Places to Visit in Thekkady
Places to See in Thekkady
Periyar National Park
Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is a renowned tiger and elephant reserve, located in the districts of Pathanamthitta and Idukki in Kerala. This protected place is spread over an area of 357 square miles. The core zone, spread over 140 square miles, is known as the Periyar National Park. It is also called Thekkady, an important tourist location of Kerala. This park and sanctuary is surrounded by the Cardamom Hills, enhancing beauty of the place. Temperature remains more or less comfortable across the year, making it one of the most coveted tourist spots of south India. You will find all kinds of mammals, birds, reptiles, insects and fishes here. If you want to watch elephants, tigers, leopards, foxes, Indian wild dogs, Nilgiri Tahr, barking deer, and many other animals in a single place, Periyar National Park is a must visit for you. Vist the Periyar National Park particularly between September to May for best experience.
Periyar Lake
This is an artificial lake that surrounds the entire Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. In India, it is the only sanctuary that enables tourists to watch wildlife while boating in the lake. Periyar Lake, spread across contour of the hills, was formed when Mullaperiyar Dam was built in the year 1895. This has become the permanent water source for wildlife here. While visiting this place, you would surely spot herds of elephants playing in this picturesque lake.
Periyar Tiger Trail
If you love adventure, camping, and trekking, Periyar Tiger Trail Program is meant for you. Every tiger trail consists of five guides along with one armed forest guard. Maximum six tourists are allowed in every trail. The total trekking distance is anything from 20 km to 35 km. You can have the adventure of encountering various indigenous wild animals such as elephant, giant squirrel, Nilgiri Langur, and tiger (if you are lucky enough).
Packages available are:
- Two Days and One Night - Costing Rs. 5,500 per person.
- Three Days and Two Nights - Costing Rs. 7,500 per person.
While trekking, a tourist has to mount hills, walk through valleys, and rest in the wide open spaces. The adventure does not end here. The guides will prepare and serve you with indigenous vegetarian food. In the night, you have to live at country tents. Don't forget to get thrilled by listening to the hair-raising experiences of the guides, who were poachers some time back. Explore your adventurous self by exploring the wild with Periyar Tiger Trail.
Kadathanadan Kalari Centre
At Kadathanadan Kalari Centre you can experience marvel of the oldest martial arts, Kadathanadan. The well designed gallery helps you to get a clear view of the action packed performances. Get thrilled by watching the performers perform this 3000 year old art form. People believe that popular martial art form, Kung-fu, originated from Kadathanadan. If you want to get marvelled by the performers' body-mind control and coordination, you can visit Kadathanadan Kalari Centre and watch the daily show from 6pm to 7pm.
Vandanmedu
Located around 20 km from Thekkady, Vandanmedu is small village and a perfect weekend gateway. It is also the largest auction centers of cardamom in the world and these cardamom plantations are worth exploring. Its relaxing rural environment, pleasant weather, and few old buildings are the key highlights of the place. While visiting this place, don't forget to watch one of the most notable old buildings - the post office (or 'anchal' office, as known locally). You can still find trenches all around the place to keep elephants away from entering the fields of plantation and adjoining areas.
Vandiperiyar
Vandiperiyar is situated at a distance of about 14.7 km from Thekkady and can be reached by the National Highway 220. This is one of those places that are popular for plantations of coffee, black pepper, tea, and other spices. Located in the Idukki district of Kerala, it is one of those destinations that you should include in your itinerary. Don't forget to have a look at orchids, rose pants, and anthuria in the Government Agriculture Farm and Flower Garden. Periyar River flows through this place, enhancing its natural charm. Plantations of pepper, coffee, and tea are the main source of income for many people living at this beautiful place.