Kerala Tradition & Fascinating Destinations 2014 Kerala Tradition & Destinations 2014 | Page 206

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary extends over the Thodupuzha and
Udumpanchola taluks spreading over to 77 sq kms and is about 450-748
mt above Sea level. Three dams – Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamavu form
the Idukki reservoir which extends to 33 sq kms. The area is the about of
various animals, snakes and birds. Animals - elephants, bison, sambar
deer, wild dog, jungle cat, tiger and wild boar. Snakes - cobra, viper, krait
and a number of non-poisonous ones . Birds - jungle fowl, mynah, laughing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl, wood pecker and king fisher.
Vagamon: (25 km from Peermede) Spectacular sights make Vagamon a perfect
holiday retreat. A curious blend of religious mysticism and European legacies, this hillside village is a haven of tranquility. The chain of three hillsThangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kuri-sumala - is a mark of religious harmony.
Ilaveezhapoonchira: (55 kms from Kottayam and 20 kms from Thodupuzha)
Ilaveezhapoonchira means valley where leaves don’t fall. It is named so
because the place has no trees, spread over thousands of acres. This is one
of the best places in Kerala to enjoy both sunrise and sunset. The verdant
landscape punctuated by four gigantic hills, each rising to around 3200
feet, is an ideal place to unwind. During the monsoons when the valley
fills up to form a scenic lake, this place unveils yet another beautiful slice
of the nature.
Mangaladevi Temple: (15 kms from Thekkady) Visitors to this ancient temple
are allowed only on Chithra Paurnami festival days. Hidden in the dense
forest at the top of a peak 1337 mt above sea level, the temple is built in
traditional Kerala style of architecture. The peak commands a panoramic
view of the eastern slopes of the Ghats and some hill villages of
Tamilnadu. The prior permission should be obtained from the Wildlife
Warden to visit the area. Ph- 04869 222027.
Peermede: (915-1100 mt above the sea level) This famous plantation town
takes its name from Peer Mohammed- a Sufi Saint and close associate of
the erstwhile royal family of Travancore. Wide area of cultivation of tea,
cardamom, rubber, coffee interspersed with cascades, sculptural rocks,
meadows and mist-cloaked hilltops make Peermede unforgettable. The
most delightful trekking trails complement the panoramic landscape.
Monuments like the summer palace and summer residence add to the
splendour of land.
Things to do in Peermede
Peermede and surrounding areas are ideal for trekking, cycling and horse riding.
Trekking sites - Peeru hills, Kalthotti, Vagamon, Karandakapara hills, Grampi
(Parunthupara), Memala.
Plantation visits - Tea, Coffee, Cardamom, Rubber etc.
Trips to Meloram, Nallathanni, Pachalimedu, Valanjamkanam waterfalls etc.
Visits to Tea factories in and around Peermede.
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IDUKKI|TRADITION AND DESTINATIONS