Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. The park has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a perennial source of water for the local wildlife. Herds of elephant and sambar, gaur and wild pigs wander down to the lakeside and can be observed from the launches that cruise the lake. In March and April, during the driest period here, the animals spend a lot of time near the lake and the elephants can be seen bathing and swimming in the reservoir.

Population : 1.23 Million
Best Season : December - February
Languages : Tamil, English,Hindi
Temperature (deg C):
Summer Max- 39.4, Min- 23.3;
Winter Max- 32.8, Min 20.7

Kumily : Kumily a plantation town is closely associated with Thekkady, it is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. It is an important shopping centre and spice trade centre, the main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region is in Kumily.
Murikkady : Washed in fresh spice scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations. 
Pandikuzhi : This picturesque place lies between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu State border. It is a popular picnic spot. Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer's delight
Vandiperiyar : The river Periyar flowing through the centre of this town serves as a source of nourishment for its vast tea, coffee and pepper plantations. A major trade centre, Vandiperiyar is also home to a number of tea factories. The Government Agriculture Farm and Flower Gardens have a delightful array of rose plants, orchids and anthurium.

Murikkady (5 km from Thekkady): Washed in fresh spice scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.

Pandikuzhi (5 km from Kumily): This picturesque spectrum of exotic flora, fauna and gurgling streams is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border.
A popular picnic spot, Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer's delight.

Mangala Devi Temple (15 km from Thekkady): The ancient temple is hidden in the dense woods at the top of a peak 1337 m above sea level. The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. Visitors are allowed here only on the Chithra Pournami festival day. The peak commands a panoramic view of the eastern slopes of the ghats and some hill villages of Tamil Nadu. Permission to visit the area can be obtained from the Wildlife Warden,

• Air : nearest airport : Madurai (Tamil Nadu) 140 kms, Kochi (Nedumbassery - 185 km), Thiruvananthapuram (265 kms).
  
• Rail : nearest railway station is Kumarakom 114 kms. Madurai station is about 136 kms.
  
• Road : an excellent road network from kumily (4 kms) links the to all major towns and cities in india.