Located in Idukki, Thekkady is a small village in Kerala, set amidst spice plantation but more known for its Periyar Wildlife Reserve. Nevertheless its size, it allures a huge number of tourists every year. The reason behind this is that it is the only gateway to the famous wildlife sanctuary of the south – the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Thekkady is the instance of nature’s bounty with enchanting scenic charm, rich biodiversity containing thick jungle and rich plantation.
186 km south east of Kochi and 114 kms away from Kottayam this amazing place lies on the Western Ghats is approximately 4000-5000 ft above sea-level, sprawled over an area of 777 Sq.km. Periyar is classified among one of 27 tiger reserves in India. Thekkady is an awesome combo of nature and culture. In fact it is a pleasant paradise on earth for those who love nature in its wild manifestations.
This sanctuary is centered around the large (24 sq km) artificial lake formed by a dam across the Periyar river. The main attraction here is a boat ride over this man-made lake of Thekkady. Other attractions here lie in the trekking inside the sanctuary and in the elephant rides. Though the Periyar is famous for herds of wild elephants, one can also spot gaur, sambar deer, tiger, jungle cat, sloth bear and wild boar which can be sighted from the boats. There are about 265 species of birds including migrants, which make boat rides more lyrical. Deep inside the forest there is a ruined stone temple known as Mangla Devi Temple is another attraction in the Periyar. A trip to Thekkady would be incomplete if you do not go for a plantation tour.
In Thekkady there is a Tribal Heritage Museum built inside the Mannan settlement which exhibit several artifacts related to antique agricultural practices, marriage ceremonies, cultural events, dress code, rituals and death ceremonies like fishing gear, indigenous medicine, hunting weaponry, and vessels, cereals, medicinal herbs and bamboo furniture. Thus one can find Thekkady a melting pot of culture and nature.
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