ABOUT THEKKADY
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the world’s most fascinating natural wildlife reserves, is lying close to the plantations in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady. Spread across 777 sq. km, 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. Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary is an idyllic retreat that offers an unparalleled opportunity to savor the magic of the evergreen rainforests at the God’s Own Country.
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 enjoy 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 in search of water.Situated 2800 feet above MSL, the climate in Thekkady is pleasantly cool throughout the year and the unpolluted mountain air truly invigorating and the experience is sublime.
Things to do in Thekkady
WATER SAFARI
Treetop offers you a wonderful chance to observe wild life in their natural habitat up close from the safety of your boat- at the Periyar Tiger Reserve, located close by. Boating through the Periyar Lake is a memorable experience. Wild animals approach the lake to quench their thirst and these can be spotted in large numbers. The boat landingis just 3kms from the hotel.
TREKKING (JUNGLE SCOUT AND NATURE WALK)3HOURS
Threehours’ trek inside the forest with a well-trained escort of the forest department. Trekking into the deep forest is an interesting activity. A day trip is also arranged on the raft across the Periyar lake to see the wild animals at close quarters. Normally the trip for day trekking will be conducted between 8am and 5pm whereas night trekking from 7pm to 4am.
BORDER HIKING AND GREEN WALK (FULL DAY TREKKING)
A conversation oriented hard trek starting at 0800 am and ending in the evening is also arranged. The route passes through undulating terrain, ranging in latitude from 900-1300 MSL. Serious trekkers get an opportunity to traverse lofty escarpment and vast plains of Periyar tiger reserve.
BAMBOO RAFTING
A day long rafting- cum- trekking programme through some of the riches forest tracts of Periyar tiger reserve, it offers a memorable navigating experience across the famous Periyar Lake. Apart from the rafting experience one can travel through a mosaic of pristine habitats.
SPICE PLANTATION AND TEA FACTORY VISIT
Different varieties of spices grown and harvested in Kerala can be seen at close quarters. Tea leaves harvested and processed to make tea can be seen on a visit to the Tea Factory.
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 and spice trade centre. The main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region is located in Kumily.
MURIKKADY (5 KM FROM THEKKADY)
Washed in fresh spice scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.
PANDIKUZHI AND CHELLARKOVIL VIEW POINT
This picturesque place, cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu State border, is a popular picnic spot. Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is also a photographer’s delight.
JEEP SAFARI TO GAVI SANCTUARY
One-day trip through the forest, which starts early in the morning, till evening. Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided at Gavi as part of the package. At Gavi, guests can enjoy pedal boating and trekking.
ELEPHANT RIDE
Spend a day with the elephants and watch their habits and take a ride with them. Various ride durations are available, starting from 30 minuts.
VISIT TO TRIBAL COLONY
A visit to the colony is a rewarding experience offering an insight into the way of life of the Tribes. The colony is situated 3kms away from the Hotel and conducted trip will take 3 hours.
KATHAKALI & KALARIPAYATTU
The traditional dance of Kerala,Kathakali,is conducted everyday(only during season)and can be seen at the Kathakalicentre. You can also watchKalaripaytattu,the traditional martial arts of Kerala.
BIRD WATCHING
There are nearly 300 varieties of birds in and around Periyar wild life sanctuary. It is a bird watcher’s paradise. You can opt for an early morning boating to see the birds or can even sight some of the varieties in the neighbourhood.
LOWER CAMP (5KM FROM KUMILY)
Water from the dam is taken through huge pipes for power generation. This area also offers a picturesque view of Tamil Nadu.A close view of how the water from the lake is diverted to the hydroelectric project at lower camp(Tamil Nadu)to generate the electricity.Visit to the view point will take 2 hours to complete.You can take a bullock cart ride and see the grape plantations
CARDAMOM AUCTION
During the season, there is Cardamom auction every Wednesday at KCPMC Vandanmedu.Different varieties of cardamom is auctioned here.
VAGAMON (25 KM FROM PEERUMEDU)
Grass covered hills, velvet lawns and the cool mountain air make Vagamon a perfect holiday retreat. A curious blend of religious mysticism and European legacies, this hillside village is a heaven of tranquillity. The chain of three hills – Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurisumala is a mark of religious harmony. The dairy farm managed by the Kurisumala monks is worth a visit.
RAMAKELMEDU (35 KM FROM KUMILY)
Ramakkalmedu, a mountain peak that give you a bird’s eye view of Western Ghats and the plains of Tamil Nadu below. See the wind farm project at close quarters.
PARUNTHENPARA, PAMBANAR AND PEERMADE
These are some of the places which offer picture perfect views which you will cherish a life time
TEA FACTORY VISIT
If you are looking for a complete Indian experience, then the tea factory visit is a must. Learning about all that goes into making your afternoon tea is certainly a special experience.
OTTAKATHALAMEDU
Mountain pear overlooking Kumily town. You get an unparalleled view up to Thekkady boat landingfrom this place. You can also enjoy sunset over here.
CORACLE AND BULLOCK CART DISCOVERIES
Visit the farm land of a village hidden in the valley behind the mountains of Periyar tiger reserve. Explore bird diversity, vine yards, diverse agricultural crops of mango, tamarind, onion, sunflower, jasmine and other vegetables. First is coracle ride, which is followed by bullock cart ride for three hours.
SUNSET RIDE
An exclusive 4 hour’s ride programme covering Ramakalmedu, Chellarkovil waterfalls and Ottakathalamedu on an open jeep.