A charming hill station located at a height of 915m above sea level, Peermade is situated about 40 km from Kumily, Idukki district in central Kerala. It is a destination that flaunts the beauty and vibrance of the Western Ghats at its best and makes for the perfect pitstop for those enroute to the Periyar Tiger Reserve. 

Peermade owes its name to the 18th century Sufi saint, Peer Mohammed. It is said that the Peer was associated with the Maplah traders who used to cross the Western Ghats for spice trade and also had a very close relationship with the Travancore royal family. It is believed that on his first visit to Peermade itself, he fell in love with the lush green meadows, verdant hills adorned with cascading waterfalls and dense forests. Thus he decided to stay back there and the land became renowned as Peermade or the land where the Peer resides. 

Till the year 1756 Peermade was under the rule of the kings of Changanacherry and later the control of the kings of Travancore when they conquered Changanacherry. It was an unexplored haven until the 19th century when Henry Baker Junior, a missionary of the Church Missionary Society, discovered its potential to be a major plantation town. While Henry is credited with introducing plantations to Peermade, it is his son Alfred Baker who is famous for converting parts of the backwaters in Kumarakom into cultivable land. Alfred and his brother Henry Jr. who were both born and brought up in Kerala have made great contributions to the progress of the people of their adopted homeland.  It was Henry Jr. who introduced coffee plantations in Peermade. It was with the arrival of the British that Peermade flourished both as a plantation town as well as a favourite haunt for affluent foreign tourists. Daniel Munro has also contributed immensely to the growth and prosperity of Peermade. Today this land is filled with vast stretches of coffee, tea, cardamom, rubber and eucalyptus thereby adding to its natural beauty. 

The sprawling plantations of Peermade are an enchanting sight as they wrap the hills with velvety greenery. The misty hills, silver cascades and soothing steady cool breeze add to the charming vibes of the destination. Visitors can even embark on guided tours of the plantations and learn in detail the intricate process of tea cultivation, plucking and processing. 

Ammachikottaram, the former summer residence, of Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bai which was an elegant structure is today a prominent landmark here and a private residence. She reigned over the Travancore kingdom as Maharani Regent from 1924 to 1931. Another spot of delight is the Summer palace of the erstwhile kings of Travancore which has now been converted into a government guest house that offers comfortable accommodation. 

A paradise for nature enthusiasts, Peermade and its surroundings are ideal locales for those who love trekking, cycling and horse riding. Kuttikanam which is famous for its adventure tourism activities is barely 3km from Peermade. 

Whether you seek adventure amidst the wilderness, serenity amidst the mist-covered hills, or cultural immersion amidst a tapestry of traditions, Peermade promises an unforgettable experience that lingers in the heart long after the journey ends.