Thekkady is well equipped with vast forests and finest nature views. Thekkady is one of the best wild life centers in India. The major tourist attraction in Thekkady is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. You can enjoy viewing wildlife at close quarters from boat on the lake.It is located on the Western Ghats mountain range in Idukki district, central Kerala. Idukki is a landlocked district sharing borders with the districts of Ernakulam, Kottayam and Thrissur and the Western Ghats mountain range in the east.
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Thekkady Tourist Attractions
The Periyar wildlife Sanctuary: Periyar wildlife sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar Lake – an artificial lake, at Thekkady, spread over 777 sq kms, of which 360 sq kms is enveloped with thick evergreen forests. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. This reserve attracts visitors from the world over and is a fascinating natural wildlife park. The main attraction of Periyar is the herds of wild elephants visit the lake and spend hours. Thekkady is about 90 kms away from Munnar. Thekkady is a nature lover’s delight.
Kumily: The quaint and quiet town of Kumily situated at a distance of 4 kms away from Thekkady. Tea and spice plantations make it an interesting place. The scenic beauty of this area consists blue skies, lush greenery and misty mountains. This hub of spice trade is located at the vicinity of the Periyar wildlife. It is an important shopping and spice-trading center.
Murikkady: It is situated at a distance of 5 kms from Thekkady. The area is famous for cardamom, tea plantations and pepper cultivation. You may smell the tantalizing fragrance of exotic spice scented air.
Pandikuzhi (5 km from Kumily): This picturesque popular picnic spot offers trekking, mountain climbing and photography options.
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. The peak offers panoramic view of the other side of the Ghats and the vast plains of Tamil Nadu. Prior permission from the wildlife authorities in Thekkady is required to visit the area.
Chellarkovil (15 km from Kumily): This small village with spectacular view of the plains and cascading waterfalls during monsoons is awesome. This village is also known for its coconut groves.
Kurisumala: It is located on a high altitude; this beautiful place offers opportunities for trekking, mountain climbing and other adventure sports. It also offers a bird’s eye view of the Periyar sanctuary and Kumily.
Ramakalmedu: This sleepy hamlet is located at a distance of 16 km from Nedumkandom along Thekkady- Munnar road. This hilltop vantage point offers breathtaking views of the picturesque towns.
Vandanmedu: Vandanmedu is famous for its extensive cardamom plantations and is the world’s largest auction center for cardamom. The sight of beautiful plantations and aroma of cardamom in the air is fascinating.
Vandiperiyar (18 km from Thekkady): This town is famous for its spice, coffee and tea plantations. This plantation town is an important hub of commerce in the high ranges. The town is bifurcated by the scenic river Periyar. A number of tea factories are located in the area. It has widespread nurseries of roses, orchids and other exotic flowering plants also.
Pullumedu (43 km from Thekkady, 26 km from Periyar): Literally means “green meadows”. This nature hill town lies along the banks of the scenic Periyar River enveloped with green canopy. It retains its proximity with nature because of its inaccessibility. The famous Shabarimala Ayyappa temple can be viewed from here.
Thekkady – Things To Do
In Thekkady, tourists can enjoy activities such as plantation tour, trekking, tea factory visit, elephant rides, visit to tribal village and boating. Boating on the Periyar Lake at sunrise and sunset is matchless.
Boating and Angling : You may enjoy the scenic beauty of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary through boat ride to catch a glimpse of animals around the lake. Angling can also be enjoyed if you want to spend a quiet day on the banks of the river.
Bicycle rides: This is the interesting way to enjoy the quaint towns and the countryside. You can explore the place at your own pace and enjoy the nature.
Ornithological indulgences: There are serious ornithological delights. The area is home to an amazing variety of rare birds. It is worth watching these exotic birds.
Trekking and Mountaineering: Trekking is the thrilling way to explore the scenic beauty of the mountainous terrain. Guided trekking expeditions can be enjoyed at Periyar wildlife sanctuary with permission from the authorities.
Casual Ramble: The area is relatively safe and the people generally congenial. A casual ramble through this scenic beauty can award you serendipitous delights. This is also the best way to understand the locals and to see nature closely.
Elephant Safaris: The forest department at Thekkady wildlife sanctuary offers elephant safaris through the dense wilderness. This is one of the best ways to explore the remote corners of the jungles.
Periyar Tiger trails: A guided trekking expedition can be organized inside the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary with permission from authorities. There are certain medical standards required to enjoy the strenuous expedition through dense forests. You will be surprised to know that the guides of this trail were former poachers, who are now highly motivated to be instrumental in protecting the ecosystem and the wildlife.
Jungle Patrol: You may take part in night jungle petrol looking for poachers and protecting the forests. Periyar wildlife sanctuary offers this exciting opportunity for you to join the night patrol team in their routine night vigil. This can be arranged with the department of Forests in Thekkady. One should be medically fit to join the night patrol.
Bamboo Rafting: This exciting adventure sport is available at the Periyar wildlife sanctuary with permission from the forest authorities. It is conducted in the Periyar Lake.
Jungle Camps: Jungle camps can be organized inside the Periyar wildlife sanctuary amidst dense forests with necessary permission from the authorities.
Bullock Cart rides: You can travel in a bullock cart, the “local way” to commute to nearby villages and farmlands in Thekkady. This is one of the best ways to experience the slow pace of Indian rural life. The rides can be arranged with the department of forests. The guides were former sandalwood smugglers who are now motivated to take up this opportunity and the profit from this program is utilized for their rehabilitation.
Plantation tours: Tea and spice plantations tour is highly recommended. This is an opportunity to understand how these spices are grown and used in the local cuisines. Tea factories could also be visited to see how the tealeaves are processed. Vanilla, cardamom and spice plantations can be visited with permission.
Climate: Thekkady enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year. Summers are hot with temperature up to 31 degree Celsius.
Best Time To Visit: It can be visited throughout the year. However, November to March is considered an ideal time. In summer you can spot wildlife easily. Monsoon season is the good for Ayurveda treatment.
Thekkady How to reach
By Air: The nearest airports are at Madurai 140 kms, Kochi 185 kms and Munnar 90 kms.
Road: An excellent road network from kumily (4 kms) links the to all major towns and cities in India. Thekkady can be easily reached from Cochin, Carmelia Haven and Munnar also.
Eateries: Thekkady being a tourist hub offers several good quality hotels. You can have traditional south Indian or continental food. If you want to have a slice of the local lifestyle you can stay in one of the many home stays and savor the exotic local cuisines made with fresh spices and herbs.
Shopping: The best buys here are handicrafts and tribal artifacts. If you are traveling to any of the tea growing areas, you may pick up tealeaves or fresh tea powder. If you are going to any of the spice plantations, you can buy fresh exotic spices and herbs. Wooden artifacts could be bought from many of the shops here. From the Periyar Tiger Reserve you could pick up T Shirts with prints of tigers and elephants as souvenirs.
