Thekkady, also known as Periyar which is one of India's most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, where you can watch wildlife at close range. The vegetation, the flora and fauna and the birds of Thekkady are uniquely rich, vast and varied. The word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. Nearest town is Kumaly which around 5 kms away.
Climate : Summer : April – June : 21 - 30 degree
Winter : October – March : 14 - 17 degree
Monsoon : July – August : 19 - 21 degree
Altitude : 900 to 1800 meters
Shopping : High Quality Spices.
Places to Visit
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary : The Periyar Tiger Reserve, named after the Periyar river, is one of Kerala's prestigious possessions on the High Ranges of the Western Ghats. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary spread across 777 sq.km, of which 360 sq.km is thick evergreen forest. It was declared as a Tiger Reserve in 1978. 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.
Entry Timing : 0600 hrs – 1800 hrs
Boating Time : 0700, 0930, 1130, 1400, 1600 hrs
Entry Pass : Adults : Rs. 20
Boating fee : around Rs. 150 per person.
Things To Do in Thekkady
Spice Plantation Tour : Tours covers the Cardamom, Pepper, Coffee, Spices and Tea plantations. : Cost around Rs. 100 per person.
Elephant Ride : Time : 10 am to 5 pm . Duration of a trip : 30 minutes : cost around Rs. 350 per person.
Ayurveda Massage :
Martial arts Kalaripayattu show
Kathakali (Classical Dance - Drama of Kerala)
Natural Walk : Different nature trails traversing diverse habitats form the trekking routes, generally 4 to 5 km. in length. This is an interpretive programme offering excellent opportunity to watch birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The trails often pass through evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grasslands.
The programme is offered between 7.00 am. and 10.30 am. and between 2.00 pm. and 3.00 pm. and lasts for about 3 hours. A maximum of 5 persons can go for trekking at a time along each nature trail, accompanied by a trained tribal guide. The Nature walk is the right programme to feel nature, hear her whispers and smell her flowers.
Suggested Hotels
Standard :
Sandra Palace : http://hotelsandrapalace.com/
Lakeshore Inn : http://www.thekkadylakeshoreinn.in/
Deluxe
Periyar Meadows : http://www.periyarmeadows.com/
Hotel Tree Top : http://hoteltreetop.com/
Ranger Woods : http://www.rangerwoodperiyar.com/
Silver Crest : http://www.sealordhotels.com/silvercrest.html
Premium
Greenwoods : http://greenwoods.in/