In the heart of the jungle is the Thekkady Lake also known as the Periyar Lake. When you enter here you feel like you are just in the middle of paradise for so beautiful is this place. You can choose to boat through the reservoir that provides water to the forest or you can sit and watch the tribes fishing and be rendered speechless by the beauty of it all.
Tip: Monkeys galore, refrain from taking eatables.
It is a historic temple located in the Idukki district of Kerala bordering Tamil Nadu, about 7 km from Pazhiyankudi in Theni district and 15 km from Thekkady.
A 1000 years old, this ancient temple of Mangaladevi. Is said to be the place, where, Kannaki, a legendary Tamil woman, betrayed all her grudge and transformed herself to be a divine lady (Mangaladevi) showering blessings upon the people on earth.
It’s a scenic spot which comprises of vast stretches of plantations is situated at a distance of 5m from Thekkady is located closer to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Coffee, tea, pepper and cardamom are grown in this area which you can just take a whiff of air and smell the aroma of spices. Various plantation tours are conducted in the region of Murikkady and it often attracts a good number of travellers. It is an ideal spot for Trekking and family picnics. The picturesque beauty of this place is sure to both nature lovers and photographers on their feet.
It is famous for its waterfalls, high-mighty mountains and it’s breath taking beauty. Around 1200 m above the sea level, you will feel like this is the place that you were longing to visit for a long time. It is located 15 km north to Thekkady and Kumily.
Eco tourism programs initiated here is another unique thing about this place. The eco-tourism project was launched in the year 2008 with the help of the Chellarkovil Eco-Tourism Community Centre with a minimum funding from the state eco-tourism and forest department. The villagers here initiated the project.
At Chellakovil, there is a telescope placed at the balcony of the watch tower. This balcony is known as 'God's own balcony'. The view from here is stunning. Sunrise and sunset is the best time to be at the place. The waterfalls here especially during monsoon is phenomenal. Another plus point of this waterfall is that, the fall originates from Kerala but touches the land at Tamil Nadu irrigating the vegetables and growing plains of Tamil Nadu.
Gavi is an eco-tourist destination in Kerala that has preserved its scenic beauty and is one of the must-see places in India. A haven for all nature lovers, Gavi is mainly known for its wildlife. Endangered species including the Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed macaque are often sighted at the outskirts of Gavi. Elephants can be sighted in abundance. The area is also a bird watchers paradise with more than 260 species of birds including the great pied hornbill, woodpecker, and kingfishers.
Kuttikanam is one of the best choices for a relaxing holiday .Perched over 3500 ft above sea level, Kuttikanam hill station is well known for its pleasant weather and tranquil milieu that draws tourists from far and wide. No matter whether you wish to have ample outdoor fun in the form of nature trails, plantation tours or adventure trips or pace down a bit in the lap of nature, Kuttikanam would be the best choice.
This exotic hill station, located in the naturally blessed Idukki district in the Southern Indian state of Kerala, is at a height of 5,200 ft above sea level and once served as the summer retreat of the erstwhile British rulers.
Sightseeing places in Munnar includes Mattupetty dam, Kundala lake, Echo-point, Munnar top station, Rajamalai, Eravikulam National Park, Tea Museum and Marayoor forest.
The word Sathram means 'a resting place' in Malayalam. The place called Sathram in Thekkady was traditionally used by pilgrims and devotees of Lord Ayappan on their way to the Sabarimala Temple. It was a resting point for these pilgrims before they began their 10 km long arduous trek through the dense forests all the way up to the famous temple to pay their homage to Lord Ayyappa.
It truly is a magical experience to be in these hills with the wind blowing and the forest whistling with the sound of wildlife calling out to you.
Perched at an elevation of over 1100 meters above the sea level, Vagamon enjoys a pleasant climate all round the year, which has earned the name the 'Scotland of Asia'. National Geographic Traveller has listed Vagamon as one of the '50 most attractive places to visit in India'. It is a popular movie shooting location as well.
The winding roads cut through the pine forests and rocky gorges will offer the spectacular views of the valleys and plains several feet below you as you inch your way up in a relaxing drive.
Ottakathalamedu is situated about 4 km from Thekkady at an altitude of 1300 m, a vantage point atop a hill that provides an excellent panoramic view the surrounding mountains, Kumily town, the Periyar National Park and even the plains in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. A trip best undertaken at dawn or in the evening to view a spectacular sunset.
