Oct 22, 2009 10:27 AM
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Situated in the confluence of the Periyar river in Idukki distict, Thekkady , India 's largest wildlife sanctuary is a dream destination for any tourist visiting India . The 120 years old 'Surki' dam built across Peryiar, Poorna in Vedic parlance, is a major tourist attraction.
This sanctuary is spread over an area of 777 Sq.Kms, surrounded by an artificial lake over an area of 25 Sq.Kms. The Country's sole Tiger reserve, Thekkady, with its bountiful treasures of tropical flora and fauna is the ultimate reservoir of many an endangered species and a rich tribal culture.
Thekkady is considered a haven for natural spices such as black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and clove. This place is a pleasant heaven on earth for those who love nature in its wild manifestations and is rightly called the “Spice capital of the world”.
Thekkady is famous for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places for viewing wild animals. The greatest attraction of Periyar are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.The best time to visit animals is during the months of March, April and May. Thekkady offers facilities for Trekking, elephant riding and boating.
Boating through the Placid Lake provides a rare opportunity to watch wild animals at close quarters, not to mention the boat tragedy a couple of weeks back wherein 46 precious lives were lost due to the callous attitude of the governing authorities. Boating in the Periyar lake was banned at the time I visited this place (October 17th & 18th) and had to be satisfied by just visiting the boat landing which is inside the tiger reserve.
Accommodation is not much of a problem here, but choosing the right one is a real problem as you will be fleeced if you do not choose the right place to stay. At the time of my visit Thekkady wore a deserted look as this place sans boating is of no particular interest.
This home stay was wonderfully beautiful, far away from the madding crowd and the hustle and bustle of the town but in town itself and the rates quoted were down to earth not to mention the hospitality extended to us by Mr. Nazar the owner of this place. The rooms were exceptionally tidy and large and the beds and linen clean, something I always look forward during accommodation. Food served by him was delicious and that too at a nominal rate.
Places to see…..This plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady, is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. An important shopping centre and spice trade centre, the main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region are in Kumily.
Murikkady (5 km from Thekkady): Washed in fresh spice scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations. Pandikuzhi (5 km from Kumily): This Picturesque spectrum of exotic flora, fauna and gurgling streams is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border. A popular picnic spot, Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer's delight. MangalaDevi Temple ( 15 km from thekkady):
The 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 viewof the eastern slopes of the ghats and some hill villages of Tamil Nadu. Chellarkovil (15 km from Kumily) : This sleepy little village with its breathtaking view of the plains and cascading waterfalls is a feast for the eyes.
The village slopes down to the famous coconut groves of Cumbum in neighbouring Tamil Nadu. Vandiperiyar ( 18 km from Thekkady): The River Periyar flowing through the centre of this town nourishes its vast tea, coffee and pepper plantaions. A major trade centre, Vandiperiyar is also home to a number of tea factories. The Government Agriculture Farm and Flower Garden have a delightful array of rose plants, orchids and anthuria. Last heard: - Boating to commence from 28/10/09 onwards.
