REACHING THEKKADY:
The best months to visit Periyar are from August to May when there is a pleasant climate here. If you are planning to travel by air, the nearest airports are Madurai, at a distance of 140 kms, Kochi (185 kms), Thiruvanthapuram (253 kms). Thereafter you can hire a taxi or take a K.S.R.T.C. bus to your destination. You can also travel by train or road from Kottayam, 110 kms from Thekkady. By road it takes almost 3 hours from here. In Kerala, all tourist cars charge both way fares, irrespective of whether you are planning to return to your starting point in the same vehicle or not.
Set amidst the high altitudes of the Western Ghats and named after the Periyar river, the sanctuary is rich in evergreen forests, flora and fauna. It is the natural habitat of a vast species of terrestrial, aquatic and arboreal animals.

Access :
Air : nearest airport : Madurai (Tamil Nadu) 140 kms, Kochi (Nedumbassery - 185 km), Thiruvananthapuram (265 kms).
Rail : nearest railway station is Kumarakom 114 kms. Madurai station is about 136 kms.
Road : an excellent road network from kumily (4 kms) links the to all major towns and cities in india

WHAT TO SEE AT THEKKADY /Kumily/Periyar:
Besides the all important boat ride, visitors to the sanctuary can also take elephant rides or go trekking through the forest with a trained guide. Later, you can visit the spice gardens and tea, coffee and cocoa plantations nearby.
Other places of interest include the Mangladevi temple and the Mullaiperiyar Dam. Besides, Kumily has a good market for tourists, offering handloom fabrics, spices, rosewood and sandalwood items, batiks, silks and antiques.

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary:
Lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves - the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread across 777 sq.km, of which 360 sq.km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, 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 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 attractions of Periyar, however, are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.
Entry timing: 0600 - 1800 hrs.

Kurisumala
A place for adventure tourism and trekking. This will offer a panoramic view of Kumily town and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Kumily (4 km from Thekkady)
This plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady, is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. An important shopping centre ans spice trade centre, the main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region are in Kumily

Murikkady (5 km from Thekkady)
Washed in fresh spice-scented air, Murikkady s a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.

Pandikuzhi (5 km from Kumily)
This picturesque spectrum of exotic flora, fauna and gurgling streams is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border. A popular picnic spot, Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer's delight.

Mangala Devi Temple (15 km from Thekkady)
This ancient temple is hidden in the dense woods at the top of a oeak 1337 m above sea level. The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. Visitors are allowed here only on the Chithra Pournami festival day. The peak commands a panoramic view of the eastern slopes of the Ghats and some hill villages of Tamil nadu. Permission to visit the area can be abstained from the Wildlife Warden.

Chellarkovil (15 km from Kumily)
This sleepy little village with its breathtaking view of the plains and cascading waterfalls is a feast for the eyes. The village slopes down to the famous coconut groves of Cumbum in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

Vandiperiyar (18 km from Thekkady)
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 roses, orchids and anthuria.

Vandanmedu (25 km from Kumily)
This is one of the world's largest auction centres for cardamom. A walk through the sprawling cardamom plantations of Vandanmedu is a heady experience.

Pullumedu(43 km from Thekkady, 26 km from Periyar)
The winding journey to this hill town, along the Periyar River, offers a stunning view of the rolling hills draped in lush greenery. Velvet lawns, rare flora and fauna add to the beauty of Pullumedu which can be accessed only by jeep. The famous Sree Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala and the Makara Jyothi illumination at the shrine are visible from here. Since it is part of the restricted forest zone, special permission to visit Pullumedu has to be obtained from the Wildlife Preservation Officer, Thekkady Ph:04869-222027 or the Range Officer, Vallakkadavu Ph:04869-252515.

Ramakalmedu (40 km from Thekkady and 75 km from Munnar)
Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat. The hills top also offers a Panoramic view of picturesque villages of Bodi and Cumbum on the Eastern slop of the western ghats.

Access to Thekkady:
Air : nearest airport : Madurai (Tamil Nadu) 140 kms, Kochi (Nedumbassery - 185 km), Thiruvananthapuram (265 kms).

Rail : nearest railway station is Kumarakom 114 kms. Madurai station is about 136 kms.

Road : an excellent road network from kumily (4 kms) links the to all major towns and cities in india