Thekkady

Thekkady is a town in Idukki district, Kerala, India, near the Tamil Nadu border. It serves as the gateway to the Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area in the Western Ghats celebrated for its biodiversity. The Periyar River and the reservoir formed by Mullaperiyar Dam lie within and around the park, which helps shape the local landscape and ecology.

The protected area is part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, established in 1978 under Project Tiger. It harbors elephants, gaurs, sambar, and a wide variety of birdlife, with tiger presence reported though sightings are relatively uncommon. Boat safaris on Periyar Lake are a popular way to observe wildlife from the water, while forest treks and guided walks offer closer looks at the habitat.

Thekkady’s economy is strongly centered on ecotourism and spice cultivation. Visitors come for boat safaris, bamboo rafting, and guided walks, as well as tours of spice plantations where pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves are grown. The area hosts numerous homestays, eco-resorts, and spice gardens that form a substantial part of the local livelihood.

Geographically, Thekkady lies in the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats and features a tropical highland climate with a monsoon season. The dry season is generally preferred for wildlife viewing. The town is connected by road through Kumily on National Highway 183, with the nearest railheads at Kottayam and Madurai and the closest airports at Cochin International Airport (Kochi) and Madurai. Local communities contribute to the cultural and economic fabric of the region, with livelihoods that include agriculture and ecotourism.