Synonymous with South India's most popular tiger reserve, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady is 6 km from Kumily. Thekkady Junction is the central part of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where the hotels and the boat jetty are situated.
The Forest Department conducts elephant rides, daily treks, Plantation Eco-Tours and boating trips on Periyar Lake from Thekkady. Massage and other Ayurvedic treatments are available at many places in and around Kumily and Thekkady.
Places of tourist interest are
Murikkady, Vandanmedu, Pandikuzhi, Mangala Devi Temple.
The drive to Thekkady itself is enchanting as the road winds through tranquil countryside, rich plantations and thick jungles. Kumily, on the outskirts of the sanctuary, is the point of entry into Thekkady and is very well connected by bus to cities and town in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Cochin International Airport (190 km) and Madurai airport (140 km) are the nearest airports. Nearest railheads are at Theni and Kottayam.