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.
