Thekkady is situated in the Idukki district of Kerala. Periyar forest of Tekkady is one of the finest and most fascinating natural wildlife reserves in India. Situated about 4000 ft. above sea level Thekkady is one of the important tourist destinations. Periyar tiger Reserve, Thekkady is famous for huge treasures of tropical flora and fauna. It is a perfect example of nature’s bounty with great scenic charm and is an ideal location for wildlife tourism and eco-tourism. The wild life reserve is spread across 777 sq.km, of which 360 sq.km is thick evergreen forest. Periyar is one of the 27 tiger reserves in India and it was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978.
The sanctuary is centred around splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar. In Tekkady you can get a glimpse of wildlife in a close range and watch the animals in their natural habitat. So far 62 different kinds of mammals have been recorded in Periyar out of which many are endangered. The normal sightings are elephant, bison, sambar deer, barking deer, wild boar and a variety of birds. Periyar is famous for elephants and large herds are often sighted at the lake fringe. And if one is lucky enough, you may even sight a tiger or leopard as well.
It is one of the best managed reserves in India. Some of the main attractions here are trekking, boating, bamboo rafting, plantation tours, The Periyar Tiger Trail, jungle jeep safari, elephant safari and jungle walk.
Top Tourist Places to Visit in Thekkady (Kerala)
Chellarkovil
This is a beautiful little village located at 15 km from Kumily. The place is famous for its cascading waterfalls and scenic beauty.
Ramakalmedu
Located at a distance 45 km from Idukki and 40 km from Thekkady the enchanting green hilltop offers a panoramic view of the picturesque villages of Bodi and Cumbum.
Mangladevi Temple
This temple is at a distance of 15 km from Thekkady and is perched on top of thickly wooded peak at a height of 1337 m above sea level. Surrounded by lush greenery this temple opens only once in a year during the Chitra Pournami festival.
Murikkady
Murikkady is famous for pepper, coffee and cardamom spice plantations and its picturesque beauty.
Pullumedu
It is 26 km from Periyar and is known for its breath taking natural beauty. Another attraction is that holy shrine of Sree Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala and the illuminations during Makara Jyothi can be easily seen from this place
Kumily
Another must visit spot in Thekkady is the sprawling cardamom plantations of Kumily which is located at distance of 25 km from Thekkady. It is an important shopping centre and spice trade centre.
Vandanmedu
This places is the world's largest auction centres of Cardamom. Situated at a distance of 25 km from Kumily walk through the sprawling cardamom plantations of Vandanmedu is a refreshing experience.
There are many others worth visiting places like Vagamon, Pattumala, Vandiperiyar, Kurisumala, Pandikuzhi etc.
Wayanad is well linked with both Kerala and Tamil Nadu through roadways. It is located at a distance of about 160 miles from Thiruvananthapuram and is 165 km away from Kochi. Frequent buses from Kerala State Road Transportation Corporation's (KSRTC) operate on a daily basis. Nearest airport to the town of Thekkady is the Madurai Airport is at about 140 km. Other nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport located at a distance of 190 km is the nearest airport. The nearest rail road station is located at a distance of 120 km at Kottayam. Government agencies such as TDC, KTDC and TTDC arrange package tours to Thekkady on regular basis. There are number of resorts, luxury and budget hotels located at Kumily and Thekkady which provide good accommodation facilities to the tourist.