ABOUT

It is one of the most famous Tourist places in kerala and also a well known summer getaway in Kerala state. Thekkady is also known as one of the scenic Kerala Backwater trips in Periyar lake. In 1899, the Maharaja of Travancore, Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma has declared the forests around Periyar Lake as a private game reserve to stop the invasion of tea plantations. Further, in 1934, the lake reserve was converted into a game sanctuary, the Nellikkampatty Game Sanctuary, covered an area of about 500 sq. km. It was established as Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in 1950 and named after the Periyar River. The sanctuary is spread across 777 sq. km, of which 360 sq. km is thick evergreen forest. It was declared as Tiger Reserve in 1978. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. There are a few watch towers inside Periyar Tiger Reserve which are excellent for viewing wildlife. Thekkady is famous for Asian Elephants, Tigers, Gaurs, Sambars, Lion-tailed Macaques, Nilgiri Langurs, Wild Boars, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Stripe-necked Mongoose, Wild Dogs, Sloth Bears, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Civet, Nilgiri Tahr, etc. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can watch wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat from the lake. The main attraction of the sanctuary is group of wild elephants that come to play in the lake.