Thekkady Trips
Thekkady
Short Description
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 apportunities for treks and mountain walks.
Thekkady is tantamount to proud mountains, winding valleys, scented plantations and crisp air. The periyar forest of Thekkady is abode to one of the finest natural wildlife sanctuaries in India. Spread over a picture perfect landscape, it holds great opportunities for wildlife watching and photography. A cruise on the backwaters might just strike that long forgotten string of the heart. Set off on a memorable plantation tour, walking through the cardamom, coffee, pepper and tea plantations. Make most of it by walking into tribal settlements and watching their life from close. Ride through the jungle on elephant back and see how it feels to walk in grandeur and style.
Thekkady in the south Indian state of Kerala is one very appealing town of India with vast forest areas and some finest nature views. The very sound of the word Thekkady recollects images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. Periyar forest in Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are bewitching plantations and captivating hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.
Around 700 elephants and 40 tigers! This is the least that Thekkady (Periyar) offers. Nestled in the verdant high ranges of the Western Ghats, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the cynosure of all eyes here in Kerala. The sanctuary covers a huge area of 777 sq km and harbours species like Nilgiri langoor, Nilgiri tahr, bison, deer, antelope etc. The avian species count to 265. To add to your experience all the more, there are aromatic spice gardens in the vicinity of the park. As you explore these vast expanses of spice plantations, also try to know the medicinal value of each of the spices.
Long Description
The pride of Kerala, Thekkady is a dream destination that offers a thrilling combination of wildlife safari tours and a hill-station holiday that leaves the tourists spellbound. The very mention of Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, rolling hills and spice plantations. Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will experience the most enchanting holiday with the animals of the wild and the simple unsophisticated mountain people.
Thekkady's premier tourist attraction is the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Centered around an artificial lake of Thekkady, the national park is home to a great variety of wildlife species such as elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs. The Sanctuary also doubles up as a Tiger Reserve and you can explore the Thekkady forest at leisure on elephant rides, cruises on the lake and jungle safaris to the heart of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
On tours of Thekkady, you will also come across other places of interest such as Kumily and Murrikady, where you can see the exotic spice plantations of cardamom, coffee and pepper. If you feel like picnicking, no other spot is better than Pandikuzhi that offers great opportunities for trekking and photography. Travel to Chellarkovil in Thekkady to enjoy the spectacular view of the plains and cascading waterfalls during the monsoons.
Thekkady is king of jungles. The drumming calls of Nilgiri langur, probably a coded message to the denizens of the forest to be alert and careful, will greet the visitors who enter the forests. Moving further, barking deers, a characteristic alarm signal to the inmate species, may shake the visitors. Amongst Thekkady’s worthy inhabitants, there is an exclusive charm in watching the majestic tuskers and the bright-eyed tigers in their exclusive kingdom. It is meaningless to think of returning without a sweet brush with animals.That is fun.
It is mandatory to have a guide. Most of the guides are poachers turned. The poachers were roped in as protectors as part of eco-tourism and rehabilitation. The sprawling Periyar Tiger Reserve, in an area of 777 sq km, is rated as one of the 18 hot spots in the world in bio-diversity. Its tropical rain forests present world’s most ancient and complex environments. Home to elephants, tigers, leopards, deers, gaurs, antelopes, variety of reptiles and birds of numerous species. The location is ideal and adaptive. Amidst mountain ranges, valleys, lakes and rivers – superb dramatic settings. The largest sanctuary in the State, it is in the south end of Western Ghats with splendid cardamom hills, in an altitude upto 6000 ft. The boathouse is the starting point. Just 2 km from the entry gate. Eco-tourism centre is near the boathouse. Booking is to be made here for guide, treks, boat rides and other activities.
Climate
Thekkady experiences a tropical climate with little variance from season to season. March to May is the summer time. There are frequent rains. This mean minimum temperature records 16 degrees Centigrade. September to May is the best time to pay a visit to the natural paradise of Periyar.
General Information
Best season to visit:Any time during the year except Monsoon, which ranges from June to September
How to reach
Air: The nearest airport is Kochi or Madurai
Rail: The nearest rail junction is Kottayam or Madurai
Road: 190 km from Kochi
Kumily: 4 km ,
Sabarimala via Pullumedu : 50 km,
Idukki: 65 km,
Munnar 106 km ,
Kumarakom 128 km,
Sabarimala via Erumeli : 134 km,
Kodaikanal: 149 km,
Alappuzha: 164 km,
Kollam: 220 km ,
Ooty: 390 km.
Locations close by
Idukki, Munnar, Sabarimala, Kodaikanal, Cochin, Kumarakom
Bus timing from Kumily
Thekkady 0930, 1045, 1130, 1200, 1230, 1330. 1530 hrs
Kumarakam 0700hrs
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 hrs. 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.
Location: 9.605489, 77.202988
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Periyar Lake
Nature and Bird Watching Treks
Mullaiperiyar Dam
Tribal Heritage Museum:
Kumily
Cardomom Hills
Murikkady
Pandikuzhi
Chellarkovil
Vandiperiyar
Ramakalmedu
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
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 Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary : The rich forest area of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves. Spread in an area of 777 sq km, of which 360 sq.km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve in 1978. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mulla Periyar dam across the Periyar river adds to the charm of the park. Here, you can enjoy the unique experience of observing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. Though the greatest attraction of Periyar are the herds of wild elephants, you can also see gaur, sambar deer, tiger, jungle cat, sloth bear and wild boar which can be sighted from the boats. There are about 265 species of birds including migrants, which make your boat ride more lyrical.
The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar 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.
Picturesque Periyar, the ‘Pride of kerala’ is one of the largest and most frequented sanctuaries in the country. The sanctuary created in 1934, by the old Travancore stategovernment, covers an area of 777 sq. kms. at the cardamom Hills region of the Western Ghats. It was designated as a part of ‘Project Tiger’ in 1973 and is southernmost tiger reserve of the country.
The 26 sq. km. periyar lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river further enhances the beauty of the park. The innumerable little islets in the lake bear testimony to the inherent relationship between the terrestrial, aquatic and submarine life forms. Boat cruise on the waters of the lake is the best way to enjoy the pristine beauty of the park and view the wildlife from close quarters. Watching herds of wild elephants, gaur, sambar and wild pigs etc., wander to the lake- side to quench their thirst is an unforgettable experience. The hot and dry months of March and April are the best time to view the wildlife by a boat cruise, as animals tend to spend a lot of time near the lake.
He sanctuary is also well known for viewing all aspects of elephantine. Besides elephants and tigers, it is a safe haven for bison, sambar, wild boar, spotted deer, leopard, Malabar flying squirrel, stripe necked mongoose, black Nilagiri langurs, Nilgiri tahr etc. There is also a rich variety of reptiles, amphibians and birds. The park area is full of floral wealth, with over 1965 flowering plants including 171 grass species, 143 species of orchids and the only South Indian conifer Podocarpus wallichianus.
A summer palace of the erstwhile royalty of Travancore. Overlooking the lake has been converted into a hotel and is a fine place to stay.
The famous tiger reserve of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkady makes an excellent excursion from Idukki. For the wildlife enthusiast, a tour to the sanctuary is something of an absolute must. The natural vegetation, verdant hills and an artificial lake make a visit to this sanctuary an experience once in a lifetime. Thekkady also offers you opportunities to indulge in trekking, elephant rides and boating.
Experience the nature at its exuberant best at the hill resort of Munnar. Munnar abounds with the tea plantations, forests and the
For the nature and the animal lovers an excursion to Thekkady from Idukki is an excellent option. Thekkady has the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary where the plantations, jungles, mountains and an artificial lake come together with the fauna and avian to make the trip to the Tiger Reserve unforgettable. While at Thekkady you may also indulge in trekking, elephant rides and boating.
Entry timing: 0600 - 1800 hrs.
Loation:9.492408,77.225647
Periyar Lake:
This lake lies in the area of the Periyar Sanctuary. The boat cruise is one thing which offers the tourists to have a glance at the various panoramic sights of the sanctuary and the exciting encounter with giant elephants, bison, wild boars and many other species. This lake serves as the waterhole for the animals and they come here to drink or take a dip.
Boat cruises on the Periyar Lake:
Timings: 0700, 0930, 1130, 1400, 1600 hrs. Fare: Lower deck: Rs.50, Upper deck: Rs.90. The Forest Department (Ph:322028) and the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (Ph: 322023) conduct boating trips from Thekkady. Entrance fee at check post: Foreigners: Rs.50 (valid for one day), Domestic tourists: Rs.2
Boat cruises make the best option to check out the wilds of Periyar Sanctuary.Today the Periyar lake presents an excellent boating spot for tourists. Although it is unusual to see many animals from the boats, still you spot a family of Elephants, Wild Boar, and Sambar Deer by the water's edge. The upper deck is best for wildlife viewing when taking a boat cruise, but better turn up half an hour early to get the best seat. To maximise you chances, take the 7.00 am boat. You can also consider renting your own boat..
The sanctuary watch towers:
There are three watch towers for observing wild life - at Edappalayam and Manakkavala and Thannikudi. Reservations can be made at the Forest information Counter, Thekkady. Tel. : +91-486-322028.
Loation:9.492408,77.225647
Nature and Bird Watching Treks
Pearls South India TourismFounded by the Forest Department at Periyar sanctuary, these treks prove to be fascinating exercises amidst the rich bio diversity of the park. Tourists can avail the awe inspiring sights of the place with the support and proper guidance of the guides who are trained local tribesmen having the pulse of the place very well. The Pandikuzhi area, some 5 km from Thekkady, also offers great trekking experiences.
Mullaiperiyar Dam
Mullaperyiar dam was built by British in 1895. It stands on Peryiar river whose flow orginates from Thekkady.The dam was built mainly for watering the paddy fields of Tamil Nadu perenially drought - prone. Even though the dam is now in Kerala, most of the water in the reservoir is still released to Tamil Nadu and is cause for considerable political tensions between the two states.The dam is 175 feet tall in hight and is 5704 feet long.
Loation:9.492408,77.225647
Tribal Heritage Museum:
Five tribal communities live in the area like Mannans(Mannakudi),Palians(Paliyakudi) etc.Tribal people who were not long ago involved in firewood and minor forest produce collection through poaching have now changed stripe to serve as eco-tourist guides in the breath-taking Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) Sanctuary.Two hours Tribal Heritage Programme by the Reserve is there. The programme includes a trip to tribal hamlet and to Tribal Heritage Museum. Traditional fishing gear, hunting implements and indigenous medicinal plants displayed in the museum.
Kumily
This plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady, is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. An important shopping centre ans spice trade centre, the main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region are in Kumily.
Kumily : About 4 kms from Thekkady, this plantation town is closely associated with Thekkady. Situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary, Kumily is an important shopping centre and spice trade centre.
Kumily is located very close to Periyar in Kerala, South India and serves as the perfect base for going on wildlife safaris to the Periyar wildlife sanctuary in Kerala, India.
Kumily backwater tours with the travel website Kerala Tours offers to take you on the most stimulating and exhilarating backwater tours to Kerala, South India. Kumily in Kerala, South India has acres of spice plantations that can actually be seen while you are on your houseboat cruise along the Kumily backwaters.
Kumily is a growing town where tourism is fastly catching up just like the spice trade, the major occupation of this small town. The town is also well equipped with the excellent hotels and resorts for accommodation.
Laze on the rice barge, enjoy traditional Kerala cuisine and breathe in the crisp cool air, heavily laden with the scent of spices and watch the local village activities on the banks of the Kumily backwaters as you wade past them.
While on your Kumily backwater tours with the travel guide Kerala Tours you must embark from your houseboat and visit the local Kumily market that boasts of the best quality spices that you can find in Kerala, India.
For more on Kumily backwater tours to Kumily in Kerala, South India and information regarding online backwater tour booking please
fill up the query form provided on this web page.
Location:9.606483,77.164021
Cardomom Hills
Periyar and Kumily are the most convenient points from which visitors can easily explore Kerala's beautiful Cardamom hills. Guides will approach you with offers of trips via jeeps or taxis to the hills and if you can get a group together, these trips work out as a good travel value.
Murikkady (5 km from Thekkady)
Situated 5 kms from Thekkady. Washed in fresh spice scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.
Pandikuzhi (5 km from Kumily)
This is about 5 kms away 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.
Chellarkovil (15 km from Kumily)
Chellarkovil is a small village that is famous for its splendid panoramic views like lush landscapes and gurgling waterfalls. It is the place from which we would be able to have a look at the Chellarkovil waterfalls. The specialty of this waterfall is that the place from where the water starts falling belongs to Kerala and the place where the water touches the land belongs to Tamilnadu.The village is also well known for its vast coconut groves of Cumbum in neighbouring Tamil Nadu
Vandiperiyar (18 km from Thekkady)
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 Garden have a delightful array of roses, orchids and anthuria.
Location:9.579084, 77.075272
Ramakalmedu (40 km from Thekkady and 75 km from Munnar)
Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat. The hills top also offers a Panoramic view of picturesque villages of Bodi and Cumbum on the Eastern slop of the western ghats.
Shopping
Best quality black, white and green pepper, fenugneek, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, coriander and cloves get in nice packs at Thekkady abd Kumily.
Whether you buy exotic spices for your kitchen, trek through the gently rolling hills or cruise around the Lake Periyar, travel to Thekkady is a truly memorable experience.
Activities
Community based ecotourism - Bullock cart discoveries: Visit the farmlands of a village hidden in the valley behind the mountains of Periyar Tiger Reserve in a bullock cart. The village is rich in bird diversity (New explorations for a serious bird watcher, also wonderful beginning for a novice) With vineyards, diverse agricultural crops of mangoes, tamarind, onions, sunflower, jasmine and a score of other vegetables, the village will take your breath away when the guides start to interpret how farming has woven delicately with the culture and the life of the natives. To feel the slow pace of the village life, to be part of the innocence, to take away you between cock and stick fights, to quench the thirst with the nectar from tender coconuts. Conducted by a group of people who were encaged in sandalwood smuggling, later surrendered before the Forest Department .The profit from this programme goes to rehabilitate this group of people.
The programme:
The programme starts at 6 am in the morning and at 2.30 pm in the afternoon and is a half -day package.
Cost:
The package costs Rs.500/person, including breakfast.
Capacity per package –Maximum 9 person.
For information and booking on Community based Ecotourism Programmes:
tourism@periyartigerreserve.org
Tel. 91 4869 224571
Animals in Thekkady
Tiger Spotting:
In most of the sanctuaries the sighting of animals is luck or a matter of chance. But, at Thekkady Reserve the story is different. The chance to come across is plenty. Spotting a leopard, gaur, sambar or chital is usual. The majestic animal, gaur, is the largest size, weighing upto 1000 kgs, in Western Ghats. Sambar, the big among deer, is easily sighted in groups or singly. Chital is seen in groups only.
Cats and Dogs:
The dhole, or the wild dog, is a carnivore and large sambar is nothing for it. Their operation is during day time, making very easy to sight them. Small carnivores, such as, mongoose, marten, ratel and small cat, are easily seen. The nature of jungle is nocturnal, making it impossible to get in sight. Look for large ruddy mongoose. In winter it acquires brick- red coat, making it easy to spot and recognize..
Fly Sky-high:
Periyar is the paradise of bird watchers. The forests inside and the lake are their territory. Large species of natives and migrants co-exist here. To spot orange-headed grand thrush, forest wagtail and for other rare ones sign up for a bird trek.. If no time to trek, walk from main gate to the boat jetty early morning to have the belly filled.
Elephants Bath at Lake
The lake, encircled by hills is a bathing ghat for elephants. Herds of elephants bathing or playing are easily sighted. Go on a raft in the lake to watch the elephants in herds and to sight tigers (rarely).
Festivals
Mangala Devi Temple:
This ancient temple lies hidden in the dense woods at the top of a peak at about 1337m above the sea level. The architecture of the temple exhibits the traditional Kerala style.Visitors are allowed here only on the Chithra Pournami festival day
Shopping
Mainly the area of Thekkady is rich in tea and spice plantation and thus becomes a paradise for those who have the affinity to shop for these two items respectively. During shopping in Thekkady, the place offers immense variety of spices like- fenu greek, nutmeg, black, white and green pepper, rolls of cinnamon, coriander and cloves. The mouth watering banana chips, however, cannot be forgotten while your heavenly days of shopping in Thekkady
Spices:
Peermede Marketing Co-operative society Ltd., Thekkady Jn. Tel : 91-486-2322256
Handicrafts:
Grama silpa, Kumily Tel : 91-486-2322247
Kairali Handicrafts, Aranya Nivas Tel : 91-486-2322023
Book shops:
D.C. Books, Kumily Tel : 91-486-2322548
Nature shop: Wildlife Books, Ambady jn,. Kumily Tel : 91-486-2322763
Ranger Wood Nature shop, Thekkady Tel : 91-486-2322564
Ayurveda:
Sree Sankara Gardens Anakkara, Kumily Tel : 91-486-2362322
Shalimar Spice Gardern, Murikkady Tel : 91-486-2322132
Spice Village, Kumily Tel : 91-486-2322314
Peermede Marketing Co-operative society Ltd., Thekkady Jn. Tel : 91-486-2322256
Handicrafts:
Grama silpa, Kumily Tel : 91-486-2322247
Kairali Handicrafts, Aranya Nivas Tel : 91-486-2322023
Agriculture
Kumily, at the outskirts of Thekkady, is an important spice trading centre and handles a major share of the trade in pepper and cardamom. Besides being an auction centre, many wholesale and retail shops function here.
Cardomom:
Spice trade in Kerala dates back 7500 years. The Spice Coast of Malabar has found mention in ancient travelogues. And if chilli and pepper have been the hot favourites across time, the cardamom of Malabar is considered the best in the world. In fact, today only cardamom from Kerala is used for any medicinal purposes in the West.
Cardamom ( Elettaria cardamomum), apart from its medicinal qualities, has a pleasing flavour and aroma that makes it a chief condiment for tea, cool drinks, confectionaries and sweetmeats, vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. At 750-1000 m above sea level the wooded Western Ghats are the home of the cardamom. The hills of Idukki district, which is the main cultivator of the spice, are called Cardamom Hills.
India is the world's largest producer of cardamom and Kerala contributes the lion's share. Commonly used in the state (and in the country), cardamom is available at all provision stores, super markets and state owned emporia across the country. Though the standard price is around Rs. 500/kg to Rs. 600/kg it may vary depending on quality.
Pepper:
Recently one of our guests from Finland reported with great enthusiasm. ''Yesterday I fulfilled one of my greatest ambitions ....". He had visited a pepper plantation the previous day. Many of his friends too shared his excitement having seen the precious pepper in its natural habitat.
In Kerala pepper is cultivated in a mixed crop environment. In Wayanad, pepper is planted amongst coffee plantations, and cultivated on a large scale. Pepper is also a main item in most kitchen gardens of Kerala.
The spice-scented shores of Kerala have beckoned traders from time immemorial, and its allure continues to hold sway even today. The spices trade still dominates the commercial transactions of the State. India, the world's largest exporter of spices, realises three fourths of its total output from the rich plantations of Kerala.
Kerala's spice trade with Babylon and Egypt can be traced back to the 3rd millennium B.C. Cinnamon from Kerala was used in embalming the dead bodies of the Pharaohs and in the manufacture of perfumes and holy oils. King Solomon of Israel (1000 B.C) is recorded to have sent his ships to Kerala for spices. Cinnamon from Kerala first found its way to the Middle East through the Arabs.
Clove and Spices:
A common spice of Kerala, cloves are the dried floral buds of Eugenia caryophyllaeta. Keralites call it Grambu or Karayambu.
Clove is one of the key ingredient of 'garam masala' (spices in varying proportions roasted and powdered). Traditionally garam masala is prepared and preserved at home, but now masala in ready to use powder form is available under different brand names. Cloves are also used to flavour sweets.
Cloves are available in sealed packs, which can be preserved for years together, at any provision store in the state.
In addition to being a flavouring agent clove has medicinal value too. Clove oil is a balm for tooth ache - Even the crushed leaves of the clove tree give relief to tooth ache. Clove oil is also effective in the treatment of acidity and indigestion. Prices varies according to quality and seasons.
Natural Chips from Kerala:
Chips are a favourite snack with people of all ages, all over the world. Anyone would be familiar with Pringles potato chips, Bahl-Sen flavoured chips and a variety of French fries. And no one would deny the fact that once they begin to eat chips they can never stop.
In Kerala, our exotic cuisine offers a rare variety of natural chips - without artificial colours or added flavours. We make chips from unripe bananas, jack fruits, tapioca, potatoes etc. You can find chips makers all over the State. These crisp, salty, deep fried thin slices of vegetables are also made in the houses and the most common is the banana chips.
Prices vary according to that of the cooking oil, (usually coconut oils), bananas, jack fruits, tapioca, potatoes and so on.
Flora and Fauna
The place abounds in flora and fauna. The whole aura of the land does not bear semblance to any other wildlife sanctuary in the world. The ecological pattern of this place is quite magical and has the caliber to leave the visitors spellbound. Thekkady is the only gateway to the famous wildlife sanctuary of the South - the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Few years back the place was more known for elephant poaching but now the poachers have turned to be the protectors of animals. The visitors can also feel the excitement of meeting the tribal folks of the place. Apart from the sanctuary, there are plenty of tea and spice plantations that spread their aroma and can draw a lot many travellers thus making the place a wannabe.
Schools and Colleges and University
Schools:
Amalambika Convent English School
Thekkady
Periyar Dam B.O
Idukki, 685536
Kerala
Landmark: Near Check Post
Phone: 04869223422
ST.THERESA'S E.M.L.P.SCHOOL
SPRINGVALLEY,
KUMILY
NAZARANIPURAM,
IDY
Pin - 685 509
Off. Tel :
Res. Tel : 04862 232842
Syllabus:
Medium:
Adventure Sports
Trekking
Main trekking areas in Thekkady: Kurisumala near Kumily, Pullumedu, Ottakathalamedu near Kumily, Grampi near Vandiperiyar
The Forest Department conducts daily trels from the boat landing station at Thekkady to the Nellikkampetty area and Manakkavala. Starting: 0700 hrs. Fare: Rs.10 + entrance fee. Booking can be made with the Wildlife Preservation Officer, Thekkady (Ph:0486-322027, 322028)
Accommodation
The stay at Thekkady Tourist Home Periyar becomes cozy by the facilities rendered by the hotel. The large, spacious and airy rooms makes your stay comfortable and fresh. The service rendered by the trained staffs of the hotel ensures total customer satisfaction for the customers
Banks & ATMs
State Bank of Travancore, near bus stand, Kumily Tel : 91-486-2322041
Central Bank of India, Central Jn., Kumily Tel : 91-486-2322053
State Bank of Travancore, Peermede Tel : 91-486-2332033
Hospitals
Periyar Hospital, KK Road, Kumily Tel : 91-486-2322045
Central Hospital, Thekkady Jn, Kumily Tel : 91-486-2322045
St. Augustine Hospital, Spring Valley, Kumily Tel : 91-486-2322042
Other Services
Plantation Tours
Plantation tours are arranged from the District Tourism Information Office at Thekkady Junction in Kumily (Ph:0486-322620). Tours cover cardamom, pepper, coffee and tea plantations, tea factories, tribal settlements and the surrounding hill regions.
Other Contact numbers
Permits
Deputy Director, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady. Tel: 04869 - 222027, 222028
Communication
Post and Telegraph Office,Central Jn., Kumily Tel : 91-486-2322031
Post and Telegraph Office,Entrance Check Post Post Tel : 91-486-2322021
Internet / Email service : Tel : 91-486-2322103
DC Books, Kumily Tel : 91-486-2322548
For information and booking on Community based Ecotourism Programmes:
tourism@periyartigerreserve.org Tel. 91 4869 224571
General Info : mail@periyartigerreserve.org
Key Contacts:
Field Director (Project Tiger)
Office of the Field Director
S H Mount, Kottayam - India
Pin:686 006
Tel: 91-481-2311740
E-mail:fd@periyartigerreserve.org
Deputy Director (Periyar East)
Periyar Tiger Reserve
Thekkady, Kerala, India.
Pin: 685 536
Tel: 91-4869-222027
Fax: 91-4869-223750
E-mail: dd@periyartigerreserve.org
Deputy Director (Periyar West)
Periyar Tiger Reserve
Peermedu, Kerala, India.
Tel: 91-4869-232010
Fax: 91-4869-232010
E-mail: ddwest@periyartigerreserve.org
Assistant Field Director
Periyar Tiger Reserve
Thekkady, Kerala, India.
Pin: 685 536
Tel: 91-4869-222027
Fax: 91-4869-223750
E-mail: afd@periyartigerreserve.org
Distance Chart
Sl No Place Distance
1 Sulthanbathery 518 km
2 Palakkad 293 km
3 Munnar 100 km
4 Kumarakom 128 km
5 Kozhikode 356 km
6 Kovalam 269 km
7 Kottayam 114 km
8 Kollam 220 km
9 Kappad 372 km
10 Kanyakumari 341 km
11 Kannur 449 km
12 Kaladi 221 km
13 Guruvayoor 242 km
14 Cochin 192 km
15 Bekel 512 km
16 Alleppey 164 km
17 Trissur 213 km
18 Trivandrum 253 km
19 Kodaikanal 150 km
Tips & Information for the tourists
Short Description
Long Description
Climate
General Information
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Locations close by
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Periyar Lake
Nature and Bird Watching Treks
Mullaiperiyar Dam
Kumily
Cardomom Hills
Murikkady
Pandikuzhi
Mangala Devi
Chellarkovil
Vandiperiyar
Ramakalmedu
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Activities
Animals in Thekkady
Festivals
Shopping
Agriculture
Flora and Fauna
Schools and Colleges and University
Adventure Sports
Accommodation
Banks & ATMs
Hospitals
Other Services
Other Contact numbers
Distance Chart
Tips & Information for the tourists
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Links
hotels