Thekkady (Periyar Tiger Reserve, and wild life sanctuary)
Thekkady - is one of the most popular tourist destination in Kerala State. The artificial lake created by the MullaperiyarDam(above 100 years old) across the Periyar river became an ecosystem for all type of species (if the Dam collapses, the Thekkady lake will vanish from the picture)?.
The Wild Life Sanctuary was declared as Tiger Reserve in
1978. After the sanctuary was built around the lake, it gradually became an
interesting place and tourist destination. The unending chains of hills and picturesque
plantations spread across the entire district of Idukki gives the best
opportunities for boating, trekking and mountain walks.
The thick evergreen forest is spread across 777 km² (300 sq.
miles) with large number of species of mammals like elephants, sambar (the
largest deer in India), tigers, lion-tailed Macaques, gaur, and Nilgiri Langurs
most of all are rare, endemic and endangered. Thekkady is known as heaven for
natural spices like black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and clove etc.
Main attractions
and activities in Thekkady
Thekkady is the best place for- Ecotourism, Birds watching, and
Nature Walk, Wild Life Watching, Night Saffari, Jungle Saffari, The Periyar
Tiger Trail, and Elephant rides, Trekking, Plantation Tours and Adventure Tourism.etc.
Bamboo Rafting on
Periyar Lake: Starting at 8 am from Thekkady boat landing and travelling through
some rare used forest tracts in Periyar Tiger Reserve. The rafting is only for
about three hours and back to the boat landing at 5 pm. armed guard with guides
will accompany the Team.
Boat Cruise on
Periyar Lake: The Forest Department and the Kerala Tourism Development
Corporation Ltd. conduct boating trips in Periyar Lake. Entrance fee at check
post: for Foreigners: Rs.50 and for Domestic tourists: Rs.2.
Places nearby Thekkady
Kumily- the
border town is very close to Thekkady, 4 km from the outskirts of the Periyar
Sanctuary. Kumily is the main shopping centre and spice trading centre in this
region.All type of accommodation facilities for visitors available here.
Mangala Devi Temple:
The ancient, more than 2,000 years old temple is situated in the dense woods,and
15 km from Thekkady. You need a permission from the Wildlife Warden to visit
the area.
Grampi is 28 km
form Thekkady and 5 km from Peermade. Grampi is known as Paruntumpara (Eagle
rock) by panoramic view from its high peaks. Watch film- Nsrani
(Malayalam,mammooty)
Other places to visit
Chellar Kovil (15km), Murikkady ,Spring Valley Mountain
(Kurisumala),Pandikuzhi (5 km from Kumily), Vandiperiyar (18 km from Thekkady),Vandanmedu
(25 km from Kumily), Pullumedu(43 km from Thekkady, 26 km from Periyar, Panchalimedu,
Peermade (32 km), Pattumala (25 km),Wagamon (60 km)
Ramakkalmedu (40 km from Thekkady)
for further information and unseen pictures-http://www.windiaw.com/2012/11/ramakkalmedu-hill-station-for-winds.html
Idukki dam is the biggest Arch Dam in Asia. Visitors allowed during Onam Holidays (August/September) and Christmas - New Year Holidays. Boating facilities are also available.
For further information and unseen pictures -
Distance from
Thekkady:
Kumily - 4 km, Idukki - 65 km, Peermede - 40 km, Vagamon - 70 km, Sabarimala -134 km
Kodaikanal -149 km, Ooty - 390 km, Cochin(Kochi) -190 km,,Munnar -106
km, Kumarakom -128 km, Kottayam -114 km, Alappuzha -164 km, Kollam - 220 km
Thiruvananthapuram - 265
km.
photo credit:
Joseph T. A, Ranna Photography , Naveen Roy , mckaysavage, Eric.Parker,Esme_Vos Lip Kee
