Thekkady is a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers. Its cool climate, scenic vistas, lush greenery, and the exotic wildlife sanctuary makes Thekkady one of the best tourist destinations of Kerala. There is a lot to do and see in this beautiful destination and there is no end to the fun and adventure in Thekkady.
1. Periyar wildlife sanctuary
Photo credit: Wikipedia-
Periyar wildlife sanctuary is one of the most popular attractions in Thekkady. It is located close to the spice plantations and surrounded by the Cardamom Hills. This sanctuary is famous for tiger reserve and elephant reserve. It is declared as a Tiger Reserve in 1978. The sanctuary is noted for its diversity of wildlife, evergreen forests, and scenic beauty that receives a large number of tourists from all over the world. The star of the show in Periyar is the herd of elephants that descend down to the lake. Periyar wildlife sanctuary is famous for its rich flora and fauna. The forest here is tropical evergreen and moist deciduous. You can see here teak, rosewoods, sandalwoods, mango trees, tamarinds, banyans, bamboos, etc.
Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is from October till June. From morning 7 am to evening at 3 pm.
Popular Attraction: Trekking, jungle patrol, bamboo rafting, jungle inn, jungle camp, border hiking, etc.
How to reach
By Air: Kochi (Cochin) at 200-km or Madurai in Tamil Nadu at 140-km is the nearest airports from Periyar.
By Rail: Kottayam at 114-km is the nearest railway station.
By Road: Kumily, the nearest town from Periyar is well served by both state and private buses from Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Madurai in Tamil Nadu
2. Periyar Lake
Photo Credit: Keralatourism.org
Periyar Lake in Thekkady is part of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. It was formed during the construction of the dam across the Mullaperiyar River in the year 1895. It offers one of its kind of animal watching, where the tourists can watch the animals very closely, sitting comfortably in the boat. Boating is the best way to adore the beauty of the lake and the national park. A wide variety of wildlife can be seen here. Floating over the man-made lake, and embracing the backwaters and scenic wonders of the province extend a magical experience. It is an excellent boating spot for tourists. Boat rides give an immense way to see and spot wildlife situated near the river.
Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is from October till June.
Popular Attraction: Boat ride. One can see the wild animals along the gringe of the lake foraging, bathing, drinking, and resting.
How to reach:
By Air: Kochi (Cochin) at 200-km or Madurai in Tamil Nadu at 140-km is the nearest airports from Periyar.
By Rail: Kottayam at 114-km is the nearest railway station.
Road: Kumily, the nearest town from Periyar is well served by both state and private buses from Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Madurai in Tamil Nadu
3. Jungle Patrol
Jungle patrol is one of the best things to do in Thekkady. It is a thrilling experience. It is a part of the regular night patrolling in the fringe eco-development zones of the tiger reserve. The main highlight of this activity is the experience it gives mainly of the need for forest conservation. The trekking could be at any time between 7 p.m and 4 am. The hikers are always on alert for any happenings in the forest. The maximum duration for a slot is 3 hours and the maximum capacity of one slot is limited to 8 visitors. They will accompany two protection watchers and one armed forest guard.
Best Time To Visit
The Timing of this trek is 7 pm, 10 pm, 1 am in which a maximum of 6 persons and a minimum of 2 persons to run this program.
Popular Attraction: Trekking
How to reach
By Air: Cochin International Airport: 190 Kms. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport: 267 Kms. Madurai: 140 Kms.
By Rail: Kottayam : 114 Kms. Changanassery: 120 Kms. Ernakulam : 190 Kms. Madurai : 135 Kms.
By Road: Direct bus links to/from Thiruvananthapuram, Cochin, Kottayam, Munnar & Madurai.
4. Chellarkovil Waterfalls
The fascinating waterfalls are the factual pleasure to the eyes. Its breathtaking view of the plains and cascading waterfalls is an unmissable part. One can take a glance at the mesmerizing environs which are a fusion of lush green blankets and picturesque landscapes. When the water gushes down on the land, the view is just magical and will put you under a spell with its enticing beauty.
Best Time To Visit: From the sunrise to sunset.
Popular Attraction: The best place for trekking. Ayurveda and spice gardens, watching from a tall wooden watchtower, etc.
How to reach
By Rail: Kottayam, about 109 km, from Kumily
By Air: Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport, via Aluva – Munnar Rd, about 144 km, from Kumily
5. Mangala Devi
This sacred place is toured by devotees from both near and far. Though it remains inaccessible by the ordinary people, one needs to wait for the Chitra Poornima festival to enter the temple. Here one can worship the deity of Mangla Devi. It is 1000 years old.
Best Time To Visit: From the sunrise to sunset.
Popular Attraction: Exceptional view of the exotic fauna and greenery.
How To Reach: 7km from Pazhiyankundiand1 5kilometres from Thekkady.
6. Jeep Safari
Jeep safari through the rocky terrains is the thrilling experience. This trip is extremely exciting because of the marvelous thick forests, cascading waterfalls, clean fresh air, and aromatic dense spice plantations. A pick and drop cab facility is already included for visitors in most travel packages.
The jeep safari to Gavi is one of the most popular. This safari covers the spice plantations, dense forests, breathtaking waterfalls and much more. You can also go on a jeep safari tour in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Best Time To Visit: November to February, from 6 am to 5 pm, from the sunrise to sunset.
Popular Attraction: Trekking, wilderness retreat activities.
7. Bamboo Rafting
Bamboo rafting is the most popular and best adventure activity. By rafting, you have a full day enjoyment from sunrise to sunset in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. You will get a panoramic view of forest-clad hills. Animals like elephant, gaur, and sambar are sighted keeping close to the edges of the lake. You will be provided with packed food. It is a memorable navigating experience. A maximum of 5 visitors can go in a single raft and 3 rafts are available per day. The rafting lasts for about 3 hours and the route of rafting has some of the best places to visit and picturesque scenes in the forests.
Best Time To Visit: This program works at two slots from 7.30 am to 12.30 pm and 9.30 am to 2.30 pm.
Popular Attraction: Fullday trekking and rafting.
8. Elephant Ride
Elephant rides are popular among tourists. These rides are available in Periyar spice, tea, and coffee plantations and in National park. The ride lasts for 30 minutes. A large howdah is kept on top of the elephant and it is on this that the tourists sit. This howdah has the protection of an overhead umbrella and is accompanied by a trained guide. The ride is safe and you will be accompanied by a professional mahout. The tourists are taken through the amazing picturesque locations.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Popular Attraction: Feeding and Photosession, half an hour ride, elephant shower, elephant bath.
9. Enjoy the bullock cart ride
It gives a simple life experience and gets to know the essence of ancient travel means. In this ride, you go through the rustic village lanes at Thekkady and experience a slice of village life.
People can interact with the locals and get to know the place better. Get the feel of the natural air, the sounds of the wheels of the cart and the slightly bumpy ride is really memorable.
Best Time To Visit: November to February, Time 6 AM to 2.30 PM, From the sunrise to sunset.
Popular Attraction: Show you a different and important side of Thekkady.
Nature walk
A nature walk in Periyar Tiger Reserve is a trail that takes one through dense deciduous forests and swampy grasslands. A local tribal guide will accompany a group of 5 persons and venture into a perfect exploration.
These walks usually span over a time period of 3 hours, which is from 7 am to 10:30 pm and also from 2 pm. Get the chance to experience nature as it is and also if lucky you also get to see the various species of wildlife like the Elephants, Wild Pigs, Malabar Flying Squirrel, and many more such exotic animals.
Best Time To Visit: It usually takes 3 hours, that is from 7 am to 10:30 pm and also from 2 pm.
Popular Attraction: Experience nature.
10. Cruize on the Periyar
The prime activity in Thekkady is boating. It is for sightseeing and spotting wildlife around the river. Tourists can see the wild animals along the gringe of the lake foraging, bathing, drinking, and resting. The cruise is a perfect way to take pleasure in the breathtaking panoramas of nature. Diverse species, like elephants, can be spotted drinking water from the pond. KTDC and Forest Departments are operating the Boat Service. Daily 5 Trips and each trip of Two Hours. You can opt for a small or a big boat and pay accordingly. The surroundings give peace and relaxation. These trips last for up to 90 minutes.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Timings : 7 am, 9:30 am, 11:30 am, 2 pm & 4 pm .
Popular Attraction: Sightseeing.
11. Tiger Trail
Adventure trekking and camping
Photo Credit: Thrillophilia
It is a very unique experience and promises to be thrilling. The poachers who have now turned into guides will help you explore the forest. The poachers will help you spot the tiger. It is a personalized experience to enjoy the adventure. A typical group on the trail consists of five guides, five tourists and two forest officials. If you are lucky enough, you might be able to spot a wild animal from a close distance.
With the guides and forest officials, you will be safe at all times and they will keep you updated with information on the animals and the forest. They will help you stay away from zones that might be dangerous and will ensure you have a thrilling experience when you are in Thekkady.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Popular Attraction: Spot a Nilgiri Langur, meet an elephant and encounter the tiger and feel like a huntsman for a day.
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