Chettiar Park

Chettiar Park is an extremely rejuvenating haven nestled in the heart of this tiny little town called Kumily in the district of Idukki in the state of  Kerala. Lush greenery,  landscaping and maintaining it all serene  ; therefore , not many people around in these places; such hidden jewels as it is by and large dwarfed by the famed Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Thekkady, yet an absolute haven to find those looking to lead peaceful life and rejuvenation under mother earth's hands. This article deeply digs  into the features, history, attractions, and overall significance of Chettiar Park by exploring the areas around it and the larger ecosystem of Kumily. 

Chettiar Park was born in the earliest years of development as one of the popular tourist towns. Kumily is a Kerala-Tamil Nadu boundary place, which has gained much prominence as the gateway to one of India's famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. It has one of the largest tourist stops, especially to see the hill station Thekkady, located nearby, renowned for its tea gardens and spice plantations. As soon as this town began to gain popularity, regional authorities and conservation  realized there was a need for a spot where visitors could retire and unwind by nature without invading the habitats of the surrounding wildlife. This has made Chettiar Park  devoted to space that can be savoured by nature lovers, families, and children as a view of the beauty of flora and fauna of this region, though in a more controlled and peaceful environment. The park has been developed and landscaped over time for its aesthetic value and is very important for the tourists in the region. Chettiar Park is  close to the Idukki District in the Western Ghats region of Kerala. It is near the historic and biodiversity-abundant Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, famous for such treasures as elephants, tigers, and bird life. Kumily is about 4 kilometres from the hill station, Thekkady. The station offers excellent scenic views of the local hillocks, valleys, and spice plantations. 

The park is located at a long stretch of the dense tropical rainforest, so it is ideal for nature lovers who would like to feel touching mother nature. The climate there is friendly, with gentle evenings being cool, so a destination of choice. This park spreads over quite a large area and, besides being clean, is characterized by neat walking tracks, spaces for gardens and diverse vegetation. Among its features, the rich varieties of plant species are quite outstanding. Hundreds of trees, bushes, and flowering plants are mostly natively found in this part of the Western Ghats. Chettiar Park houses many trees and shrubs natively in the Western Ghats ecosystem. This implies that towering trees provide shade and shelter, making the park pleasant enough to visit even at the hottest hours of the day. Chettiar Park  might not be a sanctuary for wild animals, but one will still find a range of bird species and smaller mammals. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary surrounds this park, and hence, many birds and animals from the forest come to this neighbourhood of the park. Chettiar Park is also accessible to tourists throughout the year. The peak time to visit this park will be the months of winter, ranging from November to February, when the climate conditions greatly support outdoor activities. In these winter months, the crowd is less enormous than seen compared to other tourist spots within this destination, which can give ample breaks to people about life. 

Entry to Chettiar Park is usually free or of an exorbitantly low price so not a worry to any traveler on cost. However, the tourist visitors are supposed to take care of the natural environment and keep the park clean. Chettiar Park is a treasure in the Idukki district of Kerala and provides an abode for natural lovers and those seeking serenity in lush surroundings. Flora and fauna with such serene ambience make the place ideal for relaxation and recreation as well as enjoying the beauty of the natural environment of the Western Ghats. Whether you're in the area to visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary or just looking for a quiet spot to unwind, Chettiar Park is a must-visit destination. Its accessibility, beauty, and peaceful environment make it a perfect stop for anyone looking to connect with nature and enjoy the vibrant greenery that Kerala is known for.

NEARBY LOCATION:

1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: It is a few kilometres from Chettiar Park and is one of the best places in India for wildlife conservation.  Different forms of wildlife  include elephants, tigers, and leopards within this sanctuary. Several other safari  and boat rides with Periyar Lake and observing wildlife are available. 

2. Thekkady: Thekkady is one of the most sought-after hill stations, 4 km from Chettiar Park, with tea plantations, spice gardens, and breathtaking scenic beauty. It also marks the entrance to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. For trekking, bamboo rafting, and boat trips, it is one's paradise. 

3. Vandanmedu: Vandanmedu is 24 km from Kumily and features cardamom plantations. One can walk through the plantations and learn about spice cultivation and local culture. 

4. Murikkady: Murikkady is approximately 5 km from Kumily. It is famous for its glittering spice plantations, mainly cardamom and coffee. It offers an excellent nature walk option to help the tourists enjoy strolling through the green fields of beauty and sniff out the surroundings. 

5. Anakkara: Anakkara is a fairly pretty village  at the bottom of the Western Ghats, some 10 km from Kumily. It is a place for scenery and spice gardens.  This  is  a  peaceful abode for the soul. 

6. Town of Kumily: It is a good place to roam around in that region's local markets, spice shops, and local cultures. Even take back local delicacies in Kerala and shop for souvenirs by returning the tea, coffee or handicrafts. 

7. Pandikuzhi: Pandikuzhi is a wonderful viewpoint at about 15 km E of Kumily. The place is absolutely calm and thickly covered with vegetation. With creeks all over,  it serves as an excellent picnic, photo shoot, and long nature walk. 

8. Bamboo Rafting at Periyar Lake: One of the most interesting activities in this region is bamboo rafting over Periyar Lake. Here, you find closeness to nature. This is a peaceful abode of beauty as it sometimes unfolds spectacular forest scenes and offers ample chances for wildlife views. 

9. Chellarkovil Viewpoint: About 25 km from Kumily is Chellarkovil Viewpoint- a scintillating and panoramic view of the valley at a distant hill. This makes one of the best observation stations for sunrise over the grand views of the landscape of the Western Ghats. 

10. Trekking to Meesapulimala: It is the second-highest peak in Kerala and 40 km from Kumily. Trekking to the top is challenging but rewarding as it provides the best view of the valleys and tea plantations in the surrounding places. Adventure lovers must come here. 

HOW TO REACH: 

• By Air: The nearest airport is Mysore Airport, which lies at a distance of 90 km. The connectivity is limited. The international passengers can reach there by  getting  to Cochin International Airport (160 km) or Trivandrum International Airport (175 km). It connects the passengers from all over India and abroad. Taxis and buses are available from the above airports for Kumily. Train 

• By Train: The nearest major railway station is Kottayam (110 km), which is well-connected to other major cities. In case of arrival from Tamil Nadu, one can consider using Madurai Railway Station as an alternative (145 km). 

• By Road: From Cochin: 160 km, about 4-5 hours by car on NH 183 and from Kottayam: 110 km, about three hours by road on NH 183. 

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