Thekkady Tourism Overview

 Thekkady Tourism Overview

As of my last update in September 2021, Thekkady is not a city but rather a popular tourist destination located in the Idukki district of the Indian state of Kerala. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, wildlife, and spice plantations. Here's some information about Thekkady:

Location: Thekkady is situated in the southern part of the Western Ghats, close to the border between Kerala and the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. It is part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, which is one of the most well-preserved wildlife reserves in India.

Periyar Tiger Reserve: The main attraction of Thekkady is the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Periyar Tiger Reserve. It spans over an area of about 777 square kilometers and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The reserve is famous for its wild elephants, tigers, Indian bison (gaur), sambar deer, and a variety of bird species.

Periyar Lake: The Periyar Lake is an artificial lake created by the construction of the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River. Boat rides on the lake offer visitors a chance to witness wildlife, especially elephants, coming to the water's edge to drink.

Spice Plantations: Thekkady is surrounded by lush green spice plantations, primarily growing cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. Visitors can take guided tours of these plantations to learn about the cultivation and processing of spices.

Eco-Tourism Activities: Thekkady promotes eco-tourism and offers various activities like nature walks, bamboo rafting, trekking, and border hiking, providing tourists with an opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity of the region.

Kathakali and Kalaripayattu: Thekkady also provides cultural experiences such as Kathakali performances (traditional dance-drama) and Kalaripayattu demonstrations (ancient martial art form of Kerala).

Weather: The weather in Thekkady remains pleasant throughout the year, with the monsoon season from June to September and a milder winter from November to February.

Accessibility: The nearest airports to Thekkady are Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu (approximately 140 km away) and Cochin International Airport in Kerala (approximately 145 km away). Thekkady is well-connected by road, and regular buses and private vehicles can reach the destination easily.