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Thekkady

Thekkady, nestled in the Idukki district of Kerala, is a picturesque hill station, renowned for its tiger reserve and picturesque landscapes. Situated at an altitude of approximately 700 meters above sea level, Thekkady boasts dense green jungles, misty hills, serene streams, tranquil lakes, and lush valleys. Often referred to as Periyar, it is surrounded by the evergreen and semi-evergreen forests of the Western Ghats, offering a rich tapestry of tropical flora and fauna.

Thekkady - City Guide

With its captivating scenery and abundant wildlife, Thekkady stands as a prominent eco-tourism destination in Kerala. Its tiger reserve is among India's most splendid wildlife reserves, attracting nature lovers and travelers from far and wide. Home to the renowned Periyar National Park, Thekkady is a sanctuary for a diverse range of animal species, including Asian elephants, Malabar grey hornbills, lion-tailed monkeys, sambar deer, bison, and leopards. The sanctuary's beautiful lake adds to its charm, creating a serene ambiance for visitors.

Thekkady offers a plethora of exhilarating activities, including jungle safaris, elephant rides, boating, trekking, bamboo rafting, and the Periyar tiger trail. Cruising along the lake offers the chance to spot herds of elephants and other wildlife, while the sight of the Mullaperiyar dam adds to the experience. Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in mountain walks and trekking trails amidst the breathtaking scenery. Thekkady is a testament to nature's splendour, inviting you to explore its wonders with loved ones by your side.

Major Attractions:

  • Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Thekkady or Periyar Lake.
  • Mangala Devi Temple.
  • Murikkady.
  • Kadathanadan Kalari Centre.
  • Kumily.
  • Chellarkovil.
  • Pandikuzhi.
  • Suruli Waterfalls.
  • Mullaperiyar Dam.
  • Ramakkalmedu.

Climatic Condition:

The summer season in Thekkady lasts from March to late May, characterized by intense heat with temperatures reaching up to 36°C. While summers offer the best chance to spot animals, it's not recommended to pay a visit to Thekkady due to the heat. Monsoon rains start in early June and continue till September, causing landslides and hindering outdoor activities. The winter season, from October to late February, brings mild and pleasant weather with temperatures dropping to a minimum of 15°C, making it the ideal time to visit for extensive exploration.

Best Time to Visit:

October to February.

Quick Facts & Information About Thekkady

Region

Hill station and town in the Idukki district of Kerala, Southern India.

Establishment Year

1895 as the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Periyar National Park

Location

Southern Kerala, nestled in the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border.

Area

Approximately 777 sq. km (300 sq. mi).

Major Localities / Towns

Kumily, Thekkady Town, Periyar, Murikkady, Vandiperiyar, and Peerumedu.

Languages Spoken

Malayalam and English (primary languages); Tamil, Hindi, and Kannada are also spoken.

Climate

Pleasant tropical hill station climate.

Key Attractions

Periyar National Park & Tiger Reserve, Periyar Lake (artificial reservoir), Mangaladevi Temple, Abraham’s Spice Garden, Chellarkovil Viewpoint, and Pullumedu.

Famous Festivals

Onam, Vishu, Christmas, Eid-ul-Fitr, Deepavali, and the local temple festivals (Utsavams).

Cuisine

Kerala Sadya, Appam with Stew, Puttu and Kadala Curry, Kappa (tapioca) and Fish Curry, Malabar Biriyani, and fresh local filter coffee or tea.

Unique Experiences

A boat cruise on Periyar Lake, bamboo rafting and jungle trekking in Periyar, guided walks through fragrant spice plantations.

Economy

Driven by eco-tourism, wildlife conservation, spice and tea plantation agriculture, hospitality, and local handicraft trade.

Specialty

Widely known as the home of India’s prominent wildlife tiger reserve, vast aromatic spice gardens (black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and clove), and serene misty mountain landscapes of the Western Ghats.

Thekkady Tourist Attractions

How To Reach Thekkady?

By Air :

Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport, 143 Km away from Thekkady. From the airport, you can avail of public transport or get a cab/ taxi to reach Thekkady.

By Train :

Kottayam Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Thekkady which is situated at a distance of 106 Km. From the railway station, you can avail of a state transport bus or get a cab/ taxi to reach Thekkady.

By Road :

Thekkady is well-linked with all the major cities of Kerala via road. You can choose private transportation, take a state transport bus, or hire a cab to reach Thekkady.

FAQs:

Yes, night jungle safari is available at Periyar National Park.
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ICPB – India Convention Promotion Bureau member logo
ATOAI – Adventure Tour Operators Association of India member logo
ISO 9001:2015 certified logo
Lufthansa City Center logo
OTOAI – Outbound Tour Operators Association of India member logo
Kerala Travel Mart
Karnataka Tourism Society member logo
IATO – Indian Association of Tour Operators member logo
ADTOI – Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India member logo
TAAI – Travel Agents Association of India member logo
USTOA – United States Tour Operators Association associate member logo
SEPC – Services Export Promotion Council member logo
PATA – Pacific Asia Travel Association member logo
Travelife Partner – Committed to Sustainability logo