Thekkady is a true paradise for travelers, a sanctuary for nature lovers, a romantic escape for honeymooners, an ideal leisure spot for fun seekers, and an adventurous destination in Kerala. This stunning locale showcases the pristine beauty of nature. Nestled amidst the enchanting Western Ghats, enriched by the charm of spice plantations, and teeming with captivating wildlife, Thekkady, often referred to as God’s Own Country, truly requires no introduction!
However, when exploring the allure of this picturesque destination in Kerala, one must proceed with caution, as visitors can easily be entranced by Thekkady’s breathtaking beauty. Whether you’re looking for activities, the best time to visit, or popular landmarks and attractions, this remarkable destination can fulfill all your travel aspirations!
For all those who admire and cherish Thekkady, here is a detailed guide to assist you in planning the perfect and most delightful tour of this enchanting place:
Top Tourist Destinations / Places to Visit in Thekkady
Periyar National Park:
A visit to this protected is a dream come true experience for every wildlife and nature lovers; a must visit destination for almost all types of visitors.
Periyar Lake:
Periyar Lake, located in the heart of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady, is a stunning and serene body of water that attracts nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. This picturesque lake was formed by the construction of the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River and is surrounded by lush green forests and the majestic Western Ghats
Murikkady:
Murikkady is a charming destination near Thekkady, known for its picturesque landscapes and serene atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to experience the lush greenery and spice plantations of Kerala.
Peermade:
Perched at 915-1,100m above the sea level, this balmy hill station is one of the most sought after tourist destinations near Thekkady.
Pandikuzhi:
If you desire to have a tryst with gurgling streams, cascading waterfalls, scenic meadows, exotic range of flora and fauna, you must visit Pandikuzhi.
Chellarkovil:
A quaint village at around 15km from Thekkady, Chellarkovil is a gateway to the indigenous roots of Kerala.
Gavi:
Stunning tea & spice plantations, gorgeous valleys, tropical forests and enchanting waterfalls are the USP of this tranquil village; its diverse range of wildlife is an add-on for the visitors.
Kumily:
The ‘Gateway to Thekkady’ or the ‘Plantation Town’, Kumily is surely one of the most beautiful places to visit in Thekkady.
Ramakkalmedu:
Yet another gorgeous hill station on Thekkady-Munnar Highway, Ramakkalmedu is the perfect blend of history, natural beauty and biodiversity.
Best Activities and Things to Do in Thekkady
Wildlife Spotting:
Wildlife spotting is in fact the most sought after thing to do in Thekkady. Embark on this enthralling trails to spot Indian tigers, Asian elephants, Nilgiritahr, sambar, and several other exotic wildlife species.
Boating:
Periyar Lake is the primary spot for all boating activities in Thekkady. These cruises take the visitors deep inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve that cannot be accessed by other means.
Jeep Safari
While other vehicles can drive you crazy with their lighting speed, jeep safaris will keep you enthralled with their access to all types to terrains in Thekkady.
Tribal Tour:
Embark on this tour to know more about the indigenous tribes of Kerala. Visit their locality, interact with them and have a glance of their native cultures and traditions.
Night Trekking or Patrolling:
Enjoy the nocturnal beauty of the Periyar National Park while on a night trekking or jungle patrolling with forest officials; make your Thekkady tour even more enthralling with these tours!
Bamboo Rafting:
A unique and must to experience, bamboo rafting in Thekkady has its own fun and excitement.
Elephant Ride:
Spend a day along with the giant mammoths; learn how to feed them, communicate with them, take a shower with them!
Plantation Tour:
While most of Thekkady is jotted with numerous plantations; coffee, tea and spice, plantation tours in Thekkady cannot be missed at any cost!
Waterfall Visit:
Bestowed with an array of stunning waterfalls, one must embark on a waterfall tour in Thekkady and witness the miraculous beauty of Mother Nature.
Sightseeing:
A sightseeing tour in Thekkady is indeed the best way to explore, witness and enjoy the pristine beauty of Thekkady’s untouched nature.
Mountain Biking:
Add an extra dose of fun and thrill to your trip by indulging in mountain biking in Thekkady; pedal through scenic plantations and discover the unadulteratedbeauty of Thekkady!
Bullock Cart Rides:
Get back to your roots; connect with them and live like a villager for a day while enjoying bullock cart rides through the invigorating terrains of local villages.
How to Reach Thekkady
By Road:
Bus journeys are in fact the costliest ways to reach Thekkady; however, they are also the most exciting ways to reach this scenic tourist destination. You can avail regular buses to Thekkady from major destinations like Kochi, Trivandrum, Kottayam, Bangalore, Chennai, Salem, Tiruchirapalli, Krishnagiri, and others. You can either take regular private buses, or can opt for the government buses.
By Train:
As already said, Thekkady do not have a railway station, you can board a train to Kottayam Railway Station which is around 114km from the town. You can either try for a direct train or can board a train from Trivandrum in order to reach Kottayam. Arriving at the railway station, you can hire private taxis, cabs or regular buses to Thekkady.
By Air:
Madurai Airport; around 136km from Thekkady, serves as the nearest airport. Other option includes Cochin International Airport at a distance of 190km from Thekkady. Almost all the major airlines have flights to these two airports from all the major cities in the country. On reaching either of the airports, you can hire private cabs, taxis or take direct buses to Thekkady.
