munnar resorts

Famous for Thekkady

Thekkady, about 4 km from Kumili in Idukki district, central Kerala.

The pride of Kerala and a testimony to nature's splendour and human innovation, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar lake - an artificial lake, at Thekkady. Here the high ranges of the Western Ghats are clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grasslands.

 Below this thick green canopy roam herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs.

In addition to elephant rides, cruises on the lake and treks to the ruined Mangaladevi temple - a beautiful old stone temple situated in the heart of the Thekkady forest, this sanctuary offers the unique opportunity to watch and photograph wild elephants at close quarters.

Pristine Island and Aranya Nivas are two idyllic accommodation options set in the sylvan lake side background. The romantic Pristine Island, formerly a summer retreat of the Maharaja of Travancore, is built on a small island accessible only by boat. Aranya Nivas(Jungle Retreat) a stone lodge with rubble masonry and colonial style of architecture at the head of the lake is a premium property of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 114 km
Nearest airports: Madurai (Tamilnadu) about 140 km; Cochin International Airport, about 190 km.
Quick Facts

Approximate temperature in Thekkady in Celsius:
Summer: Apr-mid - Jun : 20°c-35°c
Monsoon: mid-June - Aug 20°c-30°c
Winter: August - March 15°c-30°c

Area: 777 sq km.
Population: 6.22 mn
Altitude:2700 feet above Sea Level
Temperature: Max 27°C Min 11°C
Rainfall: 2500 mm

Places to visit  

The Periyar Wild life 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 geomorphology, 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 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, however, are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.
Entry timing: 0600 - 1800 hrs.

Kurisumala

 
A place for adventure tourism and trekking. This will offer a panoramic view of Kumily town and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Kumily (4 km from Thekkady)
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 .

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.

Mangala Devi Temple (15 km from Thekkady)
This ancient temple is hidden in the dense woods at the top of a oeak 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 eastern slopes of the Ghats and some hill villages of Tamil nadu. Permission to visit the area can be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Thekkady (Ph.0486-322027)
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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 center of this town nourishes its vast tea, coffee and pepper plantations. A major trade center, Vandiperiyar is also home to a number of tea factories. The Government Agriculture farm and Flower Garden have a delightful array of roses, orchids and anthuria.

Vandanmedu (25 km from Kumily)

This is one of the world's largest auction centres for candamom. A walk through the sprawling cardamom plantations of Vandanmedu is a heady experience.

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 only by jeep.  The famous Sree Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala and the Makara Jyothi illumination 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 Ph:0486-322027 or the Range Officer, Vallakkadavu Ph:0486-352515.

Ramakalmedu (40 km from Thekkady and 75 km from Munnar)
Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat. The hills top also offers a Panoramic view of picturesque villages of Bodi and Cumbum on the Eastern slop of the western ghats.

Things to do

Plantation Tours

Plantation tours are arranged from the District Tourism Information Office at Thekkady Junction in Kumily (Ph:0486-322620). Tours cover cardamom, pepper, coffee and tea plantations, tea factories, tribal settlements and the surrounding hill regions.
 
Elephant rides

The Forest Department, Thekkady offers facilities for elephant rides through the jungle. Time: 1000 - 1700 hrs. Duration: 30 Minutes. Fare: Rs.30 per person. Tickets are available from the Wildlife Information Counter. Ph:0486-322028

Trekking

Main trekking areas in Thekkady: Kurisumala near Kumily, Pullumedu, Ottakathalamedu near Kumily, Grampi near Vandiperiyar  
The Forest Department conducts daily trels from the boat landing station at Thekkady to the Nellikkampetty area and Manakkavala. Starting: 0700 hrs. Fare: Rs.10 + entrance fee. Booking can be made with the Wildlife Preservation Officer, Thekkady (Ph:0486-322027, 322028)
Boat cruises on the Periyar Lake

Timings:
0700, 0930, 1130, 1400, 1600 hrs.

Fare:
Lower deck: Rs.50, Upper deck: Rs.90.  
The Forest Department (Ph:322028) and the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (Ph: 322023) conduct boating trips from Thekkady. Entrance fee at check post: Foreigners: Rs.50 (valid for one day), Domestic tourists: Rs.2.
How to reach Thekkady:
By Air:The nearest airport Kochi, 191 km away from Thekkady
Madurai,162 kms away from Thekkady

By Rail: Kochi is the nearest railway station, which is connected to all the major cities in India.

By Road: Thekkady is accessible by road from most of the cities and town in Kerala.You can also reach Thekkady from  Madurai (162 kms-5 hrs away) in TamilNadu.  And from cochin by 4.5 hrs
Travel in Thekkady: Local transport available in  Thekkady includes taxis, autorickshaws, bicycles and buses. There are frequent buses run by the State Transport Corporation. Hired cycles are also a fun way to explore Thekkady.

Climate: 

Climate in Thekkady is tropical and the best time to visit the city is between September to May. The mean minimum temperature is 16 degree Celsius and the mean maximum temperature is 31 degree Celsius.

Bus timings from Thekkady