Thekkady, one the Kerala’s numerous exotic destinations is doubtlessly a nature lover’s paradise. Home to the world famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, this incredible town is rich in so many attractions and allures that it is really hard to resist, not visiting Thekkady if one happens to visit Kerala. From exciting bamboo rafting to thrilling night patrols through thick jungles and from exotic heritage walks to learning about spice plantations, there are numerous things do in Thekkady, Kerala.
Periyar wildlife sanctuary
Enveloped by the beautiful Cardamom Hills and located close to the spice plantations, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the most popular tourist spot in Thekkady. Since the time of it being declared a tiger reserve in 1978, the sanctuary has played an important part in the conservation of tigers. It now stands one of the most important sites to view these fierce beasts in their natural habitat.
Beside tigers, the place is also well known for its diverse variety flora and fauna and wonderful scenic sights. Other endearing views are the rare species dwelling in and around the park. These species, like the Sāmbhar Deer, Wild Pigs, Nilgiri Langur, Small Travancore Flying Squirrel, Stripe Necked Mongoose, Nilgiri Marten and many more can be seen moving around and make an exotic scene.
The wildlife sanctuary remains open from 6 AM to 6 PM and on a meagre entry charges, one can enjoy exciting and surreal views natural surroundings, making an incredible vacation.
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Leisure cruise on the Periyar
These boat rides offered by Kerala Tourism Department Corporation (KTDC) are a great way to spot and sightsee wildlife located around the river. Depending upon the strength of the group, travelers can opt for small as well as large boats.
The rides offer a great alternative to guided walks. Within the calming and peaceful surroundings of Thekkady, the likes of which are abundant in the region, the cruise is a great way to enjoy the beautiful sceneries of nature.
Numerous different species, including elephants can be seen drinking water from the lake. The cruise is especially popular with couples on honeymoon and families with kids. The boat trips are usually 90 minutes long and if you also want to see wildlife, then period from October to March is the best time to visit.
Become the jungle guard for a night
Night patrols in the forests of Thekkady along with forest guards is an adventure worth cherishing for a lifetime. The activity, although full of excitement and thrill, also essentially highlights the need of forest conservation. Tourists are made to experience the challenges faced by forest guards to keep poachers at bay. They also feel as if they are themselves contributing their bit in the conservation efforts.
Jungle patrols are usually conducted from 7 PM and 4 AM and the hikers are escorted by protection watchers and armed guards. The unpredictability of nocturnal walks and anytime chance of sighting a fierce tiger, make these patrols highly sought after with tourists, especially the foreign travelers.
While keeping themselves protected all the time, the hikers are compelled to keep their senses on alert all the time. This is a stimulating walk, the experience of which should not be missed.
Ride the majestic elephant
Elephant rides in Thekkady are not only common but also quite popular. In addition to these rides being available around Periyar National Park, visitors can also enjoy them at numerous other locations like coffee and tea plantations.
Elephant ride let the tourists have wonderful vantage point to enjoy amazing picturesque views of the surrounding lush greenery. Letting them breathe in the enchanting aroma of coffee, elephant rides take the tourists to those regions which are otherwise inaccessible to vehicular traffic.
The rides typically furnish the feel of a bygone era. Tourists sit on a large howdah, protected overhead by an umbrella and accompanied by a trained guide. The activity normally lasts around 30 minutes and is full of fun and fascinating experience.
Bamboo Rafting
This, one of the best and most popular adventure activities in Thekkady, takes the excitement of rafting to the next level. Spanning for nearly three hours, the rafting route takes you through some of the most picturesque views within the forests. A panorama of diverse sights awaits the travelers as the excursion involves trekking as well.
As you go deep within the forest with a guide, you come across diverse exotic flora and fauna, evoking wonder and excitement. As your excursion ends, another rafting ride waits you to take you back. Bamboo Rafting typically starts at 8.00 AM in the morning and ends at 5.00 in the evening.
Throughout the way, one can see animals such as elephant, gaur, Sāmbhar and other exotic species. There is also an option of stay in the forest, if one wants to extend their adventure to have more thrilling experiences.
Nature Walk
The nature trails in Thekkady are not only diverse and different, but they are one of the most beautiful routes for such an adventure. The stretches are dispersed all over with wonderful flora and fauna and diverse species of bird and colorful butterflies can be found. The path also passes through picturesque evergreen and moist deciduous forests.
These wonderful nature walks are organized in the spans of three hours and are usually organized from 7 AM and 10.30 AM and another walk from 2.00 PM. Accompanied by a tribal travel guide, a maximum number of 5 people can go for this incredible excursion. The Nature Walks nevertheless is an excellent opportunity to get close to the nature and experience its vibrant and diverse hues.
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Mangala Devi Temple
This 1,000 year old temple is a wonderful place, which displays the amazing connection that India’s religious structures have with legends and tales. The legend that is associated with Mangala Devi Temple is about a woman named Kannaki. She took the revenge upon town of Madurai by burning it down when her husband was falsely accused of theft and was killed. She later on transformed herself into a divine Lady by showering her blessings upon the town.
The temple is located in the dense woods of the forests of Thekkady. Besides being an important site for pilgrimage, the area around the temple is full of wonderful views of lush greenery and exotic fauna. Located 7 kilometers from Pazhiyankudi in Theni and 15 km from Thekkady in Idukki.
Mangala Devi Temple is famous for its exotic Pandayan architecture. However to visit the temple premises, one need prior permission from the wildlife warden of the Thekkady. Nevertheless, the temple is set is a beautiful surroundings and it’s a wonderful experience to visit this amazing place.
Follow the tiger
Get an experience of a lifetime with ex-poachers of the Periyar National Park. These poachers, now guides will guide you to “meet” the king of the forests. The tiger walks are designed according to the personalized preferences of the adventurers. However, a normal group include 5 visitors, 5 guides and 2 forest officials.
Apart from tigers, which the lucky ones could sight, one can also see other animals like nilgiri Langur, an elephant and other diverse species of birds and butterflies. These tiger walks, in addition to having an exotic fun element are also educational in nature in the sense that they make the visitors aware of the need for conservation. These, nevertheless, hold ample interest and popularity with the tourists and is a must-have experience.
Jeep Safari in Thekkady
One of the most exciting, off the beat wilderness retreat activity in Thekkady, the Jeep Safari is organized up to Gavi. The safari is especially popular with nature enthusiasts because of the wonderful views that one finds on the way. These safari programs, which takes place from 6 AM to 5 PM also include breakfast and lunch for the visitors.
The excursion is doubtlessly very exciting as the trail passes through marvelous thick vegetation covers, cascading waterfalls, dense aromatic spice plantations and clean and fresh air. This is one of the adventure that definitely should not be missed as one visits Thekkady.
Visit the town of tea factories
There are many tea plantations located around Vandiperiyar town, which stands today as an important trading center, hosting several tea processing factories. The Periyar River, which flows through the center of the town, nourishes these plantations. Along with these, the Government Agriculture Farm and Flower Gardens have also maintained wonderful areas of rose, orchids and anthuriam plantations.
The place is located nearly 60 km away from Kottayam and is a relaxing as well as an educational place to be. Visitors not only get to learn tea making process, from picking farm leaves to final production, but they also get to taste diverse flavors and choose their favorites. One must try and endeavor this amazing place, at least once, if they happen to be in Thekkady.
Visit to Ramakkalmedu
Essentially a small hill station and a hamlet, the exotic views of sunset and wide expansive plains are just amazing in Ramakkalmedu. Also the views from the hill top in Ramakkalmedu are just mesmerizing. The wind gusts over this place have a record speed of 35 km per hour and is highest in Asia. Moreover, climbing the hillock, the site offers excellent view of the towns of Theni, Kombe, Thevaram, Cumbum, Uthamapalayam, Vaiga and Bodinayakanur.
According to some legends, the place got its name when Lord “Rama” set His foot on a rock by the virtue of which it got the name Rama-Kal-Medu. In any case, the location is a great spot to relax and unwind while enjoying the open and fresh ambience of the surroundings.
Border Hiking
Passing through pristine and virgin territories, the Border Hiking excursion is a conservation oriented adventure. The hike begins at 8.00 AM in the morning and conclude in the evening. One can find several exotic species of animals like Gaur, Sloth Bear, elephants etc. as well as numerous varieties of birds and butterflies.
Border hiking can be undertaken by a maximum of 10 tourists at a time. These trekkers have to take along two guides and an armed forest guard mandatorily. The trek passes through the altitudes, from 900 meters to 1,300 meters and is a memorable experience for the trekkers of all ages.
Tribal heritage program
Tribal Heritage program is a wonderful way to come closer to and understand the social and cultural heritage of the tribal communities of Kerala. The basic objective behind organizing such programs to make the tourists aware and be sensitive to apparently lesser known and unknown tribes of Kerala. The tribal heritage program involves walks through the tribal villages around Periyar National Park. Visitors are normally accompanied by a tribal guide.
One of the key attractions in these unique walks is the Tribal Museum that showcases diverse cultural traditions of these people. It exhibits items and artefacts pertaining to ancient agricultural practices, cultural events, marriage ceremonies, ceremonies and rituals.
Here, one will also find various paraphernalia related to tribal people such as fishing gear, bamboo furniture, hunting weaponry, indigenous medicines and much more. One definitely gets a lot to learn about anthropology and history of tribal communities under this program.
Visit to Chellarkovil Waterfalls
Located 15 km north to Thekkady and Kumil at Anakkara panchayat, Chellarkovil Waterfalls is a wonderful destination to relax and unwind. One of the best places in Kerala for trekking, the facilities organized by the Kerala State Forest Department is an added bonus for enjoying the wonderful atmosphere.
Besides, the department also organizes numerous ecotourism activities such as views from high wooden watchtowers, spice and Ayurveda gardens, border trekking etc.
The enchanting waterfalls are the true treat to the eyes. The place is one of the best locations to enjoy trekking as well as many other adventure activities. The neighboring village stretches beyond in Tamil Nadu and looks awesomely mesmerizing. It is definitely a great place to enjoy your day out.
Learn about Kerala spice plantation
The land of Kerala is known for abundant tea, coffee and spice plantations. And Thekkady, in particular, is widely known for its pepper, cardamom, vanilla and other similar spices. In addition to viewing and enjoying these expansive lush green sites, one can also learn a great deal about methods of their cultivation, maintenance and reaping. Also, one can revel in great deal of other activities like learning how to make rubber from the latex that oozes out from the trees.
Kerala has a long and ancient tradition of spice trade which can be traced back to thousands of years. It is still widely perceived to be the spice capital of the world. The locals, including the farmers are more than ready to share their knowledge with the tourists, which makes the excursion a pleasure as well as a learning adventure for travelers.
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