Major city · India
Kumily
Spend 1–2 days in Kumily as a base for Periyar wildlife sanctuary, spice farms and nearby hill stations; longer only if you want a relaxed stay.
Kumily is a small town in Kerala’s Cardamom Hills, serving as the gateway to Periyar (Thekkady) wildlife sanctuary, spice plantations and nearby hill stations like Vagamon and Munnar. Most attractions are reachable within an hour, so a day‑trip covers the highlights; a second night lets you enjoy a boat safari at sunrise.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- INR
- Best months
- Nov–Feb
- avoid Jun–Sep (heavy monsoon)
- Airports
- IXM · COK
- Nights
- 1–2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 6
- South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
- South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
- India ↗Apply for the e-visa only on the official government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in); lookalike sites charge extra. Check the current rules, fees and how far ahead to apply.
- India ↗Do not follow anyone who says your hotel is closed, the station ticket office is closed or a road is shut; use the prepaid taxi counter, the metro or an app car.
- India ↗Carry Indian rupees in small notes (10, 20, 50, 100); change for 500 is often refused.
- India ↗Parts of the Northeast, Sikkim, Ladakh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and all border belts need a Protected or Restricted Area Permit or an Inner Line Permit for foreigners; check before you book the route.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Kumily112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Kumily, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Indian rupees (INR, ₹) in small notes for autos, street food, tips and entry tickets.India-wide
- SIM or eSIMJio, Airtel and Vi sell tourist SIMs at airport counters and their shops; passport, visa and a photo needed; activation can take a few hours.India-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap.India-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10% if no service charge is on the bill.India-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/D/M. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.India-wide
- SafetyKumily is generally safe; keep valuables secure in taxis and be cautious on crowded bus routes.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels, malls and airports; squat toilets with a water jug or hose in stations and villages.India-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police · 112 Medical (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysThe Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays; many museums close on Mondays; banks close on the second and fourth Saturdays…India-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportIXM Madurai Airport (About 120 km (75 mi); bus or taxi to Kumily).IXM Madurai Airport (About 75 mi (120 km); bus or taxi to Kumily).
- Getting aroundTaxis, auto‑rickshaws and regional buses connect Kumily to Thekkady, Idukki Dam and hill stations; hire a taxi for early‑morning boat safari.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Street or quick mealMasala tea (street stall)₹30–₹60 (≈ under US$1)
- Budget bedBudget hotel or homestay, a night, per person₹800 (≈ US$10)
- Mid-range bedMid‑range hotel, a night, per person₹2,000 (≈ US$25)
- High-end bedMid‑range hotel, a night, per person₹3,000 (≈ US$35)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₹1,200 (≈ US$14) · Mid ₹1,800 (≈ US$25) · High ₹3,000 (≈ US$35)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- IXM Madurai Airport (About 120 km (75 mi); bus or taxi to Kumily) · COK Cochin International (Longer transfer (≈250 km (155 mi)) by bus or hired car)IXM Madurai Airport (About 75 mi (120 km); bus or taxi to Kumily) · COK Cochin International (Longer transfer (≈155 mi (250 km)) by bus or hired car)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Feb
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Mar
not flagged
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Apr
not flagged
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
May
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jun
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Aug
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Sep
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Oct
not flagged
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Nov
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Dec
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Best: Nov–Feb. Avoid: Jun–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest May (30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)), coolest Jan (12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C) low), wettest Jul (18 rain days), driest Feb (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Kumily: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5 rd
Feb
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
4 rd
Mar
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6 rd
Apr
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8 rd
May
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
15 rd
Jul
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
18 rd
Aug
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
17 rd
Sep
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
13 rd
Oct
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9 rd
Nov
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6 rd
Dec
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Taxis, auto‑rickshaws and regional buses connect Kumily to Thekkady, Idukki Dam and hill stations; hire a taxi for early‑morning boat safari.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady)
goDoor to door: ≈1 h total
Bus or taxi 30 min; boat from Periyar lake
Morning boat safari ₹500 entry + ₹225 ride (2023).
Idukki Arch Dam
goDoor to door: ≈1 h 15 min
Taxi 45 min
World’s second arch dam; no entry fee.
Vagamon
goDoor to door: ≈1 h 30 min
Bus 1 h via Kumily‑Vagamon road
Pine‑tree hills, good for short walks.
Munnar
cautionDoor to door: ≈3 h
Bus 2 h via Kottayam
Longer travel; consider staying in Munnar if you want more time.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Coffee Inn
Budget hotel in town centre
The Pepper Valley Stay
Budget homestay, check‑in noon
Tree Top Hotel
Mid‑range, near the road to Thekkady
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₹1,200–1,800 (≈ US$14–25) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₹1,800–3,000 (≈ US$25–35) excl. bed
Trip budget
| Budget hotel or homestay2 × 1 night × ₹1,200 | ₹2,400 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × ₹1,800 | ₹3,600 |
| Boat safari entry + ride2 × ₹730 · ₹500 entry + ₹225 ride (2023, check) | ₹1,450 |
| Jeep safari (per car)1 × ₹2,500 · 2023 price, check availability | ₹2,500 |
| eSIM data (1 week)2 × ₹1,200 · check | ₹2,400 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₹1,240 |
| Trip total≈ ₹6,800 per person per day, bed included | ₹13,590≈ US$160 |
2026 estimate in INR; flights and long‑distance train passes excluded.
Prices of common things
| Masala tea (street stall) | ₹30–₹60 (≈ under US$1) |
| Spice packet (cardamom, pepper) | ₹100–₹250 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Boat safari (Periyar lake) | ₹725 (≈ US$9) total (entry + ride) |
| Jeep safari (per car) | ₹2,500–₹3,000 (≈ US$30–35) |
| Auto‑rickshaw (5 km) | ₹150–₹250 (≈ US$2–3) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Jeep safari often has few animals; price ₹2,000–3,000 (≈ US$25–35) per vehicle (2023) – consider a boat safari instead (check).
- Roads can be slippery during monsoon; plan travel after rains subside.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 112
- Medical
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
KumilyKumily
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
कृपया इस पते पर ले चलेंTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police112
- Medical112
Embassy
Indian foreign ministry website (check for nearest consulate).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Madurai → Kumily (bus): ≈₹300–₹400, 3 h (check)
- Kumily → Periyar boat safari: ₹725 (≈ US$9) total (entry + ride, check)
Say or show
- क्षमाप्रार्थी हूँ — Excuse me / Sorry (kshamapraarthi hoon)
- धन्यवाद — Thank you (dhanyavaad)
- यह कितना है? — How much is this? (yah kitna hai?)
- क्या मैं कार्ड से भुगतान कर सकता हूँ? — Can I pay by card? (kya main kaard se bhugtaan kar sakta hoon?)
- बस स्टॉप कहाँ है? — Where is the bus stop? (bas stop kahaan hai?)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Kumily. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Feb · avoid Jun–Sep (heavy monsoon) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 2 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a night in Thekkady for extended wildlife activities.
- Combine with a stay in Munnar for tea‑plantation tours.
Sources
- secondaryWikidata – Kumily
- secondaryWikivoyage: Kumily, revision 5222017 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Kumily
Loading…
Was this useful?