 Thekkady
is one of the best and finest wildlife reserves in India. The pride
of Kerela and a testimony to nature's splendor and human innovation,
the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar
lake - an artificial lake, at Thekkady. The drive to Thekkady itself
as enchanting as the road winds the high ranges and also brings
to mind the images of elephants in their original exposure. Thekkady,
better known as Tiger Reserve is a rich diversity of vertebrates.
The diverse forest types, vayals, marshes, and a large aquatic habitat
together support 62 species of mammals, 320 species of birds, 45
species of reptiles, 27 species of amphibians, and 38 species of
fishes. Thekkady, is an example of nature’s bounty, with great
scenic charm, rich bio diversity and providing veritable visitor
satisfaction. Sprawled over an area of 777 Sq .km., Periyar is one
of the 27 tiger reserves in India. |
|||||
Wild
animals like the Elephant, Gaur, Sambar Deer and wild boar, which
can be easily seen from close quarters during the serene boat ride.
Other Mammals like the Nilgiri Thar, the lion tailed macaque, the
bonnet macaque, the Malabar giant Squirrel, the flying Squirrel,
the Tiger, the jungle cat and the sloth bear are seen only once
in a while. Around 265 different species of birds like the Hornbill,
stork, woodpecker, kingfisher, raptor, cormorant, grackle, darter
etc. can also be seen.There is an estimated population of 900-1000
animals which is likely to overlap with the population in the adjoining
forest areas. Among the 62 species of mammals, many are rare, endemic
and endangered. |
|||||
| The Tiger is found in all types of habitats though their density is much less in the evergreen forests. Though sighting one is difficult because of the thick vegetation, evidences like pugmarks, clawings, and scats are located throughout the reserve.Sambar, the largest deer in India are extensively distributed, and constitute the principal prey base of tiger and wild dog. Wild pig, has wide distribution throughout the park. Some times these animals invade agricultural lands often leading to man-wildlife conflicts. Small relict populations of the highly endangered Nilgiri tahr are found in the high altitude grasslands of Mangaladevi. Four of the five primate species found in the Western Ghats are well represented in Periyar. While the Nilgiri langur enjoys a wide distribution in the moist forests, the highly endangered Lion tailed macaque are confined to the dense evergreen canopies. Malabar giant squirrel is common in the area. Though the presence of the endangered species, Small travancore flying squirrel is recorded from Periyar, the Large flying squirrel is more frequently seen. |
|||||
| Transport and Communication :- | |||||
| Air
-
Nearest airport – Cochin International airport (NEDUMBASSERY
- 200 Kms). Madurai
airport 162 Kms. |
|||||
| Around Thekkady :- | |||||
Kumily
(4 km ) This plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady,
is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. It is an
important shopping centre and spice trade centre, the main bus station
and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region
is in Kumily.The scenic beauty of the area is further accentuated
by its crisp blue skies, lush greenery and mist drenched mountains.
This hub of spice trade is located at the vicinity of the Periyar
wildlife sanctuary and makes a perfect base to explore the region
|
|||||
Murukady (6 Kms) This vantage view point is located at a distance of 5km from Thekkady. Breathtaking views of the spice and tea plantations, the mist clad mountains and verdant valleys could be enjoyed at Murikkady. The area is famous for cardamom plantations, tea plantations and pepper cultivation. |
|||||
Mangala
Devi Temple: This ancient temple built in the Pandian
style sits amidst dense woods at a distance of about 15 km from
Thekkady. The temple is perched on top of a cliff at an altitude
of 1337 meters above the sea level. The place is open to visitors
only on the festive day of Chithirapournami, when pilgrims from
Tamil Nadu and Kerala flock to the temple. Panoramic views of the
nearby areas could be enjoyed from the cliff. Prior permission from
the wildlife authorities in Thekkady is required to visit the area.
|
|||||
Vellaramkunnu
(10 Kms) Tea, Coffee, Cardamom, Pepper, Vanilla growing areas. A
walk through the spice plantations of these areas can be a memorable
experience |
|||||
Ramakalmedu:
This sleepy hamlet is located at a distance of 16 km from Nedumkandom
along the Thekkady – Munnar road. This hilltop vantage point
offers breathtaking views of the picturesque towns lying at the
foot of the mountain. It lies on the border of Tamil Nadu. |
|||||
|
Vandanmedu (25 Kms) The fragrance of the cardamom permeates this town. It is one of the worlds largest auction centers of cardamom. |
|||||
Kuttikanam
(35 Kms) A hill station, the place for the adventure tourism and
trekking. The hotels of Kuttikanam keep you cool on sunny days.
Generally the area is cool, often filled with mist |
|||||
Wagamon
(60 Kms) The cool mountain air, mist, grass-covered hills, velvet
lawns etc amek Wagamon a perfect holiday resort. The chain of three
hills Thangal Hills (Muslim name) Murugan Hills (Hindu name) and
Kurisumala (Christian name) isa mark of religious harmony |
|||||
Thrissanku
Hills ( 4 km from Peermedue, 1/2 km from Kuttikanam)
The rolling hills the lovely landscape and the gentle breeze make
this an ideal spot for long walks. The hills offer a breathtaking
view of the sunrise and sunset. |
|||||
Grampi
: ( 5 km from Peermede) is also known as Parunthupara
(eagle rock) because of the panoramic view from its high peaks.
Rocky plains, lush hillsides, forests trekking trails and picturesque
views lend charm to this destination. The road to Grampi is flanked
by unending stretches of cardamom, tea and coffee plantations. |
|||||
| Activities at Tekkady | |||||
•
Forest Trekking
and Mountaineering through the dense woods and sprawling
tea and spice plantations • Boat cruises in Periyar lake • Mountain Hiking - 3 hour hiking to a hill called Kurishumala - a spectacular view point • Bamboo Rafting - Rafting on traditional bamboo rafts in the Periyar Lake • Jungle Jeep Safari - Jeep Safari to Gavi - Great chance for wildlife encounters • Overnight Trekking - Trekking and Camping in the PTR • Wilderness Camps - Camping in Tents and trekking inside the forest • Plantation Visit - Guided tour to learn about the plantations in and around Thekkady • Elephant Safari - The cool experience of riding an elephant |
|||||
      |
|||||
| Thekkady - Accomodation :- | |||||
|
|||||
