The Complete Insight on Kerala Tourism

Thekkady

The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. 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. Thekkady situated at an altitude of 900-1800 metres above sea level, is one of the most sought out tourist destination in Kerala.

There are over 1965 flowering plants - including 171 grass species and 143 species of orchids - and the only South Indian conifer Podocarpus Wallichianus can also be found here. There are around thirty-five species of mammals including the wild elephant, gaur, sambar deer and wild boar, which can be sighted from the boats. The Nilgiri Tahr in the higher rocky areas, the endangered lion tailed macaque confined to the evergreen interiors, the bonnet macaque, Malabar giant squirrel, flying squirrel, tiger, jungle cat, sloth bear etc, Thekkady is a place no tourists coming to Kerala can afford to miss out on.

Thekkady is also famous for its 265 species of birds including migrants. Some of the species include the hornbill, stork, woodpecker, kingfisher, raptor, cormorant, grackle, darter etc. Reptiles like cobra, viper, krait, a number of non-poisonous snakes, and the monitor lizard are also present here. The Periyar Lake and streams have several species of fish including the masheer, the famous and endangered game fish of India. The otter, the only mammal of the lake, can be frequently spotted from the boat.

Some of the hot spots in and around Thekkady include:

Kumily (4 km from Thekkady): This plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady, is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. An important shopping centre and spice trade centre, the main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region are located in Kumily.

Chellarkovil (15 km from Kumily): This sleepy little village with its breathtaking view of the plains and cascading waterfalls is a feast for the eyes. The village slopes down to the famous coconut groves of Cumbum in neighboring Tamil Nadu.

Mangala Devi Temple (15 km from Thekkady): The 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 eastern slopes of the ghats and some hill villages of Tamil Nadu. Permission to visit the area can be obtained from the Wildlife Warden in Thekkady.

Murikkady (5 km from Thekkady): Washed in fresh spice scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.

Pandikuzhi (5 km from Kumily): This picturesque spectrum of exotic flora, fauna and gurgling streams is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border. A popular picnic spot, Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer's delight.

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 geomorphology, 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. The sanctuary watchtowers for observing wild life are at Edappalayam and Manakkavala and Thannikudi.

Pullumedu (43 km from Thekkady, 26 km from Periyar): 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 only by jeep. The famous Sree Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala and the Makara Jyothi 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 at Thekkady.

Vandanmedu (25 km from Kumily): This is one of the world's largest auction centres for cardamom. A walk through the sprawling cardamom plantations of Vandanmedu is a heady experience.

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 Garden have a delightful array of rose plants, orchids and anthuria.