Places to visit in Thekkady paint a picture of nature at its finest, where every path leads to an adventure waiting to be discovered. Tucked away in the heart of Kerala's Western Ghats, this magical destination brings together close encounters with wildlife, the sweet aroma of spice gardens, and rich cultural experiences that leave a lasting impression. Whether you are watching a family of elephants grazing by the waterfront, walking through fragrant cardamom plantations, or finding solitude in ancient hill temples, Thekkady wraps you in experiences that feel like they're crafted just for you.
Top 15 Places To Visit In Thekkady
Be it the rolling hills and rich green forests, the wildlife, the serene and crystal clear water of the lake or the spice plantations, Thekkady has something for everyone. If you fancy yourself as an adventurous soul, a lover of nature or anyone who wants to find some solitude, Thekkady must be on your list of top places to visit. Now, learning about the most visited tourist attractions in Thekkady will be quite interesting.
1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
The major attraction at Thekkady is the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary which is ideal for people interested in wildlife and nature tourism. Located over an area of 925 sq km, it is one of India’s most famous sanctuaries. This area abounds with a wide variety of plant and animal species as well as elephants, tigers, leopards and lots of bird species. Don't miss the magical boat ride on Periyar Lake, one of the best things to do in Thekkady. Just picture seeing a group of elephants or having a tiger get caught on camera while taking water at the lake — this will make you jump for joy.
Location: Thekkady, Kerala
Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹45 for Indians, ₹500 for foreign nationals (additional charges for boating and guided tours)
Tip: One of the best times to take boat rides in search of wildlife quells is either before sunrise or after sunset. Carry binoculars to enhance your experience.
2. Murikkady
It can be as dominant as wanting to explore more lush greenery and stunning landscapes and Murikkady fits the bill. This beautiful village is just a few kilometres away from other Thekkady tourist places. Starting from the scent of cardamom and pepper to the greenery of the tea garden, all tourist spots of Murikkady are mesmerizing. A plantation-guided tour is an eye-opening affair which offers an understanding of the spices that the South Indian state of Kerala is famous for. You can also buy dried spices packed at Thekkady to be able to bring a part of the place with you.
Location: 5 km from Thekkady, Kerala
Timings: Open throughout the day
Entry Fee: Free
3. Mangala Devi Temple
For any history and spiritual lover, Mangala Devi Temple is one of the best places to visit in Thekkady. Located at an altitude of 1,337 meters with an overlooked lush forest this temple holds reverence to Goddess Mangala Devi. The journey to this temple is quite an exciting affair simply because the winds through hills and valleys offer a marvellous sight. The temple is generally closed to the public and opens only during the Chithra Pournami festival, therefore there are restricted numbers of people who get to see it.
Location: 15 km from Thekkady, on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border
Timings: Open during the Chitra Pournami festival only
Entry Fee: Free
4. Chellarkovil Viewpoint
Expect the drawing spirit which is associated with the Chellarkovil Viewpoint, that stunning bearing area of Kodaikanal. This place is perfect for enjoying a picturesque view of green colour valleys, beautiful waterfalls and mountain ranges in the distance. This viewpoint is about 15 kilometres away from Thekkady and is ideal for people who have a love for nature. This is one of the best places to visit near Thekkady for photographers. The golden landscape of the setting sun to light the valley is very enchanting. This is one of the interesting places to see in Thekkady on your backpacking trip to Kerala.
Location: 15 km from Kumily, Kerala
Timings: Open throughout the day
Entry Fee: Free
5. Kadathanadan Kalari Centre
Experience the tradition of Kerala arts and culture in full measure at Kadathanadan Kalari Center. This special hall displays several forms of general combat styles, among them being Kalaripayattu which is among the oldest martial arts known to mankind. The talented performers give a dramatic performance and the physical skills include speed, power, and flexibility. These combined with elaborate make-up work, coloured costumes and movements make the show a thrilling event to watch. This centre is one of the Thekkady top 10 places for cultural enthusiasts.
Location: Kumily, near Thekkady
Timings: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Kalaripayattu), 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Kathakali)
Entry Fee: ₹200 per person (approx.
6. Kumily
Also known as the entry point to Thekkady, Kumily is a bustling town with a reputation for its markets and spices. Kumily is situated 3 Km away from the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary which makes it a tailor-made shopping village and best place for Keralite cuisine. Here, its spice markets cater for everything ranging from fresh and wholesale cardamom and cloves, to produced and processed masalas. To enjoy shopping, you can find handmade items, textiles, clothing and original products of Ayurveda. Kumily is one of the best places to visit for people who would like to actively feel the spirit of Thekkady and bring something from there.
Location: 4 km from Thekkady, Kerala
Timings: Open throughout the day
Entry Fee: Free
7. Pandikuzhi
Surrounded by vast green fields Pandikuzhi is one of the fabulous picnic spots that represent the rich beauty of nature. This spot is situated at a distance of five Kilometers from other Thekkady best places, where you will be enthralled by the presence of tumbling streams, valleys, full-grown flora and fauna. In particular, Pandikuzhi offers trekking, nature walks and photographs. It is quiet setting and breathtaking views have earned the place a reputation as one of the most popular family and lovers’ retreat destinations.
Location: Between Chellarkovil and Tamil Nadu border, near Thekkady
Timings: Open throughout the day
Entry Fee: Free
8. Vandanmedu
A visit to Vandanmedu, which is the second largest auction centre for cardamom in the entire world, is a delight for spices. This small village is almost 25 kilometres away from Thekkady and the village is bordered by vast cardamom estates, and an aroma invades your senses. This is one of the top Thekkady places to visit. Tourists can also be taken around the plantations to observe and be briefed on the growth, and processing of cardamom. Various educational and recreational facilities make it possible to make Vandanmedu an enjoyable and informative destination.
Location: 25 km from Thekkady, Kerala
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
9. Thekkady Lake
Thekkady Lake is an offshoot of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and is an extremely beautiful place to sit back and relax, with boating facilities available in the area. Being nestled among the mighty trees and hills it gives you an awesomely beautiful scene and also an opportunity to watch out for animals on the banks of the lake. It is one of the most serene places to visit in Thekkady.
Here you get the unique boating experience with opportunities to raft in bamboo and take a motorboat. It has quiet water and a green environment that is suitable for relaxation as well as a weekend getaway for those who seek to relax in the middle of nature.
Location: Near Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady
Timings: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹225 per person for boating (additional sanctuary entry charges may apply)
10. Elephant Junction
It’s impossible to visit Thekkady and not take time to visit Elephant Junction. One of the most famous activities that a visitor to this park can undertake is an attitude to the elephants. There is tourism in Liberia where tourists go for activities such as riding elephants, feeding and even washing the animals.
Altogether, it is interesting and informative – helps to learn more about the life of such giants and the attempts made to save them. It’s a favourite of families and children in particular.
Location: Anavachal Road, Thekkady, Kerala
Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹350 onwards (varies by activity, such as riding, bathing, and feeding elephants)
11. Gavi
A significant portion of it remains a well-kept secret and one of the best destinations for ecotourism which is famously known as Gavi. This is a real village-like setting and is located in the lap of nature surrounded by virgin forests and crystal clear water lakes. It's a paradise for trekkers, bird watchers and nature lovers as it has all the trappings of natural wildlife including different species of endangered birds and butterflies.
Travellers to Gavi should leave the park after enjoying the guided jungle safari through which one can easily see animals such as elephants, lions and different bird species which are rarely seen. If you are looking for a one-day trip, then camping in the middle of the forest is an experience that remains with you for a lifetime.
Location: 40 km from Thekkady, Kerala
Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹125 per person (additional charges for vehicle entry)
12. Spring Valley Mountain
In case you have to do with scenery that includes wider views and crisp mountain air then Spring Valley Mountain should be on your list of places to visit in Thekkady. This place is the most beautiful and calm where visitors, tourists and residents alike can get fantastic views of the nearby hills and valleys away from the busy world.
In this tour, one of the main activities that is considered for the tourists is a hike to the mountain where there is so much to see and get that peaceful look. It also remains one of the best places to relax and enjoy the scenery of nature.
Location: Spring Valley, Thekkady, Kerala
Timings: Open throughout the day
Entry Fee: Free
13. Anakkara
Anakkara is a beautiful village famous for its spice gardens and waterfalls and lies 13 km away from Thekkady. This of course makes it an offbeat destination more inclined to those who are interested in discovering the lesser-seen aspect of Thekkady. This is another gem among the tourist places near Thekkady.
Visit the Spice Garden for a guided tour around the different spices that grow on the farm, this part of Anakkara is also famous for its waterfalls. It primarily features a quiet environment that makes it perfect for one to feel relaxed as they enjoy the natural environment.
Location: 13 km from Thekkady, Kerala
Timings: Open throughout the day
Entry Fee: Free (guided spice garden tours may have separate charges)
14. Ramakkalmedu
Ramakkalmedu is a small hill station situated about 40 clicks away from Thekkady. This destination is known for windmills and wonderful views of the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu and nearby small villages.
The biggest attraction in Ramakkalmedu is the statue of Kuravan and Kurathi which signifies the historic period of Sangam.
Location: 40 km from Thekkady, Kerala
Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
15. Spice Shopping in Thekkady
Visitors rushing to Thekkady cannot afford to leave the place without doing some shopping for spices. Launched in the spice markets of the region are fresh newly harvested beans of cardamom, acceptably sweet-scented cinnamon, cloves and black pepper. There are many traditional spices in Kerala and it is very suitable to take these spices as souvenirs and locally produced specialities to give them to friends as gifts. Small grocery shops and curio centres of Kumily are most suitable for purchasing genuine spices.
Location: Local Market, Thekkady
Timings: Open throughout the day
Entry Fee: Free
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for tranquillity atop the scenic Ramakkalmedu, intimate family experiences that shape lasting bonds or the charm of fragrant spice gardens and peaceful lakes, places to visit in Thekkady has something special for everyone, This enchanting haven has all its aspects in one, its landscape is lush, its culture vibrant, and its atmosphere serene and it is an unforgettable experience. So, next time you plan a trip to Kerala, make sure to visit one of these places for a memorable travelling experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Thekkady
1. What is Thekkady famous for?
Thekkady is famous for its lush greenery, spice plantations and especially the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Besides, it is also famous for boating, trekking and visiting vibrant cultural experiences.
2. Which month is best for Thekkady?
The best time to visit Thekkady is between the months of October to February when it is cool weather to tour and sightsee, and indulge in all outdoor activities.
3. Is Thekkady worth visiting for families?
Absolutely! Thekkady is a perfect destination for families as it has a package of adventure, nature and relaxation. There is something for all age groups with boat rides, spice plantations and all things in between.
4. Can I explore Thekkady in one day?
Thekkady offers a few select attractions you can visit in a day but to fully understand the region’s varied landscapes and top attractions and in order to enjoy their peacefulness, we recommend that you consider 2 to 3 days to truly enhance your visit here.
