Places to Explore in Thekkady

When it comes to the unique places to visit in India, the name of the state of Kerala is taken in it. Although you can visit many great places in the entire state, if you have decided to visit a hill station on the weekend, you can explore Thekkady Hill Station in Kerala. Thekkady, 'The Spice Capital of Kerala,' is a significant tourist attraction. Thekkady boasts rich flora and fauna. Wildlife lovers can get a chance to see extinct animals like tigers, bison, boar, elephant, sambar, guar, etc. Enjoy wildlife safari and explore the jungle. The best thing about Thekkady is the pleasant and cool climate throughout the year, which makes it a good tourist place to visit whenever you want. Here in this post, we will learn all about places to explore in Thekkady.

Why is Thekkady famous for?

Thekkady is the most visited tourist place in Kerala in its own country in the Idukki district. It is the best destination for travelers who want to go for bamboo rafting, plantation tours, hiking, boating, and nature walks. You can spot elephants and other large mammals like herds and deer in their natural habitat while boating on Periyar Lake. Murikaddy, famous for its coffee and spice plantations, is 5 km from Thekkady, and you can visit it for its spectacular waterfalls and cascades. One can also visit Chellar Kovil. Thekkady is heaven for natural spices like black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Situated on the outskirts of the Kumily Periyar Sanctuary, the village is famous for its extensive plantations of exotic Indian spices. Mangala Devi Temple stands at an altitude of 1337 meters above sea level and is in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. Visitors can visit this temple on the day of the Chitra Pournami festival. Some other places of interest to visit in Thekkady are Kurisumala, Pulumedu, Ramakalmedu, Pandikuzhi, Vandanamedu and Vandipiyar. Unlike other wildlife sanctuaries, Thekkady has known for its dense evergreen, semi-evergreen, savanna grasslands and moist deciduous forests. One can easily spot herds of macaques. Apart from this, Thekkady is also a heaven for natural spices like cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. Many restaurants in Therkadi serve continental as well as Kerala cuisine.

Tiger Reserve, Thekkady

If you enjoy being outdoors and wish to witness an array of wildlife species with yourself, you should visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is considered to be as one of the top places to go to in Thekkady. The mere sound of Thekkady invokes images of elephants and endless chains of mountains and fragrant plants. The Periyar Forests of Thekkady are among the top wildlife reserves found in India. Scenic plantations and hill towns are scattered throughout the area, along which there are beautiful trails for hiking and mountain walks. This lush region of Kerala boasts an exotic variety of flora and fauna, which is also its main attraction. Thekkady is famous as a wildlife destination. You can enjoy sightseeing, interact with wildlife, participate in different adventure activities, and relax with various Ayurvedic therapies and massages. Thekkady is an area in the state of Kerala which is home to the largest wildlife sanctuary in India and is a dream comes true for any tourist visiting India. Thekkady is beautiful heaven on earth for those who love nature in its wild manifestations.

The wealth of Forests

Flora:
There are more than 1965 flowering plants, including 171 species of grasses and 143 species of orchids. The only South Indian conifer scientifically known as Podocarpus Wallichianus is found within the forest of Periyar Tiger Reserve. The Nilgiri Thar can only be found in the higher rocky areas, while the endangered Wanderu monkey breed is found in the interior evergreen forests. Common Indian macaques and Nilgiri langurs can be seen walking among the trees near where the pleasure boat comes ashore.
Fauna:
More than 60 species are found here, including the Asian elephant, Bengal tiger, Indian bison, sambar, wild dog, leopard, barking deer, and smooth-haired otter, which can be seen during a boat cruise on Periyar Lake. The Nilgiri Thar can only be found in the higher rocky areas, while the endangered Wanderu monkey breed is found in the interior evergreen forests. Common Indian macaques and Nilgiri langurs can be seen walking among the trees near where the pleasure boat comes ashore.
Reptiles:
Cobra, Viper, Krayt, several non-venomous snakes, and Indian monitor lizard.
Amphibians:
Frogs include the colorful Malabar gliding frog, mushroom frog, bicolor frog, many types of toads, and legless amphibians.
Fish:
Several species of fish exist in Periyar Lake and streams, including the Mahseer, India's famous and endangered fish. The smooth-haired otter can often be spotted from a boat.
Plantations:
Cardamom, tea, pepper, and coffee plantations are abundant throughout areas like the Tiger Reserve regions.
Watchtowers:

Several watchtowers inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve are great for watching wildlife. This picturesque destination is full of exciting adventure opportunities, unique wildlife, unspoiled nature, affordable and decent accommodation, and accessible access, making it an important tourist destination in Kerala. From the picturesque scene of swaying palms, a vibrant culture, and the view of the sunset too beautiful hills with tea gardens and rich diversity, Thekkady's abundant biodiversity offers a lot more to tourists. Hotels offer the highest level of hospitality for those who travel worldwide to experience an unforgettable holiday in nature's laps.

Other best attractions in Thekkady

Thekkady is a significant hill station in Kerala, located in the Idukki district of the Indian state of Kerala. This place, which gives a feeling of being close to nature, attracts people towards itself. The most popular attraction in the area can be found in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The closeness of wildlife watching is an unforgettable experience. In addition, this place is known worldwide for its spices. If you'd like to experience the breathtaking natural landscapes nearby and closely, then make sure you go to Thekkady.

Peermade

It is a green area named after a Sufi saint named Pir Mohammad. A vast tomb is built in his memory on Piru hill. These Sufi saints are believed to have significantly influenced the Maharaja of Travancore, and this place was used as a royal resting place during the summer. Near the tomb are the resting place of the royal family and the house of the Diwan of Travancore. Now they are used as guest houses by the tourism department. There is a place called Grumpy five kilometers from here. Here you can enjoy trekking. There is also a Sahyadri Ayurvedic Center here, which Peermade Development Society runs. There is a tribal settlement Plakatdam nearby, which you can go while trekking with the help of a guide.

Mangala Devi - The significant attraction

Mangala Devi Temple is one of the significant Thekkady attractions in Idukki. Mangala Devi is also known as Kannaki. This temple is not only visited by pilgrims but also by people who are looking for a serene place with a clean atmosphere.

Kumili - Famous for spice and tea plantations

Any tourist visiting Thekkady must visit Kumily once. Situated on the outskirts of Thekkady, four kilometers from Thekkady. The beautiful town that lies amidst the hills of cardamom is known for its tea and spices plantations. The trade in spices has brought this town to the forefront of commerce. Tourists can sample the traditional Kerala cuisine of this city.

Pandikuzhi - A beautiful spot for nature enthusiasts

One of the most beautiful spots to visit in Thekkady is the stunning Hill station Pandikuzhi is situated between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border and is only 5 kilometers away from Thekkady. The place takes away from the wild urban swarm and gives you a feeling, unlike anything you've ever experienced. The location is renowned for its stunning waterfalls, winding streams, stunning landscapes, and an array of wildlife and flora within the natural surroundings, which will amaze your senses and make you feel alive. It is the best place to spend a day picnicking amid the thickets of greenery, exciting landscapes, and gushing streams. It's an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts, adventurers, and photographers.

Murikkady - A great picnic spot

Murikkady is a wonderful picnic spot, located about five kilometres away from Thekkady. Murikkady is famous for its many spice plantations. Coffee and cardamom are also cultivated here. More than twelve spices, including clove, ginger, turmeric, vanilla, and tea, are cultivated in this place.

Top activities to do in Thekkady tourism

A paradise for nature and wildlife lovers, Thekkady is typically a brief visit for tourists to Kerala. But, even with the short time you're there, you'll be spoilt with options. There are plenty of things to do and activities in Thekkady that are great entertainment for families, couples, and kids. In addition to mountain hikes and trekking, a boat ride on Periyar Lake is also a popular option. It is possible to participate in the well-known racing boats as well-known as the race on boats in Alappuzha. The possibility of various exciting events is not feasible if your travel agent grants you just a single day in Thekkady. Based on your interests, it is possible to set priorities for the top activities to enjoy in Thekkady.

Bamboo rafting

You must have done a lot of river rafting but have you used a bamboo boat for rafting? Probably not. Come here to enjoy the thrill of bamboo rafting in the river between the forests of Thekkady. Bamboo rafting is considered very special among the water activities in Thekkady. The forest department will provide you with the bamboo rafting facility, under whose guidance you can enjoy this exceptional rafting. You can also see the forest and the wildlife here with the help of a bamboo boat.

Experience of an elephant ride

The experience of an elephant ride in Thekkady, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, makes you relive the magic of bygone eras. One can enjoy nature, feel completely refreshed, and admire some of the best sights of the trip. In addition, the beneficial effect of the rhythmic sounds of nature on the ears is an additional plus. Elephant riding is considered one of the most popular activities in Thekkady. The trip offers the best views of the spice plantations. In addition, the trip will allow you to relax as a light. A gentle breeze refreshes the senses with the aroma of spices. Elephant safari in Thekkady is an exciting experience for adults and children. The delightful expedition also allows you to reach other inaccessible areas of the Periyar National Park. Traveling through the rough terrain of the park is not easy. But you can easily sneak into deeper areas by sitting on top of these giant creatures.

Tour the Hill Stations

The hills are close to the town. Thekkady is close to charming and beautiful valleys, one of Kerala's top destinations. These are the stunning Ramakkalmedu and the evergreen Panchalimedu hills. Around 40-50 km from each, a two-day trip is sought-after when visiting Thekkady.

Peaceful Nature Walks

Nature walks through the varied habitats are the following item on our list of things you can do while in Thekkady. The nature walks that are guided daily range from 4 to 5 kilometers and provide excellent opportunities to discover the area's wildlife and much more.

Thekkady Lake tour

The Thekkady Lake has its charm. You can also take a boat ride here, where you can see rare birds like the Malabar Gray Hornbill and the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon. This beautiful lake is close to the Periyar National Park, a famous tourist destination, and is calm enough to relax your mind, body, and soul. In Thekkady, you can also see through wildlife trekking or elephant safari. Still, apart from these, if you take a wild excursion during the tour of Thekkady Lake, you will feel a more exciting experience. Thekkady Lake is the most special lake in the hill station and forest sanctuary, surrounded by dense forests on all sides. You can also take the beauty here with your camera if you want. During the Thekkady excursion, you must plan to visit the lake here.

Boating Tours on Periyar Lake

Boating on Periyar Lake is one of the most sought-after activities in Thekkady. The lake, situated within The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, is where the wildlife can be observed relaxing, bathing, or looking for food. Some lucky visitors may see elephants having fun with their young.

Trek to Magical Land Of Gavi

The most pristine country of Gavi is a hotspot for ecotourism which's a captivating beauty, and its unpretentious nature makes you feel like a celebrity. A hike through the mountains together is an excellent way to experience the fantastic tourism in Thekkady. Be sure to ride the trails to explore the forests of Thekkady in a different way. It's one of the most enjoyable Thekkady adventures you can be part of.

Buying spices from the city of spices

Traveling to Kerala without buying spices from the city of spices is a pity. With various spice plantations within the area, you'll have the most extensive collection of authentic spices from local plantations. The spices include nutmeg, green pepper cloves, star anise coriander, and Fenugreek. You will also find delicious banana chips in the markets.

Where to Stay in Thekkady?

It is a favorite destination for tourists—some of the most luxurious accommodation options in Thekkady, starting from Basic through Luxury. Thekkady is also home to some excellent hotels located inside the sanctuary. Aranya Nivas, Lake Palace, and Periyar House are located inside the forest, the Taj Garden Retreat, Spice Village, Muthoot Cardamom County Shalimar Spice Garden Resort, and Jungle Village.

• Hotel Tree Top,
• Green Woods,
• Hotel Kumily Gate Lake,
• Queen Hotel Lake Queen,
• Leela Pankaj Resort,
• Wildside Villa,
• Bamboo Grove Lodge,

Mickey cottage and Periyar View Hotel outside the forest are among the top options for staying in Thekkady.

What is the ideal time to visit Thekkady?

Thekkady is an all-year-round tourist destination in Kerala. It attracts animals to Lake Periyar in the summers while becoming lush and green in the monsoons. The winter months are perfect for tourism activities like trekking, bamboo rafting, elephant rides, and canoeing. Different seasons reveal diverse aspects of the area for tourists to pick the best one for their needs.

How to reach Thekkady?

By air
The nearest airport is Madurai, which is at a distance of about 140 km from here.
By rail
The Kottayam is the nearest railway station, 114 km from here. This station is on the Ernakulam - Thiruvananthapuram line.
By road
Buses run regularly from Thiruvananthapuram, Cochin, Kottayam, and Madurai. If you want to go here by vehicle, exit National Highway 7 at Dindigul and drive to Kilgudlur via Theni. After that, continue the climb till Kumily. Thekkady is 6 kms from Kumily.

Final thoughts

Thekkady is an absolute paradise for nature and wildlife lovers. It is one of God's Own Country's most popular tourist destinations, Kerala. This beautiful tourist destination, with its mild climate, breathtaking landscapes, lush greenery, peaceful atmosphere, and exotic wildlife, makes Thekkady one of the top tourist destinations in Kerala. Southern Kerala state. Kerala. If you're an avid nature lover, romantic couple, leisure traveler, or casual backpacker. This picturesque city of Thekkady and its rugged terrain, rolling hills, beautiful meadows, and intriguing locations will keep you coming back for more. Suppose you're searching for an idyllic vacation that showcases nature's beauty in its entire splendor. In that case, many places to explore in Thekkady are ideal for every nature and wildlife lover.