boating trips at the lake near the sanctuary. A herd of elephants or a group of sambar deer are common sights near the lake. You may be able to spot herds of Gaur and wild boars in the grasslands adjacent to the shores. A variety of avian fauna such as darters, egrets and kingfishers can be seen resting on dead tree trunks that stick out over the lake. During your boat ride, there is also a high probability of observing the antics of the Smooth Indian Otter.
Idukki Arch Dam, an engineering marvel, is located in the South-Indian state of Kerala. It is an arch dam with a double curvature and is built on River Periyar. Precisely, the dam is constructed in a gorge between two hills, Kuravathi and Kuravan. It is at the height of about 550 feet and is a breath-taking sight in the otherwise rugged terrain along which has been built. With this height, it is one of the highest arch dams in Asia. Because of its massive size, the dam can be seen from quite some distance and the sight of the structure in between the granite hills is breath-taking. The surrounding is lush green, and the reservoir serves as a quick getaway for locals. As part of promoting hydel tourism, boating in the reservoir is open for tourists. Just absorb the mesmerizing beauty site while you are there because photography is not allowed, and you don't want to forget about this grand structure
Barren Hills is a famous attraction with vast stretches of lush green meadows and is a treat to the eyes. The sunset view that it offers draws people in large numbers. Because of its terrain, the hills are famous for trekking, paragliding and rock climbing, making it a perfect attraction for adventure seekers.
This is a dawn-to-dusk range hiking and rafting programme through some of the richest forest tracts of Periyar Tiger Reserve. Starting at 8 am from the boat landing, a mosaic of habitats will be traversed before the party gets into rafts made of bamboos. The forests are rich in bird life and arboreal animals like giant squirrel and Nilgiri langur. Rafting lasts for about three hours and one gets a panoramic view of forest-clad hills reflected on the lake. Animals like elephant, gaur and sambar are sighted keeping close to the edges of the lake. The team hitchhikes back to the boat landing by about 5 pm. An armed guard and 4 guides will accompany a maximum of 10 tourists. Tea, snacks and packed lunch will be served en route. This package is an excellent programme for semi-serious nature lovers to feel the beauty of Nature.
This is an interesting activity as it gives the visitors a view of their surroundings atop an elephant. There are a host of activities like Elephant Bath which involves indulging oneself (and the elephant) in a playful session in the pool built to bathe the elephants. During this session you can have your photos taken as you immerse yourself in total bliss. Other sessions which are of a longer duration include a two hour long elephant ride, a session on commands and communication with the elephants, a session where there is a display of how timber is dragged by the elephants combining their immense strength and incredible dexterity.
"Walking into the woods," is a popular English phrase and going to the Pine Hills, you will actually walk into the woods. It is a manmade pine forest and is one of the top destinations at Vagamon to explore. It is a valley full of acres of lofty pine trees growing on steep edges, which look out over the edge of a cliff. The place has an ethereal feeling, especially since it is not crowded at all.
This place has nothing for you to see but a lot to feel. 'Walking into the woods' is a popular English phrase and going to the Pine Hills, you will actually walk into the woods.
Murugn Mala is a scenic hill in the region famous for a splendid rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. The atmosphere is often divine and the attraction helps one get closer to nature.
