# Thekkady

Thekkady (Malayalam:) in Idukki district is a town near Periyar National Park, an important tourist attraction in the Kerala state of India. The name Thekkady is derived from the word "thekku" which means teak and "adi" meaning bottom. Temperatures are lowest in the months of December–January and highest in the months of April–May.

## Overview

Thekkady is situated about 257 km (160 mi) from Trivandrum, 145 km from Cochin International Airport and 114 km from Kottayam railway station. It is 4 km from Kumily, a plantation town on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. The sanctuary is famous for its dense evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savanna grass lands. It is home to herds of elephants, sambar, tigers, gaur, lion-tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs. Due to the density of the forest, sightings of elephants and especially tigers are highly unlikely.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 777 km$^2$ (300 sq mi), of which 360 km$^2$ (140 sq mi) is thick evergreen forest. The wildlife sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve in 1978.The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. The greatest attractions of Periyar are the herds of wild elephants, deer and bison that come down to drink in the lake. The sanctuary can be accessed by trekking, boating or jeep safari.
Thekkady is considered a haven for natural spices such as black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, nutmace, ginger, and clove.

## Nearby places of interest
### Ottakathalamedu

One of the highest Mountain for trekking. Jeep trip is available from Kumily. Thekkady lake is visible from the top of the mountain.

### Murikkady

This place consists of spices and coffee plantations. It is about 5 km from Thekkady.

### Chellar Kovil

This is located about 15 km from Kumily en route to the Theni district of Tamil Nadu. This place has a lot of picturesque waterfalls and cascades.

### Anakkara

Located at about 13 km from Kumily on the Kumily-Munnar road. A new airport is proposed at Anakkara and is under review by the Airports Authority of India. Anakkara is famous for spice garden. All variety of spices available.

### Mangala Devi Temple

It is situated about 18 km from Thekkady at an altitude of 1341 m above sea level. It is surrounded by lush greenery and is closed throughout the year except during the Chitra Pournami festival. At other times tourists can still visit it by getting a special letter from the forest ranger. The view from the temple premises is spectacular and one can see part of Eastern Ghats and some villages from adjacent state of Tamil Nadu.

## Periyar National Park

It is spread across an area of 300 square miles, Periyar National Park is covered by lush evergreen and deciduous forests serving as home to various animals such as deer, elephants, sambar, Nilgiri Langurs

## Pattumalay

Pattumalay literally means hills draped in silk. It is known for its lofty peaks, little streams, tea plantations and tea factories. This beautiful region in Idukki is 8 km from Peermade and 24 km from Thekkady. One of the major attractions of this region is The Velankanni Matha Church situated atop a hill. This is a famous pilgrim center, and is built entirely from granite. Pattumalay is also home of the biggest names in the tea production sector - Harrisons Malayalam limited Pattumalay Estate.

## Pattumalay Tea Factory

Pattumalay Tea Factory is situated 24 km from Thekkady. Pattumalay Tea Factory is a major producer of Orthodox tea and belongs to Harrisons Malayalam Limited. It is the oldest Orthodox factory and also owns central Travancore only Orthodox Tea Factory. It has capacity of 16000 kg per day. The Pattumalay Estate was established in the year of 1931.

## Gallery

* The Thekkady lake as seen from Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
* A boat cruise on Periyar river
* Submerged trees in Periyar National Park
* The misty mountain ranges of the Periyar region
* Southern Western Ghats, Near Thekkady in Kerala