Thekkady is a tropical paradise in the state of Kerala. Many wildlife and nature enthusiasts visit this town yearly to enjoy the salubrious weather and spot exotic wildlife species. Photographers find this place heaven too. Thekkady, featuring Periyar National Park. Also, this little town in Kerala is widely captivated by centuries-old temples, spice gardens, and beautiful lakes. So you have pristine waterfalls, exciting wildlife, and cozy accommodations within your budget.
Thekkady is an all-around destination. The weather remains pleasant, so many families and couples visit this place. Visit the famous Periyar Lake to enjoy boating with kids—local markets to shop for authentic spices, and tea factories to learn more about tea production.
Go through the complete Thekkady tourism guide and plan your trip to Thekkady.
Places to visit in Thekkady
Thekkady is a beautiful and quaint destination, making it one of the most famous places in Kerala. Listed below are some of the picturesque places to visit in Thekkady that you must explore during your trip to Kerala. From temples and waterfalls to spice plantations, you will find several Thekkady tourist places. Check them out and list some of them in your itinerary!
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Mangla Devi Temple
- Abraham’s Spice Garden
- Murikkady
- Kadathanadan Kalari Centre
- Kumily
Things to do in Thekkady
Discover a plethora of thrilling activities in Thekkady that promise to keep you engaged and captivated by the place's scenic beauty. From adventurous pursuits to sightseeing, there is something for everyone. Check out the list of activities below and plan your itinerary accordingly.
- Serene boating tours
- Bamboo rafting and hiking
- Tour the hill stations
- Feel the nature around Mangaladevi Temple.
- Explore the surreal Chellarkovil.
- Trek to the magical Land Of Gavi
- Shop spices off the streets.
Best time to visit Thekkady
Thekkady is a year-round destination. But climate-wise, October-February is the best time to visit Thekkady. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy the rain, the monsoon (June to September) is the best time to plan a Thekkady trip. To witness the wildlife in its natural habitat at its purest form, March to May marks the ideal time to visit Thekkady because summers push wild animals to come out of their habitat to drink water. Therefore, summer is the best time for wildlife safaris in Thekkady.
How to reach Thekkady
Air travel is the most convenient way to reach Thekkady. Two major airports - Madurai Airport (151 km) and Kochi Airport (140 km), are excellently connected to various Indian cities and towns. The nearest railhead is in Kottayam (106 km), connected with major cities in India and Kerala. Tourists can also opt to travel via road. Kerala State Road Transportation Buses operate from Kochi, Kottayam, Trivandrum, Munnar, and other outskirts of Thekkady. Alternatively, you can take a cab ride from the airport/railway station/bus stand to Thekkady.
Accommodation in Thekkady
Resorts in Thekkady are known to be pieces of paradisiacal beauty. Set amidst harmonious sceneries and marvelous landscapes, Thekkady Resorts will charm you with its vibe and surrounding serenity. The luxurious accommodations in Thekkady are equipped with spa therapies, dreamy wooden villas, and soothing jacuzzis. And what is better than pampering yourself in Thekkady, where lush greenery is enveloped all around you? You will find different accommodation options in Thekkady, ranging from budget to affluent types, including treehouse stays and Airbnbs in tea plantations.
Where to eat in Thekkady
Whether you want to enjoy Indian or continental cuisine, you will have many places to choose from. Then, there are South Indian establishments where you can enjoy crispy, delicious dosas with tangy sambar and chutney. Thekkady always manages to satisfy its visitors. Experience the greatness of Kerala cuisines and let the food talk at Ambadi Restaurant, Sky Garden Restaurant, and Hotel Ariya Bhavan are the few best eating places in Thekkady.
How to get around Thekkady
All modes of public transport are available in Thekkady. However, renting a car is recommended in Thekkady if you prefer leisure travel. Self-drive cars or driving with taxis are the best way to explore the town. Alternative options include other public transportation like auto-rickshaws and motorbikes. You must inquire about vehicle transportation services with your tour operator if they can ease your stress of traveling in Thekkady.
Travel tips
- You can take alcohol only if you are 21 years old.
- Widely spoken languages in Thekkady are Tamil, English, and Malayalam.
- Not all shops accept online payments and debit cards. So keep cash handy.
- Pick your entry airport wisely because there are four major airports in Kerala.
- Ladies need to wear clothes that cover their whole body in spiritual places to visit.
