Thekkady is a popular tourist spot in Kerala, India. It is in the Idukki district. It is known for its untouched nature, beautiful scenery, and the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Thekkady is in the Western Ghats and has a unique mix of wildlife, nature, and adventure for its tourists.
The Periyar Tiger Reserve, which covers more than 900 square kilometers and is one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in India, is Thekkady’s main draw. The area is home to many different kinds of plants and animals, such as elephants, tigers, leopards, sambar deer, gaur, and many different kinds of birds. People can go on exciting jungle safaris, boat trips, and guided nature walks to learn about the reserve’s rich variety of plants and animals.
The Periyar Lake, which is part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, is one of the best things to see in Thekkady. Taking a boat ride on the lake’s calm waters is a great way to see animals, especially elephants, as they come to the water’s edge to drink. The experience is even more beautiful because of the nearby forests and misty hills.
Besides the wildlife, Thekkady has a lot of other things to see and do. Spice plantations are a big part of the area, and tourists can take guided trips to learn about how spices like cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves are grown and processed. Traditional arts like Kathakali (a classical dance form) and Kalaripayattu (a martial art form) are also shown at cultural shows that tourists like to see.
Trekking paths let people explore the Periyar Tiger Reserve and the nearby hills, where they can see beautiful views, hidden waterfalls, and different kinds of plants and animals. Nature fans can go to the Mangala Devi Temple, which is inside the reserve and is known for its wide views of the area.
Thekkady has a variety of places to stay, such as luxury resorts, eco-lodges, and cheap hotels, so guests can be sure to have a comfortable stay. The food in Thekkady is a treat for foodies because it has unique flavours and is made with vegetables and spices that are grown locally.
The Best of What Thekkady Has to Offer
Thekkady is a paradise for people who love wildlife and nature. It is often paired with Munnar as part of a Munnar Thekkady Package, which is the most popular tour for people who come to Kerala. Tourists come from all over the world to enjoy its cool weather, beautiful views, lush greenery, and unique wildlife sanctuary. More of all the great places to visit and the peaceful atmosphere of Thekkady have made it the most popular place to go on vacation in Kerala, India, and there are many things to do there.
Elephant Interactions
Thekkady gives you real-life pictures of elephants walking in a herd along the clear lakes and rivers in the Periyar wildlife sanctuary and boating on the lake. It also has spice gardens with fragrant air, long stretches of green hills, beautiful waterfalls, and the sound of nature, which calms your mind and refreshes your soul. Thekkady is the best place to see wild animals up close while staying safe on a boat ride over the beautiful Periyar Lake. The main thing to see in Thekkady is the groups of elephants that walk along the lake’s edge and splash water everywhere. In Thekkady, you can go fishing, but there are also a lot of other things to do.
Boating
A tourist’s first and most important thing to do in Thekkady is to go boating on the lake. Along the lake’s edge, wild animals can be seen eating, bathing, drinking, and sleeping. It would be more fun to see the elephant mothers playing with their young in the lake. The Boat Service is run by KTDC and the Forest Department. Five trips a day, and each one takes two hours.
Jeep Safari in Thekkady
The jeep safari to Gavi from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. is the best off-the-beaten-path experience for those who want to get away from it all in the wild. There are many things to do in Thekkady, such as hiking, birding, canoeing, and boarding. This plan includes both breakfast and lunch. Jeep Safari takes you through thick forests, cascading waterfalls, and fragrant spice farms.
Forest Patrol—guiding the forest
Jungle Patrol in Thekkady is a must-do. Night patrols in the tiger reserve’s periphery eco-development zones include this programme. This protects Periyar’s woods. Anyone in good physical and mental shape can go night hiking between 7 p.m. and 4 a.m.
A slot may hold 8 visitors (two teams) for 3 hours. Two protection watches and a one-armed forest guard will accompany them! Try your senses in the nocturnal forest.
Border hiking is range hiking that is focused on safety.
This is a hard, all-day hike that has to do with protection. Trekking begins at 8:00 in the morning and stops at 6:00 in the evening. The route goes through hills and valleys. There will be changes in elevation from 900 meters to 1300 meters. Trekkers will be able to see the tall cliffs along the park’s watershed and the wide fields below. In addition to birds and butterflies, you can often see gaur, sloth bears, elephants, and other animals along this path. The hike can be done by up to 10 tourists in two different groups. The Trekkers will have two leaders and a guard with a gun with them. You can get vegetarian snacks along the way.
Bamboo rafting—dawn-to-dusk hiking
Bamboo rafting in Thekkady, a dawn-to-dusk hiking and rafting programme through some of Periyar Tiger Reserve’s richest forest tracts, including thick forests on trek and the catchments area on a bamboo raft, is one of the best things to do in Thekkady. From the boat landing at 8 am, the party will cross a mosaic of habitats before boarding bamboo rafts.
Giant squirrels and Nilgiri langurs inhabit the forests. The lake reflects forest-clad slopes during the three-hour rafting. Elephants, gaur, and sambar live around the lake. By 5pm, the team hitches back to the boat landing. 10 tourists will have an armed guard and 4 guides. Tea, snacks, and lunch are provided. Eco-friendly tours include tourists.
A maximum of 10 passengers, 5 guides, and a one-armed guard safeguard the bamboo rafting crew from wild animals. Tourists can observe the lake and forests and see unique animals and birds during this programme.
Bamboo rafting typically runs from 8 to 5. Daytime meals include lunch and tea.
Elephant Ride
There is a park with elephants and people who live there. The park is filled with the smell of spices because spices are grown there. The park offers different programmers, such as a half-hour ride and photo session and a programme called “One hour with elephant,” which includes an elephant ride, bath, photo session, commands, and communication. Another programmed is “Two Hours with Elephant,” which includes an elephant ride, bath, photo session, commands, and feeding.
Thekkady Places to See
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, also called the Periyar Tiger Reserve, is a well-known wildlife sanctuary in Kerala, India. It is in the Western Ghats. It is called the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary because the Periyar River runs through it and makes a beautiful scene.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is about 925 square kilometres in size and is known for having a wide range of plants and animals. The refuge is known for its large number of Indian elephants. Over 800 elephants are thought to live in the area. In addition to elephants, the refuge is home to tigers, leopards, gaurs (Indian bison), sambar deer, wild boars, langurs, and many different types of birds.
The Periyar Lake, which is inside the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, is one of the key things to see there. People can go on boat tours on the lake, which is a unique way to see wildlife up close, especially elephants that come to the water’s edge to drink and bathe. On the boat rides, you might also see kingfishers, hornbills, and darters, among other bird types.
In addition to boat safaris, visitors can experience the sanctuary by going on guided nature walks, bamboo rafting, or trekking. Inside the reserve, there are a number of hiking trails that let you take in the natural beauty of the area. Walking through the wooded paths gives you chances to see wildlife, take in beautiful views, and find hidden waterfalls.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is known for the work it does to protect wildlife and promote ecotourism. It has a lot of programmes and events that teach people about wildlife conservation and how important it is to keep natural habitats intact.
People can get to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary from different places, such as Thekkady and Kumily. Cochin International Airport is about 150 kilometres away and is the closest big airport. The refuge is easy to get to by car, and buses run regularly from nearby towns and cities.
A visit to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary provides a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of Kerala’s wildlife and immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings of the Western Ghats. It is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those seeking an enriching experience in the lap of nature.
Gavi
Gavi is a beautiful place to visit for ecotourism in India. It is in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. It is in the Western Ghats and is known for its lush greenery, wildlife, and quiet settings. Nature fans, people who want to try new things, and people who want to get away from it all often choose Gavi.
Gavi is known for its thick woods, winding streams, waterfalls, and rolling hills. The area has a lot of different kinds of plants and animals, like elephants, tigers, lions, bears, Indian gaurs, and many different kinds of birds. The area has been made a part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve because it is an important place for rare species to live.
The Gavi Wildlife Sanctuary, which is about 25 square kilometers in size, is one of the best things to do in Gavi. Visitors can go on guided nature walks and treks to explore the reserve. This lets them see the pristine beauty of the forest and meet different plants and animals along the way. You can also go bird watching at the refuge, where you might see both native and migratory bird species.
Adventure sports are also popular in Gavi. Visitors can do things like go on jeep tours, which take them through the forest and give them a chance to see animals. Camping is another popular thing to do in Gavi. You can spend the night in the middle of nature and enjoy the peace and quiet.
The area is a great place for nature photographers and birdwatchers because it has beautiful scenery and is quiet. Gavi’s landscapes, like the beautiful Gavi Lake, are great places to take photos of special times.
People can get to Gavi from a number of different places. Cochin International Airport is about 150 km away and is the closest big airport. From there, you can either take a cab or a bus to Gavi. On the way to Gavi, you pass by tea farms, spice gardens, and forested areas, which are all beautiful.
Gavi is a hidden gem in Kerala. It is a place that is clean and off the beaten road. It has the right mix of adventure, wildlife, and natural beauty, making it a must-see place for people who love nature and want to find peace and quiet in the Western Ghats.
Abraham's Spice Garden
Abraham’s Spice Garden is a well-known spice farm in the Indian state of Kerala. It is in the Kumily area. It is a popular place for tourists to visit because it lets them learn about the interesting world of spices and try the delicious flavours of Kerala.
The Abraham family owns and runs the spice farm. For many generations, they have grown spices. The farm covers several acres and is home to many fragrant spices, such as cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and more. The yard is well-kept and shows off the bright colours of the spices and the lush greenery.
At Abraham’s Spice Garden, visitors can take tours led by expert guides who explain how different spices are grown, harvested, and processed. They talk about the different ways the plants are grown and cared for, and tourists can see for themselves how high-quality spices are made.
During the walk, people can learn about the healing properties of spices and how they were used in Ayurveda, an old Indian medical system. The guides also tell interesting stories and tales about how spices have been used in Kerala’s history and culture.
In addition to exploring the spice plantation, tourists can also have a traditional Kerala lunch or tea at the garden. Spices grown on the farm are often used to flavor the food, which makes for a delightful dining experience.
Abraham’s Spice Garden is a peaceful and educational place where people can connect with nature and learn more about Kerala’s rich history of spices. It is a great place to learn about how spices are grown, enjoy their tastes and smells, and buy high-quality spices to bring home as gifts.
Murikkady View Point
Murikkady is one of the most refreshing places to visit in Thekkady. It is a great place for families and nature fans to have a picnic. The area is full of spice farms, and the smell of coffee, pepper, and cardamom fills the air and wakes you up.
Murikaddy also has great views of the beautiful chain of hills that surround the area and the lush green fields. A day out in the fresh air is not only good for your body, but also for your mind.
Kadathanadan kalari & Navarasa kathakali
The Kadathanadan Kalari & Navarasa Kathakali Centre is a popular cultural centre situated in Thekkady, Kerala, India. It gives people a chance to see the colourful arts of Kalaripayattu and Kathakali, which are a big part of Kerala’s culture.
Kalaripayattu is an old form of martial arts that comes from Kerala. At the Kadathanadan Kalari, you can watch skilled practitioners show off Kalaripayattu in exciting ways. The art includes physical moves, moves for self-defense, graceful movements, and skills with weapons. Through a number of choreographed sequences and energetic performances, the dancers show how agile, flexible, and precise they are.
The Kathakali dance-drama is performed at the Navarasa Kathakali Centre, which is also in the same building. Kathakali is an art form that is very stylised and includes dance, drama, music, and elaborate costumes and makeup. Characters from Hindu folklore and epics come to life on stage through facial expressions, complex hand movements, rhythmic footwork, and storytelling.
At the Kadathanadan Kalari & Navarasa Kathakali Centre, you can see live performances of Kalaripayattu and Kathakali. This will give you a taste of Kerala’s rich cultural history. The centre has regular evening shows for guests, so they can see how talented and dedicated the performers are. Also, the artists often explain the subtleties and meanings behind their art, which helps people understand and enjoy the shows more.
Before the shows, visitors can also see how the makeup and costumes for Kathakali are made. This gives them a better idea of how the artists change into their roles.
Attending a show at the Kadathanadan Kalari & Navarasa Kathakali Centre in Thekkady is a unique cultural experience that immerses you in the lively worlds of Kalaripayattu and Kathakali. It gives you a chance to see how talented, dedicated, and passionate the performers are while also learning more about Kerala’s traditional performance arts.