Some 200 km from the capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, lies protected in the lap of nature the impressively enchanting Thekkady. Although the entire state of Kerala is dotted with the picturesque lush green forests and bustling backwaters which greets your eye wherever you go but Thekkady has something unique. It is home to one of the largest tiger reserves in the country. With the wildlife and misty deciduous forest, This place holds a special tourist places amongst all the tourist spots in Kerala.
Let's take a Look at the Major Tourist Attractions in Thekkady:
Periyar National park-
Home to the famous tigers of India, Periyar National park is a must-visit place in Thekkady. Spread over more than 900 sq. km. The Periyar National park has a vivid collection of some of the most exotic flora and fauna in India. You will fall in love with this place even if you are not an avid wildlife lover, such is the aura of this place.
Play with the elephants as these gentle giants are found in plenty here. Take pictures of the sloth bears, they love to strike a pose. Indian giant squirrel, wild pigs, deers, and lots of exquisite birds, and yes did I forget the tigers! If you're lucky enough you will spot a roaring tiger in these woods.
Periyar Lake-
Periyar Lake serves as the primary source of water for animals and birds in the jungle. Boating on the Periyar Lake is going to be a thrilling experience. You can spot many animals on the lakeside. If you are an adventure enthusiast then bamboo rafting in the Periyar Lake is a must-try thing for you. One round trip on bamboo raft takes almost 3-4 hours and it allows witnessing the sheer beauty of nature in its most pristine form.
Murikkady-
Smell the mouth-watering spices in Murikkady which is merely 5 km from Thekkady. Rejuvenate your senses by sipping freshly ground coffee which is plentiful in this area. Feel your salivary glands overwork as your nostrils take in the alluring smells of cardamom and black gold (a.k.a black pepper).
Don't forget to bring an extra bag to take home these wonderful spices back home, it is probably the best souvenir that you can take from god's own country.
Peermade-
Known locally as 'Hill of the peer', Peermade is a place 44 kilometers away from Thekkady. You will not regret traveling 44 kilometers to Peermade as the place is filled with an implying beauty. This place is located at an altitude of 1 kilometer above sea level, this hill station in the Western Ghats full boasts of picturesque views.
Shutterbugs are bound to get throbbing thumbs as Peermade is filled with click-worthy places. Thick green pine forests, aromatic tea plantations, and the number of waterfalls don the landscape of Peermade. Some of the visitors just do not want to leave this place.
Kadathanadan Kalari Centre-
The Kalaripattam is a traditional martial art form of Kerala. Being practiced here from hundreds of years the locals have perfected this form of martial arts. Great strength and agility are required to play this martial art and the Kadathanadan Kalari center is a great place to view this martial art form first-hand.
Kathakali is another famous thing which one can see here. It is a form of traditional dance. It is a group presentation in which a group of dancers performs and depicts the scenes of the two epics of Hindu Mythology, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.
Thekkady is one of the most enchanting and popular tourist place which will give you plenty of memories to take home with you. Memories which will be permanently etched in time, unforgettable and unmissable which will always bring a smile to your face.
