When we are reminded of Kerala, we get green landscapes in our memories. Thankfully, God’s Own Country has a lot to offer for nature enthusiasts and tourists. Thekkady is one such attraction in the state that attracts tourists from across India.
Thekkady is placed at an altitude of 700 m above sea level. Idukki District of Kerala is the home to Thekkady. This hill station in Kerala offers an ideal retreat for anyone interested in adventurous activities, nature and wildlife. It is standing between the semi-evergreen and evergreen forests of the Western Ghats. The hill station has a lot of things to offer for tourists. Particularly, the hill station is popular as the biggest wildlife sanctuary. You can see a lot of wild animals like lion-tailed monkeys, wild squirrels, leopards, tigers, boars, Sambar deer, bison and Asian elephants in this hill station.
Thekkady – An Introduction
Thekkady is a small town yet an enchanting destination located in the state of Kerala. It is close to the Tamil Nadu border. Its tranquil lakes, spice gardens and lush forests make it the best destination to escape from the busy city life.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is at the heart of thekkady. It holds the pride of being one of the most important tiger reserves. It is also home to a wide range of flora and fauna. You can engage in a lot of outdoor activities in this town. Examples include wildlife safaris, trekking and bamboo rafting. It appeals to everyone from those looking for a peaceful retreat to thrill-seekers.
Are you interested in a visit to this hill station? You can learn about Thekkady tourist places and many other important details from this post. This blog will help you plan your trip to this town effectively:
How to Reach Thekkady?
Before you plan a trip to Thekkady, you should plan your mode of transportation. You can reach this town by train, air or by road from different parts of India. Here are some details you should be aware of:
By Train
In case you are thinking about a train trip from your hometown, you should know one thing. Thekkady does not have a dedicated railway station. The nearest railway station to this town is Kottayam Railway Station. This station is located around 114 km from Thekkady.
Kottayam is connected well with many important cities. Yes, daily trains run from different parts of India to reach Kottayam. Here are a few names:
- Kolkata – GHY TVC Express
- Bangalore – Kanyakumari Express
- Mumbai – Kanyakumari Express
- Chennai – Trivandrum Mail
- Delhi – Kerala Express
Above all, every train that reaches Thiruvananthapuram from any part of India passes through Kottayam. Once you reach Kottayam, you can hire a taxi to reach Kottayam.
By Air
Thekkady does not have a dedicated airport. So, you will have to reach the nearest Madurai Airport. This airport in Tamil Nady is located around 136 km away from Thekkady. This airport is connected well by flights from Coimbatore and Chennai. This is a domestic airport.
The nearest international Airport to Thekkady is Nedumbassery Airport in Kochi. This airport is located around 165 km away from Thekkady. This airport gets flights from many Indian cities and also from foreign countries. Irrespective of the airports you choose to reach, you can hire a taxi from there to reach Thekkady.
By Bus
You can look for bus services from your city to Thekkady. If you are from nearby states and border cities, you might find direct buses to the hill station. However, if you are from faraway cities, you might find buses to major cities in Kerala. For instance, you can find buses to Kochi, Kottayam and Thiruvananthapuram. From these cities, regular buses managed by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation are operated to Thekkady. From major cities in Kerala, you can even find Superfast buses to the hill station.
By Car
Based on your origin city, you can drive to Thekkady. You can find the best routes using Google Maps.
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Key Attractions & Things to Do
Before you plan your trip to Thekkady, you will be interested in knowing about its key attractions. Here are a few attractions you should not miss out on visiting when you are at the hill station.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is synonymous with Thekkady. This sanctuary is set on the banks of the Periyar Lake. This sanctuary is covered by mountain terrains, evergreen woods and green fields. It houses a wide range of wild animals, which attracts nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts from across India.
The wildlife sanctuary covers a total area of 777 square km. It holds the pride of being one of the 27 tiger reserves of India. You can also find other animal species in this sanctuary. Jungle Safari is a key attraction in this sanctuary that should not be missed.
Elephant Junction
In this place, you will get interactive elephant encounters. Yes, you can feed and bathe tamed elephants in a serene atmosphere. Also, you can take an elephant back ride. You will get a lot of opportunities to participate in cultural activities and photo opportunities in this place in Thekkady.
Yodha Cultural Village
Are you a person interested in cultural activities? If so, you can consider visiting the private-operated Yodha Cultural Village. This place offers a wide range of cultural events with a focus on art. You can watch magic shows, kalarippayattu and Kathakali. These are traditional forms of art in Kerala. The purpose is to deepen your knowledge of the cultural values of Kerala.
Green Park Spices
Here, you can take a spice garden tour in a serene environment. From this place, you will gain insights into the ayurvedic practices and Indian spices. You will even get the opportunity to taste local fruits. You will also learn about sustainable plantations at this tourist attraction in Thekkady.
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Periyar Lake
When you visit the Wild Life Sanctuary, you can cover the Periyar Lake Visit as well. It offers a lake-based wildlife viewing experience. You will have knowledgeable guides with you, during serene boat rides. You can encounter elephants, monkeys and deer in their natural habitat. It is better to go to this place early in the morning or late in the evening for animal sightings.
Thekkady Rose Park
This is yet another key attraction to visit in Thekkady. The natural floral park is not just an amusement park or garden. But, it is a charming place to spend some quality time watching the most attractive roses and other flowers.
Gavi Forest
When you are in Thekkady, do not forget to take a jeep ride to Gavi Forest. With its green surroundings, a lake and a waterfall, this forest will take you to nature’s lap. You will cherish the moment of visiting this forest for long.
Mulliperiyar Dam
This is one of the biggest dams in Kerala. Similar to other dam sites, you can take some stunning pictures with a lake in the background. The interesting thing about this dam site is that you can take boat rides.
Mangala Devi Temple
This is an ancient temple you can visit during your Thekkady trip. However, this temple is accessible only through jeep trips from Kumily. Otherwise, you can trek from Kumily and Palliyamkudi in Tamil Nadu.
Things to Do in Thekkady
Now, you know the places to visit in Thekkady. How about the things to do in this town? Here are a few things that will impress you for sure:
- Do night patrolling in the jungle
- Enjoy a jeep safari
- Ride on an elephant back
- Cruise on Periyar Lake
- Go for a Nature Walk
- Engage in Bamboo Rafting
- Explore tea factories
- Go Spice Shopping
- Trek at Gavi Forest
- Visit the Spring Valley Mountain
Rather than with the family, you can do a lot of things in this town when you go with your friends. The reason is that some activities in Thekkady might not be suitable for your elderly parents. Still, they can enjoy the scenic climatic conditions in thekkady. You can also take them to a few Thekkady tourist attractions if not all.
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Best Time and Season To Visit
Thekkady is a year-round destination. However, every season has its charm in this hill station. Here is what you can expect during different seasons in Thekkady:
Winter
Most visitors accept that the winter season between October to February is the ideal season to visit Thekkady. The reason is that the climate during this season is pleasant and cool. It is ideal for outdoor activities. The landscape during this season will be lush and green and wildlife spotting is also highly possible in this season.
Monsoon
In Thekkady, the Monsoon is between June and September. During this season, you should expect heavy rainfall. So, the surroundings will be rejuvenated and vibrant. However, due to slippery trails, some activities like trekking will not be possible during the monsoon season.
Summer
The summer season is between March and May. Remember that summers are warmer in Thekkady. However, due to the cool breeze from the Western Ghats, summers are still enjoyable. When you visit during the summer, ensure that you choose late evenings or early mornings.
Duration to See
You can spend 2 to 3 days in Thekkady. With these many days, you can explore the nearby attractions as well. With many places to explore in and near Thekkady, it is better to ensure that you have at least 2 to 3 days.
Best Restaurants & Cafes Around
Here are a few best restaurants and cafes around Thekkady:
- Tuskar Café
- Kitchan Utopia
- Sara Thekkady
- Gokul Veg restaurant
- Hill View Café Restaurant
- Spice Garden Restaurant
- Bar-B-Que
- Grandma’s Café
- Coconut Café
Where To Stay? Best Resorts
- Blanket Days Resort and Spa
- Spice Village – CGH Earth
- Niraamaya retreats
- Cardamom County by Xandari
- Poetree Thekkady
- Greenwoods Resort
- Forest Canopy
- Spice Village
- Oxygen Resorts
- The Elephant Court
- The Mountain Courtyard
Entry Fee & Ticket Prices
Here are the details about the entry fee at top Thekkady Tourist attractions:
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: ₹450 for foreign nationals, ₹33 for Indian citizens
- Periyar Lake Boating: ₹225 per person for a boat ride
- Bamboo Rafting: ₹2,900 per person
- Elephant Ride: ₹1450 per person
- Spice Plantation Tour: ₹100 – ₹200 per person
These prices are however subject to change. You can know the exact price when you engage in these activities at Thekkady.
FAQ
1. Is Photography Allowed in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary?
Yes, photography is allowed. However, a nominal fee might be charged if you carry a digital camera.
2. Are Guided Tours Available in Thekkady?
Yes, guided tours are available in the town. Guided tours are the best options as you can gain a lot of insider information about Thekkady.
3. Should I Book Boat Rides and Safari Trips in Advance?
No, you can book the boat ride and safari trips when you are there. If you wish to avoid crowds, you also have the option to book boat rides and safari trips online through the official website of Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.
4. Is Thekkady a Family-Friendly Destination?
Yes, Thekkady is a family-friendly destination. However, if you are visiting with elderly people, they might not be able to engage in adventure activities. However, they have other places to explore in Thekkady. With many places to visit to match different preferences, Thekkady is undoubtedly a family-friendly destination.
5. I Am from Bangalore, Can I Visit Thekkady On A Day Trip from Bangalore?
No, it will take at least 10 hours by road to reach Thekkady from Bangalore. So, it will be impractical to cover this town as a day trip from Bangalore. You will need at least 2 to 3 days to explore the important attractions in Thekkady irrespective of the place from which you travel.
Conclusion
Thekkady is undoubtedly the best-kept secret in Kerala. It offers a wide range of activities for wildlife lovers, nature enthusiasts and also those looking for culture experiences. With its peaceful atmosphere, rich wildlife and untouched beauty, this town is a must-visit destination in Kerala. With this guide, you know everything about Thekkady tourist attractions. With the best planning, you can enjoy your trip to this hill station!
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2 comments
This is very useful information. Thank you.
Could you possibly help me with an itinerary from Vagamon? Thekkady and anything else you recommend in the area? I have time and would like to avoid Indian towns as much as possible. cochi next.
Sorry, I forgot in my last message that I don’t have a car. I am mainly travelling by bus and tuktuk. I love walking.