Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary : One of the well known wildlife sanctuaries in the south, Periyar Sanctuary attracts a large number of nature lovers every year. Also called the Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, this place is ideal for watching the animals in their natural habitat. The forest here, slopes into the man-made lake at the bottom of the hill.

This lake serves as the waterhole for the animals and they come here to drink or take a dip. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake.

The greatest attraction of Periyar remains the large herds of wild elephants that come down to the lake's edge. There are boat services which takes the visitor around the lake. The best season to visit the park is between October and June. Spread over 777 sq.km of the Cardamom Hills of Western Ghats, the Periyar Sanctuary is located 137 km from Madurai.

Mangla Devi Temple : Mangala devi temple, the ancient temple is located 15 kms from Thekkady. It lies 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, Thekkady.

Pandikuzhi : This picturesque place is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu State border and is a popular picnic spot. Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer's delight.

Kumily : This plantation town (4 kms from Thekkady), closely associated with Thekkady, 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.

Sanctuary Watch Towers : There are three watch towers for observing wild life - at Edappalayam and Manakkavala and Thannikudi. Reservations can be made at the Forest Information Counter, Thekkady.

Chellarkovil : This sleepy little village with its spectacular view of the plains and cascading waterfalls during the monsoons is a feast to the eyes. The village slopes down to the famous coconut groves of Kumbam in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

Vandiperiyar : Vandiperiyar (18 km from Thekkady), the River Periyar flowing through the center of this town nourishes its vast tea, coffee and pepper plantations. A major trade center, 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.