The place
Thekkady sits at the threshold of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary — 925 square kilometres of evergreen and deciduous forest around a 26-square-kilometre lake created a century ago by the Mullaperiyar Dam. Elephants come down to the water at dusk; sambar, gaur and the great hornbill keep quieter hours.
Beyond the sanctuary, Thekkady is spice country: cardamom, pepper, vanilla and clove grow on the hillsides, and Kumily's bazaars are the best-stocked spice markets in Kerala. Evenings belong to Kathakali and the whirling swords of Kalaripayattu.
— Dusk on the lake, and the hornbills going home.
Plan a trip to Thekkady
