Thekkady brings together Periyar’s forests, working spice gardens and hills overlooking the Tamil Nadu plains. Start with a reserve visit, then choose a plantation tour or a nearby viewpoint. The eight places below include longer outings such as Gavi and Ramakkalmedu, so pick a few that fit your stay rather than trying to cover them all in one day.
Thekkady highlights
Periyar is Thekkady’s main wildlife attraction. A boat trip on Periyar Lake offers views of the forest edge, while guided walks and bamboo rafting explore the landscape more closely. Book the activity that suits your time and fitness. Animal sightings vary, and seeing a tiger is never guaranteed.
Gavi is a forest destination in Pathanamthitta district that can be explored on an organised outing from Thekkady. Its wooded surroundings and birdlife suit travellers who want more time in nature. Set aside a separate day and confirm the approved route, entry arrangements and activities included before booking.
A short drive from Thekkady, Murikkady is known for coffee, cardamom and pepper plantations. It is a useful choice for travellers curious about the crops grown in the surrounding hills. Arrange access through a plantation host or guide; the estates are working properties, not open public gardens.
At Spring Valley near Kumily, this established garden offers a closer look at the region’s spice plants. A guided visit helps connect familiar kitchen ingredients with the plants they come from. It makes an easy addition to a short stay; confirm the current tour arrangements before setting out.
Chellarkovil is a village near Kumily with views towards the plains of Tamil Nadu and a waterfall landscape. Come for the outlook across the border and the quieter surroundings. Visibility and waterfall flow depend on the weather; ask locally about accessible viewpoints before planning your stop.
Between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border, Pandikuzhi offers green slopes and valley scenery. Pair it with Chellarkovil for a nearby countryside outing rather than a separate long drive. Use accessible paths and check local conditions, especially after rain, when the ground can be slippery.
This hill viewpoint near Kumily offers a wide outlook over the surrounding landscape. It suits a short scenic drive and time for photographs when the weather is clear. Confirm the approach locally and allow for the final walk; mist can hide the views that make the trip worthwhile.
Around 40 km from Thekkady, Ramakkalmedu is a longer hill outing known for broad views towards Tamil Nadu and the Kuravan and Kurathi statues. Allow time for the drive and exposed hilltop paths. Choose a clear day and keep this excursion separate from a full Periyar programme.
Your trip, your pace
Choose a lake trip, a guided forest activity or an afternoon among spice plants. Tell us your dates, interests and walking preferences, and we can build a Thekkady stay with time for the sights you choose and the journeys between them.
Curated itineraries
Cochin – Munnar – Thekkady – Kumarakom – Alleppey – Kovalam – Trivandrum
Cochin – Guruvayoor – Munnar – Thekkady – Kumarakom – Alleppey – Kanyakumari – Kovalam – Trivandrum
Cochin – Munnar – Thekkady – Alleppey houseboat – Kovalam
Mumbai – Mangalore – Bekal – Wayanad – Kozhikode – Cochin – Thekkady – Kumarakom – Kollam – Varkala – Kovalam
Mumbai – Cochin – Munnar – Thekkady – Kumarakom – Cochin – Goa – Mumbai
Cochin – Munnar – Thekkady – Kumarakom – Alleppey – Kovalam – Trivandrum
Why IndianHoliday
A good Thekkady itinerary leaves enough time for the activity itself, reserve entry and the return journey. We help fit your preferred visits into a short stay or a wider Kerala holiday.
FAQs
Thekkady is famous for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, its beautiful lake, and spice plantations. Visitors can enjoy boat rides, spot wildlife, explore spice gardens, and experience Kerala’s natural beauty.
Two to three days are enough to explore Thekkady. You can enjoy a boat ride on Periyar Lake, visit spice plantations, take guided nature walks, and explore nearby attractions as well.
The best way to reach Thekkady is by road from Kochi, Kottayam, or Madurai. Madurai Airport is around 140 km away, while Kottayam Railway Station is approximately 114 km away. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Thekkady.
October to March are the best months to visit Thekkady. The weather is pleasant for sightseeing, wildlife activities, and exploring spice plantations. The monsoon season, from June to September, brings lush greenery but also heavy rainfall.
Yes, Thekkady is a beautiful hill station in Kerala’s Western Ghats. It is known for its green hills, spice plantations, forests, and pleasant weather. It is especially popular among nature and wildlife lovers.
There are a lot of things to do in Thekkady. These include boating on Periyar Lake, exploring Periyar Tiger Reserve, visiting spice plantations in Kumily, and enjoying guided forest walks. You can also visit nearby viewpoints and experience traditional Kerala cultural performances.