Thekkady

Its nature at its natural.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.One of the most beautiful artifical lakes in the world lies here encompassed by the Periyar wildlife Sanctuary .

LOCATION :
Nearest Airports : Madurai(140 km),Kochi (190 km)
Nearest Railheads : Teni(60 km),Kottayam(114 km),Madurai(140 km)
Road : The drive to Thekkady is enchanting as the road winds through tranquil countryside, rich plantations & thick jungles. The sanctuary, 60 km from Idukki, 190 km from Cochin and 114 kms away from Kottayam is open throughout the year .

ACCOMODATION :
Budget : Hotel Revathy,Mukkumkal Regent Tower,Periyar House(KTDC)
High End : Hotel Treetop,Aranya Nivas(KTDC),Lake Palace(KTDC)

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS :

Thekkady Lake : A splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river adds to the charm of the place.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 Wildlife and the waterbirds make the boat ride an unforgettable experience.The Boat Rides are at 7am,9.30am,11.30am,2pm,4pm respectively.Hence plan your trip accordingly.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary : A dense forest which has varied wildlife like Tigers,Elephant,Deer,Wild pigs,Malabar Squirrel and a variety of water birds like Hornbill,mynah,Grey Heron,king fisher,Jungle fowl,Cormorants,woodpeckers.There is a three hour trek into the forest in the mornings and in the afternoons where one could catch sight of plenty of wildlife. The Elephants at Periyar are very famous and a sight to watch (Particulary when they come to drink in the lake). There are also rides on top of an elephant but these are of shorter duration (30 minutes).

PERSONAL EXPERIENCES : I was on a casual one day visit from Munnar (90 kms) and hence didn't get much time to trek.But the boat ride was awesome and perhaps one of the best I have ever had.I spotted a big Indian Hornbill & numerous grey herons,cormorants,kingfishers,mynahs .I also saw lot of Deers,a group of otters,turtles,Bisons.I was also lucky to get a very close photograph of a giant Malabar Squirrel.Thekkady is a great place if you love wildlife .

TRAVEL TIPS : Plan for at least 2-3 days at Thekkady.Summer months are better if you want to sight wildlife since they come to the lake to drink.However, if you want to enjoy boating or want to spot water birds come after the monsoons.Always carry a Binocular and camera.There are numerous tourist spots like Munnar,Kochi,Madurai,Kodaikanal close from Thekkady.For once Man's attempt at something artificial (The Lake) has turned out to be sheer beauty.