Thekkady is one of the best known wild life centers in India.

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.

• Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary: Spread across 777 sq .km, of which 360 sq.km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger reserve in 1978 and is noted for its geo-morphological diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar dam across the Periyar river adds to the charm.
• Sanctuary watch towers: There are three watchtowers for observing wild life.
• Kumily: This plantation town 4kms from Thekkady, is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. It is an important shopping center and spice trading center.
• Murikkady is 5 km from Thekkady: Washed in fresh spice scented air;Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantation.
• Pandikuzhi (5 km from Kumily):This picturesque place is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu State border is a popular picnic spot. Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer's delight.
• Pullumedu (43 km from Thekkady, 26 km from Periyar) : The famous Sree Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala is visible from here. Velvet lawns, rare flora and fauna add to the beauty of Pullumedu.
• Mangala Devi Temple (15 km from Thekkady): This ancient temple is 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. The peak commands a panoramic view of the other side of the Ghats and the vast plains of Tamil Nadu.
• Chellarkovil (15 km from Kumily): 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 Kambam in neighboring Tamil Nadu.
• Peerumedu: This famous plantation town, takes its name from Peer Mohammad, a Sufi saint .Wide vistas of tea, cardamom, rubber and coffee plantations interspersed with silver cascades, sculptural rocks, meadows and mist-cloaked hilltops make Peermedu an unforgettable experience.c
• Flora & Fauna: The diverse forest types, vayals, marshes, and a large aquatic habitat together support 62 species of mammals, 320 species of birds, 45 species of reptiles, 27 species of amphibians, and 38 species of fishes. The invertebrate fauna of Periyar is not well documented, though the predominant invertebrate orders are Protozoa, Annelida, Arthropoda and Mollusca. 160 butterfly species have been listed. Among the 62 species of mammals, many are rare, endemic and endangered. Periyar is prime elephant country and large herbs are often sighted at the lake fringes. There is an estimated population of 900-1000 animals. Sambar, the largest deer in India are extensively distributed, and constitute the principal prey base of tiger and wild dog. Other animals include Wild pig, highly endangered Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri langur, highly endangered Lion tailed macaque, Malabar giant squirrel, very rare small Travancore flying squirrel, Large flying squirrel, Salim Ali’s fruit bat, Strip necked mongoose, Nilgiri marten, an extremely rare and endemic mustellid, wild boar, , bison, bear etc. Amongst the avifauna, the most profuse are herons, egrets, darters, kingfishers and the great Malabar grey hornbill.