Kumily, a plantation town of
Idukki District in
Kerala, is the junction town straddling the Kerala –
Tamil Nadu border. Being a busy place, on the outskirts of Periyar Sanctuary and full of spice shops, it is also known as the gateway to
Thekkady. Situated 4 km from Thekkady, Kumily hosts an important shopping center, a spice trade center and the main bus station.
Even though Kumily is primarily famous for its spice trade, tourism seems to flourish, attracting more visitors. The main source of income here is through spice trade. The selling of freshly collected spices is a common sight on the Thekkady road. Kumily has a good market that offers handloom fabrics, spices, rosewood and sandalwood items, batiks, silks and antiques.
Recreation facilities here include boat trips, trekking and jungle walks. Although Kumily is a hilly area, it is a good cycling territory.
Some important places of attraction such as Thekkady and Munnar are close to Kumily. Kurisumala, famous as a sacred place, provides a panoramic view of Kumily town. Pandikuzhi, a popular picnic spot, 5 km from Kumily, is a picturesque spectrum of exotic flora, fauna and streams. Chellarkovil, 15 km from Kumily, with its beautiful plains and cascading waterfalls is a feast for the visitors. Vandanmedu, 25 km from Kumily, is one of the largest auction centers for cardamom. Mangala Devi Temple, 13 km from Kumily, is a popular destination and the views are magnificent. The festival of this temple falls on the day of 'Chitra Pournami'.
Accommodation that suits all pockets is available at Kumily. Home stays such as Green Garden that offer plantation tours and home-cooked food are a popular option enjoyed by the tourists. Hotels such as Claus Garden Home, Coffee Inn, Kumily Gate, 122210Shalimar Spice Garden Resort, Taj Garden Retreat and Woodlands offer excellent accommodation. Hotel Ambadi and Spice Village (resort) offer attractive cottages at Kumily.
The nearest airports are Madurai Airport (140 km) in Tamil Nadu and Cochin International Airport (208 km) in Kerala.
Kottayam railway station is 110 km from Kumily.
Kumily is connected by bus services from Thiruvananthapuram (271 km), Kochi (185 km), Kottayam (110 km) and Madurai (140 km). Besides this, the Forest Department operates bus services between Thekkady and Kumily. Private bus operators also conduct package tours to this place.
