Thekkady: Kerala’s Wild and Scenic Sanctuary
God’s own country, Kerala is a tourist hotspot. Thekkady is a charming tourist location in Kerala where the lush Western Ghats and the trumpet of the elephant combine to provide one of the most captivating experiences for any nature lover. The wildlife in this area is magnificent. Besides, the atmosphere there is mysterious, making it ideal for any adventure activities. In addition to its wildlife and adventure activities, Thekkady is adored for its glorious vistas, delicious cuisine, and many other things.
HISTORY OF THEKKADY
The history of Thekkady does not hold any man-made treasure other than the fact that several tribes dominate the region. However, the heart and soul of the place is the Periyar National Park. Since being dominated by Pandya monarchs from Madurai (Tamil Nadu) in the 12th century, the Periyar River Valley has come a long way. The Periyar River was physically altered when the Mullaperiyar Dam was built across it in 1895, turning the area into a thriving habitat for animals and birds that served as the Travancore royal family’s hunting grounds in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The region was then designated as a reserve to stop plantation owners from invading. It was first known as the Nelliyampathy Game Sanctuary before being renamed the Periyar Tiger Reserve in 1978. Project Tiger (1972), Project Elephant (1992), and India Eco-Development Project (1996) all include the sanctuary as a crucial component. The habitat, which presently supports a robust population of wildlife including Asiatic elephants and Royal Bengal tigers, has undergone extensive protection.
ATTRACTIONS IN THEKKADY
Thekkady is an enduringly well-liked vacation spot in the heart of nature. Thekkady’s lush, flourishing settings attract visitors. It is home to a diverse range of plant, animal, and bird life. Other notable features include roaring rivers and waterfalls, spice, tea, and coffee plantations that cover portions of the hillside, breathtaking views, exhilarating treks and hikes, and charming traditional villages.
Kumily
For unparalleled rejuvenation, travel to Kumily, one of the most captivating sites to visit in Thekkady. Travelers can embrace peace and tranquility here. The charming village’s lush forests and picturesque surroundings will take you to a surreal atmosphere where none of the problems of everyday life can follow you.
Due to its complete isolation from the town center but being only 4 kilometers from Thekkady, Kumily makes for the perfect retreat. Your strained nerves will be soothed and your weary soul will find solace in the surrounding lush green hills and the smells of the spice and tea plantations.
Mullaperiyar Dam
Mullaperiyar Dam is one of Thekkady’s top tourist attractions, constructed on the Periyar River. At 2,890 feet above sea level, this dam is located on the Cardamon Hills. John Pennycuick built it between 1887 and 1895. Beautiful views of the Periyar Lake and tiger reserve may be found from Mullaperiyar Dam. The area is peaceful and a wonderful haven for nature enthusiasts thanks to the towering, dense trees. If you’re a nature lover, the viewpoint provides a comprehensive view of the reserve’s rich species, which includes tigers, elephants, Indian bison, and macaques.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best national parks in India. This area is 925 square kilometers large. Numerous endemic and threatened plant, animal, fish, amphibian, and bird species can be found in this area. Intriguingly, there are lots of things to do in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Pandikuzhi
Pandikuzhi is one of the famous picnic spots for families. The hill station is located between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border and is just 5 km from Thekkady. The picturesque landscape, waterfall, exotic flora, and fauna will make you fall in love with the place. Lush green hills offer tranquility and calm beyond anything you’ve ever known.
Ramakkalmedu
Ramakkalmedu is another popular tourist spot in Thekkady. On your tour, you will learn an exciting number of stories regarding this place. In addition, it is thought that Lord Vishnu constructed this location and that everyone who visits it will be blessed. Ramakkalmedu is one of the ideal locations for a picnic with friends, family, and breathtaking vistas. You can smell freshly grown cardamom, pepper, tea, coffee, and rubber as soon as you reach this location. One of the mains here is the statue of Kuravan and Kurathi. It’s interesting to note that Leonardo DiCaprio visited and praised this location.
Thekkady Cuisines
Being an important tourist destination of South India, Thekkady represents the food and dining customs of both Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Nearly all of the eateries in this area favor blending the cuisines of the two states. Idly, Dosa and Kappa (tapioca root) are three of the region’s most well-known cuisines. In addition to that, the primary diet of the inhabitants of the Thekkady region consists of rice and fish and vegetable-based curries.
Other Places in Thekkady
Thekkady is home to many other beautiful places, and scenic spots to spend your holidays with your loved ones and escape the city life for relaxing.
Chellarkovil Viewpoint
One of the most scenic locations in Thekkady is Chellarkovil Viewpoint, which offers breathtaking views of nature in all its splendor. You can watch the orange sunset behind luscious green hills as you attempt to see the steep mountain ridges blending into the fluffy white clouds. You can go hiking in the bamboo forest and take in the sparkling white waters of the adjacent waterfalls. Views of vibrant human towns, tilled farms, and lush green woodlands can be seen from this vantage point. Chellarkovil is a tourist destination that is a true wonder to behold.
Murikkady
Murikkady is well-known for its coffee, cardamon, and spice plantations. It’s interesting to note that this place grows more than twelve different kinds of spices; including ginger, clover, vanilla, tea, and turmeric. Murikkady is a popular family picnic spot. Additionally, you can wander around this area with your loved ones and spend some quality time.
Vandanmedu
Travelers can enjoy the annual cardamom auction in Vandanmedu for an unmatched exotic experience. Visitors flock here to purchase uncommon, exceptional, and high-quality cardamom. The spice is grown, cared for and sold in Vandanmedu and is highly sought after in both domestic and foreign markets. One relishes the spice’s sweetness and spiciness while learning about how cardamom is processed for commercial purposes. You will be deeply impacted by the vibrant atmosphere and alluring perfume, and you won’t be able to leave.
THINGS TO DO IN THEKKADY
There are many activities you may enjoy in Thekkady that will keep you entertained and provide you with some memorable memories. They include sightseeing, adventure, and exploration of the area’s overall splendor. Boating in the Periyar Lake, bamboo rafting, touring the hill stations, border hiking, peaceful nature walks, elephant rides, sightseeing tours, jeep safari through the dense forests and so much more make the travel and adventure freaks visit Thekkady again and again.
Thekkady offers a wide variety of attractions to see. With its magical tropical woods and diverse array of flora and wildlife, it is a nature lover’s paradise. Thekkady provides multiple reasons to visit rather than simply one. Thekkady is undoubtedly the spot for you if you prefer spending time with animals and boating around in lovely lakes while admiring stunning sunsets. This place has something to offer everyone, whether you are a family man with kids or a lone traveler. It starts with tiny little hamlets buried away in the middle of nowhere to natural reserves with beautiful elephants and scary tigers.
UnCrushedLeaves Tip:
There are some exclusive hikes and treks in the national park area which can be arranged with special permission from the Forest Department…. Shhhhh! 😉
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