Home of the Gentle Giants - The Asian Elephant. Review on Thekkady

Hey everybody, this is my first review, and to start with I thought I would review one of my favourite spots on the planet.

Thekkady sits nestled among the mountains of Kerala in the Western Ghats, the same mountain chain that is the home of its famous cousins, viz; Munnar and Silent Valley.

I've been there in all the seasons and generally drive down from Bombay (thats another story). The drive into the hills is spectacular; at any time the weather might change from sunshine to rain and mist, especially in October and during the monsoons. You will also catch glimpses of waterfalls (both tiny and spectacular ones) and a number of plantations including tea, coffee, rubber and spices. The clean, fresh air and the untouched greeney will lift the dourest spirit.

Once you enter Thekkady, you can't miss the awesome Periyar Lake (made famous by Bollywood and what have you), with its blackened tree stumps and crystal clear water. Take the boat ride around the lake (Its is so big, that a complete round trip will take 1/2 a day or more). Keep a lookout for the Deer (hard to see), the Tiger (almost impossible to see) and the Elephant (the sanctuary's most famous & easily seen inhabitant). Please try and go for the treks around the lake, you may be lucky and see the deer/tiger up close and personal. Basically just soak up the awesome feeling of being this close to Mother Nature.

Don't miss the spice plantations and look out for the fantastic bargains. The advantage of being in the seat of India's Spice Garden is quite beautiful.

The beauty is best shared with one more person, (lots of couples around). A beautiful place to include in your Must See list when you visit Kerala. There is a decent KTDC hotel and any number of private hotels to suit all budgets. Please do insist on off-season rates and discounts when you check-in, the hotels are almost always over - priced.

It might be a good idea to visit soon, as the greater influx of tourists is starting to tell on the Greenery, the Lake and the People (this actually applies for all of Kerala). Happy sightseeing and enjoy.