THEKKADY

It is one of the most captivating natural wildlife sanctuaries in the world and the only one in India where you can view the wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The fauna and flora are also so unique that the experience one gets here is unmatched. It is a popular hunting ground for photographers.

The Periyar Widlife sanctuary is spread across an area of 777 sq km, of which 360 sq km is thick evergreen forest. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Majestic among the wild inhabitants of Periyar are tigers, Asiatic wild elephants. The sight of herds of elephants that come to frolic in the lake would definitely be an engrossing sight for the visitor. And of course, if you are lucky you may get a chance to watch tigers at the site.

It is estimated that there are about 40 tigers in the area. The average Indian tiger is a large animal which has a length of about 3m. These magnificent cats are generally solitary animals. Everybody would find the first sight of these awe inspiring beasts an indelible experience. But it is a shy and alert animal and hence difficult to get a glimpse easily.

The centre of attraction is the 26 sq. km. artificial lake, created by the British in 1895 to provide water for to Madurai in the neighbouring state, Tamil Nadu. Bison, antelopes, sambars, wild boars, monkeys, langurs, wide variety of birds and several hundreds of elephants can be found here.

Boat trips on the lake are the best way of seeing the sanctuary. Taking walks in the jungle can also be interesting option. Guides are available for the visitors. Another way of observing wildlife is by spending night in an observation tower or rest house.

Tribes of Thekkady
The native tribes of Thekkady are the Mannans and the Palians. They live on the periphery of the sanctuary clinging to their traditional customs and beliefs, and they depend entirely on the forest-produce for their livelihood.

PLACES TO VISIT

Kumily
This plantation town is situated four km away from Thekkady and it is closely associated with Thekkady. It is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. It is an important shopping and a spice trade centre, the main bus station.

Murikkady
This place is five km away from Thekkady. It is a small village with spice-scented air. Murikkady is known for its cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.

Pandikuzhi
Pandikuzhi is situated five km from Kumily. It is a picturesque place cradled between Chellarkovil and the border of Tamil Nadu state and is a popular picnic spot. Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer's delight.

Mangala Devi Temple
Although the visitors are not allowed to this ancient temple except on the day of Chithra Pournami, they can visit the beautiful hillock with special permission from the Wildlife Warden at Thekkady. The temple is an example of the traditional Kerala style of architecture. Atop of the hillock one can have a panoramic view of the vast plains of Tamil Nadu.

Vandiperiyar
The place is situated 18 km away from Thekkady. It is a major spice trading centre and there are several tea factories around the place. The Government Agricultural Farm, embellished by the presence of a long line of rose, anthurium and orchid plants is a spot to visit. The river Periyar flowing through the centre of the town makes the land very fertile and nourishes the vast tea, coffee and pepper plantations.

Vandanmedu
Situated 25 km away from Kumily, Vandanmedu is one of the world's largest auction centres for cardamom. A walk through the sprawling cardamom plantations of Vandanmedu will be a pleasant experience.

Peerumedu
This is a small hill station and a famous plantation town. It takes its name from Peer Mohammad, a Sufi saint and close associate of the erstwhile royal family of Travancore. It is situated at an altitude of 914 m above sea level and is on the way to Thekkady.

Rated as the most fertile part of the Western Ghats, coffee, tea, pepper, cardamom and rubber flourish in the region. The area is also graced with the presence of captivating waterfalls. It is the climate that makes this place a favourite of many a tourist: On a fairly warm day, the mercury reads between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius.

So, there is nothing surprising in the fact that the former Rajas of Travancore sought out Peerumedu as their summer resort. In these days it has become a favourite of the trekkers.

Kuttikanam:
This cardamom-scented, scenic plantation town is situated three kilometers away from Peerumedu. The place is surrounded by lush-green hillocks and that makes it a favourite for trekkers and those who love adventure tourism.

GETTING TO THE PLACE:

Nearest airport : Kochi International Airport
Nearest railway station : Kottayam
Regular bus service is available from Kottayam, Kochin, Trivandrum & Madurai.