Thekkady Travel Guide
General Information - Thekkady
Best Time :September To May
Location : Idukki District (Kerala).
Languages : Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, English.
Main Attraction : Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary
Altitude : 900-1800 m Above Sea Level
Clothing : Woollen and Cotton

Thekkady, located in central Kerala, is a popular hill station and a wildlife centre. This town, which is an important plantation centre, 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 of India and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold immense opportunities for treks and mountain walks. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary offers a fairly good chance of seeing the great Indian tiger in its natural habitat.

Places to visit :
The periyar wildlife sanctuary - 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. 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 , however, are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake. You can also see wild Elephant, gaur, sambar deer, tiger, jungle cat, sloth bear and wild boar which can be sighted from the boats also 265 species of birds including migrants the hornbill, stork, woodpecker, kingfisher, raptor, cormorant, grackle etc.

Kumily - 4 kms from thekkady this plantation town, closely associated with thekkady, is situated on the outskirts of the periyar sanctuary. An important shopping centre and spice trade centre.

Murikkady - 5 kms from thekkady. Washed in fresh spice scented air, murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.

Vandanmedu - 25 kms from thekkady, this is one of the world's largest auction centres for cardamom. A walk through the sprawling cardamom plantations of vandanmedu is a heady experience.

Excursions from Thekkady
Mangala Devi Temple (15Km.)
Mangala devi temple, the ancient temple is located 15 kms from Thekkady. It lies hidden in the dense woods at the top of a peak 1337 m above sea level. Mangala devi temple, the ancient temple is located 15 kms from Thekkady. It lies hidden in the dense woods at the top of a peak 1337 m above sea level. Mangala devi temple, the ancient temple is located 15 kms from Thekkady. It lies hidden in the dense woods at the top of a peak 1337 m above sea level.

Chellarkovil (20Km.)/Chellarkovil vv Kumily (4Km.)
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.

Murikkady (5Km.)
Washed in fresh spice scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.

Pandikuzhi (10Km.)
This picturesque place is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu State border is a popular picnic spot. Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer's delight.

Pullumedu (43Km.)
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 from a jeep.

Vandanmedu (30Km.)
This is one of the world's largest auction centres for Cardamom. A walk through the sprawling cardamom plantaions of Vandanmedu is a pleasent experience.

Vandiperiyar (18Km.)
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 Gardens have a delightful array of rose plants, orchids and anthurium.