Kerala has always been fascinating for travelers from all over the world. Among the most visited attractions in Kerala is the Idukki district, with its lush green beauty emboldened by high-end glory and forested valleys. Most of the beauty of Idukki is due to the three main rivers that link these areas: Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhayar and their tributaries. As a tourist destination, what Idukki has to offer is the enchanting beauty of hill stations, serene dams, diverse wildlife sanctuaries, and a variety of activities including exhilarating spice plantation tours, adventurous mountain treks and elephant rides. This little piece of land is truly blessed when it comes to natural beauty. The large population of tribes that we can find inhabiting the land is a testament to the resilience of the land and its people against urbanization.

One of the most visited places in Idukky is Thekkady, which also enjoys the position of being the largest wildlife sanctuary in India. At a distance of 257 km from Trivandrum and 145 km from Cochin International Airport, Thekkady is accessible from Tamil Nadu at a distance of 114 km from Madurai city and airport. The destination is 114 km from Kottayam Railway Station. Located near the border town of Kumily between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Thekkady offers mesmerizing views of dense evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests along with stunning savannah grasslands. Herds of elephants, sambar deer, tigers, gaur, lion-tailed macaques, and nilgiri langurs are just some of its most prominent inhabitants. Thekkady is the dream of any nature lover who comes to visit Kerala.

Thekkady is also home to the only tiger reserve in Kerala and is home to rich treasure troves of tropical flora and fauna. These thick forests preserve within them something of incalculable value, which is the unfiltered, pristine and wild beauty of nature itself with its rich biodiversity that includes many endangered species, as well as a precious tribal culture where man and nature coexist in harmony. The pleasant haven of Thekkady is also considered a haven for organic herbs and spices like cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg and cloves. Thekkady is a manifestation of nature in all its wild, otherworldly and unrestrained beauty.

Around five hundred thousand people visit Thekkady each year and contribute substantially to the economy of the state. Some of Thekkady’s most enjoyed entertainment include:

Elephant Ride – where children and adults can take a short elephant ride near the Turble Nature Park, after contacting the wildlife information center near the jetty.

Boating: Boats of different capacity maintained by KTDC and Kerala Forest Department can be rented for a 2-hour cruise which is the easiest and most recommended option for wildlife viewing.

All these together have transformed Thekkady into a year-round tourist hub, which requires the emergence of a large number of hotels, resorts and other accommodation facilities. Currently, there are many hotels and resorts in Thekkady Periyar catering to the increasing number of tourists. Ranging from cheap 2-star to luxurious 5-star rated resorts and hotels, they provide world-class accommodation facilities to guests visiting Thekkady. In recent years, many homestays and farm stays have also sprung up in Thekkady, aiming to provide the complete sanctuary guests seek in a home-from-home environment.

Previously, most of the resorts and hotels were situated in the Kumily town and on the way to Thekkady ship landing route. Now it has spread to a radius of 15 kilometers from the city. On KK Road, just before reaching Kumily city from Kottayam, we can see many tourist centers. Well-known resorts such as Forest Canopy Resort, Kofi Land Resort, and Greenwoods Resort are all located on KK Road. Major tourist centers including Cardamom County, Spice Village, Michels Inn and Abbot Green Forest are on the way to the jetty. These are just some of the examples. Many more accommodation facilities could be seen around these parts. On the way to Munnar, we can find a large number of resorts and farm stays. Most of these resorts in Thekkady are eco-friendly and very relaxing for the mind. They provide a quiet and peaceful escape from the noises of everyday life. Some Hotels also offer Ayurveda Treatment Centers and spa services, guaranteeing the integral well-being of their clients. The green nature and cool climate around these areas ensure a perfect condition for Ayurveda treatments. It is a perfect getaway to heal both body and soul. No one can resist the soothing embrace of the calm and wild nature while here, and you can’t help but let go of the tensions in your mind.

During their visit to Thekkady, most tourists choose to stay for only one night, which is not recommended. This is so because it takes at least three days for a thorough exploration of the beauty of Periyar/Thekkady. Tourists can go on farm tours, forest treks, tailor-made tiger treks, jeep safari, trekking and rafting programs in the Periyar tiger reserve. All of this cannot be packed into a single day. Speeding up activities will not have the expected effect. You need to slow down and immerse yourself in the beauty that surrounds you to have a lasting effect on your mind. If you do that, you are guaranteed that the impressions you leave will remain forever treasured in your heart. Some tourists opt for extended stay at resorts in Thekkady to experience the nature and elegance of mountains, plantations, lake and forest. This attraction is what makes Thekkady/Periyar favorable for educational tours of schools and universities from various parts of the world.