:: About Thekkady

The pride of Kerela and a testimony to nature's splendour and human innovation, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar lake - an artificial lake, at Thekkady.   Here the high ranges of the Western Ghats are clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grass lands.   Below this thick green canopy roam herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs.

Altitude:900-1800m above sea level
Rainfall:2500mm
         
The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants,unending chains of hills and spice scentred plantations.In the periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reservesin India,and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.

ACCESSING THEKKADY

Road: There are frequent buses from Kumily (4km away) to various tourist centres.
Distance of a few major towns from Thekkady

IN AND AROUND THEKKDY

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary(entry0600 to1800hrs);Lying close to the plantation,in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkdy in one of the world most fasinating natural wildlife reserves-the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.Spread across 777sq of which 360 sq km is thick evergreen forest,the Periyar Wildlife Sanstuery was declared a Tiger reserve in 1978.Noted for its geomorohology,diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty,the Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world.

The splendid arrifical 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 qurters a boat on the lake from the safty oflake.The greatest attraction of Periyar,however,are the herds of wild elephants that came down to pay in the lake

Amphibians-Frogs,toads and limbless caecilians include the colourful Malabar gliding frog,common Indian tOad,fungoid frog and bicoloured frog.

Pices-The periyar lake and streams have several species of fish including the maheer,the famous and endanged game fish of India.The otter,the only mammal of the lake ,can be frequently spotted from the boat.

Plantations-Tea,Caramom,Pepper and coffee platations surrounded the Periyar Wildlife sanctuary.

The sanctuary watch Towers-There are two watch towers in the interiors of the periyar forest.Reservations can be made at the divisional forest office,Thekkady 04869222027

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

 

       Nature Walk-Guided day trek Rs.100/-,PeriyarTiger Trail Rs.3000,Bamboo Rafting Rs.1000/-,Jungle Patrol Rs.500/-,Tribal Heritage Rs.100/-,Overnight stay in jungle inn Rs.2000/-per cottage,Bamboo Grove-Ecoldge&experimental learning Rs.2000/- per cottage ,Village Tour-on bulk cart Rs.500/-per person.For booking Kumily ph 222620,T hekkady ph 224571.

Kumily(4km from Thekkady)-This plantations town closely associated with Thekkady,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.

Murikady(5km from Thekkady)-washed in fresh spice scented air,Murikkady is a panorama of Cardamom,coffee and pepper plantations

Pandikuzhi(5km from kumily)-This picturesque spectrum of exotic flora,fauna and gurging streams is craded between chellarcovil and Tamilnadu border.A popular picnic spot,Pandikuzhi offers great oppoertunities for trekking and is a photographer’s sight.

Magala devi Temple(15km from Thekkady)-This ancient temple is hidden in the dense woods at the top of a peak 1337m above sea leavel.The temple 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 Tamilnadu.Permission to visit the area can be obtained from the wildlifewarden.Thekkady,ph.04869222027.

Chellarcovil(15km from Kumily)-This sleepy little village withits breathtaking view plains and cascading waterfalls is a feast for the eyes .The village slops down to the famous coconur groves of Cumbum in neighbouring Tamilndu.

Vandiperiyar(18km from thekkady)-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 factiories.The Govt Agriculture Farm and garden have a delightful array of rose plants,orchids and anturia.

Vandenmedu(25km from Thekkady)-This is the one of the world’s largest auction centre for cardamom.A walk through the sprawling cardamom plantations of Vandanmedu is a heady experience.

Pullumedu(43km from Thekkady)-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 addsto the beauty of pullumedu  which can be accessed only by jeep.The famous SreeAyyappa temple at Sabarimala and tha 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 ,Thekkdy ph:222027 or the Range officer Vallakadavu ph:252515.

 

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