TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN THEKKADY
PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Located by the side of the river Periyar, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the main attraction of Thekkady. Spread over an area of about 777 sq km with about 360 sq. km of which is thick evergreen forest, the sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. However, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary can also be recognised as one of the natural treasure houses of some of the rare species of flora and fauna. The flora of the park includes over flowering plants, grass species, species of orchids and the only South Indian conifer Podocarpus Wallichianus.
PERIYAR LAKE
The lake of the Periyar wildlife sanctuary makes an important site to visit in Thekkady. This splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. A wonderful palace located in the heart of the Periyar Lake attracts a lot of visitors. The greatest attraction of Periyar Lake however is the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake. Periyar is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters form the safety of a boat on the lake.
MURIKKADY
Located at a distance of just 5 kilometres from Thekkady, Murikkady is another important site to visit. Murikkady is particularly famous for its panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations. A must visit to include in your excursion itinerary.
This vantage view point is located at a distance of 5km from Thekkady. Breathtaking views of the spice and tea plantations, the mist clad mountains and verdant valleys could be enjoyed at Murikkady. The area is famous for cardamom plantations, tea plantations and pepper cultivation. The salubrious climate here is seasoned with the tantalizing fragrance of exotic spices.
PANDIKUZHI
Another picturesque spectrum of nature's flora, fauna and gurgling streams is Pandikuzhi.Sandwiched between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border, it makes an important excursion point for every tourists visiting Thekkady. A considerable number of visitors come to this place every year. Being an ideal picnic, trekking, and photographic spot, it is also the favourite day and weekend destination for the localities as well
PEERMEDE
Located at a distance of 44 kilometres from Thekkady, Peermede is an important excursion destination one should not miss. Peermede is situated at an altitude of 915 -1100 m above sea level and is a famous plantation town.
The name of the town has been given after Peer Mohammed, a famous Sufi saint who was also a close associate of the erstwhile royal family of Travancore. Peermede is also known for its tea, cardamom, rubber and coffee plantations interspersed with sculptural rocks, meadows and mist-cloaked hilltops.
CHELLARKOVIL
The sleepy wind-stricken village of verdant landscape and cascading waterfalls. This village offers a bird's eye view of the extensive coconut groves of Kamabam and the palins of Theni in neihbouring Tamil Nadu.Chellarkovil is a beautiful village in Kumily of Idukki district. It has cascading waterfalls set in a breathtaking landscape.
VANDIPERIYAR
The river Periyar flowing through the centre of this town nourishes its vast tea, coffee and pepper plantations. A major trade centre, Vandiperiyar is also home to a number of tea factories. The Government Agriculture Farm and Flower Gardens have a delightful array of rose plants, orchids and anthurium.
MANAGALA DEVI TEMPLE
The temple dedicated to Kannaki is situated on the top of a hill in Periyar Tiger Reserve. You have to cover 12kms of rough forest road to reach here. The temple opens only once in a year for the public during the annual chithrapournami festival.
GAVI
The picturesque place of many choices; trekking, bird watching, outdoor camping and boating. Heading towards Gavi by Periyar Tiger Reserve is a thrilling experience as the ride goes past hills and valleys, tropical forests and abundant plantations giving you the closest look at wildlife.
RAMAKALMEDU
This mountain peak that overlooks eastern slpoes of the Western Ghats and the vast plains of Tamil Nadu. The place owes its name to the tale that the lord Sree Rama, the Hindu mythological god had set his foot on this rock. Also, Kerala's biggest statue, Kuravan & Kurathy treats you here. The rocks, between which the Idukki Arch Dam was built, are named Kuravan & Kurathy, two histrical characters of the local comminity.
Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu and enchanting retreat.
PARUMTHUMPARA
From the top of a cliff here, enjoy the panoramic view of forests and plantations seen as and endless carpet of greenery. It is a very beautiful place just five Kilometer away from Peermade and ten Kilometer away from Vandiperiyar.It looks like a vast stretch of rook spotted with lush green grass.The word parunth in the local language means Eagle and para means rock.It is called Parunthumpara or eagle rock because we can see a large area around like an eagle could see from height.
Parumthumpara has a panoramic view of High peaks and trenches.One can also see the Trishanku hills of Kuttikanam and the Pattumala church from here.It was like a 360 degree view of the High-range.
KURISUMALA
A trekker's paradise and the highest peak in Thekkady. Literally means the 'mountain of the cross', this hill offers a panoramic view of surroundings including a glimpse of Periyar Lake, Kumily town and vast areas of nehbouring Tamil Nadu state. 3 km from Vazhikkadavu is this renowned Christian pilgrim centre where hundreds of devotees from far and near converge during the holy week and after, to climb the hill in faith, carrying small wooden crosses. The peaceful Monastry at the top of the hill, the silence of the hills, the cool mountain air and the lush green landscape are all soothing to the soul.
PULLUMEDU
The winding journey to this hill along the Periyar River, offers a stunning view of hills draped in lush greenery. Velvet lawns and rare flora and fauna add to the beauty of Pullumedu. The famous Sree Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala and the Makara Jyothi illuminations at the shrine are visible from here.On the banks of Periyar River in Kerala lies a beautiful hill station wrapped with the lush greenish nature and mist. The term 'Pullumedu' means green meadows and coming here you will find the name given to this place is very apt.
SPICES GARDEN
Kumily is a spice plantation town outside the Periyar sanctuary. You can make it your shopping hub for spices. It is also one of the main bus station. Murikkady is famous for its cardamom,pepper and coffee plantations. The spice scented aroma in Murikkady tells its story of spice plantation.
ELEPHANT SAFARI
Elephant Safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala is an interesting activity for the wildlife buffs. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is also a Tiger Reserve which allures wildlife buffs from all over. Rich variety of flora and fauna and the greenery all around makes Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary an exciting place. From boat rides to bamboo raft rides to trekking Periyar Forests is one of the major tourist attractions of South India. Plan an Elephant Safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala to take a tour through the jungles of Periyar and explore its rich bio diversity.
KALARIPAYATTU
Kerala Kalari Centre at Thekkady, Kerala conduct performances of Kalaripayattu, the oldest of martial arts. Here daily Kalari performances were conducted in Kuzhikalari, a highly designed gallery built in such a way that the viewers can watch the performances from a safer distance. Daily performances is from 6 pm to 7pm . Special shows also conducted on request.
KATHAKALI
Kathakali, the pearl of Kerala, is a
beautifully rich art form. Its ascetics are stunning, its music vital, and its stories are essential to the people and culture that cultivated its life. Also, Kathakali is wonderfully complex.Being a work of art, Kathakali is a system. As a system, it possesses multiple members or parts that make the whole of it. Namely, these members are: history, text, audio (vocals and instruments), practice, acting, visuals (costume and make-up), environment, and the crew. Daily performances 7:00pm To 8:00pm.
SIMS PARK
This garden was laid out in 1874 Mr.J.D. Sim, the then Secretary to Government and Major Murray, acting Superintendent of the Nilgiris forest and the park was named after the former. Though this was started as a pleasure resort for the residents and visitors, the park has now developed into Garden. This garden is spread over 12 heactares of undulating land and possesses a number of natural advantages at an elevation of 1768 - 1798 metres above M.S.L.
The park cum botanical garden contains many species of trees and shrubs not found in Ooty. Annual Fruit and Vegetables show is held every year in May here attracts tourists in large numbers.
DOLPHINES NOSE
Ideally visited in the morning, this view point is located about 12 kms from Coonoor near Tiger Hill. Amidst dense Sholas Criss-Crossed by winding road, you can get a beautiful view of the Catherine falls from here.
LAMB'S ROCK
This view point is within a reserve forest about 8 kms from the Coonoor Bus Stand. Overlooked a sheer precipice of several hundred metres with a phenomenal view of vast stretches of forests all the way to the Coimbatore plains. Between January and March, the trees become extremely colourful.
Home | Tours from Madurai | Special Packages | South Special | Tamil Nadu | Kumarakom | Munnar | Hyderabad | Goa | Book Tour | Contact
South India Packages
Copyright © 2010 Madurai Tours and Travels. All Rights Reserved
Website Design and Developed by Sri Hema Infotech