Thekkady

Thekkady is a popular hill station and tourist destination in the Idukki district of Kerala, renowned for the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The reserve encompasses dense evergreen forests, savanna grasslands, and the artificial Periyar Lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam. Visitors can engage in wildlife viewing through boat safaris, nature walks, bamboo rafting, and jeep safaris. The area is also famous for its spice plantations producing cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon, alongside cultural attractions like Kalaripayattu martial arts performances.

Visitors to Thekkady can expect a lush, green landscape dominated by the Periyar Tiger Reserve's dense forests and the scenic Periyar Lake. The primary experience involves wildlife spotting, particularly elephants, sambar deer, and gaur, often seen near the lake during boat safaris. The town of Kumily serves as the gateway, offering bustling spice markets, plantation tours, and cultural shows featuring traditional Kalaripayattu martial arts and Kathakali dance. The environment is cool and misty, especially during winter months, with opportunities for trekking, bamboo rafting, and exploring nearby attractions like the Mullaperiyar Dam and Mangala Devi Temple.

The Periyar forests were declared a private reserve in 1934 by the Maharaja of Travancore to prevent tea plantation encroachment. It was consolidated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1950 and declared a tiger reserve in 1978 under Project Tiger. The Mullaperiyar Dam, which created Periyar Lake, was constructed between 1887 and 1895.

Thekkady is culturally significant for its spice trade heritage and traditional art forms. It hosts regular performances of Kalaripayattu, one of the oldest martial arts in the world, and Kathakali, a classical dance-drama. The Mangala Devi Temple, located within the reserve, is an ancient temple dedicated to Kannagi, attracting devotees during specific festivals.