Thekkady

Introduction

Thekkady, which is known for its herds of Asian elephants, offers something for everyone. Combine a diverse environment with a National Park for wildlife aficionados, verdant hills, lush forests, waterfalls, a variety of streams and water bodies, aromatic spice plantations, energizing panoramic views, and the abundance of nature as it once was, and you have the perfect vacation destination. This and more are available in Thekkady. It’s a well-liked and well-known tourist attraction for couples on their honeymoon and travelers alike, and it’s situated in God’s own country, Kerala. Although there are currently about forty tigers living in the Reserve, visitors rarely see them. The tigers are reclusive and try to avoid the human gaze. Asiatic elephants are a common sighting and please the guests to no end; this is the best place to observe this family of Asiatic elephants. Visit a spice village Thekkady is highly recommended to get a round flavor of the place.

OVERVIEW

Location: Idduki District, Kerala

Nearest Airport: Cochin airport

How to reach: 4.5 hours drive from Cochin airport

Famous for: Periyar national park and spice plantations

Best time to visit: October to April

WHAT TO SEE

Mammals: Tiger, Indian Elephant, Leopard, Leopard Cat, Indian Gaur, sambar deer, barking deer, mouse deer, Dholes

Birds: Nilgiri Wood Pigeons, Black-winged Kite, Blue-winged Parakeets, Great Indian Hornbill, White-bellied Tree Pies, Laughing Thrushes, Fly Catchers, Darters, Cormorants, Barbets and Plovers

Details

Periyar National Park is a distinctive and beautiful tourist destination due to its location on the banks of the River Periyar. Here in the Park, you’ll have one of your finest chances to see wildlife. Thekkady’s Park offers a picturesque setting with outstanding flora. It would be impossible for you to keep your camera lens out of the scene. The fauna is plentiful, diversified, and special. 59 different species of animals and 264 different bird species may be found in Periyar; these are impressive figures. The elephants are the main draw because they can be seen the most by visitors, but other creatures, like the Eurasian otters, contribute to the pleasure by keeping visitors occupied for hours. People think them to be a very endearing species, especially when they stand on their hind legs to scan the area for danger. It makes sense that any photographer’s favorite subject is the endearing Eurasian otter. The beautiful and cunning tigers that live in the Periyar National Park compete for prey with bands of wild dogs, commonly known as Dhole. You can always hear their incessant yips and whistles from across the lakes and throughout the park, whenever they communicate with one another during a planned hunt. Their packs are well-organized and coordinated. The gaurs or wild bison, who separate themselves from the other animals and wander throughout the grassland areas, are in contrast to their herd mentality. The wild bison live peaceful lives and are commonly seen by tourists on boat cruises along the slopes, grazing in the field. You’ll need to be patient and wait outside at nighttime near the woodland rest houses if you want to see porcupines and wild boars. These creatures frequently visit these rest stops in search of food and frequently inspect the trash close by. Because of the enormous diversity of birds that live there, Periyar National Park is a fantastic tourist destination for birders. Fish-eating Great Cormorants, Darters (birds that resemble snakes), Ospreys, Woolly-necked Storks, and Changeable Hawk Eagles live in the park. If you ask your guide to simply cruise the boat with the engine off so that it is quiet enough to hear the sounds, you may even be able to see or at least hear Hill Mynas, orioles, and drongos. To get the most out of your trip to Thekkady, choose between bamboo rafting and the one- to two-hour boat safari offered by the government down the Periyar River.

Abraham’s Spice Garden- The Kerala spices village is located between Thekkady and Kottam. Abraham’s Spice Garden is essentially large, and everything is produced organically. You’ll enjoy the quaint scent of all the spices mixing in the air, as well as the picturesque view the gardens offer. Perfect place for inquisitive visitors, the spice garden is famous for Ayurveda, organic farming, and spice cultivation. Locals often refer to these spice gardens as spice village Thekkady.

Murikkady- An exhilarating tourist spot located in Thekkady, Murikaddy provides an opportunity for the perfect picnic trip. Take your family, friends, or fellow nature lovers to visit the vast spice plantations that stretch as far as the eye can see, with strong scents stimulating the senses. Try and catch the whiff of coffee, pepper, and cardamom. If this wasn’t a deal-maker, there is an entire chain of hills and beautiful gardens that make the picnic spot a perfect one. If you’ve been longing for a day out that brings you closer to nature, you’ve picked the right place!

Pandikuzhi- A scenic hill station with an enthralling view, Pandikuzhi is no less than a gorgeous tourist place in Thekkady itself. Located between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border, at a mere 5 km distance from Thekkady village, the hill station offers solace and peace. Take a break from the rat race of the city and its traffic, by visiting this tranquil tourist spot. The gushing waterfalls, diverse flora and fauna, and natural ambiance will sweep you off your feet. As soon as you step here, you’ll sense a change- you’ll feel more relaxed and alive than you’ve ever felt as the virgin environs fill you with a burst of energy.

Chellarkovil Viewpoint- Thekkady is filled with tourist spots that provide much-needed relief from our busy lives. Chellarkovil Viewpoint is one such picturesque place, abundant with scenic spots and views of nature. Watch the sunset and the sky change hues to become orange and red, with green hills standing firm and rigid as white cotton clouds shield the tips of gigantic mountains. The entire place is riddled with waterfalls, bamboo forests, ploughed fields, colorful human settlements, and dense forests. Go on a walk by yourself, or go trekking- whatever you do, it’ll be a memorable experience. Explore the wondrous Chellarkovil Viewpoint.