Thekkady
Situated in kerala, close to the Kerala - Tamil Nadu border town - Kumily, it is located about 257 km (160 miles) from Trivandrum, 114 km from Madurai Airport, 185 km from Cochin International Airport and 114 km from Kottayam railway station. The sanctuary is famous for its dense evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savanna grass lands. It is home to herds of elephants, sambar, tigers, gaur, lion-tailed Macaques and Nilgiri Langurs.
The Periyar Wildlife sanctuary is spread across 777 km² (300 sq. miles), of which 360 km² (139 sq. miles) is thick evergreen forest. The Wild Life Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaiperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. The greatest attraction of Periyar are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.
Thekkady is considered a heaven for natural spices such as black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and clove.
Azhagar Kovil
Azhagar Kovil (Temple of Alagar) is situated on a hill, and hence, the place is also known as Alagar Hill. The statues of Lord Kallalagar can be found in seated, standing and reclining postures in this temple. Azhagar is popularly known as Soundara Rajan, meaning 'very beautiful king'. This temple is also famous for its shrine of Karuppa Swamy, the guard deity.More information from Auditor M. Dhandapani, Dindigul. The Guard Deity Karuppu swamy is called as 'Pathinettampadi Karuppu Swamy'. When we go to Azhagar kovil, at first all will pray the 'Pathinettampadi Karuppu Swamy'. Because, as he is the Guard Deity of the Temple, we get permission from him to go to the main temple. But it is to be noted the pooja is being done not to statue of Pathinettampadi Karuppuswamy. The pooja is being done only to the very big doors of the Sannidhanam which is closed all over the year except ' Aadi Pathinetty', i.e. the 18th day of the Tamil month 'Aadi'. On that day only the closed doors are opened, but only the main peiest of Pathinettampadi Karuppu Swamy will go to inside and will do pooja. Thousands of people gathered before the Pathinettampadi Karuppu Swamy. Free food will be issued to all the devotees by them. The Temple of Pazhamudircholai is also situated in a hillock nearby.
