The very sound of the
word Thekkady or Periyar Tiger Reserve conjures up images of Elephants,
unending chains of hills and spice-scented plantations. Periyar forest has
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.
Thekkady is tantamount to proud mountains, winding valleys, scented
plantations and crisp air. The periyar forest of Thekkady is abode to one
of the finest natural wildlife sanctuaries in India. Spread over a picture
perfect landscape, it holds great opportunities for wildlife watching and
photography. A cruise on the lake might just strike that long forgotten
string of the heart. Set off on a memorable plantation tour, spice garden
trek, walking through the cardamom, coffee, pepper and tea plantations. Make
most of it by walking into tribal settlements and watching their life from
close. Ride through the jungle on elephant back and see how it feels to
walk in grandeur and style.
Thekkady in the south Indian state of Kerala is one very appealing town of
India with vast forest areas and some finest nature views. The very sound
of the word Thekkady recollects images of elephants, unending chains of
hills and spice scented plantations. Periyar forest in Thekkady is one of
the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire
district are bewitching plantations and captivating hill towns that hold
great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.
Around 700 elephants and 42 tigers! This is the least that Thekkady (Periyar)
offers. Nestled in the verdant high ranges of the Western Ghats, the
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the cynosure of all eyes here in Kerala. The
sanctuary covers a huge area of 777 sq km and harbours species like
Nilgiri langoor, Nilgiri tahr, Bison, Sambhar, Deer, Antelope, Tortoises,
Black Tailed Monkeys, etc. The avian species count to 265. To add to your
experience all the more, there are aromatic spice gardens in the vicinity
of the park.
The pride of Kerala, Thekkady is a dream destination that offers a
thrilling combination of wildlife safari tours and a hill-station holiday
that leaves the tourists spellbound. The very mention of Thekkady conjures
up images of elephants, rolling hills and spice plantations. Here, in the
crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will experience the most
enchanting holiday with the animals of the wild and the simple
unsophisticated mountain people.
Thekkady's premier tourist attraction is the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Centered around an artificial lake of Thekkady, the national park is home
to a great variety of wildlife species such as elephants, sambars, tigers,
gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs. The Sanctuary also
doubles up as a Tiger Reserve and you can explore the Thekkady forest at
leisure on elephant rides, cruises on the lake and jungle safaris to the
heart of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
On tours of Thekkady, you will also come across other places of interest
such as Kumily and Murrikady, where you can see the exotic spice
plantations of cardamom, coffee and pepper. If you feel like picnicking,
no other spot is better than Pandikuzhi that offers great opportunities
for trekking and photography. Travel to Chellarkovil in Thekkady to enjoy
the spectacular view of the plains and cascading waterfalls during the
monsoons.
Thekkady is king of jungles. The drumming calls of Nilgiri langurs,
probably a coded message to the denizens of the forest to be alert and
careful, will greet the visitors who enter the forests. Moving further,
barking deers, a characteristic alarm signal to the inmate species, may
shake the visitors. Amongst Thekkady worthy inhabitants, there is an
exclusive charm in watching the majestic tuskers and the bright-eyed
tigers in their exclusive kingdom. It is meaningless to think of returning
without a sweet brush with animals.That is fun.
It is mandatory to have a guide. Most of the guides are poachers turned.
The poachers were roped in as protectors as part of ecotourism and
rehabilitation. The sprawling Periyar Tiger Reserve, in an area of 777 Sq
Km, is rated as one of the 18 hot spots in the world in bio-diversity. Its
tropical rain forests present worlds most ancient and complex
environments. Home to elephants, tigers, leopards, deers, gaurs,
antelopes, variety of reptiles and birds of numerous species. The location
is ideal and adaptive. Amidst mountain ranges, valleys, lakes and rivers ?
superb dramatic settings. The largest sanctuary in the State, it is in the
south end of Western Ghats with splendid cardamom hills, in an altitude
upto 6000 ft. The boathouse is the starting point. Just 2 Km from the
entry gate. Eco-tourism centre is near the boathouse. Booking is to be
made here for guide, treks, boat rides and other activities
