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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.
Tourist Attractions in Thekkady
The various tourist attractions in Thekkady are Kumily, Murikkady,
Pandikuzhi, Mangala Devi Temple, Chellarkovil, Vandiperiyar,
Vandanmedu, Pullumedu and Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve.
Kumily
Kumily is the plantation to n which is closely associated with
Thekkady. This plantation town is located about 4 kms from
Thekkady and offers excellent experiences of the spice scented
plantation towns. Kumily is situated on the outskirts of the
Periyar national park. Shopping centre, spice trade centre, the
main bus stand and most of the medium range accommodation are
situated in Kumily.
Murikkady
Murikkady is situated about 5 kms. from Thekkady. Washed in fresh
spice scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and
pepper plantations.
Vandiperiyar
The river Periyar flows through the centre of Vandiperiyar and
nourishes its vast tea, coffee and pepper plantations.
Vandiperiyar is a major trade centre and also home to a number of
tea factories. The Government Agriculture Farm and Flower Garden
have a delightful array of rose plants, orchids and anthurium at
this place.
Tea Plantation, Vandiperiyar
Pullumedu
Pullumedu is a famous hill town in Thekkady, located about 43 km s
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 add to the
beauty of Pullumedu which can be accessed only by jeep. The famous
Sree Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala and the 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 Offer
or the Range Officer.
Mangala Devi Temple
Mangala Devi Temple is hidden in the dense woods at the top of a
peak 1337 m above sea level. The ancient 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.
Chellarkovil
Chellarkovil, about 15 kms from Kumily is the sleepy village. This
little village offers breathtaking view of the plains and
cascading waterfalls. The village slopes down to the famous
coconut groves of Cumbum in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
Pandikuzhi
Pandikuzhi, about 5 kms from Kumily is cradled between
Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border. It is a popular picnic
spot and offers great opportunities for trekking and is a
photographer’s delight. This picturesque region is famous for its
exotic flora, fauna and gurgling streams.
Vandanmedu
Vandanmedu, about 25 kms. from Kumily is one of the world’s
largest auction centres for Cardamom. A walk through the sprawling
cardamom plantations of Vandanmedu is a heady experience.
Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve
The Periyar National Park and Tiger Res erve is situated within the
confines of the Western Ghats in Kerala. This park is one of the
most captivating wildlife parks in the world and also one of the
largest and finest wildlife reserves in India. This national park
is known for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic
beauty and attracts visitors from all over the world. The major
wildlife attractions in the Periyar National Park are the wild
elephants, Tigers and Nilgiri Tahrs. Besides these animals various
other animals, birds, snakes and frogs are also found in this
park. The best time to visit the park is from October to June
Wildlife Attractions in Periyar
National Park
About 35 species of mammals are found in the Periyar National
Park. The major wildlife attractions in the Periyar National Park
are the wild elephants, Tigers and Nilgiri Tahrs. There has been
considerable increase in the population of tiger due to proper
conversation. Besides these animals various other animals are also
found in this park which include Gaur, Bison, Leopard, Sambar,
Bear, Wild oxen, Wild boar, Spotted deer, Wild dog, Barking deer,
Mouse deer, Nilgiri langur, Bonnet macaque, Porcupine, Squirrel
and Sloth bear. Along with animals, the Periyar National Park is
also the home of various reptiles and amphibians like Monitor
lizards, Pythons, King cobras and Flying lizards, Frogs, toads,
limbless Aeolians including the colourful Malabar gliding frogs,
common Indian toads, fungoid frogs and bicoloured frogs. About 265
species of birds including the migratory birds like Darters,
Cormorants, Ibises, Grey herons, Mynas, Flycatchers, Orioles, Wood
pigeons, Kingfishers, Ospreys, Thrushes, the great Indian
hornbill, peafowl, brahminy kite, black-winged kite and Parakeets
can be seen here. The Periyar lake and stream is rich with several
species of fish including the masheer, the famous and endangered
game fish of India. Otter, the only mammal of the lake can be seen
from the boat.
Jungle Safari in the Periyar National Park
The Periyar National Park is the only park in India from where you
can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close
quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. You can watch the
activities of various animals by just having a walk or having a
elephant ride in the Periyar National Park. You can also watch the
animals from the watchtowers but only after prior permission. A
guide will always accompany you during the safari in the park. |