Thekkady

Thekkady in Kerala State , India ‘s largest wildlife sanctuary is a dream destination for any tourist visiting India . The 120 years old ‘Surki’ dam built across Peryiar, Poorna in Vedic parlance, is a major tourist attraction. This sanctuary is spread over an area of 777 Sq.Kms, surrounded by an artificial lake over an area of 25 Sq.Kms.The Country’s sole Tiger reserve, Thekkady, with its bountiful treasures of tropical flora and fauna is the ultimate reservoir of many an endangered species and a rich tribal culture. Thekkady is a pleasant heaven on earth for those who love nature in its wild manifestations.

Periyar National Park, being a major attraction, is one place where you can enjoy bamboo rafting in the catchment area of Mullaiperiyar Dam, hiking, and in the midst of wilderness, shopping! Popular for its good eating joints, you can also enjoy its vast stretches of spice gardens and various adventure sports. You can also enjoy a night trek in the wilderness of Periyar.

The early morning ride in the boat within the sanctuary is an extremely awesome experience and you might be able to spot wild elephants, bisons, wild boars, various kinds of birds, etc. Anakarra is also located nearby which is a great place to enjoy nature. Murikaddy is located around 5 km from the city and is famous for coffee and spices plantations.

Best Time to Visit Thekkady

Given its pleasant climate most of the year, Thekkady makes for an all year round destination. Here is a month wise break-up of the weather of Thekkady to help you plan your holiday better:

October to February: Winters are by far the best time to visit Thekkady as the weather is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing. The maximum temperature goes up to 15 degrees Celsius and this is a great time to go for wildlife safaris and admire the natural beauty of Thekkady. You can also enjoy the many festivals which take place during this time in Thekkady.

March to May: March marks the beginning of summer in Thekaddy and temperatures begin to rise. The maximum temperature during this time of the year goes up to 36 degrees Celsius. Since not many tourists visit Thekaddy during this time, you can secure great deals on hotels and enjoy th natural beauty of the place minus the crowds. Though do make sure you carry light cotton clothes and sunscreen along.

June to September: The monsoons are another great time to visit Thekkady. The temperature drops slightly and the surroundings are draped in a cloak of rich greenery. The rains are also a great time to enjoy the rain washed beauty of Thekkady. Do make sure you carry an umbrella or raincoat alogn as rain showers are frequent and heavy

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Kottayam Railway Station, about 110 km from Thekkady

Nearest airport: Madurai, about 140 km and Cochin International Airport, about 190 km from Thekkady