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IDYLLIC SETTING The hills of Peermede Photo: SOMA BASU
"If there is paradise on earth, then this it" — such a description would sound hackneyed for Peermede. But then this is how the picturesque plantation town would appear to all those city slickers who have perhaps not visited `popular paradises' such as Switzerland, Srinagar and Kasauni.
Surrounded by lush rolling hills, Peermede is filled with the fragrance of cardamom and herbs. It is a place where the countryside is an unending expanse of tea and coffee plantation.
Named after a saint
I am happy to have heeded the advice of a local to stop over at Peermede on my return from Kuttikanam in Kerala. Also known as Peeru Hills, it is named after the 18th Century Sufi Saint Peer Mohammed, who was a close associate of the erstwhile Travancore royal family.
It is said that he was so fascinated with the environs of Kuttikanam — where the summer palace of Travancore Maharaja is located — that the saint decided to stay back. He, however, chose a place four km away on this meadow and hence, the place got the name Peermede (`mede' means meadow).
Going by the number of Ayurvedic centres and shops selling herbal tea that dot the Kottayam-Kumily road, I did not think this was a road less travelled. Also the saint's mausoleum at the foot of the Peeru Hills attracts a large number of tourists and devotees.
But once I leave all that behind and go deeper into the hills and the forests, tranquillity pervades. The hills at Peermede are covered by soft green grass. I walk around lazily, sit for a while and almost feel lulled by the gentle, cool breeze. The view from the top of the Peeru Hills is captivating.
The air is so refreshing that your legs don't buckle under the pressure of walking. You can choose your own trekking route, or dig deep into the surrounding forests, which offer rugged trails for the energetic. Peermede has organic farms and gardens of medicinal plants and flowers.
If you are interested, don't miss the opportunity of gaining knowledge about them as well as about the medicine manufacturing units. Small waterfalls, hills covered with green tea, coffee, rubber and cardamom plantations, and panoramic view points such as the Eagle Valley or Grampi, Mathai Kokka, Pattumala and Kokkad Hills — all within a radius of four to 12 km of Peermede can keep the adventure seeking visitor engaged.
Peermede is for those who love Nature. Ironically, the hills that are surrounded by deep trenches are also known as a suicide point. Peermede turned out to be a surprise pick for the column. It is an idyllic spot that offers an unforgettable experience.
How to get there
Peermede is 181 km from Madurai, 70 km from Kottayam and 145 km from Kochi. Accommodation is limited. There are only two private hotels.
SOMA BASU
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