Background
The sanctuary surrounds picturesque Periyar lake, formed by the building of Mullaperiyar Dam in 1895. The reservoir and the Periyar River are the primary source of water for the plentiful local wildlife which includes 62 different kinds of mammal. Today, the Periyar is divided into two divisions; Periyar East and West.

Where is it?
This a nature reserve in Kerala. It is set in the Western Ghats along Tamil Nadu. The core area, ranging to about 350 kms square is what is the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is at times called ‘Thekkady’ due to the place where it is located, which is 120 km from Kochi.

What is special about it?
Periyar is unlike any other reserve. It’s unique scenic beauty makes it a haven for photographers, both professionals and amateurs. A cruise takes you on a journey across the reservoir, which affords you priceless vistas and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Languidly walking herd of elephants, swimming hogs and many more breathtaking wildlife moments are seen often.

Although the reserve is home to one of India’s largest Tiger populations they are only very rarely spotted.

Activities
Other than a reservoir cruise, people can stay the night in camps, go on nature walks, rafting trips and more. Ayurvedic massage clinics are never far away, perfect for relaxing after a long hike.

Where to stay
Chitrashala homestay can be found in the main town of Kumily which is 1km from the main park entrance and acts as is the centre for the organization of treks and tours and has good spice shops as well as a tea factory.

Just outside the bustling centre of Kumily, Pepper County Homestay is a suavely modern and immaculate house with a sense of rural seclusion.

Minty Breeze Homestay is located right beside the jungle. Other homestays to consider in Thekkady are Koshys and Kalarickal Heritage Plantation Bungalow.

If you are interested in visiting Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve yourself then our reservations team can help you plan a trip based on your interests. Get in touch to find out more!

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Yet there are more things to do and see in Thekkady.

Here we bring you six suggestions to help you make the most of this peaceful and picturesque city.

1. Find sanctuary in Periyar

Undoubtedly the most fascinating thing in Thekkady is the Periyar wildlife sanctuary and clearly you must visit it. This is a sprawling place and a favourite of photographers due to its unique landscape. It’s truly unlike any other sanctuary you will find in the world. The best way to navigate the sanctuary is by boat, and you can even rent bamboo rafts to explore it. Meandering across the sanctuary’s lake you’ll be in the company of large huge herds of elephants. Camping is allowed inside the sanctuary and is a great way to spend a night.

2. Witness divine beauty

One of the most famous temples near Thekkady is the Mangla Devi temple. The ancient temple is nestled between thick forests and is perched at an altitude of over 1,300 meters. The temple is a great example of ancient and traditional Keralite architecture. However, people are only allowed to visit the temple during an important local festival. Other than paying respects at the Mangla Devi temple one can also enjoy the breathtaking surroundings. The location of the area allows you to enjoy stunning views of the majestic ghats as well as of the unending plains of the neighbouring state. Prior permission to visit the area is also required – ask your homestay host to help you arrange this, they’ll be happy to assist.

3. Stock up on spicy souvenirs

Kumily is a small plantation town. It’s located on Periyar’s outskirts. You can visit it and enjoy some downtime, as well as take advantage of the fact that this is an important spice trade centre. Another great place to purchase spices and fresh coffee is Murikkady, just five kilometers from Thekkady and a place where the air is filled with the enchanting aroma of fresh spices.

4. Have a picturesque picnic

A short drive from Kumily is Pandikuzhi, a picture-perfect town valued for its sleepy ambiance as well as peaceful picnic spots. It’s a haven for trekkers and its pristine, natural beauty is almost guaranteed to bring out the photographer in you.

5. Experience some Ayurveda

The state is famous for its signature Kerala Massage. But due to the deluge in tourism, a number of unreliable massage centers have also sprung up, making it difficult for the visitor to filter out and find the genuine ones. To avoid having a distasteful encounter we suggest you take the advice of your homestay owner, and that also applies when choosing tours, tour guides and taxi drivers. Staying in a homestay is the best way to ensure that you aren’t mislead by people for money. Homestay owners are on your side, providing reliable and honest advice; they will direct you to a genuine massage centre.

6. Book a family feast

Kerala, much like the other states of India, has its own regional and signature flavor.  To enjoy the local cuisine you must skip the hotels and their homogenous menus. The true flavor of Kerala lies in the homes. The dishes served in homestays are unforgettably delicious and the seafood is incomparable. The homes will serve you one divine dish after the other and even provide cooking lessons to those interested.

Take a look at Mahindra Homestays’ Thekkady homestays and book online.

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Thekkady is a small town in Kerala, India, with big things happening in and around it.

It’s well-known mainly because it homes Periyar National Park. The sanctuary is 700+ square kilometres of forest, water and exotic wildlife, including elephants, tigers, snakes and over 300 types of bird.

Tigers worry you? This is one of the few places in India where you can take a safari by boat, meaning you’re safe. And those on foot normally travel with an armed guard. No risks are taken.

Aside from wildlife, the Thekkady area is also renowned for its spice plantations: black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and clove all grow here. Tea and coffee are also abundant in the surrounding hills.

This is a relatively high altitude region. We’re talking 900 to 1,800 metres above sea level.

The best time to visit is between September and April.

Paliyans and Mannans, remote Indian tribal people, live in this area. You can take guided visits to observe their lives and traditions.

Other activities possible in Thekkady include: trekking, tea factory visits, bike hire, temple tours, elephant washing, Ayurvedic massage and yoga, kalikathi dance events and bamboo rafting.

In 30 seconds, this is the quick guide to Thekkady.

One more fact you might like to know: if you book before 30 September you can stay in one of our beautiful Thekkady Homestays for half price. Take advantage of this remarkable offer while it lasts.

Interested to know more? Visit our Thekkady Homestays page for a more detailed look.

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Here they are:

New Munnar Homestays
Cedar Woods

Wow – what a view. That’s what you’ll get when you stay on this cardamom plantation in Munnar, with Jean Philips and his wife Anita. Cedar Woods is a comfortable home with large rooms, full-size windows and cozy beds. The popular travellers’ attraction Kallar Water Falls is nearby – it’s always worth exploring, especially during the monsoons.

Mushroom Valley

Johney Cheruthanniyil and his wife Binni are the gracious hosts of this attractive homestay in Anachal, 11 kms outside Munnar, Kerala. Johney runs a business in finance, Binni is a housewife who enjoys cooking traditional Kerala cuisine. The food prepared in the house is a mix of North Indian, South Indian, Western and traditional Kerala dishes. Staying with their three daughters, the family are ever ready to help their guests explore the scenic beauty, culture and history of Munnar.

Pavithram

This homestay is set in an idyllic hill station, 1800 metres above sea level. Hosts Rajesh and Maya believe that the opportunity to welcome travellers from across the world is an enriching experience for them as well as the guests. Trekking, plantation visits and cooking classes are all available.

New Thekkady Homestays
Koshys

Eco tourism practitioners, the Koshys are keen to spend time with guests and explain local culture and traditions. They keep a vegetable garden which brings organic food to the kitchen table, and the surroundings of this Kumily homestay are best described as serene. Periyar Tiger Reserve is nearby.

Chitrashala

At this homestay, also in Kumily, the family stays on the ground floor and guests have the first floor of the house. There are four double bedded rooms with attached bathrooms. Tribe visits, bamboo rafting and jungle safari can all be arranged from here.

New Kottayam Homestays
The Bungalow

Located 100 kms from Kochi and 75 kms from Thekaddy by road, this 1927 Kottayam homestay is pitched on a hillock. The architecture is a mix of early Syrian Christian home architecture with the traditional spacious Keralite style of numerous cross ventilated doors and windows. There’s a swimming pool, built in ancient style with a ‘Kulippura’ (bathing ghat), and you can enjoy the local coconut drink in either the open courtyard or on the verandah.

New Cochin Homestays
Thomas Inn

This beautiful house has a well maintained garden and verandah under the shade of a mango tree. The hosts stay on ground floor and the guests stay on first floor. A separate entrance through stairs take guests to their accommodation, which includes a balcony, communal area and huge kitchen with all amenities.

New Srinagar Homestays
Almond Villa

This colonial era mansion offers a perfect view of famous Dal Lake, surrounded by lush green mountains. There are five spacious double bedrooms with attached bathrooms. Host Viv, an avid traveller, has experience in the Indian wildlife tourism industry and loves to chat about the flora and fauna of this outstanding Indian region.

See more of our unique range of India homestay accommodation and book your stay online through our main site.

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