The
very sound of the word Thekkady 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 in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.
General Info. :
Altitude: 900-1800 m above sea level
Rainfall: 2500 mm
Going there:
Road: There are frequent buses from Kumily (4 km away) to various tourist centres.
Distance of a few major towns from Thekkady
Kumily: 4 km (15 mts) Sabarimala via Pullumedu: 50 km (2 hrs) Idukki: 65 km (2 1/2 hrs) Munnar: 106 km (4 hrs) Kumarakom: 128 km (4 hrs) Sabarimala via Erumeli: 134 km (4 hrs) Kodaikanal: 149 km (5 hrs) Alappuzha: 164 km (5 hrs) Kollam: 220 km (6 hrs) Ooty: 390 km (11 hrs)
Excursion in Thekaddy
Kumily: (4 km from Thekkady): This plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady, is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary.
An important shopping centre and spice trade centre, the main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region are in Kumily.
Mangala Devi Temple: (15 km from Thekkady): The 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 eastern slopes of the ghats and some hill villages of Tamil Nadu. Permission to visit the area can be obtained from the Wildlife Warden.
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 spectrum of exotic flora, fauna and gurgling streams is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border.
A popular picnic spot, Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer's delight.
