Thekkady is located in the Idukki District and is important tourist location of the Periyar National Park. Thekkady is famous for its natural vistas and wildlife. It is located inside Periyar National Park and home of the various wildlife animals such as elephant, sambar, tigers, gaur, lion-tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs. This hilly region has numerous picturesque plantation attracting tourists to spend holidays in Thekkady. Its a perfect destination for adventure enthusiasts as the hills hold great apportunities for treks and mountain walks.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – Is the main attraction of Thekkady by the river Periyar. The area has an area of about 777 sq km out of which thick evergreen forest spread over out of which about 360 sq. km. The sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary also famous as it has one of the natural treasure houses of some of the rare species of flora and fauna. The flora of the park includes over flowering plants, grass species, species of orchids and the only South Indian conifer Podocarpus Wallichianus.
Apart from the tigers, the fauna of the park includes wild elephant, lion tailed macaque, gaur, sambar deer, bonnet macaque, wild boar, Nilgir Tahr, Malabar giant squirrel, hornbill, stork, flying squirrel, tiger, jungle cat, monitor lizards, frogs, toads, sloth bear, woodpecker, kingfisher, raptor, cormorant, grackle, darter, cobra, viper, krait, masheer (famous and endangered game fish of India) and otter. The place also has a splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. This is very unique park as it 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. The greatest attraction of Periyar remains the large herds of wild elephants that come down to the lake’s edge.
Periyar Lake – The Lake of the Periyar wildlife sanctuary is an artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across Periyar River makes an important site to visit in Thekkady. A wonderful palace located in the heart of the Periyar Lake attracts a lot of visitors. The herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake form a great attraction. Periyar 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.
The Periyar Lake attracts grey heron, ibis, the great Malabar hornbill and grey hornbill. The other birds include kingfishers, ospreys and kites as well as orioles, hill mynas, racket tailed drongos, parakeets, including the unusual blue winged parakeet and flycatchers which make it a true paradise for bird watchers.
Murikkady – Located at a distance of just 5 km from Thekkady it is particularly famous for its panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations. A must visit for tea lovers.
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 – Is a picturesque spectrum of nature’s flora, fauna and gurgling streams. Clad between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border, it makes an important excursion point for every tourists visiting Thekkady. A number of visitors come to this to enjoy the serenity of the place. Being an ideal picnic, trekking, and photographic spot, it is also the favorite day and weekend destination for the localities as well.
Peermede – Located at a distance of 44 km from Thekkady, Peermede is situated at an altitude of 915 -1100 m above sea level and is a famous plantation town.
The name of the town is after Peer Mohammed, a famous Sufi saint. Peermede is also known for its tea, cardamom, rubber and coffee plantations interspersed with sculptural rocks, meadows and mist-cloaked hilltops. It also offers Kuttikanam, (a place for adventure tourists and trekkers), Thrissanku Hills (for trekking and picnic), Mausoleum of the Sufi saint, the summer palace of the royal family, residence of the Diwan.
By Air – The nearest airport is in Madurai which is around 136 km away from Thekkady. The taxi from there would cost around Rs 4000.
By Train – Nearest railway station is at Kottayam which is around 114 km away. Taxi can be hired from there.
By Road – The city has well connected bus system to various cities in Tamil Nadu.