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Thekkady
Thekkady (Idukki district) is the location of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is an important and beautiful tourist attraction in Kerala state, India, close to the Kerala -Tamil Nadu border town Kumily, located about 160 miles from Trivandrum. The sanctuary is famous for its dense evergreen, semievergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grass lands. It is home to herds of elephants, sambar, tigers, gaur, lion-tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs.
Thekkady is famous for its Periyar wildlife sanctuary, which houses some really exotic species of birds, animals and plants. The Periyar Widlife sanctuary is spread across 777 sq km, of which 360 sq km is thick evergreen forest. The Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. The greatest attraction of Periyar are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.
Thekkady has immense possibilities for Adventure Tourism. The Forest Department offers many programs including Periyar Tiger Trail, Nature walk, Bamboo Rafting etc. 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.
Thekkady is also an important trade center and exports a variety of rare Indian spices. A visit to Thekkady is a must if you are traveling to India.
Thekkady is famous for its Periyar wildlife sanctuary, which houses some really exotic species of birds, animals and plants. The Periyar Widlife sanctuary is spread across 777 sq km, of which 360 sq km is thick evergreen forest. The Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. The greatest attraction of Periyar are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.
Thekkady has immense possibilities for Adventure Tourism. The Forest Department offers many programs including Periyar Tiger Trail, Nature walk, Bamboo Rafting etc. 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.
Thekkady is also an important trade center and exports a variety of rare Indian spices. A visit to Thekkady is a must if you are traveling to India.
| State: | Kerala | |
| District Area: | 12.07 sq. km | |
| Altitude: | 900 - 1800 m above sea level | |
| Location: | Idukki District of Kerala, India | |
| Population: | approx. 17,612 | |
| STD Code: | 04865 | |
| Best time to visit: | September - May | |
| Rainfall: | 2500 mm | |
| Temperature: | Max. 36ºC - Min. 11ºC | |
| Clothing: | Woolen and Cotton | |
| Local Languages: | Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi and English |
A great way to spend time in Thekkady is by going on Thekkady sight seeing tours. It is a great way to explore the popular tourist attractions in this place. This section will tell you more about the various tourist attractions of Thekkady and give you an idea of your tour to Thekkady.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 Kumbam in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 Kumbam in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
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.
Thekkady has a moderate climate all through the year. Summers (March to May) are bit hot with maximum temperature reaching 36°C and winters (December to February) are very pleasant with temperature goes down as low as 11°C. Monsoons (June to September) offer very heavy rainfalls, associated with landslides.
September to March is the best time to enjoy the eye catching lusting greeneries. Bird watchers can spot migratory birds during post monsoon and winter seasons. Summers are optimal period to spot more wild animals when they flock to water sources.
September to March is the best time to enjoy the eye catching lusting greeneries. Bird watchers can spot migratory birds during post monsoon and winter seasons. Summers are optimal period to spot more wild animals when they flock to water sources.
By Air:
The Cochin International Airport located at a distance of 190 km is the nearest airport. Madurai (Tamil Nadu) 140 kms, Thiruvananthapuram (265 kms).
By Railway:
The nearest rail road station is located at a distance of 120 km at Kottayam.
By Road:
Thekkady is well connected by road to Ernakulam and Kottayam. Nearest railway station is Kumarakom 114 kms. Madurai station is about 136 kms.
The Cochin International Airport located at a distance of 190 km is the nearest airport. Madurai (Tamil Nadu) 140 kms, Thiruvananthapuram (265 kms).
By Railway:
The nearest rail road station is located at a distance of 120 km at Kottayam.
By Road:
Thekkady is well connected by road to Ernakulam and Kottayam. Nearest railway station is Kumarakom 114 kms. Madurai station is about 136 kms.
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