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Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary
The sanctuary is spread over an area of about 777 sqkm and comprises a thick evergreen forest with exotic wild life. The sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve sometime in 1978. It has an artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam, built across the Periyar river.
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. Entry timings : 0600 - 1800 hrs
Murikkady
Washed in fresh spice-scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.
It is about 5 km from Thekkady.
Kurisumala
A place for adventure tourism and trekking. This will offer a panoramic view of Kumily town and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Pandikuzhi
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.
Chellar Kovil
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.
Kumily
This plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady, is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. An important shopping centre ans spice trade centre, the main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region are in Kumily.
Kumily is one of the growing spice plantations of Kerala. From the daily edible spices to different other spice varieties, Kumily is now a growing township which is also known as the Spice Village.
Periyar Lake
It is an enriching experience to take a boat cruise along the Periyar Lake. If you wish to see the varied topography of the forests of Periyar then arrange for a boat cruise on the Periyar Lake. If you are a keen observer you might get to se the spotted tigers, playful elephants or the red eyed bisons. This is one of the major tourist attractions in Thekkady.
Sanctuary Watch Towers
There are three watch towers for observing wild life - at Edappalayam and Manakkavala and Thannikudi. Reservations can be made at the Forest Information Counter, Thekkady.
Pullumedu
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.
River Vandiperiyar
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.
Vandanmedu
Located 25 kms from Kumily, this is one of the world's largest auction centres for Cardamom. A walk through the sprawling cardamom plantaions of Vandanmedu is a pleasent experience.
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