ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE: THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN THEKKADY

Last Updated on 24th June 2024 by Bejal

Thekkady is  located close to the much acclaimed Periyar National Park, and it’s a haven for wildlife lovers, those who enjoy being in nature as well as those with an interest in natural spice farms growing black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves. There are so many wonderful things to do in Thekkady. This guide aims to highlight the best things to do in Thekkady for visitors in a couple of days if visiting as part of a larger Kerala itinerary.

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Etymology

A little etymology: Thekkady is derived from the word ‘Thekku’ meaning teak.  

Where Is Thekkady Located?

Thekkady is a hill station in Kerala, located in the Idukki district, just like Munnar. It’s located very close to the Periyar National Park and is around 140 km or a three hour drive from Cochin International airport.

Map of Thekkady

How to use Map: Click on the image below to reveal an interactive version of the locations in Thekkady featured in this article.

When is The Best Time to Visit Thekkady?

Thekkady has a similar climate to Munnar, located in the same district. It’s a tropical climate which tends to sit more on the side of wet. Temperatures tend to be at their lowest between December and January and at their highest in the months of April through to May. December and January are also a peak time to visit due to the Christmas and New Year breaks which sees a massive influx of visitors from India as well as internationally. 

March to April, the spring months are a great time to visit as temperatures are bearable and sprinkled with dry spells. You can easily spot wildlife.

Outdoor adventure fans should consider a trip between October and February as the heat is reduced but it’s not advisable to travel around the hills and forests as the monsoon season can bring on landslides and floods.

//Related Article: A Guide To spending 3 Days In Munnar

How Many Days Do You Need in Thekkady?

If you’re plan is to visit Periyar National Park and take part in boating and or hiking, two full days in Thekkady is enough. If you’d like more relaxing time at your resort, then increase this to three days, however any more than this and you may find yourself struggling for things to do, especially if you’ve come via a stay in Munnar.

The Best Things to Do in Thekkady in 2 Days

Visit Periyar National Park

Heading to Periyar National Park is most definitely the reason why most people visit Thekkady. There’s no denying Periyar National Park is well known for its elephants and tigers living in the wild. As they are wild animals, it is also very hard to spot them, if you happen to it is stroke of luck rather than by design. They are free to roam and wander the park as they please, which is exactly how it should be.  

The park offers lots to do for nature lovers, such as trekking, bamboo rafting, jungle hikes and patrols, and boating. All of these activities are guided by a team of trained naturalists and park rangers, who are well versed in the migration of the wildlife around the park. As well as the elephants and tigers, you can also see monkeys, squirrels, gaur, Samar deer and some interesting species of birds.

The park is situated in the Western Ghats mountain range made up of lush green rolling hills and big lakes.

Details

• Find it here: Periyar National Park Map Location .
• How to get there: Thekkady is 5 Km from the park, the easiest way to get there is by car. A taxi or a pre-booked driver from your accommodation is a good bet.
• Hours: 06:00-19:00, Night safaris take place after 20:00.
• Entrance Fees: (Foreign Nationals): INR 475 (adults) + INR 110 (children)
• Visit length: One day is enough to get a good overview of the park.

Boating On Lake Periyar (Organised Trips)

Periyar lake is man made and is surrounded by the national park sanctuary. It is a man made reservoir measuring 31 km² (12 square miles), and formed when the Mullaperiyar Dam was erected in 1895. 

The lake is surrounded by dense forests. Boat rides take place here throughout the day and are popular for spotting wildlife.

Be-lavie Tip: There are a lot of tourists on the boat trips and they can get pretty crowded with people trying to battle to see wildlife. If you prefer to walk it’s better to visit the park on foot. The best time to do the boat trip is first thing in the morning at 07:30 to avoid the crowds and see the tranquility of the park. Unfortunately we coudln’t get tickets for this time but we would advise to.

Details

• Find it here: Periyar lake Map Location .
• How to get there: The lake is situated 12 km from the centre of Thekkady. It’s possible to hire a driver, cab or driver but there is a bus service included in the Price of the ticket. Ticket Office is located at Bamboo Grove Entrance Rd, Thekkady, Kumily, Kerala 685509, Map Location. The bus takes around 10-15 minutes and includes a return trip.
• Hours of boat trips: 07:30, 09:30, 11:15, 13:45 and 15:30. You will need to buy tickets in advance so arrive at the ticket office around 40 minutes before and in busy periods tickets should be booked in advance to avoid having to change times. 
• Entrance Fee: INR 240 (adults) and INR 80 (children)
• Visit length: 2.5 – 3 hours.

Trekking 

Hiking and trekking is probably the best ways to see the area around Periyar National Park. Options for trekking include, night trekking, half day hikes, and the tiger trail which requires a stay overnight in the national park.

All the trekking options are guided by naturalists and guides who are familiar with the park and have a multitude of experience. The Border patrol hike and the Tiger Trail hike involves staying in Periyar National Parks, Tiger Reserve overnight either camping or in some basic accommodation.

Be-lavie Tip: Learn more about the Tiger Trail which is a mutually beneficial project involving former poachers who have been recruited to become guardians of the park. They have been trained to be guides who are now responsible for protecting the forest and wildlife.  

Bamboo Rafting 

Bamboo rafting is another popular way to explore Periyar National Park by lake in search of wildlife and flora. The rafts are long and made of bamboo, accommodating up to six people, they are manoeuvred by a trained boatman using a long bamboo pole, to glide through the waters. 

This is a top eco-friendly activity to partake inside Periyar National Park and allows visitors to get pretty close to the wildlife without disturbing or startling it. This activity is suitable for all ages and requires no physical fitness as it entails sitting on a raft with a wooden lowered seat.

Gavi Jeep Safari

Jeep safaris often start pretty early in the morning or are scheduled for late afternoon when wildlife is at its most active. They offer the opportunity to see the more remote areas of Periyar National Park which you can’t really access on foot. They can also help in increasing your chances to spot wildlife.

The jeep safaris are guided by the trained naturalists and park rangers who are trained to know the migration and movement of animals within the park. The jeeps travel to the outer region of the park, known as Gavi. It’s possible to see smaller animals like deer, squirrels and monkeys as well as deer so it’s a great activity.

Look at Gavi Jeep Safari Jungle Tours Packages

The Tribal Heritage Museum 

Periyar National Park is the heritage home of a few regional indigenous tribes including the Mannan, Urail and Malayarayar, who have resided in the Western Ghats for thousands of years. These tribes naturally know the forest like the  backs of their hands and the survival and sustenance resources available here. This is the land where they have hunted and used cultivation for making a living.

The Tribal Heritage Museum helps to educate how tourism in the park has impacted on these tribes and their way of life. It delves into the tribal cultures and how to not intrude into their privacy when visiting their villages. The Keralan government established the museum to help visitors understand the natural habitat that the people who inhabit the park have preserved for centuries.

Be-lavie Tip: Visitors can go and experience a real life tribal village settlement, the park ensure you book through a responsible tour agency and also check with the tribal leaders before you go.

Plantation Tours

Thekkady is well known for its spices and if you haven’t explored a spice farming in other parts of Kerala, like Munnar or even Fort Kochi, you must in Thekkady as it is known for the production and export of pepper, cardamom and coffee in particular. 

Head to some local farms to delve more into the world of spices, their trade and cultivation for export and use within India. 

Tea Factory Tour

It’s possible that many visitors may have covered the tea factories and estates in Munnar already, then we’d recommend, heading to the higher regions of Idukki, the district that Thekkady is located in.

There are a plethora of tea plantations and estate tours in  Thekkady, which will give visitors a great insight into the processes involved in the cultivation of tea. There is even the opportunity to taste and purchase some fresh tea to take away.

Be-lavie Tip: The advantages of a tour are that your guides will be knowledgeable of the local area and will describe in depth the different teas and their uses with different types of food and for ailments. 

Attend a Kathakali Show at The Mudra Cultural Centre

The Mudra Cultural Centre in Kumily, Thekkady is best known for its daily performances of Kathakali and is a part of Kerala’s heritage. 

Kathakali is the most iconic and classical dance originating from the state. The dance is a classical, religious ancient Indian dance which is inspired and depicts scenes from the Ramayan, a literary Hindu epic. 

The dancers train for more than six years in this art form before they are allowed to be on the stage and are completely dedicated to kathakali. It’s a discipline and a way of life for them, 

The performance starts at 17:00 and lasts until 18:00 each evening. The beautiful thing about the dance is that if you arrive a little earlier, you can see the performers applying their own make up as they do this on stage. Their painted faces are pretty intrcately painted.

This particular show incorporated a section of the Kathakali dance known as Mohiniyattam (performed by a lady as this is known as the dance of the enchantress) and there is a section which includes audience participation so be prepared to be asked on stage!

The dance contains no speaking but the story is told through specific eye, brow, finger and foot movements. It is fascinating to see how the dancers communicate through these movements and a slight change in movement can mean something completely different. The expressions on their faces are very executed and portrayed. Mastering Kathakali looks incredibly difficult but beautifully mesmerising to watch. The attention to detail is really precise and intricate.

Be-lavie Tip: Try and get a seat at the front if you’d like to take photographs as you’ll get a great view. At the end of the show, the dancers will invite you on stage to have photos taken with them if you wish.

• Find it here: Lake Road, near Thekkady cafe, near Lords Church, Thekkady, Kumily, Kerala 685509. I Tel. +91 9446928388 I Map Location
• Tickets: INR 200 and must be bought from the ticket office in advance ot via the telephone number above. 
• Time: 17:00-18:00

Kalaripayattu Show at the Mudra Cultural Centre 

Another show which runs daily at the Mudra Cultural Centre, is the Kalaripayattu or Kalari performance.

Kalaripayattu is an ancient Martial Art that originated in Kerala and is thought to be the oldest Martial Art in the world according to Keralans. It dates back to the 11th and 12th century. Kalaripayattu is based on the battles of Lord Vishnu who’s role in Hinduism focusses on preservation. The training takes years and involves developing sharp reflexes for unarmed combat.

The show is undertaken in a gladiator like stadium, but imagine it to be much smaller and square in appearance, with a section in the middle for the Kalaris (warriors) and the top tier is for the audience to sit around. The routine of battle and discipline, a self-defence form of martial arts is performed by a group of men (Kalaris) in different styles such as unarmed combat, gymnastics and using sticks, daggers and swords to mention a few.

There is also a performance using fire, which is hair raising to watch. Before combat the Kalaris are massaged in warm oil which is thought to make the joints supple and prepare them for the combat moves.

It’s quite an exhilarating performance and has you at the edge of your seat on many occasions through the one hour show.

Be-lavie Tip: Please note the music is pretty loud so do bear this in mind before booking. 

At the end of the show there is the opportunity to have your photo taken with the kalaris, which makes a great memento of the entertaining experience.

• Find it here: Lake Road, near Thekkady cafe, near Lords Church, Thekkady, Kumily, Kerala 685509. I Tel. +91 9061263381 I Map Location
• Tickets: INR 200 and must be bought from the ticket office or call the number above.
• Time: 18:00-19:00 Walk straight over to the next building from the Kathakali show. 

Elephant Experiences: There are numerous elephant experiences in Thekkady as there are in many other parts of Kerala. The majority of these involve elephant riding. Please DO NOT partake in these. They are not responsible or ethical in any shape, way or form. Elephants are wild animals that cannot withstand the weight of people on their backs. It actually damages their vertebrae and causes them to be in much discomfort. Please bear in mind that elephants are tortured into submission in order to be ridden by humans. Ask yourself if this is something you feel comfortable with? Baby elephants are taken away from their mothers, and their mothers are killed before them in many cases. They are then beaten with bull hooks until their spirit has been broken. They are made to become submissive and rely on behaving a certain way so they can stay alive, Please do not support these activities. No demand means no elephant riding. 

Walk Around the Town & Spice Markets

If you have a couple of hours to spare, head out and walk around Thekkady town. Our hotel was located in the centre of  Thekkady which was filled with spice shops, fruit stalls and lots of shops selling banana chips. These are bought by many visitors as snacks to take on their visit to Periyar National Park, as the bus and ticket office are only a short walk away.

There is nothing like the sights and sounds of an authentic busy street in India with the locals shopping, a line at the tea stall and small shrines at the junction of the roads.

Be-lavie Tip: A solo walk is a great time to take photos of the local way of life. Do be polite when going up to someone and taking a photo and ask beforehand. Many locals will say yes but it’s best to be respectful. 

How To Get To Thekkady

Getting to Thekkady can be a little tricky but not impossible. Here are a few options

Train

Thekkady does not have a railway station even though it is referred to as a hill station. The closest station is Kottayam, which is around 114 km away. It is possible to get the train from other parts of Kerala such as Kochi and then arrange for a driver or taxi to take you to your destination in Thekkady. You can also get a local bus, It is best to get your driver booked and confirmed in advance to avoid onward delays.

Car

Driving by far is the best way to reach Thekkady. It’s possible to travel via the NH183 from Kochi, Madura and Trivandrum. Hiring  a car or a driver is the most flexible and comfortable way to get to Tthekkady

Bus

There is a regular timetable for the state run and private buses from major cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, Vagamon and Kottayam, Munnar, Madurai, Dindigul and other neighbouring towns but the buses can be crowded, uncomfortable, humid and holding onto your luggage can be tricky with the winding roads.

Flight

Thekkady doesn’t have an airport and the nearest airport is 136 KM away in Madurai or in Kochi, around 146KM. Kochi and Madurai.

Familiar with driving in India?

Where To Stay In Thekkady 

Thekkady is not short of wonderful places to stay including hotels to suit all budgets and accommodation options from Homestays to locally owned hotels in the most beautiful nature filled surroundings.

Greenwoods Resort, Thekkady

Greenwoods is a five star luxury resort surrounded in a  tranquil setting right in the heart of Thekkady. 

Its woodland location reveals a luxury resort with a pool, fantastic restaurant serving a varied menu from breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as snacks in between. The property has the most beautiful lush gardens, curio shop, events room which introduces guests to the local culture with demonstrations and heritage events. Greenwoods is in great proximity to visit the much talked about Periyar National Park with the ticket office minutes away and the bus pick up accessible within minutes.

The resort offers some fantastic accommodation, spacious as well as villa style accommodation which come accompanied with their very own private plunge pools. The three categories of accommodation and it’s village resort style set up, very much has a boutique feel. 

Greenwoods can organise a whole host of activities and day trips for guests with a local focus too.

Greenwoods Resort also has a Thattukada on the lawn around 16:00 every day, where the tea cart is the focal point of the hotel. It’s a congregation point to enjoy a hot cup of chai or coffee with some banana fry and pakoras, 

There is a fantastic adventure playground with ropes and balancing equipment for children and big adults but this must be supervised by a trained hotel staff member to avoid accidents.

The hotel is also hot on sustainability and have implemented a number of measure that make them stand out, such as their small onsite farm, commitment to food wastage and filtered water in  glass refillable bottles. Additionally all in-room toiletries are full size and refilled preventing the need for plastic bottle disposables.

• Location: Kottayam – Kumily Rd, Thekkady, Kumily, Attappallam, Kerala 685509 I Tel. +919446574383 I Map Location
• Resort Rating: 5 Star
• Details: Check-in time: 14:00 Check-out time: 11:00.
• Booking Packages Includes: Breakfast is included in room rates as well as the tea stand with snacks.
• Perfect For: Honeymoons, Family holidays, solo travellers and couples.

//Related Article: Eco-friendly hotels in Thekkady

Where to Eat in Thekkady 

As with most of Kerala, Thekkady is full of great places to eat and if you see a bunch of locals hanging out at a place, you know there is a reason why! It’s authentic.

It’s worth adding some of these suggestions to your list.

Ebony’s Café Restaurant

Fresh Keralan-style food and great service. Vegan and vegetarian-friendly. Great value for money and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner,

Find it here: Thekkady, Kumily, Kerala 685509 I Map Location 

Hotel Thekkady Café 

Keralan food as well as north Indian cuisine. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Atmosphere is relaxed with two floors. Reasonable prices. 

Find it here: Blooming paradise , Lourdes church, junction, Thekkady By Pass Rd, Thekkady, Kumily, Kerala 685509 I Map Location 

SORA

An upmarket spot with a relaxed environment,  serving speciality grilled dishes as well as pizzas and pasta. Mid-range pricing.

Find it here: Ground Floor, Hotel Enroute Thekkady Chelimada Junction, NH183, Kumily, Kerala 685509 I Map Location 

Tusker Café 

Located near the bus and ticket booths to the Periyar National Park, this is one of the most highly rated cafes in Thekkady. The meals are served on banana leaves which are then composted afterwards. The vegetarian options are talked about all over town, The prices are very good value for money. 

Find it here: Anavachal Road, Thekkady, Kumily, Kerala 685509 I Map Location

Amrutham

Located in the Greenwoods hotel, the restaurant serves a great range of cuisine at breakfast, lunch and dinner. The service is top notch and the food is delicious. Prices are pretty reasonable for a 5 star hotel. 

Find it here: Kottayam – Kumily Road, Thekkady, Kumily, Attappallam, Kerala 685509 I Map Location

Popular Things To Do Near Thekkady

If you have the luxury of having more time in Thekkady, go and explore some more with these options:

• Eravikulam National Park – perfect for nature lovers, Map Location 
• Idukki Dam – great panoramas, Map Location
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary – Bird watchers will be in awe, Map Location

The Best One Day Highlight Tour Of Thekkady

If you are pushed and only have one day in Thekkady, this full day tour is a great way to see many parts of the area. Hotel Pick up in Thekkady is also included. You will have a chance to explore Thekkady’s wilderness by jeep, spot wildlife, and discover spice plantations. Then, enjoy a serene boat ride on Periyar Lake and watch a Kathakali dance show to end.

More Thekkady Popular Full Day Tour Options

Please note these tours last around a nine hour round trip from time of pickup from your Thekkady hotel.

Exploring the rustic life in Thekkady include visiting the following highlights:

• Coffee and spice plantation
• Bee keeping introduction
• Chocolate and poppadom making.
• South Indian ashram (monastery).
• Marvel at the panoramic views from Valiyapara & Ottakathalamedu and the Santhigiri ashram

Frequently Asked Questions About Thekkady

What is Thekkady Famous For?

Thekkady is best known for Periyar National Park, it’s lake, wildlife  including elephants and the Periyar Tiger Reserve. 

The Periyar Tiger reserve was declared a tiger sanctuary officially in 1978 with quite a large recorded size of Bengal tigers. The park is alos known for its population of several sambar deer, Indian bison, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs, 171 types of wild grass, 140 varieties of orchids, sandalwood, eucalyptus and bamboo found all around the forest area.

How large is Periyar National Park?

The protected area spans  925 km² (357 square miles), of which 305 km² (118 square miles) of the core zone was officially approved as the Periyar National Park in 1982.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Visiting Thekkady?

The plus points of visiting Thekkady are:

• The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – Thekkady’s inhabitants include some pretty incredible wildlife such as monkeys, tigers and elephants as well as countless bird species.
• Adventurous Activities – At Periyar National Park, there is the opportunity to partake in countless activities such as bamboo rafting, trekking, boat rides and tiger reserve hikes.
• Cultural Immersivity – Visit spice plantations, traditional villages as well as watch a Kathakali (traditional Kerala dance) or a Kalaripayattu (traditional Keralan martial art) performances at The Mudra Cultural Centre.

The not so plus points of visiting Thekkady are:

• The humid weather can be unbearable for those who are not fans of the heat. Things get pretty hot and stuffy.
• Thekkady has said to have become a little over developed to accommodate tourism so it’s best to do your research and pick a resort or hotel out of the main tourist trail. Personally we didn’t experience many International tourists but those visiting from other parts of India.

Munnar Versus Thekkady: Which One To Visit?

The answer to this question, really does depend upon personal choice and what you like to do on your travels. Peaceful, relaxing and panoramic days filled in beautiful vistas would make Munnar the perfect option. However, if you prefer a blend of wildlife, local culture and a bit of adventure then Thekkady is a good option. It is possible to do both though on a 10 day itinerary, when planned right. 

//Related Article: How To plan The Best 10 Day Itinerary For Kerala

Is Thekkady Worth a Visit?

The simple answer is yes! It’s perfect for nature lovers, who enjoy wildlife spotting, boating as well as outdoor activities.

Is Thekkady A Hill Station?

Yes, just like Munnar, Thekkady is a hill station, even though there is no railway station. 

Is Thekkady Referred To ByAny Other Names?

Yes, Thekkady is often called Periyar and even Kumily.

Things to do in Thekkady Round-Up

Thekkady is definitely worth visiting for the Periyar National Park and the contrast between the area and other parts of Kerala. Being in Thekkady is like the nature and wildlife fix of your vacation in Kerala. When itinerary planning, add in two days in Thekkady to be able to partake in the major sightseeing tours and activities that are on offer here. This way, the experience will be relaxed. Make the most of the local town by heading out and discovering the local scene shops and stalls that will add a great touch of authenticity to your day. Don’t forget to try the local cuisine which will not disappoint.

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