Thekkady

---

Thekkady is located in the Iddukki district of South Indian state, Kerala. Thekkady is situated towards the lower end of the state and close to the borders of the adjacent state, Tamil Nadu. The place is about 60 kms from the central Idukki and exists as a wonderful tourist place featuring hill stations, plantations and wildlife sanctuaries.

Thekkady is mainly famous for its widlife sanctuary popularly known as Periyar. The pride of Kerela and a testimony to nature's splendour and human innovation, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar lake - an artificial lake, at Thekkady. Here the high ranges of the Western Ghats are clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grass lands. Below this thick green canopy roam herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs.

In addition to elephant rides, cruises on the lake and treks to the ruined Mangala Devi temple - a beautiful old stone temple situated in the heart of the Thekkady forest, this sanctuary offers the unique opportunity to watch  and photograph wild elephants at close quarters.

The Periyar Widlife sanctuary is spread across 777 sq km, of which 360 sq km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wiild Life Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors all over the world and is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves.

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, however are the herds of wild elephants that come down to the play in the lake.

How to reach
The Kerala State Road Transportation Corporation (KSRTC) run their buses to Kumily, which is about 5 kms from Thekkady. Mant private operators also provide the service to Kumily. The nearest railhead to Thekkady is at Kottayam, some 110 kms away from the place. One can reach Madurai by air, which is the nearest airport and about 140 kms from Thekkady.