Thekkady

Thekkady is a famous tourist spot in Kerala and it is known as India’s largest wildlife sanctuary. This wildlife santuary ia spread over 777 sq kms (300 sq miles). It is surrounded by an artiificial lake of 25 sq kms. This is very close to Tamil Nadu, another state in India

Thekkady is also considered as heaven for natural spices such as cardamom , black pepper, , cinnamon and clove.

Thekkady is India’s sole tiger reserve and it is a heaven on earth for those who love nature

It is also famous for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The best time to see animals in this sanctuary is during the months of March, April and May. In Thekkady you can also do Trekking, boating elephant riding etc. Boating will help you to watch wild animals at close quarters

Places to Visit

Periyar wildlife sanctuary

Entry timing: 0600 - 1800 hrs.

Main wild life found: Elephants, Tigers, Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur

Other attractions in Periyar: Kumily is a growing town in Idukky district, 4 Kms affrom Periyar, where tourism is fastly catching up. Spice trade is the major occupation of this small town. The town is also well equipped with the excellent hotels and resorts for accommodation

Tour Packages: Find details/book package here

Lodges and Resorts in and near Periyar

Spice Village Hotel - Details

Taj Garden Retreat - Details

Things to do

Plantation tours

District Tourism Information Office at Thekkady Junction in Kumily (Ph:0486-322620) have arranged the plantation tours for the tourists. Tours cover cardamom, pepper, coffee and tea plantations, tea factories, tribal settlements and the surrounding hill regions

Elephant rides

Thekkady has the facility of elephant rides through the jungle. Time: 1000 - 1700 hrs. Duration: 30 Minutes. Fare: Rs.30 per person. This is arranged by Forrest department. Tickets are available from the Wildlife Information Counter. Ph:0486-322028

Trekking

There are several trekking areas in Thekkady. Main trekking areas are Kurisumala which is located near Kumily, Pullumedu, Ottakathalamedu and Grampi near Vandiperiyar

There are daily treks by The Forest Department. It starts from the boat landing station at Thekkady and is to the Nellikkampetty area and Manakkavala. Starting: 0700 hrs. Fare: Rs.10 + entrance fee. For booking pplease get in touch with Wildlife Preservation Officer, Thekkady (Ph:0486-322027, 322028)

Boat cruises on Periyar lake

Timings: 0700, 0930, 1130, 1400, 1600 hrs. Fare: Lower deck: Rs.50, Upper deck: Rs.90. The boating in Thekkady is being conducted by The Forest Department (Ph:322028) and the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (Ph: 322023).

There is an entrance fees. For foreigners: Rs.50 (valid for one day), Domestic tourists: Rs.2

How to reach Thekkady

By Air

The nearest airport is Madhurai which is 140km from Thekkadi. You can also access the airports at Kochi which is 180 kms far and Thiruvananthapuram which is 260 kilometers.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is Kumarakom which is 114Kms away

By Road
Thekkady is connected to all major towns and cities in Kerala through an excellent network of roads. The nearest place is Kumily at a distance of 4 kilometers.

Acommodation in Thekkady

Distance to Major Towns from Thekkady

Kumily	4kms
Sabarimala	50km
Idukki	65km
Munnar	106km
Peerumedu	40km
Vagamon	70km
Kumarakom	128km
Kodaikanal	149km
Alapuzha	164km
Kollam	220km
Ooty	390km
Thiruvanamthapuram	265km