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Explore the Top 5 Attractions in Thekkady

Explore the Top 5 Attractions in Thekkady (2024)

Thekkady is the perfect getaway for those who love wildlife and nature. It is one of the best tourist destinations in God’s Own Country Kerala. This beautiful tourist destination is known for stunning panoramic vistas, a cool climate, an exotic wildlife sanctuary, and a dense forest cover. Thekkady is best known for being home to India’s biggest tiger reserve – the Periyar Tiger Reserve. This is the best way to have a jungle vacation.

This idyllic destination has many thrilling adventures in store for you as you explore the unique wildlife and untouched nature of Thekkady. From the swaying palm trees to the breathtaking beauty of the sun setting on his picturesque hill station, from fragrant tea plantations to a vibrant culture, Thekkady is the place to have the most memorable holiday in the heart of nature.

Explore the Top 5 Attractions in Thekkady

Here are some of the top attractions to visit when you are in Thekkady.

1. Periyar National Park

The Periyar National Park is the top attraction of Thekkady. This is one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world, and it is also the best-protected area in India. The Periyar National Park is the biggest tiger reserve in India, and it is famous for its greenery, beauty, and abundance of different species. The park is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, many majestic elephants, many reptiles, fishes, and hundreds of birds. This is the perfect combination of nature, adventure, and beauty coming together in one place.

Sprawled out over 257 square miles, with the rivers Periyar and Pamba flowing through it, the Periyar National Park is home to many plants and animals. Thousands of tourists flock to the park every year from all over the world to indulge in jungle safaris, boat cruises, and elephant safaris.

Top Attraction in Thekkady-Periyar National Park

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There are many other eco-tourism activities that you can participate in here as well. Such eco-tourism activities are a sincere attempt by the Keralan government to safeguard the environment of this region. They include options like a bamboo grove, bamboo rafting, border hiking, jungle patrol, Periyar tiger trail, bullock cart discoveries, jungle camp, and a jungle in.

You can enjoy boating at the serene lake in the heart of the park and also go on trekking through the lush green forests that surround the park. You can even just choose a spot and sit back as you enjoy the many local and migratory birds flocking to the lake for a drink of water. For the bird watchers, this place provides a fantastic collection of birds. You can get to spot the Malabar grey hornbill, Sunbird, white-bellied blue flycatcher, great hornbill, Nilgiri wood pigeon, and the black-necked stork.

There are many around 45 species of reptiles, including snakes, lizards, and turtles. There are 40 species of fish and 160 butterfly species here. The part is also surrounded by many unique species of flora, such as mangoes, teak, rosewood, bamboos, tamarind, sandalwood, jacarandas, sacred fig, and the Indian conifer.

There is an entry fee at the Periyar National Park, which includes:

A. Adults:

  1. Indians: INR 33
  2. Foreigners: INR 450

B. Children:

  1. Indians: INR 5
  2. Foreigners: INR 155

Some other fees that are also applicable include:

  1. Boat Safari: INR 150 for anyone above 11 years of age and INR 50 for others
  2. Tiger Trail Trek: INR 5,500 for one night and INR 7,500 for two nights

You should also be aware that there is an additional cost you need to pay for using a still camera and a video camera. It costs INR 38 for using a still camera and INR 300 for a video camera.

2. Periyar Tiger Trail

A part of the Periyar National park itself, the Periyar tiger trail is also a must-see when you are in the area. Tourists can trek along the tiger trail amidst thick vegetation. There are guides and forest department officials who can accompany you if you like. You can spot tigers, sambhars, and elephants along the way.

3. Thekkady Lake

Located in the heart of the jungle is the Thekkady or Periyar Lake, which is famous for being a gathering spot for a wide variety of animals. You can take a boat ride through the reservoir to explore the forest up close. 

4. Anakarra

Anakarra is a small village that is only 50 square kilometers in area. Located just 18 kilometers from the Idduki Wildlife Sanctuary, Anakarra can be reached on the Kumily-Munnar state highway. This village is well known for its fragrant spice plantations and breathtaking waterfalls.

This village is known for offering many adventurous activities like trekking, rock climbing, and paragliding. You must also check out the Aruvikuzhi Falls, also known as the Chellarcovil Falls. This is a major Ayurvedic destination as there are many resorts here that offer Ayurvedic massages and therapies.

Another nearby place is Ottakathalemedu, which offers a picturesque view of Anakkara and its surrounding region, with a beautiful view of the sunset.

5. Chellarkovil Viewpoint

The Chellarkovil Viewpoint is one of the best places to visit if you want to get the most stunning views of the hilly terrain of Thekkady. Everywhere you turn, you will see lush green vegetation and a mesmerizing waterfall. This viewpoint also has a watchtower equipped with a telescope installed on the terrace. This gives you an incredible bird’s eye view of the location and lets you catch some amazing views of the sunset.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Thekkady?

The best time to visit Thekkady is in the months of September to April, as the weather remains favorable during this time. March and April are the dry summer months, and as a result, a lot of animals gather near the water bodies, especially in the Periyar National Park. So if you want to spot animals, this is the best time to plan your vacation.

How To Reach Thekkady?

Thekkady is well connected to all the major cities of South India. The nearest airports are Kochi (located 165 kilometers from Thekkady) and Madurai (located 136 kilometers from Thekkady). The nearest railway station is at Kottayam, and there are regular buses and taxis that ply from Kottayam, Madurai, and Trivandrum.

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