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Thekkady

The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. Here, in the crisp, cool air of theWestern Ghats, you will experience the most enchanting holiday, with the animals of the wild and the simple unsophisticated mountain people. Across the entire district are lush plantations and hill towns that hold immense opportunities for treks and mountain walks. The Periyar Tiger Reserve also offers a fairly good chance of seeing the great Indian tiger in its natural habitat.

The Periyar Tiger Reserve

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 adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary inIndiawhere 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, however, are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake. Entry timing: 0600 – 1800 hrs.

Vandiperiyar (18 kms from Thekkady)

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 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.

Pullumedu (43 kms from Thekkady, 26 km from Periyar)

The winding journey to this hill town, along thePeriyarRiver, 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 famousSreeAyyappaTempleat 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 Ph:0486-322027 or the Range Officer, Vallakkadavu Ph:0486-352515. This place is opened to public few days in a year.

Plantation Tours

Plantationtours are arranged from the District Tourism Information Office at Thekkady Junction in Kumily (Ph:0486-322620). Tours cover cardamom, pepper, coffee and tea plantations, tea factories, tribal settlements and the surrounding hill regions. Kurisumala A place for adventure tourism and trekking. This will offer a panoramic view of Kumily town and Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Kumily (2 kms from Thekkady)

This plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady, is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. 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 (5 kms from Thekkady)

Washed in fresh spice-scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.

Pandikuzhi (5 kms 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.

Mangala Devi Temple (15 kms from Thekkady)

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 anoramic view of the eastern slopes of theGhatsand some hill villages of Tamilnadu. Permission to visit the area can be obtained from the Wildlife Wadren, Thekkady (Ph.0486-322027). This place is opened to public once in a year. Visitors are allowed here on Chitra oornima festival only.

Chellarkovil (15 kms 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 neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

Vandanmedu (25 kms from Kumily)

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. 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.

Ramakalmedu (40 kms from Thekkady and 75 kms from Munnar).

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.

Elephant Rides

The Forest Department, Thekkady offers facilities for elephant rides through the jungle. Time: 1000 – 1700 hrs. Duration: 30 Minutes. Tickets are available from the Wildlife Information Counter. Ph:0486-322028

Trekking

Main trekking areas in Thekkady: Kurisumala near Kumily, Pullumedu, Ottakathalamedu near Kumily, Grampi near Vandiperiyar The Forest Department conducts daily treks from the boat landing station at Thekkady to the Nellikkampetty area and Manakkavala.