Munnar
Munnar hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India and is situated at the conference of three mountain streams – Mudrapuzha, Nallathani, and Kundala. Layers of tea estates, mountain mist, and waterfalls make this hill station surrealistically beautiful. Munnar is also famous for the ‘Neelakurinji’ flower, which blooms once every 12 years. Paragliding, dam visits, cycling, and rare species of flora all add to the excitement.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is bordered by the Periyar and Kuttampuzha rivers on two sides, and Kolombathodu and Orulathmani on the other two sides. It is almost at the foot of the Western Ghats. Ornithologist Salim Ali described this sanctuary as the richest bird habitat on peninsular India. This was the first bird sanctuary in the region, established in 1983.
Bhoothathankettu Dam
Bhoothathankettu Dam is situated outside the village of Pindimana, about 10 km away from the town of Kothamangalam. Large blocks of unshaped stones are placed on both sides of the Periyar River to form the dam, making it look like a natural dam built by superhumans. The name ‘Bhoothathankettu’ means “monster fort;” past generations believed it was built by Bhootham (monsters).