Thekkady is a perfect retreat for anyone who loves adventure, fun, wildlife and nature. Nestled between the evergreen and semi-evergreen forests of Western Ghats, Thekkady has so many things to offer for the tourists who visit this place. Thekkady is placed at an altitude of 700m above the sea level. It is located in the Idukki district of Kerala. Thekkady, India's largest wildlife sanctuary is a dream destination for any tourist visiting India. Thekkady offers a very peaceful and calm atmosphere. The chill climate of Thekkady will refresh your mind and body. The forest areas around Thekkady is strictly uninhabited by the Forest Department to preserve the Mother Nature. In the biggest wildlife sanctuary, you can sight Asian elephants, bison, sambar deer, boars, tigers, leopards, wild squirrels, lion-tailed monkeys etc. And, there are more than 300 different species of birds in Thekkady.
The Periyar Wildlife sanctuary and nearby forest areas are their home. With a penchant for bird watching, all you need is a pair of binoculars and lots of patient time. To spot birds in the forest, right in their habitat, is a great experience. Thekkady Lake is a great place to check out birds. You can see them on the stumps of trees, in the forests around the lake, and a few in the water, too. The best thing to do is to get out early so that you can spot a lot of them.
There are about 320 species of birds in the Periyar reserve including migrant birds. The birds include raptors, water birds, galliform birds, pigeons, woodpeckers, darters, kingfishers, golden orioles, Brahminy kites, cormorants and passerines, as well as a large flock of the Great Pied Hornbill and the Ceylon Frogmouth. The endemic species include the Malabar Grey Hornbill, the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, the Blue-winged Parakeet, the Nilgiri Flycatcher, the small Sunbird and the White-bellied Blue Flycatcher. Other birds found in the area are the Black Baza, Forest Eagle Owl, Nilgiri Thrush, Little Spider Hunter, Rufous-bellied hawk eagle etc.
White-necked stork feeds during the day and roosts on trees at the night. During October-May, the bird population explodes in Periyar. Lesser Pied Kingfisher is another common bird in the lake catching fish that could be hunted from the water. Also takes tadpoles and aquatic insects. Nests in horizontal tunnels, dug on the bank of the river, ending in an egg chamber.
Great Indian Hornbill is seen in evergreen areas. The largest population in western Ghat is at Periyar and is noisy and distinctive in flight. They nest in the natural hole of the tree, where the female sits almost closing the hole and lays the eggs and remains there till incubation is over. Male bird collects food and supplies to female and the young ones till they are able to fly. The Woodpecker is the resident of the deciduous forest. Food is mainly black ants. Nests in holes excavated on trees. Brahminy Kite is seen singly or in pairs.
An interesting sight is that of waterfowl perched on the dead trees protruding out onto the lake. Other aquatic birds include the Indian Darter and the Black-Necked Stork. Woodland birds, owls etc can also be seen in the forest.
Thekkady is also blessed with several luxury hotels, resorts and homestays. So, you will not find any difficulty in accommodation. You can enjoy the serene and tranquil atmosphere of Thekkady while having a stay in this resorts and hotels.
For more details: Kofiland Resort, Thekkady
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