Discover the veritable essence of Keralas well kept
wilderness secrets at Thekkady. This green oasis is one of the last safe
havens for the elusive Indian tiger- an endangered species now on the verge
of extinction. This exotic land reminds of a colorful impressionistic
painting stirred to life as if by a miracle.
Thekkadys
fantabulous landscape is diffused with exotic spice plantations, green
carpets of endless tea gardens and lush tropical forests. Garbed in vibrant
hues and bountiful gifts of nature,Thekkady offers a perfect romantic
escapade into the soothing laps of Mother Nature. Thekkady is home to the
Periyar Tiger Reserve, one of the best among the 27 tiger reserves in India.
The very name of this romantic land conjures up exotic visions of wildlife,
plantations, spice scented air, crystal clear lakes and mist covered endless
rolling hills. Thekkady epitomizes Keralas sublime beauty in all its
pristine glory. Come and be overwhelmed with a vacation of your lifetime in
this dazzling land of impeccable beauty. Each day in this exotic land is a
celebration of life and nature; epitomizing La Dolce Vita.
Places
To See Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady:Draped in
opulent greenery, this wildlife sanctuary sprawls over an area of 777 sq.
km. The man-made Thekkady Lake shimmers in a green hue, reflecting the
surrounding evergreen forests. This stunning artificial lake is created by
the Mullapperiyar Dam constructed across the scenic Periyar River. The
sanctuary, declared a tiger reserve in 1978, is an ideal spot to catch a
glimpse of this magnificent animal. It is also home to the endangered
lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri langurs, elephants, Indian bisons, boars,
bears, a wide variety of deer and exotic birds. Boating is the ideal way to
explore the sanctuary and to catch a glimpse of the abundant wildlife in
close quarters. The park is also famous as an adventure tourism destination.
This sanctuary is a perfect example of how human intervention could
positively enhance the ecology. Thekkady is located at a distance of 60 km
from Idukky.
Kumily: The quaint town of Kumily lies at
a distance of about 4 km from Thekkady nestled in the realms of the majestic
Cardamom Hills. The plantation town is surrounded by tea and spice
plantations making it an ideal place to study how Indian spices are grown
and how they are used in local cuisines. 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.
Murikkady:
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. The
salubrious climate here is seasoned with the tantalizing fragrance of exotic
spices.
Pandikuzhi: This idyllic town lies at a
distance of 10 km from Idukki near the Tamil Nadu state border. The place,
flanked by frothy wild brooks and the emerald greenery, is an ideal spot for
picnic. The place offers some of the real Kodak moments of natures
beauty. Trekking could also be enjoyed in Pandikuzhi.
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.
Chellarkovil: The petite town of Chellarkovil is
famous for the magnificent panoramic views of the lush green valleys, the
gurgling mountain brooks and the sparkling waterfalls. The breathtaking
views of the plains and the sloping valleys attract large number of tourists
to this vantage point. To the eastern side of Chellarkovil is the town of
Cumbum - a part of Tamil Nadu. The lush coconut groves of Cumbum could be
enjoyed from here.