Situated near the border between Kerala and Tamil Nadu - Thekkady is a region famous for its conservation initiatives for the flora and fauna in the region. For those who love nature, this is a perfect holiday spot! Let us tell you exactly how you have a good time here!
Explore Nature On Foot
Embark on a journey, trekking through a variety of terrains inside Periyar Tiger Reserve. The path will be filled with beautiful scenery and is set amidst the aromatic Cardamom Hills in Kerala’s Idukki District, also known as Thekkady. The name is inspired by the presence of thekku (teak) trees in the region and the Periyar River is the life of this pristine wilderness. The best way to venture through the area is on foot. You can simply just sign up for one of Kerala Tourism Development Corporation’s eco-tourism programmes to get the most out of this experience. The sight of birds, butterflies, animals and the beautiful Malabar giant squirrel will keep you company and amuse you on your path. If you take a boat ride, you can dive even deeper into the flora and fauna of the region by witnessing elephant herds, the majestic Indian gaur and sambar.
Discover New Spots In A Bullock Cart Ride
A ride in a bullock cart might be slow, but it also gives you an opportunity to spend more time grasping and understanding the life, culture and other things surrounding the region. There is a tour called ‘Bullock Car Discoveries’ that will take you to the farmlands of a village, set in the valleys beyond the Periyar Tiger Reserve. You’ll get to know the traditional methods of farming, along with the culture and lifestyle that the locals follow. Unparalleled visuals of the vineyards, agricultural crops like mangoes, tamarind, onions and also different species of flowers like sunflower and jasmine will also be on your path.
Find Out About New Flavors On A Spice Plantation Tour
The reason why Kerala is famous for its spices is because of its healthy soil, climate and the terrain. Spices have always been a part of Kerala’s cultural fabric, and they help out not just within a kitchen but also in the fields of medicine and cosmetics. Kerala also utilizes spices for special religious rituals and also for the purpose of health & fitness. Periyar is present in the lower mountains around 100 metres above sea level, and hence, is blessed with a plethora of spices. If you go on a tour to explore the spices of Kerala, you can upgrade your recipes and enhance your knowledge about cooking. The farmers go through a lot of struggle while growing, harvesting and processing spices, and the hard work reflects in the delectable taste of the spices.
Go For Bamboo Rafting!
The Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve include a combination of programmes for hiking and rafting. The national park is known for harbouring expensive timbers like teak rosewood and sandalwood. By the Periyar Lake, you’ll see a variety of water birds and fetch a lot more wildlife sightings by the edge of the lake. The lake has a set of exclusive fish too, such as the Periyar bard, Periyar latia, and the Periyar trout. You’ll also see bicoloured Malabar frogs, the Malabar gliding frogs and the Malabar Hills fungoid frogs which aren’t found anywhere else except the Western Ghats!
Experience Periyar Tiger Reserve On A Jeep Safari
Go on a jeep safari to Gavi, which is home to Periyar’s rich forestlands. It’s a unique and lesser-known spot in Thekkady that is perfect for people who are seeking a retreat or soul-refreshment in the wild. You can go trekking, bird watching, canoeing and boarding around the area. It is a world-acclaimed tourism spot that is considered to be an unmissable holiday spot. Gavi is also really close in proximity to the Sabarimala Temple, hence, has become a popular adventure hub for people. This beautiful biological reserve has a mixture of hills, valleys, tropical forests, grasslands, sholas, waterfalls, cardamom plantations and protects and nurtures the lives of precious elephants and endangered species like lion-tailed Macaque and Nilgiri Tahrs!
Be A Part Of The Kalaripayattu Martial Art Show
Kalaripayattu is a Dravidian martial art form that is rooted in the state of Kerala. It is an ancient art form and is considered to be one of the oldest fighting systems till date. The Nadars, Ezhavas, Mappilas and Syrian Malabar Nasranis usually practice this form. It includes some really tough strikes, kicks, grappling, preset forms, weaponry and healing methods that you can learn more about, by interacting with the masters themselves. You also try some of the moves that you learn about and enliven your senses!
Feel Thekkady’s Overall Vibe
From the nature reserves to the aromatic spices, from the lush greenery to the songs of birds - the gorgeous countryside of Thekkady presents you beauty on a platter. Canvas-worthy landscapes, and book worthy stories will fill your trip and to understand it all a bit better, you can take your bike for a lengthy stroll across Thekkady. Meet the farmers, devour the food, stop by some beautiful lake to meditate or simply take some wildlife pictures. Whatever your interests are, there will be something for you! Take in every element of Thekkady on this bike ride and stop wherever your heart wants to stop a bit and explore.
Go On A Bicycle Expedition of the Western Ghats
Ride into the valley of the Western Ghats from Kerala, deviating in the direction of Tamil Nadu. You’ll follow the path of the long Periyar River and also simultaneously discover the story behind its formation. You’ll also get to see the Mullaperiyar Dam, which transformed the livelihood of the people surrounding the valley. In fact, the damming of this river allowed the creation of a habitat for the elephants and other wildlife species. The farmers’ trade market is another reason for you to go on this adventure. You’ll see how and what these farmers sell, and be amused by the simplicity of it all.