Altitude: 900-1800 m above sea level

Rainfall: 2500 mm

The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. In the Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.

Accessing Thekkady

Road: There are frequent buses from Kumily (4 km away) to various tourist centres.

Distance of a few major towns from Thekkady.

Kumily: 4 km (15 mts) Sabarimala via Pullumedu: 50 km (2 hrs) Idukki: 65 km (2 1/2 hrs) Munnar: 106 km (4 hrs) Kumarakom: 128 km (4 hrs) Sabarimala via Erumeli: 134 km (4 hrs) Kodaikanal: 149 km (5 hrs) Alappuzha: 164 km (5 hrs) Kollam: 220 km (6 hrs) Ooty: 390 km (11 hrs)

Bus timings from Kumily: Thekkady: 0930, 1045, 1130, 1200, 1230, 1330, 1530 hrs Kumarakom: 0700 hrs Munnar: 0600, 0945, 1330 hrs Ernakulam: 0700, 1330, 1515, 1630,1715, 1930 hrs Thiruvananthapuram (from Kumily): 0840, 1530, 1615 hrs; (from Thekkady): 0820, 1515 hrs Kottayam: Frequent buses Alappuzha: 1115 hrs Cherthala: 1415 hrs Idukki: Frequent buses Chennai: 1630, 1900 hrs Pondicherry: 1630 hrs Madurai: 0115, 0515, 0525, 0645, 0716, 0720, 0730, 0755, 0835, 0940, 1030, 1045, 1120, 1155, 1300, 1315, 1320, 1420, 1515, 1540, 1550, 1650, 1705, 1800, 1840, 1905, 2045 hrs Dindigal: Frequent buses Kodaikanal: There is no direct bus from Kumily to Kodaikanal. The Dindigal bus takes you to Vathalakundu from where there are frequent buses to Kodaikanal (149 km) Trichy: 0855, 1045, 1925 hrs Palani: 0930, 1135, 1830, 1850 hrs.

In and around Thekkady

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Entry: 0600 to 1800 hrs): Lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves - the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread across 777 sq km, of which 360 sq. km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world.

The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. 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 greatest attraction of Periyar, however, are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.

Entry to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: 0600 - 1800 hrs.

Flora
Over 1965 flowering plants including 171 grass species 143 species of orchids the only South Indian conifer Podocarpus Wallichianus.

Fauna
Mammals: Thirty five species including the wild elephant, gaur, sambar deer and wild boar which can be sighted from the boats the Nilgiri Tahr in the higher rocky areas the endangered lion tailed macaque confined to the evergreen interiors the bonnet macaque, Malabar giant squirrel, flying squirrel, tiger, jungle cat, sloth bear etc.

Birds:
265 species including migrants. The hornbill, stork, woodpecker, kingfisher, raptor, cormorant, grackle, darter etc. Reptiles: Cobra, viper, krait, a number of non poisonous snakes, and the monitor lizard.

Amphibians:
Frogs, toads and limbless caecilians include the colourful Malabar gliding frog, common Indian toad, fungoid frog and bicoloured frog.

Pisces (fish):
The Periyar lake and streams have several species of fish including the masheer, the famous and endangered game fish of India. The otter, the only mammal of the lake, can be frequently spotted from the boat.

Plantations:
Tea, cardamom, pepper and coffee plantations surround the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Sanctuary Watch Towers:
There are two watch towers in the interior of the Periyar forest. Reservations can be made at the Forest Information Centre, Thekkady. Ph: 322028.

Permitting authority: The Wildlife Preservation Officer, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady

Kumily:(4 km from Thekkady):
This plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady, is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. An important shopping centre and spice trade centre, the main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region are in Kumily.

Murikkady(5 km from Thekkady):
Washed in fresh spice scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.

Pandikuzhi (5 km from Kumily):
This picturesque spectrum of exotic flora, fauna and gurgling streams is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border. A popular picnic spot, Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer's delight.

Mangala Devi Temple:(15 km from Thekkady):
The ancient temple is hidden in the dense woods at the top of a peak 1337 m above sea level. The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. Visitors are allowed here only on the Chithra Pournami festival day. The peak commands a panoramic view of the eastern slopes of the ghats and some hill villages of Tamil Nadu. Permission to visit the area can be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Thekkady. Ph: 322027.


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