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Thekkady, is one of India's most fascinating natural
wildlife sanctuaries, where you can watch wildlife at close range. The
vegetation, the flora and fauna and the birds of Thekkady are uniquely rich,
vast and varied that it does not bear semblance to any other wildlife
sanctuaries in the world. Even a casual visitor to this place will not fail
to observe the special ecological pattern of Thekkady.
Thekkady - The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants,
unending chains of hill and spice scented plantations. In the crisp, cool
air of the Western Ghats you will experience the most enchanting holiday.
With the animals of the wild and the simple mountain people. In the Periyar
forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and
spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns
that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks. The Thekkady
sanctuary is one of the best in the country for watching and photographing
wild life.
Thekkady is on the border with state of Tamil Nadu , in fact just 5
kilometers from the border town of Kumily which is very well connected by
bus to both Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Notable among the denizens of Periyar are
the tigers, the majestic Asiatic wild elephants and the distinctive Nilgiri
langur. Other animals include the wild boar, wild dog, bison, bear and
leopards. Amongst the avifauna, the most profuse are herons, egrets,
darters, kingfishers and the great Malabar grey hornbill. A cruise through
the waters of Periyar lake around which the wild -life sanctuary is
situated, offers a soul - stirring pleasant experience.
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HOW
TO REACH
The nearest Airport and Railhead is Kochi which is 130 Kilometers from
Thekkady.
WHEN TO GO
The best time to visit Thekkady is during September to March
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WHAT TO SEE |
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The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Entry : 0600 to
1800 hrs) -Lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in
Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife
reserves - the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread across 777 sq. km, of
which 360 sq. km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife
Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its
geo-morphological diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve
attracts visitors from all over the world. The splendid artificial lake
formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river adds to the
charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can
have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from
the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar
remains the large herds of wild elephants that come down to the lake's
edge.
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The sanctuary watch towers -
There are three watch towers for observing wild life - at Edappalayam
and Manakkavala and Thannikudi. Reservations can be made at the Forest
information Counter, Thekkady. Tel. : +91-486-322028.
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Kumily (4 km from Thekkady) -
This plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady, is situated on
the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. It is an important shopping
centre and spice trade centre, the main bus station and most of the
medium range accommodation in the Periyar region is in Kumily.
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Murikkady (5 km from Thekkady) -
Washed in fresh spice scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom,
coffee and pepper plantations.
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Pandikuzhi ( 5 km from Kumily) -
This picturesque place is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil
Nadu State border is a popular picnic spot. Pandikuzhi offers great
opportunities for trekking and is a photographer's delight.
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Mangala Devi Temple ( 15 km from Thekkady) -
This ancient temple is hidden in the dense woods at the top of a peak
1337 M above sea level. The temple is built in the traditional Kerala
style of architecture. Visitors are allowed here only on the Chithra
Pournami festival day. The peak commands a panoramic view of the other
side of the ghats and the vast plains of Tamil Nadu. Permission to visit
the area can be obtained from the Wildlife Warden at Thekkady. Tel. :
91-486-322027.
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Chellarkovil ( 15 km from Kumily) -
This sleepy little village with its spectacular view of the plains (and
cascading waterfalls during the monsoons) is a feast for your eyes. The
village slopes down to the famous coconut groves of Kambam in
neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
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Vandiperiyar ( 18 km from Thekkady) -
The river Periyar flowing through the centre of this town nourishes its
vast tea, coffee and pepper plantations. A major trade centre,
Vandiperiyar is also home to a number of tea factories. The Government
Agriculture Farm and Flower Gardens have a delightful array of rose
plants, orchids and anthurium.
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Vandanmedu ( 25 km from Kumily) -
This is one of the world's largest auction centres for Cardamom. A walk
through the sprawling cardamom plantaions of Vandanmedu is a pleasent
experience.
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Pullumedu ( 43 km from Thekkady, 26 km from Periyar)
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The winding journey to this hill town, along the Periyar river, offers a
stunning view of the rolling hills draped in lush greenery. Velvet
lawns, rare flora and fauna add to the beauty of Pullumedu which can be
accessed from a jeep. The famous Sree Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala and
the Makara Joythi illuminations at the shrine are visible from here.
Since it is part of the restricted forest zone, special permission to
visit Pullumedu has to be obtained from the Wildlife Preservation
Officer, Thekkady Tel.+ 91-486-322027 or The Range Officer, Vallakkadavu
Tel. :+ 91-486-352515
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WHERE TO EAT
Plenty to choose from several in house Restaurants of Hotels and
Resorts,
ELAMALA RESTAURANT
Cuisine: Indian, Continental, Chinese, Multi-cuisine
Telephone: 0486 - 2322806 / 16, 2322037
Liquor: No Liquor Service
Address: Muthoot Cardamon County Iddukki Dist.
Timings: 7.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m.
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