Thekkady is a tourist town and is famous for the Periyar National Park. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India and a nature-rich paradise on earth. Visit the town for a fun, relaxing holiday and choose your pick from best hotels in Thekkady.
Whenever Thekkady is mentioned, the image of an unending forest and spice-, coffee-scented plantations comes automatically to one’s mind. Located in the state of Kerala, Thekkady is the site of a popular National Reserve, the Periyar National Park. It is a tourist town in the Idukki district of the state and is about 114 km from Kottayam and 145 km from Cochin. The town is situated close to the border that separates Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and receives travellers from both the states. The town is basically a nature-blessed region that primarily consists of evergreen and semi-evergreen moist forests and grasslands. It has an area of about 778 sq. km and is situated at an altitude of about 900 meters. The Periyar River flows adjacent to the town and provides all the water required for the irrigation purposes. There also exists a beautiful artificial lake,which is formed because of the Mullaperiyar Dam built on the Periyar River.
Thekkady is basically a tourist town with most of its revenue coming from eco-tourism. It is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in Kerala and the neighbouring states. The town is most popular for the Periyar National Park, which is also a Tiger Reserve. It was in the year 1978 when the protected area was declared a Tiger Reserve, which is an endeavour started by the state government to save the tigers. The protected area is one of the best and richest national parks in India. It is spread across 300 sq. miles and is home to the rare species of tigers and Asian elephants, bisons, wild dogs, barking deers, leopards, sambar deers, lion tailed macaques, and Nilgiri langurs. Additionally, there are 265 species of residential as well as migratory birds, including hornbills, drongos, treepies, and woodpeckers. Other than that, the park is also home to some species of amphibians, fish, and many species of flora (around 1965). For an enthusiast of nature, the park is a must-visit. A trip deep inside the park provides one with the opportunity to explore and experience the wild up-close in its raw form.
Jungle safari is the prime attraction in the town. Other than that, travellers can also enjoy elephant rides, watch them take a wash, and relish boating at the artificial lake. The fee is minimal. However, there are additional charges for still camera and video camera. The good thing is that the park remains open throughout year. The best advised time to visit is from September to March. It is the time frame when the nature is at its resplendent best. For the bird watcher, the ideal time is the post-monsoon season and the winter season.
Other than the park, the tourist places worth visiting include: Kurisumala, Kumily, Pullumedu, Vandanmedu, Periyar Tiger Trail, Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, Mangala Devi Temple, and the large pepper plantation lands.
The roads are the only modes to reach the town. The nearest airport is situated in Madurai and the nearest railway station is in Kottayam. Both, the airport and the railway station, are 114 km away. The good thing is that there are a number of good hotels in Thekkady that provide transportation services to the airport and the railway station. Plus, taxis, cabs, and buses can also be availed.