Sightseeing:
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a fascinating natural wildlife reserve spread across 777 sq. km, which was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. The Sanctuary is centred around the 24 sq km artificial lake formed by Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river. There are three watch towers to observe wild life at Edappalayam and Manakkavala and Thannikudi.
The Mangladevi Temple (12 km away), on the northern boundary of the reserve, the famous plantation town Peermede, named after the Sufi saint Peer Mohammed, Munnar, the popular hill station known for Neelakurinji, a flower which washes the hills in a blue hue every twelve years and the highest peak in South India, Anamudi (2695 m), are places worth visiting.
Activities:
The forest department arranges plantation eco-tours through the spice, coffee and tea plantations, as well as visits to tea factories, tribal hamlets in and around the hills. To enjoy the forest experience you can go for elephant rides, boat cruises on the Periyar Lake, and trekking in Kurisumala, Pullumedu, Ottakathalamedu, Grampi, Nellikkampetty and Manakkavala.
The Arubi creek (16 kms), Crusoe Island (19 kms), Manakkavala (10 kms), Mullakudy (29 km), Pavarasu (19 kms), Periyar Dam (12 kms), Thannikudy (38 kms) and Peermede (40 kms) are ideal picnic spots. The Tribal Heritage Programme gives you a glimpse into the tribal way of life with its tour of the grey thatched tribal hamlets, traditional fishing and hunting gears, indigenous medicinal plants, as well as the Tribal Heritage Museum.
Tourism Info:
Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala
Park View, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India - 695 033
Phone: 91-471-2321132
Tourist Information toll free No:1-800-425-4747
District Tourist Information Office,
Department of Tourism,
Thekkady Jn., Kumily
Tel: 91-4869-222620
A breathtakingly beautiful sanctuary located nearly 1800 m above sea level in the dense semi- and evergreen deciduous forests of Idukki district, Thekkady is a landlocked home for its myriad fauna and flora as well as for the Mannans, Palians and Ooralie tribes who still continue their ancient methods of herding and bee keeping. |
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