Thekkaddy (Periyar) Wildlife Sanctuary, name after the Periyar river, is located on the banks of artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam built in 1895 across the river Periyar. It is one of the most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, where you can watch wildlife at close from a boat. It 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.

The greatest attraction of Periyar is the herd of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.Apart from elephants, the Bison, deer. Gaur, Sambar deer, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri langur, Bonnet macaque, Lion-tailed macaque etc Tiger, Leopard, Jungle cat, Wild dog, Bear, Porcupine, Jackal, Indian Giant Squirrel, Malabar flying squirrel, Wild boar, small Indian Civet, Mongoose and the Pangoline are found here.

The bird life comprise of Darters, Cormorants, Kingfishers, the great Malabar Hornbill and racket-tailed Drongoes. The reptilian population boasts Of Monitor Lizards that can be spotted bask in the sun, on the rocks along the lakeshore.

Other Attractions in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Plantation Tours

Plantation Eco-Tours cover cardamom, pepper, coffee and tea plantations, tea factories, tribal settlements and the surrounding hill regions

Elephant rides

The forest Department, Thekkady offers facilities for elephant rides through the jungle.

Trekking

Main trekking areas in Thekkady are Kurisumala near Kumily, Pullumedu, Grampi near Vandiperiyar, Nellikkampetty and Manakkavala.

Boat Cruises : Boat cruises make the best option to check out the wilds of Periyar Sanctuary. Elephants, Wild Boar, and Sambar Deer can be seen by the water's edge.

Kumily : The famous plantation town is just 4-kms away from the Periyar Wildlife Sanctury. The town is famous for spices. Most of the hotels and resorts are located here

Cradomom Hills : One can easily explore Kerala's beautiful Cardamom hills in Periyar and Kumily.

Murikkady (5 km from Thekkady)

Washed in fresh spice scented air, Murikkady is famous for cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.

Pandikuzhi ( 5 km from Kumily)

Pandikuzhi located between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu State border is a popular picnic spot. It offers great opportunities for trekking.

Mangala Devi Temple ( 15 km from Thekkady)

Is an ancient temple is in the middle of dense forest 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 Chaithra Pournami festival day.

Chellarkovil ( 15 km from Kumily)

Is a small village with its spectacular view of the plains and cascading waterfalls during the monsoons

Pullumedu ( 43 km from Thekkady, 26 km from Periyar)The famous Sree Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala and the Makara Joythi illuminations at the shrine are visible from here