Tourism Circuits are formed by linking at least three places located near each other and which have rich and vibrant tourism potential.
Among the tourism circuits in Ernakulam district, Perumbavoor holds a prominent position. It is known as the land of three Ts -timber, tourism and textiles.
The name Perumbavoor originated from the words perum and ooru -meaning a village located on the banks of Periyar river. Currently identified as an emerging satellite town, Perumbavoor is already known for its rich timber trade and allied businesses for years now.
Two prominent roads of the state, MC (Main Central) road and AM (Aluva Munnar) road, intersect in the town. Located on the eastern side of the district, Perumbavoor is considered as the gateway to the green zones of the district and its tourism potential is closely associated with Periyar river and Malayatoor forest.
Tourism circuit
Perumbavoor Tourism Circuit (PTC) was officially inaugurated in January 2007 with an aim to exploit the tourism potential of about six locations in and around Perumbavoor. PTC comprises Iringole sacred grove, Kallil Jain Temple, Paniyeliporu, Elephant Taming Centre at Kodanad, Abhayaranyam at Kaprikad and Vallam. Tourists can visit all these spots in a package tour in one day and can experience the nature, culture, history and heritage of the region.
Iringole sacred grove
Sacred grove, locally known as Kavu, is the green lung of an area. Iringole sacred grove, located 3 kms South-East of Perumbavoor municipality, is the 2nd largest sacred grove in the State and the largest in south Kerala. The grove, which falls under the control of Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), is blessed with a tremendous biodiversity and heritage sites, which are key resources for eco-tourism. Spread over 50 acres, the sacred grove boasts of an array of medicinal plants, colossal trees, reptiles, birds and butterflies.
Iringole sacred grove earned the status of bio-heritage site in view of the conservation of its unique, ecologically fragile ecosystems. The people residing close to the grove have set high standards for ecological conservation as they never encroach or even take a piece of firewood from the grove.
Department of Tourism developed a children's park near the Nagancherry Mana at Iringole in 2010. The park has a few sculptures.
Vivid attractions
Other attractions include a cave temple of Jains, said to have been built in the ninth century, at Kallil. It's undoubtedly a heritage wonder and a protected monument. The unique shape of the temple itself is a marvel for both pilgrims and tourists.
Adventure tourists can opt for a trek to Paniyeliporu -the third attraction of the circuit -located on the banks of Periyar river, covered with dense forest and breathtaking cascades. The spot is an ideal habitat for elephants.
Attraction number four is Kodanad, famous for training captive elephants of all ages, especially those which have suffered major injuries. Bathing of elephants at Periyar Ghats during dawn and dusk is a must-see for tourists.
The fifth spot is Abhayaranyam, which is a rescue centre for wild animals like deer and birds, located at Kaprikkad close to Kodanad.
Tourists can enjoy a cruise on the Periyar either at Kochupurakkal kadavu or Vallam. Thuruthu island is also a must-visit.
For the sustainable growth of PTC, a good rapport among all concerned departments is essential. Even with minimal amenities available, domestic tourists from the State continue to flock these sites. A visit to PTC will surely enthrall tourists of all ages, as it offers archaeological, cultural and natural attractions in abundance.
The writer is a faculty at School of Tourism Studies, Mahatma Gandhi University.
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