Thekkady

Thekkady, India’s largest wildlife sanctuary is spread over 777 sq. kms surrounded by an artificial lake over an area of 25 sq. km. It is at an elevation of 914m to 1828m above seal level. The sanctuary offers a lovely and comfortable way to see the animals via boat rides on the man-made lake, which the wildlife areas encircle. In addition to the wild life, there are water and land birds galore here, and one can sometimes find dedicated bird watchers setting in for one or two weeks of serious observations.

         The country soul Tiger reserve, Thekkady, with its bountiful treasure of tropical flora and fauna is the ultimate reservoir of many an endangered species and rich tribal culture. Thekkady is a pleasant heaven on earth for those who love nature in its wild manifestations.

      The Main attraction in the sanctuary is a cruise through a man made lake where various wild animals like elephants, bison, deer, bear, tiger etc can be seen coming to drink water. The forest department would also arrange Elephant rides and trekking inside the sanctuary.

Elephant rides

 Time: 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs. Duration of a trip: 30 minutes Fare: Rs. 30 per person. Tickets are available from the wildlife information Counter Tel.: 91-486-322028

Trekking
Main trekking areas in Thekkady: Kurisumala near Kumily, Pullumedu, Ottakathalamedu: 5 km from Kumily, Grampi near Vandiperiyar.

Plantation Eco - Tours
Plantation Eco-Tours are arranged from the District Tourism Information Office at Thekkady in Kumily. Tours cover cardamom, pepper, coffee and tea plantations, tea factories, tribal settlements and the surrounding hill regions Tel.: 91-486-322620.

Boat cruises on the Periyar Lake

The Forest Department conducts daily treks 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: 322027 322028.
0700,0930,1130, 1600 hrs. Fare: Lower deck: Rs 25 + 10 (entrance fee) Upper deck: 50 + 10 (entrance fee). The forest Department (Contact Ph: 322023) conducts boating trips from Thekkady. Entrance fee at check post for Foreigners: Rs. 50 (valid for 3 days) Domestic tourists Rs. 2

Other important places

Peerumadu
Peerumadu is a small hill station on the way to Thekkady .The hill station rich with mile upon mile of plantations falling away in precise steps. On a fairly warm day the mercury reads between five to ten degree Celsius. Little wonder then, that the former Rajas of Travancore sought this tiny and cool hill station out as their summer resort.

Kumily [4 km from Thekkady]
This plantation town is the portal of Thekkady. It is an important place for shopping center and spice trade center. The famous Mangaladevi temple is 10 km away from Kumily.

Chellarkovilmedu  [15 km from Kumily]
This sleepy wind-stricken village slopes to the famous coconut groves of Cumbum in neighboring Tamilnadu. Excellent views of the plains, silvery cascades are real feast for your eyes.

Vandanmedu
20 kms from Thekkady. Vandanmedu is the wonderland of spieces. Only this place hosts the world’s largest auction center of cardamom.

How to reach Thekkady

Thekkady is connected by regular bus services from Kottayam, Cochin, Thiruvananthapuram and Madurai.
 178 km from Cochin, 114 km from Kottayam.

Nearest Airport: Madurai (Tamilnadu) about 142 km;
                          Cochin International Airport, about 170km.
Nearest Railway Station:  Kottayam [114 km] and Ernakulam [178 km]