Oktatabyebye

Kumily: At a distance of 4 km from Thekkady, Kumily is located in the Cardamom hills and is essentially a plantation town. It has a little market that adds to the charm of the place, an ideal village setup you’d like to show to your kids. Kumily is also a trading centre for spices.

Mangala Devi Temple - Permission from the Wildlife Wadren, Thekkady (Ph.0486-322027) is required to visit this ancient temple, that’s located on top of a hill approx 1,337 mts and makes for an interesting trek. The temple is a fine specimen of traditional temple-architecture of the region and offers spectacular views of the eastern slopes of the Ghats and some low-lying hill villages in the state of Tamil Nadu.
Pullumedu: Part of the restricted forest area, thus special permits are issued by the Wildlife Preservation Officer, Thekkady (Ph:0486-322027) or the Range Officer, Vallakkadavu (Ph:0486-352515) to visit this stunningly beautiful place with rolling hills draped in lush greenery. A jeep-road along the Periyar River leads you to Pullumedu, the distance covered is 26 Kms from Periyar.

Ramakalmedu: Located atop a hill that offers a panoramic view of villages on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats, Ramakalmedu is another good place to explore. Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat. It is located at a distance of 40 km from Thekkady.

Plantation Tours: Tours covering pepper, cardamom, coffee and tea plantations, tea factories, tribal settlements and the surrounding hill regions are arranged from the District Tourism Information Office in Kumily (Ph:0486-322620) and these are a great way to get to know the area and its culture. These guided tours are even more interesting for kids, and provide them fine exposure the life in the villages of Kerala.
Elephant Rides: Half-hour elephant rides through the jungle make up for an interesting safari experience. The Forest Department arranges these rides at a nominal charge of Rs.30 per person.
Tickets can be bought from the Wildlife Information Counter. Ph: 0486-322028
Trekking: From Kumily one can trek to Kurisumala, Pullumedu or Ottakathalamedu. There is another popular trail that goes from Periyar to Grampi. These hikes are conducted by the Forest Department along with treks to other places like Nellikkampetty area and Manakkavala. 
For advance booking contact Wildlife Preservation Officer, Thekkady (Ph:0486-322027, 322028)

The Kerala Tourism Development Corp. or KTDC runs the following three hotels in the Thekkady area:

• Aranya Nivas - Phone: 0486-9222023
• Lake Palace - Phone: 0486- 9222023
• Periyar House - Phone:0486-9222026

The Mundax Home Stay Retreat is an idyllic and inspirational private home stay retreat that’s nestled amongst organic spice and vegetable gardens and healing waters. The place offers plenty of opportunity for private retreat and contemplation.
Mount Sinai Tourist Home is another one, a budget hotel offering well furnished rooms, veg/ non-veg food, boating facilities and also providing plantation trips, tea factory visit and eco-tourism programs.

By Air: Nearest airport is at Madurai (136 km/ 4 hrs). Taxi to Thekkady is Rs 1,500 approx, plus return fare.

By Rail: Nearest railhead is at  Kottayam (114 km/ 4 hrs). Taxi to Thekkady is Rs 1,200 approx, plus return fare.

By Road: Get off NH7 at Dindigul and drive to Kilgudalur via Theni. Continue uphill to Kumily. Thekkady is 6 km away.

Best time to visit Srinagar: September - March