Thekkady, 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 that it does not bear semblance to any other wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Even a casual visitor to this place will not fail to observe the special ecological pattern of Thekkady.
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The climate in Thekkady is cool and pleasant in summers.
The temperature here ranges from 15 degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsius. Various picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks are spread throughout the area. The best time to visit Thekkady is from September to May. Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi and English are the common languages which are spoken in Thekkady.
The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice-scented plantations. In the Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great apportunities for treks and mountain walks.
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The Mannans and the Palians are the native tribes of Thekkady. They live on the periphery of the Periyar National Park and maintain their traditional customs and beliefs, and depends entirely on the forest for their livelihood. |
Thekkady (Idukki District) is the location of the Periyar National Park, which is an important tourist attraction in Kerala state, India, close to the Kerala -Tamil Nadu border town Kumily, located about 257 km (160 miles) from Trivandrum. The sanctuary is famous for its dense evergreen, semievergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grass lands. It is home to herds of elephants, sambar, tigers, gaur, lion-tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs. |
Nearest railway station: Kottayam Railway Station & Ernakulam Railway Station
Nearest airports: Cochin International Airport, about 190 km. |
| Tourist Places In Thekkady |
| Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary |
One of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries. Thekkady is noted for its geomorphology, wildlife and scenic beauty. The Periyar Tiger Reserve attracts travelers from all over the world 360 sq. km. of the 777 sq. km. sanctuary is covered with evergreen forests. The 26 sq. km. artificial lake formed by the Idukki Dam across the Periyar River offers boating facilities.
This is the only sanctuary in India where the wild elephant can be observed and photographed at close quarters from the safety of a boat. A boat cruise on the lake is perhaps the best way to watch the wildlife in the reserve. Entry to the Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary: 00.60 hrs to 18.00 hrs.
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| Kumily |
Kumily is located very close to Periyar in Kerala, South India and serves as the perfect base for going on wildlife safaris to the Periyar wildlife sanctuary in Kerala, India.
Kumily town is in the heart of spice country. It is basically a one street town. Accommodation facilities here have a better range, starting from dirt cheap to more comfortable. Kumily is probably the best place to buy spices.
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| Vandiperiyar |
This town is famous for its pepper, coffee and tea plantations. The mighty Periyar River flows right through the center of this town thus providing natural irrigation. Vandiperiyar is a major trade center and also has many factories. The place also has widespread nurseries of roses, orchids and other exotic flowering plants.
The river Periyar flowing through the centre of this town nourishes its vast tea, coffee and pepper plantations. A major trade centre, Vandiperiyar is also home to a number of tea factories. The Government Agriculture Farm and Flower Gardens have a delightful array of rose plants, orchids and anthurium.
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| Mangala Devi Temple |
This ancient temple is hidden in the dense woods at the top of a peak 1337 M above sea level. The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. Visitors are allowed here only on the Chithra Pournami festival day. The peak commands a panoramic view of the other side of the ghats and the vast plains of Tamil Nadu. Permission to visit the area can be obtained from the Wildlife Warden at Thekkady. |
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