Verdant hills, elephants playing in sparkling blue waters, the aromatic spice plantations and boats floating on the serene Periyar Lake – indeed we are talking about Thekkady, the picturesque land that offers numerous possibilities for trekking, mountain walks and boating.
The famed Periyar forests of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India. The Periyar Tiger Reserve, one of the oldest tiger reserves in the country, is home to a lot of endangered species including White Tigers. Tourists can explore the wilderness of these forests by going boating, bamboo rafting or adventure trekking.
Flora
Over 1965 flowering plants, including 171 grass species and 143 orchid species grow in these forests. Podocarpus Wallichianus, the only South Indian conifer, also grows in the Periyar Reserves.
Mammals
Over 60 species of mammals including Bengal Tiger, Indian Bison, Sambar Deer, Asian Elephant, Indian Bison, Leopard, Indian Wild Dog, Barking Deer and Smooth-coated Otter live in the jungles of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. One can spot these beings while going on a pleasant boat cruise in the Periyar Lake. The sturdy Nilgiri Tahr can be spotted in higher rocky areas. The evergreen forests are also home to the Bonnet Macaques, Nilgiri Langur and the endangered Lion Tailed Macaque.
Birds
265 species of birds, including migrants, live in this dense green forest. The Indian Pied Hornbill, The Malabar Grey Hornbill, Whitebellied Treepie,Woodpeckers, Babblers, many species of Drongos, Malabar Trogon etc can be spotted here.
Amphibians
Toads, limbless Caecilians, and frogs like Bicoloured frog, Fungoid Frog and Malabar Gliding Frog live here.
Reptiles
The dense jungles are also home to Cobra, Krait, Viper, the Indian Monitor lizard and various other non-poisonous snakes.
Fish
Mahseer, the endangered and famed game fish of India, lives in the waters of the Periyar Lake. Various other fish species, including the Smooth-Coated Otter can also be spotted while going boating.
Plantations
The areas adjoining the Tiger Reserve are also rich in aromatic plantations of tea, coffee, cardamom and pepper
| Nearest town | Kumali – 4 km |
| Nearest Busstation | Kumali – 4 km |
| Nearest Railway station | Kottayam -110 km |
| Nearest Airport | Madurai -140 km and Cochin International Airport -190 km |
| Attractions | Eco Stay, Bamboo Rafting, Periyar, Bio Diversity |
| Activities | Boating in Periyar Lake Adventure Trekking Jungle Patrol Bamboo Rafting ( includes rafting and trekking) Off-road Jeep safari ( one day jeep ride) Eco Stay |
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