This article is about the exquisite tourist destination of Kerala known as Thekkady. The article also includes attractions in Thekkady, Eco-tourism in Thekkady, Hotels in Thekkady, Resorts in Thekkady etc.
About Thekkady
Thekkadi is an extraordinary tourist place situated in Kerala. The leaf shedding forests, the enchanting meadows of grassland and the creaming streams makes it an exotic hotspot for tourism. Thekkady has become world famous for its recent developments in ecotourism and its tiger reserve. It is one of the oldest forest protected area in Kerala.
Thekkady is also famous for its vegetation and fascinating wildlife which include flora, fauna and birds. It is an ideal place for Trekking and Wildlife Photography.
Geography and Climate
Thekkady is located in Idukki district of Kerala. It is (9 deg 15 min & 9 deg 40 min North) latitude and (76 deg 55 min & 77 deg 25 min East) longitude. Thekkadi is bounded by Madhurai, Ramanad and Thirunelveli district of Tamilnadu in the North and East, Pathanamthitta district in the south, Pampa and Azhutha rivers in the West. It is about 700-1900 m above the mean sea level. Thekkady is having a tropical climate and the temperature vary between 11 deg to 27 deg. Thekkady is also receiving the annual rainfall of about 2500mm. The best time to visit Thekkady is from September to March so that you can avoid the monsoon. Preferred clothing is woollen and cotton. Cotton during day and Woollen during night.
Attracions in and around Thekkadi
Thekkadi is a well known tourist destination in God's Own Country. You can feel the breath of nature when you arrive this place. The tourists who love the beauty of nature often venture in to this beautiful place for their mental satisfaction. Once they happened to see this place, they will surely dissolve in its beauty. There are also other attractions in Thekkady beyond its natural innocence. They are listed below.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: It is one of the world famous Biosphere Reserve situated in Thekkady. The Sanctuary is known for its exotic wildlife. It is spreading across 777 sq km in which half of the land covers the thick evergreen forests. The boating through the core rivers amidst of the wild forest is an attracting feature here. The Sanctuary is also famous for its Indian elephants. The best thing about here is, we are able to see the wild creatures in close vicinity.
The Sanctuary Watch Towers: There are three Sanctuary watch towers in Thekkady for observing the wild life. The are Edappalayam, Manakkavala and Thannikudi. Interested persons can contact and reserve at the Forest Information Counter, Thekkadi. Ph: +91-486-322028
Kumily: Kumily is about 4 kms from Thekkadi which is famous for its plantations. Kumily is also known for its spice markets. Cardamom hills of Kumili are a prime attraction here and the city is famous for cardamom auction. Ckakkaupallam, Anakkara, Sulthankada, Chaittamapara are some of the prime spots for cardamom plantation in Kumily.
Murikkady, which is 5kms from Thekkadi is again famous for its cardamom, pepper and coffee plantation. Another place known as Pandikkuzhi is an ideal place for adventure trips like trekking. The place is also suitable for wildlife photography. Chellarkovil,which is 15 kms away from Thekkady is famous for its cascading waterfalls. Mangaladevi Temple is also a place of tourist interest for pilgrimage.
Eco-tourism in Thekkady
Trekking: Thekkady is an ideal spot for the tourists who love trekking. The can trek through the dense forests of Thekkady with clouds as companions. The main trekking areas available in Thekkadi are Kurishumala, Pullumedu, Ottakathalamedu etc. The trek is carried out under tourist department of Thekkady. They usually conducts trek from Thekkady to Nellikkampetty (area near Manakkavala. The trek starts early in the morning from 7 am. The trek fare is Rs.10 excluding the entrance fee. For more information, contact Wildlife Preservation Officer, Thekkady Ph : 322027 322028.
Elephant Rides: Journey on the back of the elephant is an interesting contest in Eco-tourism program offered by the tourist authority of Thekkady. These rides are through the jungles for about 30 minutes. These rides also help to see some rare birds and animals in the forest which will not come outside. The ride is from 10 am to 7.00 pm. Tourists can approach with in this time and they are carried to a ride about half an hour. The fare is Rs.30 per person. Tickets are available from the wildlife information Counter Tel.: 91-486-322028
Boat Cruises: The authority is also offering boat cruises on the Periyar Lake. The time schedules of the cruise are 7.00am, 9.30am, 11.30am and 4.00pm. For Upper deck, the fee is Rs.60 and for Lower deck it is Rs.35. This boat cruise will surely be a joyful experience. For details contact, The forest Department ( Ph : 322023).
Plantation Tours: The plantation tour is to the beautiful plantations of cardamom, pepper, coffee and tea. The package also includes visiting the tea factories and tribal settlement. For more information, contact District Tourism Information Office at Thekkady jn. In Kumily.
Ayurveda in Thekkadi
Many Ayurvedic Treatment facilitating resorts are available in Thekkadi. One of the famous destinations for the same is Woodland Resort in Thekkady. The specialists in Ayurveda at Woodland will perform the treatment in its pure and traditional manner. The team of specialist here is led by Dr. Pathrose Parathuvayalil BAM, MD who is the first postgraduate ayurvedic doctor in Kerala. Here the ayurvedic system includes the traditional healing system to rejuvenate, regenerate and refresh the whole body. The best time to do this Ayurvedic treatment is on the months of Monsoon where the surroundings is cool and free of dust. So the Tourists who need to do this package are requested to visit here on the months of June, July and August. The special package of Woodland resort includes:
1. Slimming program [obesity care] - [7days package]
2. Compact spine & joint care
3. Anti stress & strain package - 3 days program / 2 Hour / Day
4. Monsoon rejuvenation - one day-3day / 2hrs per day
Accessing Thekkady
Since Thekkady is a hilly area, It can only be accessed through road way. The journey to Thekkady amidst of crop plantations and the country side jungles is a thrilling experience. Thekkady is about 60 km from Idukki, 190 km from Cochin and 114 kms away from Kottayam. There are always bus services available from all these cities. The vehicle services are also available from Kumily which is only 4 km away from Thekkady.
Nearest Airports: Madurai - 140 km, Kochi (Cochin) - 190 km, Thiruvananthapuram- 265 km
Nearest Railway Stations: Teni- 60 km, Kottayam – 114 km, Changanassery -114 km
Distance Chart from Thekkady to other Tourist places
1. Kumily : 4 km
2. Sabarimala via Pullumedu : 50 km
3. Idukki : 65 km
4. Munnar 106 km
5. Kumarakom 128 km
6. Sabarimala via Erumeli : 134 km
7. Kodaikanal : 149 km
8. Alappuzha : 164 km
9. Kollam : 220 km
10. Ooty : 390 km.
Hotels and Resorts in Thekkady
1. Spice Village, Thekkady
2. Wild Corridor, Thekkady
3. Lake Palace, Thekkady
4. Carmella Heaven, Thekkady
5. Greenwoods, Thekkady
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