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AN
ENCHANTING PLANTATION TOWN
Thekkady, located in central Kerala, is a popular hill
station and a wildlife centre. This town, which is an
important plantation centre, 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 of India and spread across the entire
district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that
hold immense opportunities for treks and mountain walks.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary offers a fairly good chance
of seeing the great Indian tiger in its natural habitat
Places
of Interest in Thekkady
WILDLIFE
The Periyar Wildlife 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 geo-morphological 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 river 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 remains the large herds of wild elephants
that come down to the lake's edge.
Sanctuary Watch Towers: There are three watch towers for observing wild
life - at Edappalayam and Manakkavala and Thannikudi. Reservations can be made
at the Forest Information Counter, Thekkady.
CITIES
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 (5 km from Kumily): This picturesque place is cradled
between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu State border is a popular picnic spot.
Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer's
delight.
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 from a jeep.
The famous Sree Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala and the Makara Joythi
illuminations 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 or The Range
Officer, Vallakkadavu.
TEMPLES
Mangala Devi Temple (15 km from Thekkady): This ancient temple is
hidden in the dense woods at the top of a peak 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 other side of the ghats and the vast
plains of Tamil Nadu. Permission to visit the area can be obtained from the
Wildlife Warden at Thekkady.
RIVERS
Vandiperiyar ( 18 km from Thekkady): The river Periyar flowing through
the centre of this town nourishes its vast tea, coffee and pepper plantations.
A major trade centre, Vandiperiyar is also home to a number of tea factories.
The Government Agriculture Farm and Flower Gardens have a delightful array of
rose plants, orchids and anthurium.
OTHERS
Chellarkovil (15 km from Kumily): This sleepy little village with its
spectacular view of the plains and cascading waterfalls during the monsoons is
a feast to the eyes. The village slopes down to the famous coconut groves of
Kumbam in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
Vandanmedu (25 km from Kumily): This is one of the world's largest
auction centres for Cardamom. A walk through the sprawling cardamom plantaions
of Vandanmedu is a pleasent experience.
Excursions
: CITIES
Munnar: One of the most popular hill stations in
India, Munnar is situated at the confluence of three
mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala.
Located at 1600 m above sea level, this was once the
summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South
India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns,
winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar
a unique experience.
Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands
here is the Neelakurinji, a flower, which bathes the hills
in blue colour once in every twelve years. The
Neelakurinji, will bloom next in 2006 AD.
Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi
- which towers over 2695 m and is an ideal spot for
campers who like to do some trekking. Peerumedu:
Peerumedu, the famous plantation town, takes its name from
Peer Mohammed, a Sufi saint and close associate of the
erstwhile royal family of Travancore.
Wide vistas of tea, cardamom, rubber and coffee
plantations interspersed with silver cascades, sculptural
rocks, meadows and mist-cloaked hilltops make Peermede an
unforgettable experience.
The most delightful trekking trails complement the
panoramic landscape. Monuments like the Summer Palace and
Summer Residence of the royal family add to the splendour
of the land.
The Summer Residence, now converted into a government
guesthouse under the Department of Tourism, offers
comfortable accomodation. Access
: Air:
The nearby airports are at Madurai and Kochi.
Rail: Teni, Kottayam, Madurai and Changanaserry are
the convenient railheads from Thekkady.
Road: There are frequent buses from Kumily (4 km
away) to various tourist centres.
Local transport: Tourist Cars, Taxi Jeeps, Mini
Buses and Auto Rickshaws.
Places
of Interest in Thekkady >> Access
>> Excursions
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