Thekkady (Periyar): Wildlife Exploration

Thekkady is one of the best wild life sanctuaries in India. It is situated in Idukki of Kerala and is the home to Periyar National Park. Periyar National Park is a major tourist attraction to Kerala. You have a great chance to witness the wildlife at their natural best and also enjoy the most pristine beauty of Kerala in Thekkady. Thekkady lies very close to Kerala-Tamil Nadu border to the far north east. Besides the wildlife exploration, the place is also famous for coffee and spice plantations, old temples and waterfalls.

Reaching Thekkady

By Air: The nearest airports are Cochin and Madurai (Tamil Nadu). From Cochin it is 185 kilometers and from Madurai it is 114 kilometers only. From those places you can take buses or hire taxis to Thekkady.

By Train: The nearest railway station is off course Madurai. The next nearest station is Cochin. (It is better if you avoid going to Trivandrum to come back to Thekkady. It will be a very long journey.)

By Bus: Thekkady has an excellent road network. It connects well the places like Kottayam, Madurai, Kumily and Cochin.

Things to Do

Periyar National Park: The forest department of Periyar has boat services for sight seeing. You can also take the road safari route to watch the Indian tigers at their natural best. The best time to watch the wild animals are during the months of March and April. The majestic elephants make their ways through the forest providing excellent shots for your cameras.

To watch the wildlife of Thekkady (Periyar) better you should book in advance the rest houses or luxurious lake palaces in the forest area. The chances of seeing the animals from such forest houses are distinctly better. You can also book the observation tower where you would be takes to a tower by the forest department. You have to bring your own food and sleeping arrangements.

Elephant Rides: Elephant ride in Periyar National Park is exciting. It would cost you around Rs.30-45per person. The ride is for one and half hour through the forest and sites where there is maximum possibility to watch wild animals. You can watch bisons, sambars, monkeys, wild boars, snakes, tigers, flocks of different birds and other animals in Periyar National Park in Thekkady.

Other Places of Interest in Thekkady

Kumily: This is a town famous for spice plantations and is situated on the outskirt of Periyar. You can have a visit to the local market to have a look at the variety of spices in this place. You will love the fresh fragranced air of cardamom, coffee and pepper.

Pandikuzhi: A womderful place for those who love adventurous trekking and mountain walking. It is just 9 kilometers from Thekkady.

Mangala Devi Temple: The ancient temple is situated 15 kilometers from Thekkady. The temple is situated at the top of a peak which is above 1324 m above sea level. Visitors are allowed inside the temple during Chithra Pournami festival. You have to get permission from the Wildlife Warden at Thekkady to visit this temple.

The other places of interest in Thekkady are Chellarkovil, Vandiperiyar, Vandanmedu and others.