Introduction

The original way of experiencing country life in India is atop a bullock cart. To take tourists back in time, the state has designed an interesting program in which a group of people are taken around the farmlands of a village hidden in the valley behind the mountains of Periyar Tiger Reserve in a bullock cart. Home to a wealth of birds, the village is a paradise for avid bird-watchers, not to mention a wonderful beginning for a novice. The colors, the diversity and the baffling motley of flora and avifauna will make your sluggish bullock cart ride to this outback hamlet well worth the effort.

The vineyards, the assortment of agricultural crops from mangoes, tamarind, onion, sunflower, jasmine, to a score of other vegetables, fruits and flowers nurtured on its hilly slopes, will have a new meaning when your guide starts to interpret how farming is delicately woven with the culture and daily life of the natives.

Spend some time catching up with all that is rare to find in city life - here time stands still, and people believe only in sharing and caring. Soak up the laidback rhythm of life, take time to reflect, and even fill up your diary, sip the nectar from tender coconuts, watch cock and stick fights, and enjoy the bucolic scenery. But what tugs at your heartstrings is the idea behind this activity. The bullock cart ride is conducted by a group of people who were once involved in sandalwood smuggling, and later surrendered to the Forest Department. The profit from this program still goes into rehabilitating this section of people.

At the break of dawn, trundle up the valley through mountain passes on a bullock cart to this pastoral village forgotten in time, and discover their ancient agricultural practices, see the traditional homesteads, and enjoy the sylvan setting before making your way back in the afternoon. It is a great opportunity to mingle with the locals and experience a way of life very different from your own.

Special Attributes

Travel like a countryman on a bullock cart to a picturesque pastoral village tucked away in a valley behind the mountains of Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

You can take a bus to Kumily either from Kottayam (about 4 hours) or Ernakulam (approx. 6 hours). At the Kumily bus stop, there are ample minibuses to take you to the park. Local transport such as auto-rickshaw takes you to your hotel of stay in Thekkady.

Enjoyed by

Families, Backpackers, Senior Citizens especially nature lovers

Exposure

The climate is really pleasant in this part of Kerala. The sky is mostly overcast, allowing you to enjoy your time exploring around the little hamlet and soaking up the brilliant scenery.

Avoidable Season

June, July, August

Facilities

The village is a bird-watcher's paradise.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

You are advised to put on your walking shoes, dress up in light cottons and carry along your sunshades, sunscreen lotion, and a bottle of drinking water.

Type of site

Bullock cart ride