WILDLIFE
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary:
Lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungles
of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most
fascinating natural wildlife reserves - the Periyar
Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread across 777 sq. km, of which
360 sq. km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar
Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in
1978.
Noted for its geo-morphological diversity of wildlife
and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors from
all over the world. The splendid artificial lake formed
by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river adds
to the charm of the park.
This is the only sanctuary in India where you can
have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at
close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake.
The greatest attraction of Periyar remains the large
herds of wild elephants that come down to the lake's
edge.
Sanctuary Watch Towers:
There are three watchtowers for observing wild life
- at Edappalayam and Manakkavala and Thannikudi. Reservations
can be made at the Forest Information Counter, Thekkady.
CITIES
Kumily:
(4 km from Thekkady) This plantation town, closely
associated with Thekkady, is situated on the outskirts
of the Periyar Sanctuary. It is an important shopping
centre and spice trade centre, the main bus station
and most of the medium range accommodation in the
Periyar region is 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 place is cradled between Chellarkovil
and the Tamil Nadu State border is a popular picnic
spot. Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking
and is a photographer's delight.
Pullumedu (43 km from Thekkady,
26 km from Periyar):
The winding journey to this hill town, along the Periyar
river, offers a stunning view of the rolling hills
draped in lush greenery. Velvet lawns, rare flora
and fauna add to the beauty of Pullumedu, which can
be accessed from a jeep.
The famous Sree Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala and
the Makara Joythi illuminations at the shrine are
visible from here. Since it is part of the restricted
forest zone, special permission to visit Pullumedu
has to be obtained from the Wildlife Preservation
Officer, Thekkady or The Range Officer, Vallakkadavu
TEMPLES
Mangala Devi Temple (15 km from
Thekkady):
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.
RIVERS
Vandiperiyar ( 18 km from Thekkady):
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.
OTHERS
Chellarkovil (15 km from Kumily):
This sleepy little village with its spectacular view
of the plains and cascading waterfalls during the
monsoons is a feast to the eyes. The village slopes
down to the famous coconut groves of Kumbam in neighbouring
Tamil Nadu.
Vandanmedu (25 km from Kumily):
This is one of the world's largest auction centres
for Cardamom. A walk through the sprawling cardamom
plantations of Vandanmedu is a pleasant experience.
