Thekkady
 Thekkady
is tantamount to proud mountains, winding valleys, scented plantations
and crisp air. The periyar forest of Thekkady is abode to one of the
finest natural wildlife sanctuaries in India. Spread over a picture
perfect landscape, it holds great opportunities for wildlife watching
and photography. A cruise on the backwaters might just strike that long
forgotten string of the heart. Set off on a memorable plantation tour,
walking through the cardamom, coffee, pepper and tea plantations. Make
most of it by walking into tribal settlements and watching their life
from close. Ride through the jungle on elephant back and see how it
feels to walk in grandeur and style.
Accommodation at Thekkady:
Cardamom County,
Spice Village,
Silver Crest,
Aranya Nivas - KTDC,
Michael's Inn
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Any time during the year except Monsoon, which ranges from June to
September.
Places of visit at 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.
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.
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.
Kuttikanam
A place for adventure tourism and trekking, or even langourous,
tranquil break. This picturesque plantation town washed in the fragrance
of cardamom is surrounded by lush-green, gentle hills.
Thrissanku Hills ( 4 km from Peermedue, 1/2 km from Kuttikanam)
The rolling hills the lovely landscape and the gentle breeze make
this an ideal spot for long walks. The hills offer a breathtaking view
of the sunrise and sunset.
Peeru Hills ( 4 km from Peermede; 1 km from Kuttikanam)
This idyllic hill station is a favourite haunt of trekkers and picnic
teams. The hill is named after Peer Mohammed. the Muslim sufi saint, who
spent his last days here. The masoleum of the saint, the summer palace
of the royal family and the residence of the Diwan situated nearby are
all worth a visit.
Access
By Air: Nearest Airport Madurai is 140 km / Cochin is 170 km
connected to Lakshadweep (Agatti), Bangalore, Kozhikode (Calicut),
Coimbatore, Chennai (Madras), Delhi, Goa, Mumbai (Bombay),
Thiruchirapally (Trichy) and the Middle East.
By Rail: Nearest Station Teni - 60, Kottayam - 114, Changanassery
- 114, Madurai - 140 km for trains to major cities.
By Road: Kodaikanal 160 km, Kottayam 114 km, Munnar 113 km,
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) 272 km. There are frequent buses from
Kumily (4 km away).
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