Thekkady, situated at 65 km from Idukki is one of finest wildlife reserves in India. Thekkady Wild life Sanctuary is located in Idukki in the beautiful and picturesque state of Kerala. It lies on the Western Ghats and is aprroximately 4000-5000 ft above sea-level. This bird sanctuary is a peninsula type land of 25 sq. km formed between the various branches of River Periyar. The Periyar river is rich in fish life and is shallow for most of the year. The fauna at this beautiful place includes both resting indigenous birds and water birds. The most notable of the birds here are Malabar grey hornbill, grey jungle fowl, heron, egret, jungle myna, wood pecker, rose winged and blue winged parakeet. Rare and exotic birds like Ceylon frog-mouth, rose billed roller etc. are also seen. One can see deers, monkeys, tigers, herds of elephants and other exotic flora and fauna here. A calm and quiet boat ride in the lake surrounding the sanctuary gives one an opputunity to see these animals playing, hunting or just resting by the lake. This lake is unique in the sense that it is a manmade wonder and one is able to see partially submerged tree-trunks in the lake. For the more adventurous guests, Thekkady offers trekking into the jungle. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. Its qulaity of being the only wild life sanctuary in India where guests can enjoy the unique and thrilling experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar, however are the herds of wild elephants that come down to the drink and enjoy themselves in the lake.