subject: Thekkady's thrills… [print this page] Thekkady's thrills Thekkady's thrills
It ranks amongst the most precious natural assets of God's own Kerala state that's Thekkady or, to be precise, the location of Periyar National Park'.
Originally established as a Tiger Reserve long back, what makes this green hub a major tourist attraction is its peculiar landscape beauty. Lush forests are surrounded by a lovely lake (formed artificially as a result of the neighboring Mullaperiyar Dam Project'). This typical geography makes boating at Thekkady Lake a thrilling affair with vivid wildlife views.
Though named after India's national animal Tiger', those majestic predators won't grant their presence to the visitors easily. It requires much patience and luck! On the other hand, other wild inmates like Elephants, Gaurs, Sambhar Deers, etc. are common sights from the lake.
Glimpses of wildlife from the Thekkady Lake...
Luckiest ones can get precious glimpses of Tiger(s) and some other rare & endangered inmates, such as the lion tailed macaque.
A rare photograph of 'lion tailed macaque' at Thekkady
'Tiger' - another prized photographer's delight at Thekkady
Apart from its wildlife wealth, which is the most publicized activity here, Thekkady offers numerous trekking trails also - a fact that is relatively unknown for outsiders. The surrounding greenish hills are much unexplored and by taking guided trekking, adventures can experience new dimensions of thrills.
One of the adventurous trekking trails in Thekkady
An aerial view of Thekkady town from the neighboring green-coated hills
With its lush landscape and cool mild climate, Thekkady naturally forms a haven for sought-after spices (black pepper, cardamom, ginger, vanilla ) too.
Kerala's famous 'black pepper' plant at Thekkady
For visitors coming to experience the God's own country, this destination is definitely a major spot with various entertainments in the form of boating, trekking, elephant safaris, spice plantation trips and, of course, the touch of Ayurveda. Experiencing India's ageless traditional way of treatment in such a land blessed with many features is indeed rewarding.
