Cumbum Valley- A passing by traveller’s view

Theni is a valley agri-commercial town situated in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu at the foothills of Western Ghats, in the Cumbum valley. It is the headquarters of the Theni district, located in a distance of 70km from Madurai. It is known for the large-scale trading of garlic, cotton, cardamom, grapes, bananas, mango and chilli.

When approaching Theni town from Kerala, via the Kumily check post, at first, we enter the Theni Forest, which is still very much on the Western Ghats. A few quick hair pin curves downwards and we descend the gentle leeward slopes of Ghats. There is a dramatic change in topography, flora and climate. We see deceiving plains before us, which in reality is a valley-the Cumbum valley.

Various type of climatic conditions like tropical, sub-tropical and temperate prevails in Theni district. Thus, all types of horticulture crops- fruits, vegetables, flowers, plantation crops, medicinal and aromatic plants are cultivated both in plains and hilly tracts of the districts. Mango, banana and grapes are the major fruit crops. Plain vegetables and Cole vegetables are cultivated considerably. Spices like cardamom, pepper are cultivated in the Bodi area. Coffee and Tea plantations are in the Megamalai and Kurankani hill areas. Cashew and moringa are the major crops of the dry tracts of Aundipatti and Myladumparai. The climate is generally dry with the area receiving only rain fall only during the retreating North- east monsoon season. Most of the agricultural activities in the area are being carried out with the water received from their neighbouring state of Kerala, thanks to a water sharing agreement. Micro irrigation is practised by the local farmers.

While on the NH 183, the Kollam Theni Highway, we can visit the grape vineyards, which are on both sides of the highway. After a few selfies and some refreshing grape juice, we are ready to hit the road again. Also, on the same route, there is an interesting check dam, which carries the overflow water from the Mulaperiyar reservoir. As this area is off the main road, it is a quiet zone and visited by some migratory birds