Thekkady
The home of the Periyar National Park, Thekkady tourism offers exotic wildlife, untouched nature, adventure activities, and traditional artforms.
Thekkady Photos & Images
About Thekkady
Attractions
Boating in Periyar Lake, Periyar National Park, wildlife
Best Season
September to February
Ideal Duration
3 days
Languages
Malayalam, Tamil
If Kerala is God’s Own Country, Thekkady is the true abode of God.
A jewel in the crown of Kerala, the land of Kathakali and Kalaripayattu, Thekkady tourism enables you to discover the most pristine spots tucked in the lap of nature.
Thekkady is known for one of the world's most well-known and fascinating wildlife reserves – the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Thekkady is also one of the most beautiful hill stations in South India. If you are looking for an idyllic getaway featuring natural splendor in all its glory, there are plenty of places to visit in Thekkady.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady is spread across 777 sq km and is well known for its exotic wildlife, exotic endemic and migratory birds, trekking opportunities, and scenic beauty.
ALSO SEE- Thekkady Tour Packages
The main attraction in Thekkady is the boat cruise on Periyar Lake. During the boat ride, you can spot wildlife like Asian Elephants, Indian Gaur, monkeys, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, and birds of myriad varieties in close quarters from the safety of your vessel.
Explore this picturesque town dotted with rolling hills and scenic meadows to know what all Thekkady tourism can offer you. Experience the alluring sights and sounds of Mother Nature on the most refreshing journey through dense forests, serpentine rivers, thick mangroves, and dreamy hills.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast or leisure seeker, honeymooner or a casual vacationer, these rugged terrains and locales of Thekkady will leave you yearning for more!
Thekkady Tourist Places
Look at these places to visit in Thekkady that will take you through its lofty mountain peaks, scented spice plantations, and sunlit forests teeming with wildlife and birdsongs.
-> Periyar National Park: The pride of God’s Own Country, this protected wildlife reserve is one of the best places to visit in Thekkady and home to some of the rarest, most exotic, and endangered wildlife species in India.
-> Periyar Lake: While visiting the abode of the wild, you cannot miss out on the alluring Periyar Lake in Thekkady. Making its way through the wildlife reserve of Thekkady district, this artificial lake tops the list of Thekkady tourist places. A boat ride or bamboo rafting session on this scenic lake is one of the best things to do in the Thekkady.
-> Murukkady: Tucked around 5 km from Thekkady, this place can easily mesmerize you with its boundless beauty. Adorned with unending cardamom, pepper, and coffee plantations, Murikkady offers a fun-frolic experience to nature lovers, families, and couples during their Thekkady trip.
-> Mudra Cultural Centre: An essential part of Thekkady tourism, the Mudra Cultural Centre is famous for hosting cultural events. These include the traditional dance form of Kathakali and India’s oldest form of martial arts - Kalaripayattu.
-> Mangala Devi Temple: India's oldest temple dating back to the 1st century AD, Mangala Devi Temple is tucked deep inside the lush forests of Periyar at an altitude of 1,337 meters above sea level. Offering stunning views of the forest and the Periyar River, this temple stands as a symbol of the moral power that resides in a woman.
-> Abraham’s Spice Garden: With scenic charm and picturesque views of gardens, this aromatic and lush green space filled with colorful spice plants tops the list of Thekkady tourist places for lovers of spices and greenery! Don't forget to buy fresh, organic spices at subsidized rates when you're here.
ALSO SEE - Thekkady Boating Guide
Things To Do In Thekkady
Here are some activities that you mustn't miss on your visit to Thekkady, the wild paradise of Kerala!
-> Periyar Lake cruise: Boating on the Periyar Lake will show you wild animals along the banks of the lake.
-> Jeep safari in Thekkady: Taking a ride through the mystical jungles of Periyar will give you an adventure-packed vacation inclusive of trekking, birding, canoeing, and boating.
-> Jungle Patrol & border hiking: One of the best activities in Periyar for trekking enthusiasts and wildlife lovers that takes them deep into the dense jungles of Thekkady and the eco-development zones of Periyar Tiger Reserve.
-> Bamboo Rafting: Traverse a mosaic of habitats using flat rafts made of bamboo and see everything from bird life to arboreal animals like Giant Malabar Squirrels, Nilgiri Langurs, elephants, and gaur at a close range.
-> Spice plantation tour: Visit the enchanting land of aromatic herbs and verdant spice plantations growing cardamom, pepper, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and tea, among others.
-> Hiking to Ramakkalmedu Hill: A short hike to this hilltop through a beautiful forest and past lovely streams will reward you with stunning panoramic views of Tamil Nadu from the top!
-> Paragliding in Murikkady: Enjoy spiced tea and the thrill of paragliding over the picturesque hills and plantations of Thekkady!
-> Witness traditional art forms: The Kadathanadan Kalari Centre regularly hosts Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performances that are a delight to watch!
-> Treehouse stay (Special activity by Iris Holidays): A treehouse stay in cardamom plantations in Thekkady offers a scenic and rejuvenating experience. Stay in Erumadam, a treetop wooden cabin with local interiors, an attached bathroom, and a balcony overlooking alluring vistas of hills and forests.
ALSO SEE - Best Things To Do In Thekkady
Truly blessed with abundant natural beauty, Thekkady boasts beautiful tourist places in the form of wildlife reserves, pristine slopes, verdant tea and coffee gardens, and ancient temples.
Plan your Thekkady tour with us and explore this heavenly destination in Kerala with its cool climate, panoramic vistas, and lush greenery.
Popular Questions About Thekkady
Best time to visit Thekkady
Plan your trip during best season to experience the best of this stunning destination
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Given its year-round pleasant climate, Thekkady makes for an all-season destination. Plan your trip during the best season to visit Thekkady to experience the most of what this stunning destination has to offer.
Located in the Idukki district of Kerala, Thekkady district experiences extreme climatic conditions during summer and monsoons.
ALSO SEE - Best Time To Visit Thekkady
Thekkady is a beautiful destination any time of the year. Its dense forests provide shade during the hot and humid summer months, while the colder winter months coincide with many colorful festivals. Avoid the monsoon season as it's heavy rainfall can spoil your plans to explore.
The monsoon season spans from June through October. Torrential rain and widespread flooding make this a bad time to undertake outdoor adventure activities.
September, at the tail end of the monsoon season, is the ideal time to visit. Prices are still off-season, but the mountains, forests, and waterfalls turn refreshingly beautiful and renewed! It's an excellent time to spot animals profiting from the renewal of nature's bounty.
The weather is cool and dry between October and February. While this is the perfect time for outdoor activities and sightseeing, book way in advance to avoid hefty peak season prices.
It is best to explore Thekkady tourist places during winter as it allows one to enjoy its peaceful side and entices explorers with its vibrant cultural heritage.
Between March and May, Kerala summer peaks. Sweltering and humid weather makes conditions less than ideal for sightseeing and adventure. If you travel in the offseason of summer to take advantage of the low stay prices, you must venture out only in the evening or early morning.
How to Reach Thekkady
Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu and Kochi International Airport in Kerala are the nearest airports to Thekkady. Kottayam Railway Station is the nearest railhead to Thekkady at a distance of about 114 km.
You can hail a cab or take a bus to Thekkady from either of these places. Regular private coaches and KSRTC-run buses service the town of Thekkady from cities like Kochi and Trivandrum.
By Flight
The nearest airport to Thekkady is the Madurai Domestic Airport in Tamil Nadu, from where you can hail a cab, board a train, or take a bus to Thekkady. You can pre-book a taxi for a convenient and comfortable journey. Kochi is the second nearest international airport and is well-connected to most major cities in India like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kochi. It also services international destinations in South East Asia and the Middle East. Both airports are regularly serviced by all primary domestic airlines.
By Bus
The nearest train station to Thekkady is at Kottayam about 114 km away. Kottayam Railway Station is well-connected to major cities across India with frequent and regular services. This is one of the most cost-effective, comfortable, and scenic ways to travel around Kerala, and all over India. You can purchase the tickets online or at the station booths to enjoy a relaxing journey.
By Train
Regular bus routes connect Thekkady to Kochi, Trivandrum, and Kottayam. These cities and towns have regular bus services thanks to the state-owned KSRTC buses. Although this is a convenient way to travel to Thekkady, riding a crowded bus with lots of luggage might be uncomfortable.
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