Parunthumpara ( 36 Km 1 Hrs )
This destination in Idukki near to Peerumedu is not explored much. But if you are a traveler, who wants to explore unexplored places, who really loves adventure and who is awaiting for a thrilling journey, Parunthumpara invites you to experience all these. This is a small village places 6km away from Kottayam - Kumily highway.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - Thekkady ( 50Km - 1.35 hrs)
Periyar National Park, also known as Periyar Tiger Reserve, is in the mountainous Western Ghats of Kerala, southern India. This wildlife sanctuary is home to tigers and a significant elephant population, as well as rare lion-tailed macaques, sambar deer, leopards and Indian bison. In the park's north, Periyar Lake is popular for boat rides. Farther north, spice plantations surround the town of Kumily.
IllikkalKallu ( 25 km - 45 minutes )
One of the most sought after destinations in Kottayam is the IllickalKallu, a majestic hill which has a part of its peak shorn off. This steep rock on the top of the hill, known as the IllickalKallu, or the boulder at Illickal is easily one of the most prominent sights from any part of Kottayam. The journey here is in itself an eventful one. After a thrilling drive negotiating hairpin curves and a hike uphill, there is path which feathers out to IllickalKallu. You may tread this path or just stay put and feel the might of this imposing muscular rock. The breathtaking aerial view of the surroundings and billows of mists that glide past shrouding the towering hill is one magnificent sight.
IlaveezhaPoonchira ( 40 Km - 50 minutes )
Known as the land of letters, latex and lakes, Kottayam is among the most prominent districts in Kerala. Here lies the beautiful valley of Ilaveezhapoonchira, one amongst the many prime picnicking spots in the area. The beautiful hillocks near Kanjar are known to have great trails for trekking. The view in itself is breath-taking. During the Monsoons, the entire place transforms into a surreal spectacle. The terrain changes and one observes Nature at her best. It is highly recommended to view both sunrise and sunset from the valley as the picturesque landscape opens up in a unique and exhilarating way at those specific times.
Gavi ( 75 Km - 2 hrs )
Gavieco Tourism is a project of Kerala Forest development Corporation has caught the attention of tourists, mostly from European countries. It is a beautiful and pristine forest situated in Pathanamthitta District. Gavi Ecotourism offers boating, trekking and camping in Green Mansion Jungle Lodge, Swiss Cottage Tents and Jungle Camping. Daly safaris are there from Vallakkadavu Check post by KFDC.
Thommankuthu ( 51km - 2hrs )
Thommankuthu is a waterfall located in Thodupuzha Thaluk in Idukki District of the southern state of Kerala, India. The predominant theme of Thommankuthu in Idukki district is its beautiful cascades and gigantic rocks. It is popular tourist spot in the state and one the major centres of eco-tourism in Kerala. It situated in the southern part of Western Ghats mountain range. Thomankoothu waterfalls is not a single waterfall but a series of 12 falls over a distance of 5km.
Kuttikkanam ( 25 Km - 50 minutes )
The town of Kuttikkanam, in the vicinity of Peermede, is a well-known adventure sport destination providing great opportunities for trekking.
Kuttikkanam is at an altitude of 3,850 feet from the sea-level. The beauty of the place, the surrounding lush green hills and the cool clime make it ideal for a tranquil break. Kuttikkanam also offers breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset. In winter, it gets pretty cold and if you wander too far from your accommodation, you could get lost in the fog.
Peeru Hills ( 25 Km - 50 minutes )
This hill station is four km from Peermede and a kilomrtre from Kuttikkanam. It is named after the Sufi saint, Peer Mohammed as is Peermede. The view from the top of the hills, which is surrounded by ravines on all sides, of thick greenery and the gushing waterfall of Valanjanganam, is absolutely enchanting.
There is also a partially damaged mausoleum at the foot of the hills that attracts a lot of visitors.
Summer Palace ( 25 Km - 50 minutes )
The summer palace at Peermede was built for the Travancore royal family in the early 1900s. Though it is now in a dilapidated condition, many facets of the palace evoke a glorious past.
The smoke-stained hearth, the durbar hall, which would have witnessed many a royal intrigue and discussion, the vast kitchen and dining area, the bed chambers and the endless corridors all tell tales of an opulent time. The palace also has a prison cell and an underground passage. Outside, you will find a huge central courtyard and stables. A caretaker at the palace will show you around the entire building.
Another landmark that has left the mark of the Travancore royalty on Peermede is the Ammachikkottaram (the Maharani's palace). Today, this erstwhile summer residence of Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bai is private property. The summer residence of the Dewan of Travancore is also nearby.
Thrisangu Hills ( 25 Km - 50 minutes )
Thrisangu Hills, about two km from Kuttikkanam Junction, is used as a firing range by the armed forces. These hills provide an ideal height to enjoy the sunset and sunrise, as well as the rolling hills and the magnificent landscape all around. The mists here are sudden and all engulfing. When the mist lifts, it is as if Mother Nature is revealing a beautiful treasure gradually.
Panchalimedu ( 35 Km - 1 hrs )
Panchalimedu, about 10 km from Kuttikkanam, is a place of picture postcard beauty at an elevation of 2500 ft from the sea level. Standing on the beautiful meadows of Panchalimedu, one can see green valleys and misty hills all around.
Though Panchalimedu is not an established tourist destination, many tourists arrive every year. You can feel the refreshing breeze right at the beginning of the trek. The pathway is flanked by greenery and blooming flowers of various hues, and leads to quietly beautiful meadows. There are many ancient stone relics in the area of Panchalimedu.
During monsoon, the place offers a breathtaking view of hills canopied in verdant green. You can walk through the meadows on the slopes of the hill except for the western side that ends in deep ravine. From Panchalimedu, one can see the Mundakkayam valley as well as the Makaravilakku (the celestial lamp that is set alight during the MakaraSankranthi festival) of the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple amidst thick greenery.
Vallinankavu, a four-km trek away, is a tribal village of the Malayaraya community. A visit to the place will offer you a glimpse into the life of this tribal community. You can also visit the old temple at the village.