Thekkady

At Thekkady we can discover the well preserved veritable essence of Kerala. While you travel to Thekkady, you will see nature in its purest form. Uninterrupted rows of lush green trees, chirping birds, velvety hills and stunningly beautiful landscape are what make Thekkady a hot tourism center. This alluring land revives of a colourful allusive painting. Thekkady is one of the most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala. Its rich flora and fauna and vegetation are uniquely varied and this aura makes it different from any other wildlife sanctuaries in the world.

Thekkady is a pleasant celestial bliss on earth for those who love nature and its wild ostentatiousness. Thekkady- the name itself contrives the eye-catching sceneries, elephant groups, the picturesque hills and spice scented plantations. Thekkady is famous for its Periyar wildlife sanctuary, which houses some really exotic species of birds, animals and plants. Thekkady is also an important trade center and exports a variety of rare Indian spices. The crisp and cool air of Thekkady will give soothing to your soul and body. All in all, it will be an experience that will have you transferred to Paradise every time you think of it. So get set to visit Thekkady, a place that will amaze you beyond belief.

Tourist Spots in Thekkady, Kerala

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats of Kerala is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Periyar tiger Reserve, Thekkady, is an example of nature’s bounty, with great scenic charm, rich bio diversity and providing veritable visitor satisfaction. Sprawled over an area of 777 Sq .km. Periyar is one of the 27 tiger reserves in India. Moreover, its elephant assets are also envied by all. The most prolific feature of Periyar wildlife sanctuary is the Periyar Lake spreading across an area of 26 square kilometers. British engineer, Colonel J Pennycuick conceived a design to dam the Periyar River which runs through the forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala. The dam was created in 1895 to divert the water to TamilNadu for irrigation. The Lake is an important source of water for the many wild animals.

The forests around the lake were declared as reserved forests in 1899. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978 under the famous scheme Project Tiger. In 1982 the core area of their serve has been notified as National Park.

The Periyar wildlife sanctuary can be divided into four categories. The open grasslands studded with fire-resistant vegetation and a variety of grasses including elephant grass, which are the common dining hall of herbivores - from barking deer to the elephant; which the most deciduous forest type dominated by trees like teak and Terminalia which shed their leaves seasonally; the semi evergreen forest close to the tropical forests and wet, stream areas and the sholas or tropical evergreen jungle often tigers and king Cobras that are found in the Valleys. This area of dense forest allows only a limited stream of sunlight through and in the moist, dark corridors. The most exciting part of a visit to the Periyar wildlife sanctuary is a boat cruise on the lake. It is really a lifetime experience to see the elephants taking bath from the lake.

Kumily
Kumily is a town in the cardamom hills near Thekkady and the Periyar Tiger Reserve, in the Idukki district. It is a major tourist destination and a spices trading center. When walking though the town's roads, there is an aroma of cardamom, clove, cinnamon etc. Kumily is famous for horticultural spice gardens where one can learn how spices are grown.

Murikkady
Located at a distance of just 5 kilometres away, Murikkady is another important site to visit. Murikkady is particularly famous for its panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations. A must visit to include in your excursion itinerary.

Pandikuzhi
Another picturesque spectrum of nature's flora, fauna and gurgling streams is Pandikuzhi. Sandwiched between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border, it makes an important excursion point for every tourists visiting here. A considerable number of visitors come to this place every year. Being an ideal picnic, trekking, and photographic spot, it is also the favourite day and weekend destination for the localities as well.

Mangala Devi Temple
Mangala Devi Temple, of Goddess Mangala is situated at an altitude of 1337 m above the sea level. This temple is located on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, 13 km from Kumily. The architecture of the temple is traditional Pandian style. This ancient temple stands amidst thick forest. One of the major attraction of this temple is the Chithra Pournami festival day which held once in a year. Devotees from in and out of Thekkady come here on this festival to take part in that.
Special permission is required from the Chief Conservator of Forests, Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvanathapuram to pay a visit to the temple. The temple can be reached only by means of jeeps from Kumily.

Chellarkovil
Chellarkovil is a small little village in idukki. It is the place from which we would be able to have a look at the Chellarkovil waterfalls. Chellarkovil Waterfalls Situated at a distance of 15 km from Kumily in a small village, the waterfalls is a visual feast for the visitors. Chellarkovil Waterfalls offer the breathtaking view of the plains and coconut groves all around. The specialty of this waterfall is that the place from where the water starts falling belongs to Kerala and the place where the water touches the land belongs to Tamilnadu.  

Vandanamedu
Vandanamedu is one of the largest auction centers of Cardamom in the world. It is a small village around 25 km from Kumily. You can have a exhilarating journey through the cardamom plantations.

Pullumedu
This is a hill station along the Periyar River; on travel you get fabulous view on naturals hills. This place is only accessible by jeep because of the steep roads. The famous pilgrim center Sabarimala and the Makara Jyothi illuminations on the day of ‘Makara Sankrathi’ at the shrine are visible from here. To visit this place special permission must be obtained from the wildlife preservation officer, Thekkady.

Pattumala
This place is located on the road from Peermade to Kumily. It is almost six Kilometer away from Peermade. The place is surrounded by Beautiful Tea plantations, and hills. The place itself is on top of a small hill. The literal meaning of Pattumala is Hill draped in silk. The road decants on either side of the place. The famous pilgrim center, Velankanni Matha Church made entirely of granite is located here. Two most famous tea estates namely AVG and Co and Harrisons Malayalam are also located here.