Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady

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

Things to do in Thekkady

Liesure cruise on the Periyar
Boat rides are offered by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) and the Kerala Forest Department for sightseeing and spotting wildlife around the river. You can opt for a small or a big boat and pay accordingly.
Become the jungle guard for a night
Go for a night patrol with the forest authorities accompanied and forest guards.
Enjoy the bullock cart ride
Stop your car engine, ride up on a bullock cart and traverse through the village lanes: take a break from the mechanical bondage and experience life in its simplest form!
Follow the tiger
Feel like a huntsman for a day! The ex-poachers of Periyar National Park will guide you to an experience of a lifetime. Their tailor-made programs allow groups to venture into the whole forest till sunset. The group includes 5 visitors, 5 guides and 2 forest officials. Spot a nilgiri Langur, meet an elephant and encounter the tiger!
Go range hiking from dawn to dusk
Have a day full of enjoyment from sunrise to sunset with the hiking and rafting programs of Periyar Tiger Reserve. The curriculum includes 10 visitors who would be guided by armed and guides.
Visit the town of tea factories
Periyar River nurtures the plantations of tea, farmed around Vandiperiyar town. Today the place has become a major trade center with a number of tea processing factories.
Learn about Kerala spice plantation
The fertile land of Kerala has an abundance of tea, coffee and spice plantation of various sizes. Thekkady is especially known for its the cardamom, pepper, vanilla etc. Also learn how to make natural rubber from latex oozing out of rubber trees.
Shop for spices
There are number of shops selling organic garden fresh spices in this region at reasonable rates. Take back as much as you can; also choose small packets that can be used as souvenirs
Ride the majestic elephant

Elephant rides are very common and popular in Thekkady. They are available not only in the Periyar Tiger Reserve but also in the various spice plantation compounds.
Be one with nature

Among the many programs arranged at the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the Nature Walk is a trail that takes one through dense deciduous forests and swampy grasslands. A local tribal guide will accompany a group of 5 persons and venture into a perfect exploration.

Places to Visit in Thekkady

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Located by the side of the river Periyar, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the main attraction of Thekkady. Spread over an area of about 777 sq km with about 360 sq. km of which is thick evergreen forest, the sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Apart from the tigers, the fauna of the park includes wild elephant, gaur, sambar deer, wild boar, Nilgir Tahr, lion tailed macaque, bonnet macaque, Malabar giant squirrel, flying squirrel, tiger, jungle cat, sloth bear, hornbill, stork, woodpecker, kingfisher, raptor, cormorant, grackle, darter, cobra, viper, krait, monitor lizards, frogs, toads, masheer (famous and endangered game fish of India) and otter. Noted for its geo-morphological 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
Periyar Lake :

The lake of the Periyar wildlife sanctuary makes an important site to visit in Thekkady. This splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. A wonderful palace located in the heart of the Periyar Lake attracts a lot of visitors. The greatest attraction of Periyar Lake however is the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.
Murikkady

Located at a distance of just 5 kilometres from Thekkady, Murikkady is another important site to visit. Murikkady is particularly famous for its panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations. A must visit to include in your excursion itinerary. This vantage view point is located at a distance of 5km from Thekkady.
Pandikuzhi

Another picturesque spectrum of nature's flora, fauna and gurgling streams is Pandikuzhi.Sandwiched between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border, it makes an important excursion point for every tourists visiting Thekkady. Being an ideal picnic, trekking, and photographic spot, it is also the favourite day and weekend destination for the localities as well
Peermede :

Located at a distance of 44 kilometres from Thekkady, Peermede is an important excursion destination one should not miss. Peermede is situated at an altitude of 915 -1100 m above sea level and is a famous plantation town. Thrissanku Hills (a haunt of trekkers and picnickers), Mausoleum of the Sufi saint, the summer palace of the royal family, residence of the Diwan, and the many lofty peaks and streams are some of the other major attractions of this place.Peeremede and its surroundings are suitable for trekking, cycling and horse riding. Kuttikanam a place for adventure tourism and trekking is just 3 km from Peeremede.
Chellarkovil

The sleepy wind-stricken village of verdant landscape and cascading waterfalls. This village offers a bird's eye view of the extensive coconut groves of Kamabam and the palins of Theni in neihbouring Tamil Nadu.
Vandiperiyar

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 Gardens have a delightful array of rose plants, orchids and anthurium.
Calvary Mount

Both a pilgrim destination and trekiking track. The view of Idukki Arch Dam from here is sure to enthrall you. The State Forest Department conducts trekking expeditions exploring the wilds.
Managala Devi temple

The temple dedicated to Kannaki is situated on the top of a hill in Periyar Tiger Reserve. You have to cover 12kms of rough forest road to reach here. The temple opens only once in a year for the public during the annualchithrapournami festival.
Gavi

The picturesque place of many choices; trekking, bird watching, outdoor camping and boating. Heading towards Gavi by Periyar Tiger Reserve is a thrilling experience as the ride goes past hills and valleys, tropical forests and abundant plantations giving you the closest look at wildlife.
Ramakalmedu

This mountain peak that overlooks eastern slpoes of the Western Ghats and the vast plains of Tamil Nadu. The place owes its name to the tale that the lord Sree Rama, the Hindu mythological god had set his foot on this rock. Also, Kerala's biggest statue, Kuravan & Kurathy treats you here. The rocks, between which the Idukki Arch Dam was built, are named Kuravan & Kurathy,two histrical characters of the local comminity.
Parumthumpara

From the top of a cliff here, enjoy the panoramic view of forests and plantations seen as and endless carpet of greenery. It is a very beautiful place just five Kilometer away from Peermade and ten Kilometer away from Vandiperiyar.It looks like a vast stretch of rook spotted with lush green grass.The word parunth in the local language means Eagleand para means rock.It is called Parunthumpara or eagle rock because we can see a large area around like an eagle could see from height.
Ottakathalamedu

An off-beat trekking spot. With the guidance of Tourist Amenity Centre here, you can explore nature and go adventurous.
Kurisumala

A trekker's paradise and the highest peak in Thekkady. Literally means the 'mountain of the cross', this hill offers a panoramic view of surroundings including a glimpse of Periyar Lake, Kumily town and vast areas of nehbouring Tamil Nadu state. 3 km from Vazhikkadavu is this renowned Christian pilgrim centre where hundreds of devotees from far and near converge during the holy week and after, to climb the hill in faith, carrying small wooden crosses
Pullumedu

The winding journey to this hill along the Periyar River, offers a stunning view of hills draped in lush greenery. Velvet lawns and rare flora and fauna add to the beauty of Pullumedu. The famous Sree Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala and the Makara Jyothi illuminations at the shrine are visible from here.

How to reach Thekkady ?

Nearest railway station: Kottayam Railway Station, about 110 km from Thekkady
Nearest airport: Madurai, about 140 km and Cochin International Airport, about 190 km from Thekkady

Route Map - Thekkady

To know more about the tourism activities in Periyar

Contact details:
Field Director (Project Tiger)
Office of the Field Director
S. H. Mount, Kottayam
Kerala, India - 686 006
Tel: +91 481 2311740
Email:fd@periyartigerreserve.org
Website: www.periyartigerreserve.org

Deputy Director (Periyar East)
Periyar Tiger Reserve
Thekkady
Kerala, India - 685 536
Tel: +91 4869 222027
Email: dd@periyartigerreserve.org

Image Gallery - Thekkady