What to do in Thekkady, on the way, and around
What should have taken five hours took a little more than that – only cos we stopped in between to have hot cups of coffees and to take photographs of the wonderful landscape around. The road to Thekkady changes as we move out of Cochin city: the smoke screen and the traffic reduces fast and the lines of trees begin to be seen more frequently.
If you go via Thodupuzha, you can visit Bhoothathankettu Dam and the waterfalls there. Thommankuthu waterfalls, one that cascades over various steps, is a beauty to behold. Besides bathing there, you can go trekking up the hills near the waterfalls.
A little further is Malankara Dam. It’s not a famous one; tucked away in the approaching hills towards Idukki. We go down to take a look at it. There is no thoroughfare allowed – you need prior permission from the hydel project’s authority to walk above the dam or to go for walks in the nearby areas.
Once you hit the road to Mundakayam, it slopes to such an extent your ears start to pop! Then comes Kuttikanam, a town colder than Thekkady and much more foresty, to say. There are a number of colleges and churches here. From then on the road goes down the slope a little as Thekkady is at a lower elevation than Kuttikanam. Enroute are small shacks and restaurants in Vandiperiyar and Pambanar, selling spicy foods and spices, of course.
Kumily and Thekkady are a few kms apart. And the Tamil Nadu border is only 4km from Thekkady. The Periyar Tiger Reserve and the Periyar lake are the main attractions. The forest office near the approach to the reserve gives a detailed list of trekking routes, nature walks, guides, forest guards, jeep safaris and what not. You can also visit Gavi, a forest area known for tree houses and waterfalls, just a 45-minute drive from Thekkady.
“Elephant junctions”, advertised in about 5 or 6 sections of the town are a newer version of an age-old practice, i.e. elephant riding. These ‘junctions’ provide elephant bathing, photo sessions, and many other offers, along with the usual rides. Tourists can also book seats at the Kalaripayattu and Kathakali centres and watch astonishing art performances.
The tribal settlement down the road has a 25-ruppee walk within their living area. You can see how they live, eat and go about their works. There’s also a Tribal Heritage Museum close by.
If you like shopping, look no further. There’s a lot to choose from – Kashmiri and Tibetan handicrafts, jewellery and clothes sold by yesteryear refugee families, eco-shops selling forest produces and clothes, spices, tea, and of course, souvenirs and postcards.
Thekkady is truly a ‘walk in the forest’. There’s silence all over once the clock hits six. But you will still see birds heading home, shopkeepers bargaining with customers, tourists looking for their stay, youngsters out on a walk and many more small-town sights. This touristy town has much to offer the eco-tourist. Check it out. For things to do, visit www.hotelsthekkady.com
