Periyar - Most wonderful place to Visit in Kerala
Thekkady (Idukki district) is the location of the Periyar National Park, which is an important tourist attraction in the Kerala state of India. Situated close to the Kerala -Tamil Nadu border town of Kumaly, it is located about 257 km (160 miles) from Trivandrum. 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.
The Periyar Widlife Sanctuary is spread across 777 km² (300 sq. miles), of which 360 km² (139 sq. miles) is thick evergreen forest. The Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mulla periyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. The greatest attractions of Periyar are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.
Thekkady is considered a heaven for natural spices such as black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and clove.
Sightseeing at Thekkady...
The Periyar Widlife Sanctuary is spread across 777 km² (300 sq. miles), of which 360 km² (139 sq. miles) is thick evergreen forest. The Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mulla periyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. The greatest attractions of Periyar are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.
Thekkady is considered a heaven for natural spices such as black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and clove.
Sightseeing at Thekkady...
Kuttikanam : A place for adventure tourism and trekking, or even languorous, tranquil break. This picturesque plantation town washed in the fragrance of cardamom is surrounded by lush-green, gentle hills.
Thrissanku Hills : Thrissanku Hills ( 4 km from Peerumedu, 1/2 km from Kuttikanam) The rolling hills the lovely landscape and the gentle breeze make this an ideal spot for long walks. The hills offer a breathtaking view of the sunrise and sunset.
Peeru Hills : Peeru Hills ( 4 km from Peermade; 1 km from Kuttikanam) : This idyllic hill station is a favorite haunt of trekkers and picnic teams. The hill is named after Peer Mohammed. the Muslim sufi saint, who spent his last days here. The mausoleum of the saint, the summer palace of the royal family and the residence of the Diwan situated nearby are all worth a visit.
Grampi (5 km from Peermade ; 10 km from Vandiperiyar) : Grampi is also known as Parunthupara (eagle rock) because of the panoramic view from its high peaks. Rocky plains, lush hillsides, forests trekking trails and picturesque views lend charm to this destination. The road to Grampi is flanked by unending stretches of cardamom, tea and coffee plantations.
Pattumala ( 17 km east of Peermade; 28 km west of Thekkady) : Lofty peaks little streams and ever expanding tea plantations are the attractions of this place. Pattumala (which literally means hill draped in silk) is home to the two most famous tea plantations in Kerala - Harrision Malayalam and A V Thomas & Co. The Velamkanni Matha Church, built entirely of granite, at the top of the hill is a famous pilgrim centre. The flower garden nearby is a facinating riot of colours of roses, orchids and anthurium.
Vagamon ( 25 km from Peermade) : Grass covered hills, velvet lawns and the cool mountain air make Vagamon a perfect holiday retreat. A curious blend of religious mysticism and European legacies, this hillside village is haven of tranquility. The chain of three hills - Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurisumala is a mark of religious harmony. The dairy farm managed by the Kurisumala monks is worth a visit.
