Thekkady
Fast Facts
District : Idukki
Distance : 186 kms, south east of Trivandrum
Attractions : Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar Lake, Kumily
Best Time to Visit : September to March
Location
Thekkady is located in the Iddukki district of South Indian state, Kerala. Thekkady is situated towards the lower end of the state and close to the borders of the adjacent state, Tamil Nadu. The place is about 60 kms from the central Idukki and exists as a wonderful tourist place featuring hill stations, plantations and wildlife sanctuaries.
Introducing Thekkady
Thekkady with its panoramic views of nature, is a popular tourist destination in the state of Kerala. The landscape is dominated by the wildlife sanctuary, low lying hills and plantation lands. The nature has a good hold on the lands in Thekkady. The wildlife sanctuary that lies sprawling here is one of the largest in India. The boat safari on the Periyar lake exposes one to the realms of natures and provides a chance to spot the wildlife in its natural habitat. For a clean and green place there is Thekkady.
Tourist Attractions in Thekkady
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, spread over 777 square kilometres is a very famous wildlife reserve and one of the largest in India. Periyar Lake, an artificial reservoir, is the cynosure at the reserve. The core area of the park constitutes a national park. The sanctuary supports great many species of woodland, aquatic and arboreal animals. The sanctuary is dominated by dense forests, open fields at many places and waterways. The fauna supported by the park includes elephants, tigers, leopards, sambhar deer, wild boars, bears, wild dogs, bison, gaurs, flying squirrels, civets and snake species.
Periyar Lake: Periyar Lake lies within the sanctuary area. The boat cruise in the Periyar Lake is one thing you shouldn't miss at Thekkady. The boat cruises often have encounters with elephant herds crossing the lake, gaurs, bison, wild boars and many other species.
Kumily: Kumily is a small plantation town about 4 kms from Thekkady which is a famous shopping centre and a leading spice plantation site in the state. The town supports plantations including pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, tea and coffee.
Nature and Bird Watching Treks: The Nature Treks and Bird Watching Treks started by the Forest Department at Periyar Sanctuary are wonderful exercises amidst the rich bio diversity of the park. The guides for these treks happen to be some selected and trained local tribes men who know the place well. The Pandikuzhi area, some 5 kms from Thekkady, also offers great trekking experiences.
Places Where You Can Stay
Some known hotels and cottages that provide accommodation at Thekkady include Lake Palace Thekkady, Taj Garden Retreat, Spice Village, Shalimar Spice Garden. These include the high budgeted ones. The economical class includes Hotel Ambadi, Periyar House, Hotel Kumily Gate, Michael's Inn, etc.
How to Reach
The Kerala State Road Transportation Corporation (KSRTC) run their buses to Kumily, which is about 5 kms from Thekkady. Mant private operators also provide the service to Kumily. The nearest railhead to Thekkady is at Kottayam, some 110 kms away from the place. One can reach Madurai by air, which is the nearest airport and about 140 kms from Thekkady.
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