The road that crosses the ghats and joins Madurai to Cochin allows quite a pleasant halt at the National Park of Periyar. The altitude of some 1400 m creates a fresh climate which contrasts with the tropical heat of the plains. Many plantations cover the hills: with higher altitudes is the kingdom of spices (pepper, cardamome, etc), then, a little low, that of the large plantations of tea .
The construction of a Dam in 1895 developed a lake around which thanks to the creation of a National Park which covers an area of 777 km ,a whole lot fauna thrived, . A boatride on the lake (2 hours) makes it possible to see many birds, wild elephants which come to water and eat watery grasses, etc. It is desirable to have a pair of binoculars. Those which have time can make minis-trek in the Reserve in company of a forester.
The small agglomeration
of Tekkadi is rather pleasant and one advises to spend the night there to
the expenses because one is here at 4 hours of Madurai and 5 of Cochin. Many
stores of craft industry invite the tourist.