Kerala - Thekkady
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The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hill and spice scented plantations. In the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will experience the most enchanting holiday. With the animals of the wild and the simple mountain people. In the Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks. The Thekkady sanctuary is one of the best in the country for watching and photographing wild life. Thekkady is on the border with state of Tamil Nadu , in fact just 5 kilometers from the border town of Kumily which is very well connected by bus to both Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Notable among the denizens of Periyar are the tigers, the majestic Asiatic wild elephants and the distinctive Nilgiri langur. Other animals include the wild boar, wild dog, bison, bear and leopards. Amongst the avifauna, the most profuse are herons, egrets, darters, kingfishers and the great Malabar grey hornbill. A cruise through the waters of Periyar lake around which the wild -life sanctuary is situated, offers a soul - stirring pleasant experience.

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.

PThis 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.

Located inside the Eravikulam National Park is the Anamudi Peak. This is the highest peak in south India standing at a height of over 2700 m. Treks to the peak are allowed with permission from Forest and Wildlife authorities at Eravikulam.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The picturesque place of many choices; trekking, bird watching, outdoor camping and boating. Heading towards Gavi by Periyar Tiger Reserve is a thrilling experience as the ride goes past hills and valleys, tropical forests and abundant plantations giving you the closest look at wildlife especially playful elephant herds.

This mountain peak that overlooks eastern slpoes of the Western Ghats and the vast plains of Tamil Nadu. The place owes its name to the tale that the lord Sree Rama, the Hindu mythological god had set his foot on this rock. Also, Kerala’s biggest statue, Kuravan & Kurathy treats you here. The rocks, between which the Idukki Arch Dam was built, are named Kuravan & Kurathy, two histrical characters of the local comminity.

From the top of a cliff here, enjoy the panoramic view of forests and plantations seen as an endless carpet of greenery.

The sleepy wind-stricken village of verdant landscape and cascading waterfalls. This village offers a bird’s eye view of the extensive coconut groves of Kamabam and the palins of Theni in neihbouring Tamil Nadu.

FA trekker’s paradise and the highest peak in Thekkady. Literally means the ’mountain of the cross’, this hill offers a panoramic view of surroundings including a glimpse of Periyar Lake, Kumily town and vast areas of nehbouring Tamil Nadu state.

An off-beat trekking spot. With the guidance of Tourist Amenity Centre here, you can explore nature and go adventurous.