Thekkadi Lake of Periyar National Park God's Own Country

Thekk means Teak Trees, I think it is how name Thekkday derived. Couple of times I went there, place is of huge tourist attraction. It is better to there when there is no rain ( rather avoid rainy season). May be you are thinking where hell is this place? Well "Thekkday" is situated in South Indian state of Kerala (God's own country), idukky dist. closer to state of Tamil Nadu. Thekkady is the location of Periyar Wild Life Park. Nearest airport is Kochi around 185 KM. There is no difficulty in getting to this place.

Thekkady Lake was formed when a dam, now famous Mullaiperiyar, was built across Periyar river. Periyar Wild Life Park is also a Tiger reserve. Climate cool and nice.

It was during 1981, when I was in school, our class decided to go for two day picnic. I believe around 32 students were there in our group. Initially we decided to use school bus but later dropped it since all knows the history of that bus. Picnic includes couple of other places. On the way to Periyar Wild Life Park it was night many of us wants to take a pee. Driver stopped bus on the road side in pitch dark, we got down shivering, we relieve our self on road side. All of was so afraid, both sides of the road are forest and don't what gonna come out. Anyway nothing happen so we are happy on our way to Periyar Wild Life Park. We reached Kumali a small town next to the park. Can't find any place to stay. So we opt for a dormitory, when had our supper we went out you can see heavy mist engulfing the town. All of us immediately went inside and closed the door.

Next day we are all out in street looking around, the place smelled completely different, there was strong aroma of species, you can name couple. We arrived at Thekkady lake later, there was twof small wooden boats ( now must have improved). Trip around the lake was really good. We are fortunate to see some elephants, deer, birds and some monkeys. But more importantly the climate and scenic beauty. When the dam was built part of the forest was flooded you can still see tree stumps, seems to add to the beauty of the lake.

I did went back coupe of time, but those can't never can replace experience of my first visit.