Vandiperiyar is a place of quiet beauty concealed behind a blanket of green hills in Kerala. The place is in the Idukki district, enabling it to act as the door to the luxuriant terrains of the Western Ghats. Vandiperiyar is renowned for its expansive tea plantations, which have other lush spice gardens, including the tranquil Periyar River, making it a quiet place away from the busy city life. It is close to the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, an ideal location for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Vandiperiyar offers tourists an exciting journey to the uplands with its pleasant weather, all the seasons, and the combination of cultural and natural features of interest.
Activities At Vandiperiyar
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Vandiperiyar, in the Idukki district of Kerala, offers a wide range of fascinating activities in its lush greenery. Apart from touring the evergreen tea gardens, trips are organised to educate people about how tea is grown and produced. Those who adore nature can follow beautiful tracks among adjacent hills and forests, finally taking them to marvellous views.
The serene and relaxed atmosphere of Vandiperiyar makes it a perfect destination for nature lovers who engage in thrilling adventures. Visitors can also visit local spice gardens in Vandiperiyar, where they can sample different spices and learn more about them. At the nearby Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, wildlife safaris and Periyar Lake boat rides present an opportunity to spot elephants, tigers, and different types of birds.
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Tourist Attractions Near Vandiperiyar
Explore the various tourist attractions near the Vanidiperiyar on your next vacation with your loved ones. Here are some of them.
1. Elephant Junction
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Thekkady’s Elephant Junction offers nature lovers an exceptional hands-on elephant experience. Here, tourists can interact with these gentle giants through elephant rides, feeding, and bathing them. In addition, this place teaches us how elephants can be preserved for a long time in terms of health and behaviour while enhancing the bond between humans and their natural environment, in which they live together in harmony. These educational programs cover how to use elephants in forest management and why they are considered key species in any ecosystem.
Distance from Vandiperiyar: Approximately 25 kilometres.
Timings: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fees:
Adults: INR 500 to INR 800 (varies on the activity package)
Children: INR 300 to INR 500 (varies on the activity package)
2. Munnar
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Munnar is famous for its large tea plantations, cool weather, and splendid green landscapes, which attract tourists. It is in the Western Ghats and is known for its various tourist attractions, such as Eravikulam National Park, which harbours the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and the enchanting Mattupetty Dam. Here, visitors may visit aromatic tea estates, see panoramic sights from viewing points like Top Station, and enjoy long strolls across dense woods.
Distance from Vandiperiyar: Approximately 70 kilometres.
Entry Fees: Entry to Munnar itself is free, but some attractions and parks may have separate fees:
Eravikulam National Park: INR 200 for Indians and INR 1,000 for foreigners
Mattupetty Dam: No entry fee, but boating charges apply.
Timings:
Eravikulam National Park: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Mattupetty Dam: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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3. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
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Situated on the boundary of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its rare dry, deciduous forest and other ecological aspects. It covers over 90,000 hectares, where many endangered animals, such as the Grizzled Giant Squirrel and numerous creatures, such as elephants or leopards, can be found. There are trekking paths, among other things, for people interested in experiencing this specific environment firsthand, as well as nature excursions that serve as an eye-opener about the same ecosystem.
Distance from Vandiperiyar: Approximately 60 kilometres.
Entry Fees:
Indians: INR 50 per person
Foreigners: INR 200 per person
Vehicle Fee: Additional charges may apply for vehicles entering the sanctuary.
Timings: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
4. Meesapulimala
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Idukki district is home to Meesapulimala, the second-highest peak of the Western Ghats. It is an excellent trekking destination and a beautiful place you can visit for adventure. Rolling hill sights, lush forests and diverse flora and fauna are some of the breathtaking views of this location. Its elevation is around 2,640 meters above sea level and within Meesapulimala Reserved Forests, where it marks its boundary. To ensure that it maintains its natural state, there are limited hikes to Meesapulimala.
Distance from Vandiperiyar: Approximately 50 kilometers.
Entry Fees:
Indians: INR 100 per person (for the trekking package)
Foreigners: INR 1,000 per person (for the trekking package)
Timings:
Trekking Hours: 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Visitor Center: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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How To Reach Vandiperiyar
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Reaching Vandiperiyar is easy, and there are many transportation options. The closest major airport is Cochin International Airport, about 135 kilometres away. You can take a cab or a bus from the airport to Vandiperiyar, which will take approximately 3 to 4 hours. If you are using a train, Kottayam is nearly 100 kilometres from Vandiperiyar. You can hire a taxi from Kottayam or take a bus to finish the rest of the journey.
Those driving to Vaundiperiyar can use National Highway 183. The journey is more attractive because of the scenic drive through the Western Ghats. Also, Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private buses from other places link it with big towns and cities, giving travellers various choices to make their journey more convenient and fun. This makes it a convenient choice for tourists visiting these scenic sites.
Travel Tips For Visitors
- October to March make up the best period to visit this heavenly place.
- To stay away from the scorching sunshine at noon and have adequate time for sightseeing, one should start your trip to Vandiperiyar early in the morning.
- Make sure you carry adequate drinking water for the journey.
- Put on sunscreen, hats and shades while protecting yourself from the sun.
- People should dress modestly out of respect for the religious significance of the sites in Vandiperiyar.
- Boost your experience by hiring local guides as they provide information about history and culture.
- Don’t forget to taste the famous authentic delicacies of Kerala found in local hotels.
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Now that you have a list of things to remember for your next vacation to witness the mesmerising Vandiperiyar and its nearby attractions plan your trip to Kerala to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities, and book your tickets now with your family, friends and loved ones.
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Cover Image Credit: Jaseem Hamza for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Vandiperiyar
What is the best time to visit Vandiperiyar?
The ideal time to visit is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities.
Are there accommodation options in Vandiperiyar?
Yes, Vandiperiyar offers various accommodation options, including hotels, resorts, homestays, and guesthouses that cater to different budgets.
What activities can I do in Vandiperiyar?
You can visit tea plantations, explore spice gardens, go on wildlife safaris in Periyar Sanctuary, interact with elephants, and go on nature treks.
What should I pack for a visit to Vandiperiyar?
Pack comfortable clothing suitable for the weather, sturdy footwear for trekking, rain gear, and essentials like sunscreen and insect repellent.
What languages are commonly spoken in Vandiperiyar?
Malayalam is the primary language, but English and Hindi are also commonly understood, especially in tourist areas and hotels.
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