The route from Cochin or Trivandrum leads over the High Ranges to the tea plantations around Pirmede at 1,006 metres (3,497 feet), named after a respected Muslim saint called Pir Muhammad who lived in the area. His tomb is at Kuttikanam nearby. Pirmede could develop into a hill station but is at present a small settlement with a Kerala government guesthouse and is generally seen as no more than a place for an overnight halt on the way to Thekkady.
The road from Madurai to Kumily runs for its last part through a valley green with paddy fields and between two great arms of mountains.

Once at Kumily there’s no shortage of three-wheeler scooter-rickshaws to take you to Thekkady.
There are several places to stay here, see page 284.

VISITING THE PARK
The ’season’ is November to June and weekends can be crowded. If you want the park to yourself then the tail end of the monsoon (September-October) is the best time to visit. Motor launches regularly leave the boat landing between 7 am and 2 pm for two hour trips round the lake. There is a small charge per head but if you would like to admire the scenery and watch the wildlife at your own pace and in peace and quiet you can also hire special boats from the Aranya Niwas Hotel. In season, book in advance. Every morning there are three-hour treks into the jungle from the boat landing and there are short elephant rides – for the thrill of sitting on an elephant rather than seeing wildlife. With ihe permission of the wildlife preservation officer you can hire a jeep and drive to the Mangala Devi Temple, which lies within the park, away from the lake.