Thekkady

Prime Attractions of Kovalam

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary :
Located by the side of the river Periyar, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the main attraction of Thekkady. Spread over an area of about 777 sq km with about 360 sq. km of which is thick evergreen forest, the sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. However, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary can also be recognised as one of the natural treasure houses of some of the rare species of flora and fauna. The flora of the park includes over  flowering plants, grass species, species of orchids and the only South Indian conifer Podocarpus Wallichianus. Apart from the tigers, the fauna of the park includes wild elephant, gaur, sambar deer, wild boar, Nilgir Tahr, lion tailed macaque, bonnet macaque, Malabar giant squirrel, flying squirrel, tiger, jungle cat, sloth bear, hornbill, stork, woodpecker, kingfisher, raptor, cormorant, grackle, darter, cobra, viper, krait, monitor lizards, frogs, toads, masheer (famous and endangered game fish of India) and otter. Noted for its geo-morphological diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar remains the large herds of wild elephants that come down to the lake's edge.

 Periyar Lake :
The lake of the Periyar wildlife sanctuary makes an important site to visit in Thekkady. This splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. A wonderful palace located in the heart of the Periyar Lake attracts a lot of visitors. The greatest attraction of Periyar Lake however is the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake. Periyar is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters form the safety of a boat on the lake.

The Periyar Lake attracts grey heron, ibis, the great Malabar hornbill and grey hornbill. The other birds include kingfishers, ospreys and kites as well as orioles, hill mynas, racket tailed drongos, parakeets, including the unusual blue winged parakeet and flycatchers

Murikkady :
Located at a distance of just 5 kilometres from Thekkady, Murikkady is another important site to visit. Murikkady is particularly famous for its panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations. A must visit to include in your excursion itinerary.

This vantage view point is located at a distance of 5km from Thekkady. Breathtaking views of the spice and tea plantations, the mist clad mountains and verdant valleys could be enjoyed at Murikkady. The area is famous for cardamom plantations, tea plantations and pepper cultivation. The salubrious climate here is seasoned with the tantalizing fragrance of exotic spices.

Pandikuzhi :
Another picturesque spectrum of nature’s flora, fauna and gurgling streams is Pandikuzhi. Sandwiched between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border, it makes an important excursion point for every tourists visiting Thekkady. A considerable number of visitors come to this place every year. Being an ideal picnic, trekking, and photographic spot, it is also the favourite day and weekend destination for the localities as well.

Peermede :
Located at a distance of 44 kilometres from Thekkady, Peermede is an important excursion destination one should not miss. Peermede is situated at an altitude of 915 -1100 m above sea level and is a famous plantation town.

The name of the town has been given after Peer Mohammed, a famous Sufi saint who was also a close associate of the erstwhile royal family of Travancore. Peermede is also known for its tea, cardamom, rubber and coffee plantations interspersed with sculptural rocks, meadows and mist-cloaked hilltops. Moreover, Kuttikanam, (a place for adventure tourism and trekking), Thrissanku Hills (a haunt of trekkers and picnickers), Mausoleum of the Sufi saint, the summer palace of the royal family, residence of the Diwan, and the many lofty peaks and streams are some of the other major attractions of this place.

Peeremede is a lovely hill station, an ideal retreat in the Western Ghats and a choice break for tourists en route to the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Sprawling gardens of tea, coffee,cardamom, rubber and eucalyptus lying side by side with natural grasslands, pine forests and waterfalls make this an ideal summer resort. The summer palace of Rajas of erstwhile Travancore is today an important monument here.

Peeremede and its surroundings are suitable for trekking, cycling and horse riding. Kuttikanam a place for adventure tourism and trekking is just 3 km from Peeremede.

Another attraction here is Thrissanku Hills four km away. The rolling hills, the lovely landscape and the gentle breeze make this a choice spot for long walks. The hills offer a breathtaking view of the sunrise and sunset.

Chellarkovil :
The sleepy wind-stricken village of verdant landscape and cascading waterfalls. This village offers a bird’s eye view of the extensive coconut groves of Kamabam and the palins of Theni in neihbouring Tamil Nadu.Chellarkovil is a beautiful village in Kumily of Idukki district. It has cascading waterfalls set in a breathtaking landscape.

Vandiperiyar :
The river Periyar flowing through the centre of this town nourishes its vast tea, coffee and pepper plantations. A major trade centre, Vandiperiyar is also home to a number of tea factories. The Government Agriculture Farm and Flower Gardens have a delightful array of rose plants, orchids and anthurium.

The River Periyar flowing through the centre of this town nourishes its vast tea, coffee and pepper plantations. A major trade centre, Vandiperiyar is also home to a number of tea factories. The Government Agriculture Farm and Flower Garden have a delightful array of rose plants, orchids and anthuria.

Calvary Mount :
Both a pilgrim destination and trekiking track. The view of Idukki Arch Dam from here is sure to enthrall you. The State Forest Department conducts trekking expeditions exploring the wilds.

Managala Devi temple :
The temple dedicated to Kannaki is situated on the top of a hill in Periyar Tiger Reserve. You have to cover 12kms of rough forest road to reach here. The temple opens only once in a year for the public during the annual chithrapournami festival.

Gavi :
The picturesque place of many choices; trekking, bird watching, outdoor camping and boating. Heading towards Gavi by Periyar Tiger Reserve is a thrilling experience as the ride goes past hills and valleys, tropical forests and abundant plantations giving you the closest look at wildlife.

Ramakalmedu :
This mountain peak that overlooks eastern slpoes of the Western Ghats and the vast plains of Tamil Nadu. The place owes its name to the tale that the lord Sree Rama, the Hindu mythological god had set his foot on this rock. Also, Kerala’s biggest statue, Kuravan & Kurathy treats you here. The rocks, between which the Idukki Arch Dam was built, are named Kuravan & Kurathy, two histrical characters of the local comminity.

Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu and enchanting retreat. The hilltop also offers a panoramic view of the picturesque villages of Bodi and Cumbum on the eastern slope of the Western Ghats.

Parumthumpara :
From the top of a cliff here, enjoy the panoramic view of forests and plantations seen as and endless carpet of greenery. It is a very beautiful place just five Kilometer away from Peermade and ten Kilometer away from Vandiperiyar.It looks like a vast stretch of rook spotted with lush green grass.The word parunth in the local language means Eagle and para means rock.It is called Parunthumpara or eagle rock because we can see a large area around like an eagle could see from height.
Parumthumpara has a panoramic view of High peaks and trenches.One can also see the Trishanku hills of Kuttikanam and the Pattumala church from here.It was like a 360 degree view of the High-range.
It is said that it is possible to see the divine light the "Makaravilaku of the Savirimala from here.

Ottakathalamedu :
An off-beat trekking spot. With the guidance of Tourist Amenity Centre here, you can explore nature and go adventurous.

Kurisumala :
A trekker’s paradise and the highest peak in Thekkady. Literally means the ’mountain of the cross’, this hill offers a panoramic view of surroundings including a glimpse of Periyar Lake, Kumily town and vast areas of nehbouring Tamil Nadu state. 3 km from Vazhikkadavu is  this renowned Christian pilgrim centre where hundreds of  devotees from far and near converge during the holy week and after, to climb the hill in faith, carrying small wooden crosses. The peaceful Monastry at the top of the hill, the silence of the hills, the cool mountain air and the lush green landscape are all soothing to the soul. On the eastern side of the hill is Muruganmala housing a rock cut temple dedicated to Murugan (son of Lord Shiva).

Pullumedu :
The winding journey to this hill along the Periyar River, offers a stunning view of hills draped in lush greenery. Velvet lawns and rare flora and fauna add to the beauty of Pullumedu. The famous Sree Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala and the Makara Jyothi illuminations at the shrine are visible from here.

Watch Tower :
This vantage view point is located at a distance of 5km from Thekkady. Breathtaking views of the spice and tea plantations, the mist clad mountains and verdant valleys could be enjoyed at Murikkady. The area is famous for cardamom plantations, tea plantations and pepper cultivation. The salubrious climate here is seasoned with the tantalizing fragrance of exotic spices.