Thekkady is the location of the Periyar National Park, which is an important tourist attraction in the Kerala state of India. Thekkady is located near Kerala-Tamil Nadu border.  The sanctuary is famous for dense evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savanna grass lands.

The very mention of Thekkady is incomplete without the mention of elephants, trails of peaks and hills and spice scented plantations. The Periyar forests of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India.  It protects and houses herds of elephants, sambar, tigers, guar, lion-tailed Macaques and Nilgiri Langurs.  The picturesque beauty is exquisitely amazing. The very picture-perfect lush green plantations and hill towns hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.

Fascinations-

• Periyar National Park- The mention of Periyar National Park and Thekkady are often made in the same breath, for obvious reasons. The Periyar National Park is a treasured possession of Thekkady. The immense heritage of nature that it holds are very precious in the era of growing urbanization and natural devastations going in the name of urbanization.

Speciality of Periyar National Park –

1). Flora and Fauna- Over 1965 flowering plants including 171 grass species 143 species of orchids. The only south Indian conifer, scientifically known as Podocarpus wallichianus, grown in the forests of Periyar reserves.

Many distinct and endangered species find Periyar reserves to be home. Some of them are Asian elephant, tiger, Indian Bison, Sambar Deer, Indian Wild dog, Leopard, Barking deer, smooth-coated otter which can be spotted during a boat cruise in Periyar lake. Nilgiri thar, Nilgiri langurs are ubiquitous.

2). There are also present in Periyar reserves over 265 species of birds, varying species of reptiles, amphibians, pisces and plantations are present.

Periyar reserves are a natural treasure and a heritage of Kerala. It is a must visit place.

• Periyar Lake- This is an artificial lake that surrounds the entire Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. In India, it is unique with its feature that it offers the view of wildlife and vegetation and the thrill of boating simultaneously, in a single package.

It is a lovely experience.

• Periyar Tiger Trail-  Adventure, camping and trekking all encapsulated together makes PEriyar Tiger Trail one of the most enthralling and memorable experiences. The total trekking distance is 20-35 km. What can surprise you is spotting of some wild animals here and there. You may be able to spot elephant, giant squirrel, nilgiri langur and tiger (if it’s your lucky day!).

This trekking trail will go through mounthills, valleys and wide open spaces. The views and adventure might as well give you an adrenaline rush!

• Kadathanadan Kalari Centre-  It is a centre where one can  experience the oldest martial arts, Kadathanadan. The pictures will amaze you, but not as much as the performers. You might drop your jaw at the finesse of this art form. It is believed that Kung fu was derived from this martial art form.

• Vandanmedu- Vandanmedu is at a little distance from Thekkady, it is the nerve centre of cardamom production and auction. The aroma of cardamom fills the air and makes you refreshed.

• Vandiperiyar- Easily accessible from National Highway-220, this place is famouf for its plantations of coffee, black pepper, tea and other spices. It is one of those places that are not just hills and mountain kind of scenery. It has an entirely different experiences to offer. The lush green plantations are a mesmerizing view. It is one of the places you must visit.  Plantations of pepper and tea are also here. To look at the greenery of these plantations accompanied by the gurgling river is an amazing and intoxicating experience.

Thekkady is one of the places that Kerala can boast about. It offers you a very unique experience. Rest can be just experienced. Words will not do justice to its beauty and ambience.