Tourist Destinations

THEKKADY

THEKKADY WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Thekkady ( Periyar Wild lifeSanctuary ) It is one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries of thecountry and is also India's southern most tiger reserve. The sanctuarysprawls over an area of 777 sq. km. near a vast and attractive lake. The 26 sq. km. artificial lake was built by the British in 1895, to provide water to the temple town of Madurai in Tamilnadu. The sanctuary was created in 1934, by the old Travancore State Govt. It was designated as a part of 'Project Tiger' in 1973. The sanctuary is well known for viewing all aspects of elephantine. Besides tiger and elephants, Thekkady is a heaven for a wild life like bison, sambar, wild boar, spotted deer, leopard, Malabar flying squirrel, stripe necked mongoose, black Nilgiri kangurs, etc. There is also a rich variety of reptiles and amphibian. The sanctuary has over 265 species of birds, which includes the migrant birds. The park area is also full of floral wealth,

PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

One of the major attractions in Thekkady is this fantastic sanctuary, which is also a tiger reserve, that is spread across an area of 777 sq. km, around the man-made lake of Thekkady. The sanctuary is also home to the endangered lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, elephant, sambar, gaur, deer, Indian bison and bear.

PERIYAR LAKE

This placid lake is located near the Periyar national reserve. Tourists can go for boating and enjoy the serene surroundings. If you are lucky you may even get a chance to see herds of elephants bathing on the lakeside.

KUMILY

A very pleasant and warm town, nestled between cardamom hills, Kumily is an interesting tourist destination in Idukki district. Enveloped by tea and spice plantations, this town is a must-visit to understand the rural lifestyle of the region. Tourists can enjoy typical Kerala cuisine also in this town.

MANGALA DEVI TEMPLE

An ancient temple (almost 2000 years old) designed in Pandian style of architecture, this temple is dedicated to Devi Kannagi or Mangala and is at a distance of about 15 km from Thekkady. Situated on the top of a cliff and surrounded by trees, this temple is visited by many pilgrims. Please note that it is necessary to get permission from the wildlife authorities in Thekkady to visit the area.

VANDANMEDU

This town is very popular as an auction center for cardamom spice. The whole town is filled with plantations of cardamom. The aroma of cardamom in the air of this town is exhilarating. Guided tours are available for those who are interested in learning about cardamom cultivation in detail.

PULLUMEDU

Pullumedu or ‘green meadows’, is a small charming town situated on the banks of the Periyar River. As the name suggests this place is filled with scenic green canopy. This is a good spot to go for picnic and relax in peace. The famous Shabarimala Ayyappa temple can be viewed from here. Prior permission from the forest officials is required to visit this place.