Periyar National Park

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 777 km2 (300 sq mi), of which 360 km2 (140 sq mi) is thick evergreen forest. The wildlife sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve in 1978. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. The greatest attractions of Periyar are the herds of wild elephants, deer and bison that come down to drink in the lake. The sanctuary can be accessed through a trekking, boating or jeep safari.

It is spread across an area of 300 square miles, Periyar National Park is covered by lush evergreen and deciduous forests serving as home to various animals such as deer, elephants, sambar, Nilgiri Langurs, etc.

Periyar Tiger Trail

The trek route passes through hills and valleys with a variety of tropical plans and wide open spaces. En route, vegetarian meals will be prepared and served and country tents will be pitched for holing up in the night. Remember to listen to unusual and strange adventure stories of the former poachers, now your guides and protectors of the forests. Tiger Trail has become immensely popular internationally and provides livelihood for 13 ex-poachers. It has also contributed substantially in keeping vigil in the most vulnerable parts of the Tiger Reserve.

Bamboo Rafting

Bamboo Rafting at Thekkady is one of the best exciting program, Periyar tiger reserve. It is a splendid eco-friendly, entertainment program for the nature-lovers who visit Thekkady. Bamboo rafting is a full day program from morning 8AM to 5PM. Each team comprising ten tourists will be accompanied by an armed forest guard and four guides. Most of these guides belong to the tribal communities, who are familiar with every nook and corner of these dense forests.

Thekkady Lake

The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. There are a few watch towers inside Periyar Tiger Reserve which are excellent for viewing wildlife. Thekkady is famous for Asian Elephants, Tigers, Gaurs, Sambars, Lion-tailed Macaques, Nilgiri Langurs, Wild Boars, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Stripe-necked Mongoose, Wild Dogs, Sloth Bears, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Civet, Nilgiri Tahr, etc. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can watch wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat from the lake. The main attraction of the sanctuary is group of wild elephants that come to play in the lake.

Border Hiking

Border hiking is another one among the best things to do in Thekkady. Daily two groups of 10 hikers each are taken through long wildlife conservation treks. Each group is accompanied by 2 guides and an armed forest guard. Trekking to altitudes of 900 m – 1300 m, the trekkers can glimpse the lofty slopes bordering the park and the vast plains. The hikers can spot several species of birds and animals during their trek.

Pandikuzhi

Sandwiched between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border Pandikuzhi makes an important excursion point for every tourists visiting Thekkady. Here one can watch picturesque spectrum of nature’s flora, fauna and pure white streams. A considerable number of visitors come to this place every year. Being an ideal picnic, trekking, and photographic spot, this is a perfect weekend getaway for the localities also.

Mangala Devi Temple

The panoramic view of ancient Mangala Devi temple perched on the hillock is wonderful. The temple located 15 km away from Thekkady is built in the Pandian style of Kerala architecture.

The Architectural beauty of this quaint temple stands in the dense forest at the top of a peak about 1337 m above sea level and is on the fringe of the Tamil Nadu-Kerala boundary.

Tribal Heritage Museum

There are five tribal communities live in the Periyar area. You can see their belongings in the Tribal Heritage Museum here during the Tribal Heritage Programme organised by the reserve. One can see traditional fishing gear, hunting implements and indigenous medicinal plants. This is an interesting as well as informative trip.