Fondly known as the Spice Village, the Thekkady-Periyar village of Kerala is most famous for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The picturesque village surrounded by small, attractive looking cottages amid the spice gardens, is one of the most peaceful locations of Kerala. The village gives you an ethnic feel with its distinctness of not being a city flanked with noise and pollution. This quiet, serene spot is an ideal location if one is looking to rest amid natural surroundings. The lush green trees and cool atmosphere make this village a very calm area, which also includes a few tourist spots here and there! The tiny cottages give Periyar a certain charm that you’d find nowhere else, and they give a feeling of homeliness and harmony. Due to its cool climate, there is no need of artificial cooling, and the noiseless village hears no sound other than the soft rustle of the leaves and singing birds. Let’s explore the spots you can visit while resting in this quaint village.
1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
This famous wildlife sanctuary covers about 777sqkms in Thekkady, and is considered to be one of the most enthralling natural sanctuaries. Surrounded with substantial and deep forests, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is also a Tiger Reserve as declared in 1978. Tourists from all over the world are attracted to this sanctuary, which gives a view of the entire area from a boat. This is the most unique feature, and no other sanctuary in India is known to have housed this kind of a privilege. The most striking feature of this sanctuary is the elephants frolicking in the water, aside from the various animals you see.
2. Periyar River
Vandiperiyar or the Periyar river flows throughout the centre of this village provides sustenance to the various coffee and tea plantations across. There are also a lot of tea factories surrounding Vandiperiyar, and tourists often flank the area to taste the wondrous types of tea, and watch the process that goes on post plantation. There are also many cardamom plantations that you can take a look at while touring the place.
3. Pullumedu
Along the course of the Periyar river is the snaky, twisting route to the hilly town of Pullumedu. You can take a good look at the various plantations; lush green trees, shrubs, vegetation, and vast spread of lawns while travelling in a jeep. There is also the famous Shree Ayyappa Temple, which can be seen while on this course. The rare surrounding and cool ambience make this part one of the most tranquil routes of Periyar. The dense forests of Pullumedu give it a naturally beautiful feeling.
4. Spice Garden
Thekkady, the spice belt of India, houses the Spice Garden, which is one of the major attractions of Kerala. The Shalimar Spice Resort is a spot of quaint cottages giving a homely feeling to the visitors. Among the variety of spices grown in this garden are cardamom, pepper, coffee, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg etc. Alongside the spices, there are also many herbs grown, like lemongrass, avocado, stevia etc. You can get to know of the natural and agricultural importance of Kerala by visiting this famous tourist location, and also enjoy the fresh, innate atmosphere.
5. Mangala Devi Temple
Located in the Tiger Reserves of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the ancient Mangala Devi temple. It is said that a renowned Tamil lady known as Kannaki came to be famous as the divine woman — Magala Devi — who blessed everyone that came to her. Surrounded by dense forests, not only pilgrims but tourists also visit this spot while touring the Tiger Reserves of Periyar, in the process finding out about the history of the temple. There is a very well-known and riveting, detailed legend behind this temple and you can know all about it upon visiting the spot. The temple is not open to devotees or tourists all year round. It is available only at the time of the annual festival of Chitrapournami when devotees can worship the Devi. Nevertheless, exploring the Tiger Reserves amid the beautiful flora and fauna of this area is a major attraction for tourists.
Kerala is famous for its natural and peaceful atmosphere, one that attracts travellers from around the world. The village of Periyar is also one of the chief attractions of Kerala, and the cool environment sets the scene for visiting this area for its alluring features. The village, with its wildlife and plantation significance, adds beauty and charisma to the remarkable state of Kerala.
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