Thekkady is 190 km from Kochi. The road to the sanctuary winds through a picturesque countryside and plantations of tea, cardamom, pepper, cloves and cinnamon in the High Ranges. The dam across Periyar forms a lake where cruise by motor launch is a memorable experience. This is one of the largest wildlife reserves in India. It is a popular tiger reserve too. The most commonly sighted animal here is the elephant that comes in herds to frolic in the lake's waters.