Kerala is famous for its rich culture and beautiful hill stations. But unlike most other popular towns in Kerala, Thekkady is home to preserved purity and natural beauty. It might not be as popular as other hill stations but it is equally amazing.
The blog shortly covers almost all the information one would need before getting to Thekkady. This includes key queries like when to visit, where to stay, how to reach, and the best things to do in Thekkady. So if planning a trip to Thekkady, knowing what this place holds for you would be a plus. Keep reading to get insights into all the amazing things to do in Thekkady to ease out your trip.
Top 16 Things To Do In Thekkady
Here is a quick list of everything you can do in this beautiful town of God’s own Country; Thekkady:
1. Try Hands-On Bamboo Rafting
Bamboo rafting is one of the most adventurous things to do in Thekkady. It is about sailing through the waters using traditional bamboo rafts, a perfect mix of adventure and calmThe most common spot to try bamboo rafting in Thekkady would be in the calm waters of Periyar Lake at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The rafting activity takes about 5 hours and is available in two slots. It will be a guided tour along with a trekking program, and food will be provided. Also, remember that only children above 12 years old are allowed.
Timings: 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM & 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Cost: ₹1800 - ₹2500
Useful Tip: The trekking and rafting program will be a full-day affair. The rafting experience starts in the early morning followed by a forest trek, so plan accordingly.
Suggested Read: Kerala Backpacking Trip
2. Trekking At Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Thekkady is situated in the Western Ghats between the hills and dense forests. Thanks to its location, it is home to various trekking trails. It is a paradise for trekking enthusiasts. It gives the fullest experience of the surrounding flora and fauna. The most popular trek is through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a small trek of about 4-5 km and takes around 2.5 hours. Make sure to also check the best time to visit Kerala before planning your trip to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady.
Timings: 8:00 AM till 3:00 PM
Cost: ₹350 per person & ₹1400 per trek
Useful Tip: Choose a trekking combo with bamboo rafting or wildlife safaris.
3. Boating In Periyar Lake/Thekkady Lake
Boating in Thekkady Lake will be one of the most satisfying things to do in Thekkady. The lake is situated in the centre of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. You can spot wildlife like elephants, birds, or deer near the edges of the lake drinking water or bathing. The boat ride takes around 2 hours. Tickets are available on the KTDC (Kerala Tourism Development Corporation) website in advance. It would be a perfect thing to do in Thekkady, especially with your family.
Timings: 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:15 AM, 1:45 PM & 3:30 PM
Cost: ₹450 per adult while children below 5 years can go for free.
Useful Tip: Try to grab an early slot for your boat ride in the morning or late afternoon when the animals are most active. Do remember to reach 30 minutes before the scheduled time.
4. Go For Kerala-Tamil Nadu Border Hike
This is one of the lesser-known things to do in Thekkady. You can trek along the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, passing through some amazing landscapes at high altitudes between 900m to 1300m.
The guided paths take you through spice gardens, tea plantations, and dense forests. You can spot rare birds, butterflies, gaur, sloth bears, or elephants.
Timings: 8:00 AM till 5:00 PM
Cost: ₹1800 per adult
Useful Tip: Go well-prepared for a full-day trek. However, the food will be included in the package.
Suggested Read: Best Places to Visit In Kerala
5. Visit The Periyar National Park
Periyar National Park is one of the most popular things to do in Thekkady. It was established in 1982. This massive sanctuary extends to about 925 square kilometres. It is home to 49 species of mammals including elephants, tigers, macaques, sambar deer, leopards, and Indian bison. Apart from this, there are 246 species of birds, 28 species of reptiles, 22 species of fishes, and about 112 species of butterflies.
Timings: 6:00 AM till 7:00 PM on any weekday.
Cost: Indian nationals: ₹15 per child and ₹45 per adult, Foreign nationals: ₹180 per child and ₹500 per adult.
Useful Tip: Book the trekking and boating activities in advance with your package for a wholesome experience at this park.
6. Tripping Through The Spice Plantation Gardens
Visiting the spice gardens should be at the top of your to-do list in Thekkady. Here, you will learn how various spices grow. Just explore the aromatic plants filling the air till your sight goes. Walk/Cycle through the acres of gardens filled with cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and vanilla plants.
Your best choice for this guided tour can be Abraham’s Spice Garden or Green Land Spice Garden. This surely would be one of the most unique things to do in Thekkady if done right. It will take around 2-3 hours but is worth doing.
Useful Tip: Hire a guide for the best insights on how each spice is grown and harvested. You can take some spices home as souvenirs.
7. Watch Kathakali And Kalaripayattu Shows
Kathakali is a popular dance form. Through traditional costumes and expressive dance moves, it brings ancient stories to life. Kalaripayattu is the oldest martial art in the world. Watching these warriors perform is a wholesome experience even for honeymooners in Kerala.
These performances are held at cultural centres like Kadathanadan Kalari & Navarasa Kathakali Centre, Mudra Cultural Centre, or Yodha Cultural Village.
Timings: 5:00 PM till 8:00 PM.
Cost: ₹200 per person per show
Useful Tip: Arrive early to catch the best glimpses of Kathakali and Kalaripayattu shows. And remember, some centres provide combo tickets for both performances.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Summer In Kerala
8. Learn About Gentle Giants At Elephant Junction
Elephant Junction could become one of the most heartwarming things to do in Thekkady. Here, you can interact with these gentle giants, feed them, or help bathe them. You can even go for a ride. You can spend time and learn new things about these amazing creatures. There are various packages depending on the time and activity you get to do with elephants.
Timings: 8:00 AM till 6:00 PM
Costs: For a 30-minute ride: ₹400 per person,
For a 1-1.5 hour program: ₹1000 - ₹1250 per person where you can ride, feed, bathe, shower, and click photos with elephants.
Useful Tip: Elephant Junction is a must-visit if travelling with kids or an animal lover.
9. Sightseeing At View Points
Thekkady is located in hills and lush forests and holds many viewpoints at different corners of the town and nearby villages like Gavi. Some of the famous viewpoints to mandatorily add to your Thekkady list are:
- Cloud Walk Viewpoint: It offers the best views of the Western Ghats. The trekking experience to this viewpoint is wholesome. On cloudy days, you will feel like you are walking through clouds.
- Pandikuzhi Viewpoint: It is a cool spot to relax in Thekkady. It is located on the Tamil Nadu border. You will get amazing views of the valleys and hills around. The viewpoint is perfect for a peaceful walk.
- Chellarkovil Viewpoint: This beautiful viewpoint is popular for its hills and waterfalls. This whole spot is a gem and offers the most picturesque view of the surrounding areas.
Useful Tip: The sunset at these viewpoints is pure magic! Do try the watchtower installed on the terrace for a wide view at Chellarkovil Viewpoint.
10. Go For An Ayurvedic Massage
Local wellness and spa centres at Thekkady offer traditional ayurvedic treatments that help you rejuvenate. The therapists use the purest oils and herbs to relax your body, mind, and soul. It's the perfect way to experience Kerala's ancient healing traditions. It is advisable to book the treatment in advance.
Timings: 8:00 AM till 6:00 PM at most centres
Costs: Normally start at ₹2000 for a 1.5-hour session
Useful Tip: Choose a certified Ayurvedic centre and inform the staff of allergies and conditions if any.
Suggested Read: Best Time To Visit Kerala: The 4 Seasons Guide
11. Tour To The Mangala Devi Temple
Mangala Devi Temple is an ancient temple located within the hills of Western Ghats. The area comes under Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and is free of cost to visit. As the name suggests, it is dedicated to the goddess Kannagi. It is open to the public only during the Chaitra Pournami festival between April and May. It is a beautiful spot for a spiritual experience.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
Cost: Free
Useful Tip: Carry sufficient water and edibles as the trek to the temple is challenging
12. Shopping At The Local Market
No list of things to do in Thekkady would be complete without local shopping. You can find the best quality fresh spices like cardamon, cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, and pepper at affordable prices. Tea and coffee are also popular takeaways. The local markets are full of authentic handmade wooden items that will not only be great souvenirs but also amazing gifts. And it will take 2-3 hours to get through the main market.
Timings: Normally 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Cost: Varies according to the purchases made
Useful Tip: Carry cash as many shops might not accept cards.
13. Go For Local Food Tours
Tasting local delicacies shall be on the top of things to do in Thekkady list. Try Kerala's famous fish curry, appam with stew, or simply a traditional banana leaf meal. The restaurants here serve some seriously authentic food. Apart from this, you can purchase delicious freshly made banana chips, chocolates, dried fruits, etc for quick snacking.
Timings: Most restaurants serve between 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: ₹150 to ₹300 per person per meal
Useful Tip: Take local advice for the best traditional food joints and restaurants. Or just join in for a local food tour.
14. Camping In The Jungle
To experience the best beauty of the Periyar forest, camping along the Periyar Lake is a great way to relax. Do some birdwatching. It's a great way to sit down after a busy day. It will be the most worthy thing to do while enjoying the thrill of living in the tents. The price varies depending on the activities you want to include. Meals and other activities like safari, boat riding, rafting, etc will be included in the package.
Timings: Normally, Check-in: 3:00 PM & Check-out: 2:00 PM
Cost: ₹5000 per tent (two persons per tent per night)
Useful Tip: Do confirm the activities and check-in timings before reaching and making the bookings.
15. Night Patrolling In The Jungle
To have an all-new experience at Periyar Tiger Reserve, just go for a night patrolling. It definitely would be a unique and lively thing to do in Thekkady. It is a night trekking program in the company of armed guards while catching glimpses of woods at night.
Timings: 7:00 PM till 4:00 AM
Cost: ₹1200 per person & ₹2400 per trip (each trip takes at least two persons to start)
Useful Tip: Book the slot in advance online as spots are limited and popular.
16. Explore The Popular Nearby Places
- Mullaperiyar Dam: The dam is a 126-year-old structure. It would be your educational getaway in Thekkady as it is an absolute engineering marvel. The drive there is pretty scenic too!
- Thekkady Rose Park: This park is full of different kinds of roses. It is a lovely spot to relax, walk, and connect with nature.
- Yodha Cultural Village: This cultural centre offers the experience of traditions and ancient village life in Kerala. It is like a small Thekkady under one roof.
- Tribal Heritage Museum: The centre of the history of the Mannan community. It shows traditional fishing and hunting tools, costumes, traditional furniture, and household items on display.
How To Reach Thekkady?
You can reach Thekkady by road via popular cities like Kochi (155 km) and Madurai (140 km). The nearest railway station is Kottayam, which is about 107 km away. The closest airport is Madurai (140 km), from where you can hire a cab to Thekkady.
Best Time To Visit Thekkady
The most suitable time would be between October and February. The weather is quite nice during these months for most outdoor activities in Thekkady. Also, there is the least possibility of unwanted rain during these months.
Travelling has to be not only about wandering around a place but a wholesome experience in itself. And Thekkady isn't just a destination; it's an experience. So with this comprehensive guide to things to do in Thekkady! Gear up to experience one of the best Kerala's most attractive destinations. Click here to get the best packages for your Kerala trip.
FAQs
1. What is Thekkady famous for?
Thekkady is a small town in Kerala, popular for its natural beauty, wildlife, and evergreen forests. The most famous nearby travel attraction here is Periyar National Park. Here you get to see wild elephants and animals freely.
Among the other things to do in Thekkady, the elephant junction, spice plantations, and traditional arts & dances are a popular choice. This makes it an attraction for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
2. Is one day enough for Thekkady?
To answer this honestly, one day is a big NO for Thekkady. For you will be missing out on many amazing things to do in Thekkady. And if you are traveling from long distances to experience the best of Thekkady, try to have at least 3-4 days in hand.
3. What to do in Thekkady at night?
Talking about the most unique things to do in Thekkady at night, here are some ultimate suggestions:
- Enjoy the Kathakali and Kalaripayattu shows that are performed in the evening.
- Simply, go for a peaceful evening walk around the town.
- Try an Ayurvedic massage.
- And if you do not want to step out, some hotels organize campfire sessions.
4. Which is the best month to visit Thekkady?
The best month to visit Thekkady would either be November or February when the weather conditions are suitable.
