Wooded hills and rolling plantations of tea and cardamom welcome you to Thekkady. Internationally known for its geomorphology and pristine beauty, this sprawling region is also known for its large tiger reserve. The sanctuary is centered around a 24.-sq km artificial lake formed by a dam across the Periyar river. A boat ride across the lake offers the best way to view wild animals in their natural environment.
In fact, Thekkady is the only place in India where you can watch and photograph animals at close quarters from the safety of a boat. The wildlife of Thekkady is rich with varied animal species like elephant, sambar, bison, spotted deer, leopard, Malabar flying squirrel, stripe-necked mongoose, bear, and wild boar. Birds like the Malabar grey hornbill, grey jungle fowl and jungle myna are also found here frequently.
