The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary : The rich forest area of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves. Spread in an area of 777 sq km, of which 360 sq.kmsend online query is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve in 1978.The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mulla Periyar dam across the Periyar river adds to the charm of the park. Here, you can enjoy the unique experience of observing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. Though the greatest attraction of Periyar are the herds of wild elephants, you can also see gaur, sambar deer, tiger, jungle cat, sloth bear and wild boar which can be sighted from the boats. There are about 265 species of birds including migrants, which make your boat ride more lyrical.
Vandanmedu Located at a distance of 25 km from Thekkady, the town is known as a large auction centre for cardomom. A visit to its spectacular spice plantations offers a unique experience.
Pandikuzhi Yet another spectrum of nature’s flora and fauna is Pandikuzhi. Sandwiched between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border it is an ideal picnic, trekking and photographic spot as well as a favourite day and weekend destination for localities.
Peermede Around 44 kilometres from Thekkady, Peermede is situated at an altitude of 915 -1100 m above sea level and is famous as a plantation town. The town has been named after Peer Mohammed, a famous Sufi saint who was a close. Peermede is also known for its tea, cardamom, rubber and coffee plantations. Moreover, Kuttikanam, Thrissanku Hills, the Mausoleum of the Sufi saint, the summer palace of the royal family, the residence of the Diwan, and the lofty peaks and streams are other major attractions of this place.
Pandikuzhi This is about 5 kms away from Kumily. Cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu State border, this picturesque place is a popular picnic spot. Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer's delight.
Kottayam Lies between the palm-fringed backwaters on the west and the wild Western Ghats to its east. It is characterised by picturesque backwaters couples with the lush countryside brimming with rubber, tea, coffee, teak, cardamom and pepper plantations. Besides there are churches and houses built in the colonial style and many important religious places. Kottayam is the first fully literate town of India. It is also the home of Kerala’s publishing industry. Kottayam houses some revered temples of south India like Thirunakkara Mahadevar Shiva Temple, Valiapalli and the Cheriapalli. Moreover, it also has the famous Thazhathangadi Mosque and the wonderful Good Shepherd Church that add to its beauty and importance.
Kumarakom Located about 128 km from Thekkady, Kumarakom is a must visit. The main attractions here include the Kumarakom bird sanctuary with a large variety of migratory birds. Sailing in the furnished boathouses here is an exquisite experience. Kumarakom is also famous for old churches and the popular form of ayurveda treatment.
Kumily About 4 kms from Thekkady, this plantation town is closely associated with Thekkady. Situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary, Kumily is an important shopping centre and spice trade centre.
Mangla Devi Temple Just about 15 km from Thekkady, lies Mangla Devi at an elevation of 1337 m above sea level. This temple is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture and is an important Hindu pilgrimage site. From here you can have a panoramic view of the slopes of both the eastern and western ghats and of some hill villages of Tamil Nadu.
Murikkady Just 5 kilometres from Thekkady, Murikkady is particularly famous for its cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.
Thekkady (Periyar) Travel Guide The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up imageselephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations.
Murikkady Situated 5 kms from Thekkady. Washed in fresh spice scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.
Kumliy A plantation town easily accessible from Thekkady, this is located just on the brim of the Periyar wildlife Sanctuary. Apart from being an important tourist destination, Kumily is also an important centre for spice trade.
Madurai Also called the temple city of India, it is one of the most visited religious destinations in southern India on the rocky banks of the river Vaigai..Madurai is also a modern industrial city of the state. Having been the political capital of the Pandyan and the Nayakan dynasties, Madurai was the centre of learning South Indian culture and tradition for the past 2,500 years. The magnificent gopurams of the Meenakshi Temple are the main attraction of the city. Apart from this, the Mariamman Teppakulam, Tirumalai Nayak Mahal, Thirupparankunram, Azhagar Koil, Gandhi Museum and Koodal Alagar Temple are other important sites to visit in Madurai.
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