www.travelcapindia.com

    Kerala     Alappuzha     Kovalom   Munnar    Ayurveda      Taxi      Houseboat      Package Tours     Feedback 

Thekkady lies at an altitude of 900-1800 m above sea level with a rainfall of 2500 mm. The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. In the Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.

Tourist Attractions Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
(Entry: 0600 to 1800 hrs) - Lying close to the plantations, is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves - the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady. 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. Note 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 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 form 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 to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: 0600 - 1800 hrs.

Fauna
Wild elephant, gaur, sambar deer and wild boar, Nilgir Tahr, lion tailed macaque, bonnet macaque, Malabar giant squirrel, flying squirrel, tiger, jungle cat, sloth bear, hornbill, stork, woodpecker, kingfisher, raptor, cormorant, grackle, darter, cobra, viper, krait, monitor lizards, frogs, toads, masheer (famous and endangered game fish of India), otter.

Plantations Tea, cardamom, pepper and coffee plantations surround the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Sanctuary Watch Towers There are two watchtowers in the interior of the Periyar forest. Reservations can be made at the Forest Information Centre, Thekkady. Ph: 322028.

Permitting authority The Wildlife Preservation Officer, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady.

Kumily is a plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady and is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. An important shopping centre and spice trade centre, the main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region are in Kumily.

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

Pandikuzhi (5 km from Kumily) is a 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 - The 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 eastern slopes of the ghats and some hill villages of Tamil Nadu. Permission to visit the area can be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Thekkady. Ph: 322027.
 

Chellarkovil, 15 km from Kumily, is a sleepy little village with its breathtaking view of the plains and cascading waterfalls and a real feast for the eyes. The village slope down to the famous coconut groves of Cumbum in neighboring Tamil Nadu.

Vandiperiyar - 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 rose plants, orchids and anthuria.

Vandanmedu (25 km from Kumily) - This is one of the world's largest auction centres for cardamom. A walk through the sprawling cardamom plantations of Vandanmedu is a heady experiences.

Pullumedu - The winding journey to this hill town, along the Periyar River, 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 famous Sree Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala and the Makara Jyothi illuminations 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: 322027 or the Range Officer, Vallakkadavu. Ph: 352515.