THEKKADY

The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice-scented plantations. In the Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.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.Thekkady is located about 257 km (160 mi) from Trivandrum, 114 km from Madurai City and Madurai Airport,145 km from Cochin International Airport 114 km from Kottayam railway station. Thekkady is located near to Kerala-Tamil Nadu border.

Things to do in Thekkady

WATER SAFARI

Treetop offers you something superb as this: " 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 memmorable 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

3 hours trek inside the forest with a well trained escort of the forest department. Trekking into the deep forest is an interesting activity. One day trip 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 to 5pm where as night trekking from 7pm to 4am.

BORDER HIKING AND GREEN WALK (FULL DAY TREKKING)

A conversation oriented hard treck starting at 0800 Am and ending in the evening. 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. The programme 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 yhe 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 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 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 it is 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, guest 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 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 Kathakali centre.See Kalaripaytattu,the traditional martial arts of Kerala.

BIRD WATCHING

There are nearly 300 varities of birds in an around Periyar wild life sanctuary. It is a bird watcher's paradise. This could be seen during the boating and in the neighbourhood.

LOWER CAMP (5KM FROM KUMILY)

Water from the dam is taken through huge pipes for generation of power. This area also offers a picturesque view of Tamil Nadu.A close view of how the water from the lake is diverted to the hydro electric project at lower camp(Tamil Nadu)to generate the electricity.Visit to the view point will take 2 hrs time.You can take a bullock cart ride and see the grape plantations.

CARDAMOM AUCTION

During the season,there is a 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)

Ramakalmedu a mountain peak that give you a birds eye view of western ghats and the plains of Tamil Nadu below. See the wind farm project at close quarters.

PARINTHENPARA, 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 the 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 unparallel view up to Thekkady boaat 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 followed by bullock cart ride for three hours.

SUNSET RIDE

An exclusive 4 hours ride programme covering Ramakalmedu, Chellarkovil waterfalls and Ottakathalamedu on an open jeep.

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