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Thekkady,
better known as Tiger Reserve is a rich diversity of vertebrates.
The diverse forest types, vayals, marshes, and a large aquatic
habitat together support 62 species of mammals, 320 species
of birds, 45 species of reptiles, 27 species of amphibians,
and 38 species of fishes. The pride of Kerela and a testimony
to nature's splendor and human innovation, the Periyar Wildlife
Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar lake -
an artificial lake, at Thekkady. The drive to Thekkady itself
as enchanting as the road winds the high ranges. |
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Wild
animals like the Elephant, Gaur, Sambar Deer and wild
boar, which can be easily seen from close quarters
during the serene boat ride. Other Mammals like the
Nilgiri Thar, the lion tailed macaque, the bonnet
macaque, the Malabar giant Squirrel, the flying Squirrel,
the Tiger, the jungle cat and the sloth bear are seen
only once in a while. Around 265 different species
of birds like the Hornbill, stork, woodpecker, kingfisher,
raptor, cormorant, grackle, darter etc. can also be
seen. |
Thekkady
is 200 km away from cherai.Among the 62 species of
mammals, many are rare, endemic and endangered. Periyar
is prime elephant country and large herbs are often
sighted at the lake fringes. There is an estimated
population of 900-1000 animals which is likely to
overlap with the population in the adjoining forest
areas.A much disproportionate sex ratio of the elephant
is found in Periyar and adult tuskers are far too
few.
The
Tiger is found in all types of habitats though their
density is much less in the evergreen forests. Though
sighting one is difficult because of the thick vegetation,
evidences like pugmarks, clawings, and scats are located
throughout the reserve. |
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Sambar,
the largest deer in India are extensively
distributed, and constitute the principal
prey base of tiger and wild dog. Wild pig,
has wide distribution throughout the park.
Some times these animals invade agricultural
lands often leading to man-wildlife conflicts.
Small relict populations of the highly endangered
Nilgiri tahr are found in the high altitude
grasslands of Mangaladevi. Four of the five
primate species found in the Western Ghats
are well represented in Periyar. While the
Nilgiri langur enjoys a wide distribution
in the moist forests, the highly endangered
Lion tailed macaque are confined to the dense
evergreen canopies. Malabar giant squirrel
is common in the area. Though the presence
of the endangered species, Small travancore
flying squirrel is recorded from Periyar,
the Large flying squirrel is more frequently
seen.
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| Fact
Files |
| Nearest
Air terminals : |
Kochin
Inter national Airport (Nedumbassery)
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200
km |
| Nearest
Rail terminals : |
Ernakulam
(4 1/2 hours)
Aluva (4 1/2 hours)
Kottayam
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210
km
195 Km
114 km |
By
Road
:
There are frequent buses from Kumily (4 km away)
to various tourist centers. |
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| Spices
World |
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Kerala
was known for its spices and travelers around the
world journeyed here to trade and to gain control
over this rich land. It is believed that the spice
trade dates back to three thousand years. Pepper still
remains the king of Kerala's spices, but the state
also has a very rich produce in cardamom, cinnamon,
nutmeg, mace, ginger and turmeric. Over twelve varieties
of spices, including ginger, garlic, cardamom, vanilla,
pepper, cinnamon, coffee, tea, clove and nutmeg are
cultivated in Idukki and the surrounding areas. |
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| In
and around Thekkady |
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| Murukady
(6 Kms) Odamade (8 Kms) Vellaramkunnu (10 Kms) Tea,
Coffee, Cardamom, Pepper, Vanilla growing areas. A walk
through the spice plantations of these areas can be
a memorable experience
Vandanmedu
(25 Kms) The fragrance of the cardamom permeates this
town. It is one of the worlds largest auction centers
of cardamom.
Kuttikanam (35 Kms) A hill station, the place for
the adventure tourism and trekking. The hotels of
Kuttikanam keep you cool on sunny days. Generally
the area is cool, often filled with mist
Wagamon
(60 Kms) The cool mountain air, mist, grass-covered
hills, velvet lawns etc amek Wagamon a perfect holiday
resort. The chain of three hills Thangal Hills (Muslim
name) Murugan Hills (Hindu name) and Kurisumala (Christian
name) isa mark of religious harmony
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| Activities
at Tekkady:- |
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•
Forest Trekking through the dense woods and sprawling
tea and spice plantations
• Boat cruises in Periyar lake
• Mountain Hiking - 3 hour hiking to a hill called Kurishumala
- a spectacular view point
• Bamboo Rafting - Rafting on traditional bamboo rafts
in the Periyar Lake
• Jungle Jeep Safari - Jeep Safari to Gavi - Great chance
for wildlife encounters
• Overnight Trekking - Trekking and Camping in the PTR
• Wilderness Camps - Camping in Tents and trekking inside
the forest
• Plantation Visit - Guided tour to learn about the
plantations in and around Thekkady
• Elephant Safari - The cool experience of riding an
elephant |
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| Bamboo
Rafting This
is a dawn to dusk range hiking and rafting programme
through some of the richest forest tracts of Periyar
Tiger Reserve. Starting at 8 am from the boat landing,
a mosaic of habitats will be traversed before the
party gets into rafts made of bamboos.
The forests are rich in bird life and arboreal animals
like giant squirrel and Nilgiri langur. The rafting
is for about three hours and one gets a panoramic
view of forest-clad hills reflected on the lake. Animals
like elephant, gaur and sambar are sighted keeping
close to the edges of the lake |
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| Nature
Walk |
| The
guided day trek Different nature trails traversing
diverse habitats form the trekking routes, generally
4 to 5 km. in length. This is an interpretive programme
offering excellent opportunity to watch birds, butterflies
and other wildlife. The trails often pass through
evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed
with marshy grasslands.
The programme is offered between 7.00 am. and 10.30
am. and between 2.00 pm. and 3.00 pm. and lasts for
about 3 hours. A maximum of 5 persons can go for trekking
at a time along each nature trail, accompanied by
a trained tribal guide. The Nature walk is the right
programme to feel nature, hear her whispers and smell
her flowers |
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| The
Periyar Tiger Trail |
The
programme is unique in being conducted by a team of
poachers who turned protectors of the forests. The
team members are hardy and dependable with an intimate
knowledge of the forest terrain. The programmes are
1 night/2 days and 2 nights/3 days. The first day’s
trek starts at 12 noon and ends by noon in the second
or third day. The team consists of a maximum of 5
visitors, 5 guides and 2 forest officials. Normally
20 to 35 kms. of trekking distance will be covered,
depending on the route chosen.
Here, one may chance to encounter much indigenous
wildlife like Nilgiri langur, giant squirrel, elephant
and who knows, even the tiger! The trek route passes
through hills and valleys with a variety of tropical
plants and wide-open spaces. Enroute vegetarian meals
will be prepared and served and country tents will
be pitched for holing up in the night. Trekking groups
are accompanied by armed forest guards with good communication
equipments, and geared to face any emergency situation.
Remember to listen to unusual and strange adventure
stories of the former poachers, now your guides and
protectors of the forests.
Preconditions for joining the tiger trail Visitors
who are medically fit and aged between 15 - 65 are
advised to take the tiger trail. Visitors should be
serious nature lovers willing to sacrifice some of
the luxuries and comforts of a hotel |
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Elephant
Ride
The
forest department, Thekkady offers facilities for
elephant rides through the jungle. |
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