Destination Thekkady

The name Thekkady is synonymous with wildlife and forests. It is the central point of the tourism zone of the Periyar Tiger Reserve which is one of the best-managed tiger reserves in India. Stationed at the Idukki district of Kerala, Thekkady is one of the important tourist destinations in India. It is located at a distance of about 160 miles from Thiruvananthapuram and is well known for wildlife preservation.

The most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuary of the country resides at Thekkady, where the rare and varied wildlife can be watched at close range. The uniquely rich, vast and varied vegetation, flora and fauna and the birds of Thekkady are that it does not bear semblance to any other wildlife sanctuaries in the world.

However, the place has also gained huge attention for its hill stations that are mind blowing and keep tourists enticed for a long time. Only a few kilometres from the Cochin airport and Kottayam railway station, Thekkedy has become an amazing paradise for holiday lovers. The major attraction of the tourist place is Periyar national park.

In and Around Thekkady

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary:- Though billed as a tiger reserve, Periyar is really famous for its wild elephants, 100-year-old artificial lake and its setting in the beautiful thickly forested Western ghats. This is not your best shot at spotting the Bengal Tiger considering there are less than 40 of them that inhabit an area of 777sq.km but there’s plenty of other animals like the Nilgiri langoor, Nilgiri tahr, bison, deer, antelope and about 700 elephants to make the trip worthwhile.

Watch Tower:- The Watch Tower makes another important tourist spot to visit within the park. You can also have a wonderful view of the surrounding areas from here. The tower is maintained by the Forest Department and it is one of the best places to witness the animals, as the tower overlooks water holes in buffer zone.

Mangala Devi Temple:- It lies hidden in the dense woods at the top of a peak 1337 m above sea level. Mangala devi temple, the ancient temple is located 15 kms from Thekkady.

Kumily:- Kumily is the plantation town situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. It is also prominent as a shopping centre and spice trade centre.

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

Pandikuzhi:- The picturesque place Pandikuzhi is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu State border. It is a popular picnic spot offering great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer’s delight.

Chellarkovil:- Chellarkovil is a small village that is famous for its splendid panoramic views like lush landscapes and gurgling waterfalls. It is the place from which we would be able to have a look at the Chellarkovil waterfalls. 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.

Well linked with both Kerala and Tamil Nadu through roadways, one can easily get a bus from Madurai, Kumbam, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram and various other locations to reach Thekkady.

Access:

Air – Nearest Airport : Madurai (Tamil Nadu) 140 kms, Kochi (Nedumbassery – 185 km), Thiruvananthapuram (265 kms).

Rail – Nearest railway station is Kumarakom 114 kms. Madurai station is about 136 kms.

Road – An excellent road network from kumily (4 kms) links the to all major towns and cities in india.

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