ABOUT THEKKADY (PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY):

• Picturesque Periyar, the ‘Pride of Kerala’ is one of the largest and most frequented sanctuaries in the country.
• Sanctuary created in 1934, by the old Travancore state government, covers an area of 777 sq. kms at the Cardamom Hills region of the Western Ghats.
• Designated as a part of ‘Project Tiger’ in 1973 and is southernmost tiger reserve of the country.
• 26 sq. kms Periyar Lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River further enhance the beauty of the park.
• Innumerable little islets in the bear testimony to the inherent relationship between the terrestrial, aquatic and submarine life forms.
• Boat cruise on the waters of the lake is the best way to enjoy the pristine beauty of the park and view the wildlife from close quarters.
• Watching herds of wild elephants, gaur, sambar and wild pigs etc., wander to the lake-side to quench their thirst is an unforgettable experience.
• Hot and dry months of March and April are the best time to view the wildlife by a boat cruise, as animals tend to spend a lot of time near the lake.
• Sanctuary is also well known for viewing all aspects of elephantine.
• Besides elephants and tiger, it is a safe haven for bison, sambar, wild boar, spotted deer, leopard, Malabar flying squirrel, stripe necked mongoose, black Nilgiri langurs, Nilgiri tahr etc.
• There is also a rich variety of reptiles, amphibians and birds.
• Park area is full of floral wealth, with over 1965 flowering plants including 171 grass species, 143 species of orchids and the only South Indian conifer Podocarpus wallichianus.
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MODE OF COMMUNICATION:

• Airport: Cochin International Airport, Kochi (COK), 190 kms away from Thekkady town.
• Rail: Kottayam Railway Station, Kottayam, 119 km away from Thekkady town.
• Road: Well connected by road.

SIGHTSEEING AT A GLANCE:

For more information visit  https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/periyar-tiger-reserve-idukki/192

ATTRACTIONS AROUND THEKKADY

Mangala Devi Temple:

• 15 kms away from Thekkady town.
• Ancient temple built in traditional Kerala architecture is perched atop a thickly wooded hill and affords fine vistas of the scenic surroundings.
• Dedicated to Mangladevi or Kannagi, the protagonist of the Tamil epic Sillapadhikaram, who burnt down Madurai after her husband was mistakenly accused of being a thief and killed.
• Shrine can be visited only on the occasion of Chithra Purnima, the full moon day in the month of April-May.