Thekkady
General Information
Thekkady, is one of India's most fascinating
natural wildlife sanctuaries, where
you can watch wildlife at close range.
The vegetation, the flora and fauna
and the birds of Thekkady are uniquely
rich, vast and varied that it does not
bear semblance to any other wildlife
sanctuaries in the world. Even a casual
visitor to this place will not fail
to observe the special ecological pattern
of Thekkady.
Thekkady - The very sound of the name
conjures up images of elephants, unending
chains of hill and spice scented plantations.
In the crisp, cool air of the Western
Ghats you will experience the most enchanting
holiday. With the animals of the wild
and the simple mountain people. In the
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. The Thekkady
sanctuary is one of the best in the
country for watching and photographing
wild life.
Thekkady is on the border with state
of Tamil Nadu , in fact just 5 kilometers
from the border town of Kumily which
is very well connected by bus to both
Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Notable among
the denizens of Periyar are the tigers,
the majestic Asiatic wild elephants
and the distinctive Nilgiri langur.
Other animals include the wild boar,
wild dog, bison, bear and leopards.
Amongst the avifauna, the most profuse
are herons, egrets, darters, kingfishers
and the great Malabar grey hornbill.
A cruise through the waters of Periyar
lake around which the wild -life sanctuary
is situated, offers a soul - stirring
pleasant experience.
.
Main
Sightseeing of Thekkady
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
: 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. Entry
timings from 0600 to 1800 hrs.
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
Kumily : Situated
at a distance of 4 kms from Thekkdy
this small plantation town is close
to the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary.
An important shopping centre ans spice
trade centre, the main bus station
and most of the medium range accommodation
in the Periyar region are in Kumily
Murikkady : Just
5 kms from Thekkady, Murikkady is
washed in fresh spice-scented air,
Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom,
coffee and pepper plantations.
Pandikuzhi : 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.
.
Go to Top
Excursions
from Thekkady
Mangala Devi
Temple (15 kms) : This ancient
temple is hidden in the dense woods
at the top of a oeak 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 abtained from the Wildlife
Wadren, Thekkady
Chellarkovil (15 kms) :
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 neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
Vandiperiyar (18 kms) :
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 roses, orchids and anthuria.
Vandanmedu (25 kms) :
This is one of the world's largest auction
centres for candamom. A walk through
the sprawling cardamom plantations of
Vandanmedu is a heady experience.
Pullumedu(43 kms) :
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 illumination 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, Thekkady.
Ramakalmedu (40 kms) :
Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain
air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat.
The hills top also offers a Panoramic
view of picturesque villages of Bodi
and Cumbum on the Eastern slop of the
western ghats.
How
to reach Tanjore?
By Air :
By Rail :
By Road : .
