Pandikuzhi

Pandikuzhi is located around 5 kms from Thekkady. It is cradled between Chellarkovil in Idukki district and the Tamilnadu border. It is a fine stretch of picturesque land. The place is a feast for the senses and is rich in a wide spectrum of flora and fauna, heritage, vales and dales, gurgling streams, cascading waters, quaint villages and villagers. Pandikuzhi is just 4.5 kms from Kumily. To reach Pandikuzhi there is a trek of about 1/2 km. The thunderous cataract in the picture falling from a high of 1200 ft is just one among the seven falls here. But to get a full view of all the falls, one should go to the Gudalloor area of TamilNadu. The falls, against the backdrop of the lush greenery and blue canopy above. A popular picnic spot, Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer's delight. Pandikuzhi is noted for the many species of bird and animal life and rare plants and herbs that thrive there. The landscape of the place makes it an appealing holiday venue for trekkers and adventure travelers as well. It is a popular picnic spot of Periyar. Periyar wildlife sanctuary has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a permanent source of water for the local wildlife. The animals to be seen in the Periyar sanctuary are Elephant, Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog and very rarely, a Tiger.