About Thekkady
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 apportunities for treks and mountain walks..
Places to Visit in Thekkady
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. Noted 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 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. .
Kurisumala
A place for adventure tourism and trekking. This will offer a panoramic view of Kumily town and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Kumily (4 km from Thekkady)
This plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady, is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. An important shopping centre ans spice trade centre, the main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region are in Kumily
Pandikuzhi (5 km from Kumily)
This 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.
Vandiperiyar (18 km 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 factories. The Government Agriculture farm and Flower Garden have a delightful array of roses, orchids and anthuria.
Pullumedu (43 km from Thekkady, 26 km from Periyar)
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 illumination 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:0486-322027 or the Range Officer, Vallakkadavu Ph:0486-352515.
Plantation Tours
Plantation tours are arranged from the District Tourism Information Office at Thekkady Junction in Kumily (Ph:0486-322620). Tours cover cardamom, pepper, coffee and tea plantations, tea factories, tribal settlements and the surrounding hill regions.
Trekking
Main trekking areas in Thekkady: Kurisumala near Kumily, Pullumedu, Ottakathalamedu near Kumily, Grampi near Vandiperiyar The Forest Department conducts daily trels from the boat landing station at Thekkady to the Nellikkampetty area and Manakkavala. Starting: 0700 hrs. Fare: Rs.10 + entrance fee. Booking can be made with the Wildlife Preservation Officer, Thekkady (Ph:0486-322027, 322028)
Boat cruises on the Periyar Lake
Timings: 0700, 0930, 1130, 1400, 1600 hrs. Fare: Lower deck: Rs.50, Upper deck: Rs.90. The Forest Department (Ph:322028) and the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (Ph: 322023) conduct boating trips from Thekkady. Entrance fee at check post: Foreigners: Rs.50 (valid for one day), Domestic tourists: Rs.2.
Route map of Thekkady
| Madurai | 76 kms |
| Andipatti | 16 kms |
| Periyakulam | 16 kms |
| Bodinaickanur | 16 kms |
| Cumbum | 45 kms |
| Uthamapalayam | 30 kms |
| Chinnamanur | 22 kms |
| Kumuli | 65 kms |
| Kodaikanal | 87 kms |
| Palani | 132 kms |
