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| IN
AND AROUND THEKKADY |
| The
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Entry : 0600 to 1800 hrs) |
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 geo-morphological
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 river 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
attraction of Periyar remains the large herds of wild
elephants that come down to the lake's edge. More
Pictures Click (New) |
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| The
sanctuary watch towers |
| There
are three watch towers for observing wild life - at Edappalayam
and Manakkavala and Thannikudi. Reservations can be made at
the Forest information Counter, Thekkady. Tel. : +91-486-322028.
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| Kumily
(4 km from Thekkady) |
| This
plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady, is situated
on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. It is an important
shopping centre and spice trade centre, the main bus station
and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region
is in Kumily. |
| Murikkady
(5 km from Thekkady) |
| Washed
in fresh spice scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom,
coffee and pepper plantations. |
| Pandikuzhi
( 5 km from Kumily) |
| This
picturesque place is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil
Nadu State border is 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
peak 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 other side of the ghats and the vast plains of Tamil
Nadu. Permission to visit the area can be obtained from the
Wildlife Warden at Thekkady. Tel. : 91-486-322027. |
| Chellarkovil
( 15 km from Kumily) |
This sleepy little village with its spectacular view of the
plains (and cascading waterfalls during the monsoons) is a feast
for your eyes. The village slopes down to the famous coconut
groves of Kambam in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
More pictures- click (New) |
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| 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 Gardens have a delightful
array of rose plants, orchids and anthurium. |
| Vandanmedu
( 25 km from Kumily) |
| This
is one of the world's largest auction centres for Cardamom.
A walk through the sprawling cardamom plantaions of Vandanmedu
is a pleasent 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 from a jeep. The famous Sree Ayyappa temple
at Sabarimala and the Makara Joythi illuminations 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 Tel.+ 91-486-322027
or The Range Officer, Vallakkadavu Tel. :+ 91-486-352515. |
| IN
AND AROUND PEERMEDE |
Kuttikanam
A place for adventure tourism and trekking, or even langourous,
tranquil break. This picturesque plantation town washed
in the fragrance of cardamom is surrounded by lush-green,
gentle hills. |
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|
Thrissanku Hills ( 4 km from Peermedue,
1/2 km from Kuttikanam) |
| The
rolling hills the lovely landscape and the gentle breeze make
this an ideal spot for long walks. The hills offer a breathtaking
view of the sunrise and sunset. |
| Peeru
Hills ( 4 km from Peermede; 1 km from Kuttikanam) |
| This
idyllic hill station is a favourite haunt of trekkers and picnic
teams. The hill is named after Peer Mohammed. the Muslim sufi
saint, who spent his last days here. The masoleum of the saint,
the summer palace of the royal family and the residence of the
Diwan situated nearby are all worth a visit. |
| Grampi
: ( 5 km from Peermede ; 10 km from Vandiperiyar) |
| Grampi
is also known as Parunthupara (eagle rock) because of the panoramic
view from its high peaks. Rocky plains, lush hillsides, forests
trekking trails and picturesque views lend charm to this destination.
The road to Grampi is flanked by unending stretches of cardamom,
tea and coffee plantations. |
| Pattumala
( 17 km east of Peermede; 28 km west of Thekkady) |
|
Lofty peaks little streams and ever expanding tea plantations
are the attractions of this place. Pattumala (which literally
means hill draped in silk) is home to the two most famous tea
plantations in Kerala - Harrision Malayalam and A V Thomas &
Co. The Velamkanni Matha Church, built entirely of granite,
at the top of the hill is a famous pilgrim centre. The flower
garden nearby is a facinating riot of colours of roses, orchids
and anthurium. |
| Vagamon
( 25 km from Peermede) |
| Grass
covered hills, velvet lawns and the cool mountain air make Vagamon
a perfect holiday retreat. A curious blend of religious mysticism
and European legacies, this hillside village is haven of tranquility.
The chain of three hills - Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurisumala
is a mark of religious harmony. The dairy farm managed by the
Kurisumala monks is worth a visit. |
| Sahyadri
Ayurvedic Centre |
|
A well established Ayurvedic Hospital Sahyadri, managed by the
Peermede Development Society in Pallikunnu,is well known for
its curative and rejuvenating treatment packages. The centre
has well appointed treatment and accomodation facilities, a
unit for manufacturing Ayurvedic medicines and a well maintained
raw drugs museum where more than 200 varieties of rare and endangered
herbs are preserved. More than 400 herbs used for medicines
are grown in the hospital's own herbal-garden spread over 35
acres. For permission to visit the herb garden , contact The
Director - Peermede Development Society, Peermede, Idukki Tel.
: +91-486-332097, 332247 Fax : +91-486-332096 |
| IN
AND AROUND MUNNAR More
photos , view the scenic beauty while travelling from Munnar
to Thekkady (New) |
| |
| O |
Top
Station : |
The
highest point on the Munnar - Kodaikanal road. |
| O |
Mattupetti
: |
The
Indo-Swiss Dairy Farm |
| O |
Devikulam
: |
Hill
station |
| O |
Tattekad
: |
Bird
sanctuary. |
| O |
Chinnar
: |
Wildlife
Sanctuary |
| O |
Eravikulam
: |
National
Park |
| O |
Rajamalai
: |
Half
the world's population of the Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered
species, is found here |
| O |
Marayoor
: |
The
only place in Kerala that has a natural growth of sandalwood
trees. |
| O |
Meenuli
: |
Trekking
destination |
| O |
Bhoothathankettu
: |
Tourist
destination |
| O |
Malankara
Reservoir: |
Tourist
destination |
| O |
Chithirapuram
hill station: |
Tourist
destination |
| O |
Valara,
Cheeyapara and Thomankuthu waterfalls: |
Tourist
destination |
|
| MULLAPERIYAR
DAM |
| Mullaperyiar
dam was built by British in 1895. It stands on Peryiar
river whose flow orginates from Thekkady.The dam was built
mainly for watering the paddy fields of Tamil Nadu perenially
drought - prone. Even though the dam is now in Kerala,
most of the water in the reservoir is still released to
Tamil Nadu and is cause for considerable political tensions
between the two states.The dam is 175 feet tall in hight
and is 5704 feet long. |
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