Location: Idukki District (Kerala)
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Main Attractions: Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary
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Languages: Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, English
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Best Season: September to May
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.
Prime Attractions of Thekkady
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Entry: 0600 to 1800 hrs): 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 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. Entry to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
The Sanctuary Watch Towers: There are two watch towers in the
interior of the Periyar forest. Reservations can be made at the Forest Information
Centre, Thekkady
Kumily (4 km from Thekkady): Located 4 km from Thekkady is
a plantation town situated in the outskirts of the Periyar sanctuary. Kumily
is an important shopping center and spice trade center..
Murikkady (5 km from Thekkady): Located 5 km from Thekkady,
Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.
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.
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.
Mangala Devi Temple (15 km from Thekkady): 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,
Vandiperiyar ( 18 km from Thekkady): Located 18 km from Thekkady,
Vandiperiyar is 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
Chellarkovil (15 km from Kumily): Located 15 km from Kumily,
this sleepy little village with its breathtaking view of the plains and cascading
waterfalls is a feast for the eyes. The village slopes down to the famous coconut
groves of Cumbum in neighbouring Tamil Nadu
Vandanmedu (25 km from Kumily ): This is one of the world's
largest auction centres for candamom. A walk through the sprawling cardamom
plantations of Vandanmedu is a heady experience.
Excursions of Thekkady Munnar
One of the most popular hill stations in India, Munnar is situated at the confluence
of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at
1600 m above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British
Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding
lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience.
Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji, a flower, which bathes the hills in blue colour once in every twelve years. The Neelakurinji, will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi - which towers over 2695 m and is an ideal spot for campers who like to do some trekking.
Peerumedu: Peerumedu, the famous plantation town, takes its
name from Peer Mohammed, a Sufi saint and close associate of the erstwhile royal
family of Travancore. Wide vistas of tea, cardamom, rubber and coffee plantations
interspersed with silver cascades, sculptural rocks, meadows and mist-cloaked
hilltops make Peermede an unforgettable experience.
The most delightful trekking trails complement the panoramic landscape. Monuments like the Summer Palace and Summer Residence of the royal family add to the splendour of the land. The Summer Residence, now converted into a government guesthouse under the Department of Tourism, offers comfortable accomodation.
Places to stay in Thekkady
» Lake Palace (KTDC).
» Spice Village.
» Taj Garden Retreat.
» Aranya Nivas (KTDC).
» Periyar House (KTDC).
» Leela Pankaj Resort (Cottages).
» Cardamom County.
» Ambady.
How to Get There
By Air: The nearby airports are at Madurai and Kochi.
By Rail: Teni, Kottayam, Madurai and Changanaserry are the
convenient railheads from Thekkady.
By Road: There are frequent buses from Kumily (4 km away) to
various tourist centres.
By Local Transport: Tourist Cars, Taxi Jeeps, Mini Buses and
Auto Rickshaws.
Tourist Information about Thekkady
Post & Telegraph: Post & Telegraph Office, Central Junction,
Kumily.
Banks and Money Changers: State Bank Of Travancore, Kumily;
Central Bank Of India, Kumily.
Hospitals: Periyar Hospital, Central Hospital, St. Augustine
Hospital.
Handicrafts: Gram Shilpa, Kumily; Kairali Handicrafts.
General Information about Thekkady
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Latitude: 9°15' and 9°40' North.
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Longitude: 76°55' and 77°25' East.
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Altitude: 900-1800 m Above Sea Level.
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Climate: Tropical.
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Temperature: 15°C-30°C.
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Rainfall: 2500 mm.
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Clothing: Woollen and Cotton.
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