18 Best Places to Visit in Thekkady & Travel Guide on Beautiful Hill Station of Kerala
Kerala is said to be a replica of heaven on earth. Be it summer, winter, or late rainy season; it has always been the right choice to plan holidays in Kerala with booking your suitable Kerala Tour Package. With an abundance of natural beauty, extended beaches, rising hills, descending waterfalls, and exotic culture accompanied by luscious cuisines Kerala never fails to amaze. If you are planning a trip, our Thekkady tourist guide will help you with all the important details about visiting Thekkady and exploring its best places. Here we are going to know about the guide on travel to Thekkady as well as the best places to visit in Thekkady.
Kerala has won the hearts of tourists across the world. Much has been talked about Munnar, Kovalam, Alleppey, and Kochi; the so-called tourist-centered destinations in Kerala. This time my write-up takes you to the offbeat places to visit in Thekkady.
Unlock Best Deal on Kerala Tour Package NowApproximately 2297 ft. above sea level; you happen to visit a place in Kerala named as Thekkady. No matter who you are; an adventurist, a holidaymaker, a wildlife explorer, or a nature lover; Thekkady will welcome you with open arms. In fact, if all the city life chaos is been troubling you for so long; then visiting Thekkady to witness nature in its beautiful way would surely re-energize you. While in Thekkady, you can witness the elephants walking beside the untouched lakes and rivers in Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary.
The feeling of boating in the lake and walking in the spice gardens within fragrant air is truly divine. If there doesn’t seem enough to you then a chain of lush green mountains, exquisite cascades, and nature’s appeal to give you a restful experience will for sure make you fall in love with Thekkady.
18 Best Thekkady Tourist Places:
Thekkady is blessed with some most beautiful sceneries of the jungles of the western ghats. The unending chain of hills with scented spice plantations along with tea, coffee, and cardamom is very delightful for tourists. Now let’s explore some amazing places to visit in Thekkady the beautiful hill station of Kerala.
1. Chellarkovil – Among The Best Waterfalls in Kerala
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It is located 11 km away from Kumily, bossing far-fetched views of the plains and flowing waterfalls. The best time to visit Chellarkovil is between September to May. Feel delighted while watching the spectacular view of sunrise and sunset with the help of a telescope placed here.
- Timings: 24 hours
- Ticket Price: Free
- Best Time to Visit: September to May
Read More: 17 Most Famous Waterfalls in Kerala You Can’t Miss on Your Next Trip!
2. Pandikuzhi – Waterfall in Thekkady
One of the places to visit in Thekkady is Pandikuzhi which is 5 km away from Thekkady. It is rich in flora and fauna. It gives a countryside feeling. There are beautiful waterfalls making tourists visit the place for a picturesque capture. It has become a famous picnic spot over the weekends.
- Timings: 24 hours
- Ticket Price: Free
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
3. Mangala Devi Temple – Historical Place in Kerala
Profoundly inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve, a 1000 years old temple of Mangala Devi is situated. The temple is well-known for its Pandyan structural design. The boundary walls and the ladders to the temple are made up of vast pebbles. To visit Mangala Devi temple, receiving prior consent from the wildlife warden of Thekkady is compulsory.
- Timings: The temple is open on the full moon day of the Chithra Pournami festival, which usually falls in April or May.
- Ticket Price: Free
Read More: 10 Famous Temples of Kerala to Visit with Family for a Spiritual Kerala Trip Experience
4. Parunthumpara – Scenic Place in Kerala
It is a village in the Idukki district. The word Parunth in the native language stands for Eagle and Para means Rock. Thus, it is named Parunthumpara i.e. Eagle Rock owing to a large area around like an Eagle. Simply reachable through the tapered Ghat road from Kallar Junction, Parunthumpara is a hill station known for its rambling prairies where people can relish some discreet moments, away from the hubbub of the urban life. Parunthumpara is one of the best places to visit in Thekkady which you shouldn’t miss at all.
- Timings: 24 hours
- Famous for: Scenic views, trekking, and rock formations.
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
5. Periyar Lake – A Popular Thekkady Attraction
This Periyar lake is situated in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, this lake was shaped by the assembly of the dam crossways the Mullaperiyar River in the year 1895. The lake itself balances impeccably into the scenery of the county. It is a key part of the reserve’s ecosystem that wharfs earthly, marine, and subterranean life forms. It aids as a major basis of water for the wildlife and also consists of numerous trivial isles laterally its path.
- Timings: 7:30 am to 5:00 pm
- Ticket Price: Rs 45 for adults and Rs 15 for children and for boating ticket price is Rs 255 per person.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
6. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – One of The Primary Places to See in Thekkady
Periyar wildlife sanctuary is the unspoiled model of nature’s lavishness with abundant charming beauty and ironic biodiversity. It is reflected as the most secure area for the elephants and the tigers. The trees here are completely grown-up at the wonderful tallness of up to 130-140 feet. Capture the picture of freely moving Dole, Gaur, Indian Wild Dog, Mouse Deer, Sambar, and Wild Pigs. Periyar national park is a complete package of sights and sounds.
- Timings: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Ticket Price: Rs 45 for adults and Rs 15 for children
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
7. Spring Valley Mountain – Lesser Known Place in Thekkady
Spring Valley Mountain is a famous Thekkady tourist spots that provides a splendid view of Periyar National Park. It offers splendid photography scenes. The Spring Valley Mountain is known as Kurisumala by the natives meaning cross hill. The place is rich in pine forests and tea plantations. Tourists come to visit viewpoints of Karikadu and Kaithapathal. The Thekkady travel guide suggests visiting the waterfalls of Palozhukum Para and Vellappara Waterfalls to enjoy nature at its best.
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Ticket Price: Free
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
8. Ramakkalmedu – Sightseeing Places in Thekkady
1066 meters above the sea level on the Western Ghats stands Ramakkalmedu. The main reason behind this name says that when SitaMaiyaa was kidnapped by Ravana while searching her Shri Ram Ji kept his feet here, and hence this place is called Ramakkalmedu. The wind here blows at a speed of 35 km/hour, which is supposed to be logged as a maximum in Asia. Therefore, the place is known as the land of wind. Avoid visiting here in monsoons.
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Ticket Price: Free
- Best Time to Visit: September to May
9. Murikkady – Famous Place for Hiking in Thekkady
The spice plantation of Kerala is famous for paragliding, trekking, and hiking activities. Murikkady, a Thekkady sightseeing place is a photographer’s paradise. It is rich in coffee, ginger, clove, vanilla, cardamom, pepper, and turmeric plantations. It is a popular picnic spot. A boating expedition in Murikkady is a steal to experience.
- Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Ticket Price: Free
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
10. Anakkara – Lesser Known Place in Thekkady
Anakkara is a small village and the best place to visit in Thekkady in 1 day in Kerala. It is situated in the Idukki district. It has amazing waterfalls and spice plantations to observe. Tourists visit Sabarimala temple, Suruli Falls, and Parunthumpara Hill Viewpoint. Anakkara allows a tourist to enjoy the rustic life of a villager. The climate is apt for trekking and picnic. It is lush green with many sightseeing options to explore.
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Ticket Price: Free
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
11. Pullumedu:
Pullumedu is one of the picnic places to visit in Thekkady with family. It is situated next to the river Periyar and surrounded by hills. It is known for green meadows, flora and fauna. Pullumedu is famous for religious celebrations. Thekkady tourist attractions include Sree Ayyappa temple and Makara Jyothi. The place offers camping options. Tourists must have a jeep to reach Pullumedu as it comes under a restricted forest zone. Special permission from Thekkady Wildlife Preservation Office or Vallakkadavu Range Officer must be taken to visit the forest zone.
- Timings: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Ticket Price: Free
- Best Time to Visit: September to December
12. Peermade – Picnic Spot in Thekkady
Peermade with its spectacular waterfalls makes tourists places to visit in Thekkady in 2 days. It is one of the less-explored hill stations of Kerala. It has spice plantations with tea, coffee, cardamom, rubber, and pepper plantation. The pine forests make it a perfect picnic spot. The region is associated with the family of Travancore. One of the attractions is the palace during the reign of Travancore. The place provides ample opportunities for trekking, horse riding, cycling and hiking.
There are many special attractions and places to visit in the Periyar side are Hills like Memala, Peeru Hills, and Vagamon with Karandakapara Hills, Kalthotti, Grampi and Parunthupara. Visit waterfalls such as Nallathanni, Panchalimedu, and Valanjamkanam. Tourists visit St. George’s CSI church, Thrissanku hills, Kuttikkanam, Parunthupara, Amrithamedu, Panchalimedu, and Madammakkulam.
- Famous for: Wildlife and spices plantations
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
13. Gavi – Beautiful place in Thekkady
For all the wildlife lovers, Gavi brings wildlife watching activities for the tourists. Gavi is a part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve makes it a wonderful experience to be visiting the place. There are outdoor camping facilities that this location offers. The best time to visit Thekkady’s Gavi is from November to March. The visit is made through and through with a jeep.
- Timings: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (Monday Closed)
- Ticket Price: Rs 25 per person
- Best Time to Visit: September to February
14. Tea and Spice Plantations in Thekkady:
The tea and spice plantations in Thekkady are fascinating plantations to walk in. As a variety of spices are nurtured in diverse segments of each plantation, you get to know a lot while you are having a walk. Cardamom is a major spice grown here. Besides you get to see pepper, gum, vanilla, coffee, and tea plantations. You can also buy the spices and tea-coffee from here at reasonable rates.
- Timings: Abraham’s Spice Garden: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, Green Park Ayurvedic & Spice Plantation: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Periyar Spice Garden: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Ticket Price: Usually Rs 100 per person
- Best Time to Visit: November to July
15. Tea Factories around Vandiperiyar Town:
The calmly flowing River Periyar through the city of Vandiperiyar has made the land here perfect for the cultivation of tea. Hence while your visit to Vandiperiyar, you get a chance to see a huge number of Tea Factories located in and around the area. 18 km from Thekkady; this area is a must-visit if you are a true tea lover.
- Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Ticket Price: Rs 150 per person
- Best Time to Visit: September to February
16. Vandanmedu:
27 km from Thekkady, this place is supposed to be one among the major sale centers for cardamom. A walk in the estate, relishing the smell of cardamom will be the most delightful experience that you will utterly get here. Traveling to Vandenmedu means to travel back to the history of this place. Everything in Vandenmedu shows glimpses of its history. You can see here a settlement register, which used to keep records of that time. Some other buildings in Vandenmedu were also used as the administering offices of the cardamom plantations.
- Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday and Sunday, and 6:00 am to 4:30 pm on Saturday.
- Ticket Price: Free
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
17. Vandiperiyar – Major Trade Center for Tea and Coffee:
Vandiperiyar is a beautiful town in Idukki district which is 18 km from Thekkady, this place is the main trade center for tea, coffee, and black pepper. This is the main reason for the number of tea factories situated here. This town is very famous among the tourists the main reason is during the visit, you can head to the Flower Garden and Government Agricultural Farm, where an array of rose plants, orchids and anthuriums will offer you an eye-pleasing sight. You can also witness the Lion-tailed macaque also known as wanderoo.
- Timings: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (Closed on Sundays and public holidays)
- Ticket Price: Rs 150 per person
- Best Time to Visit: September to February
18. Thekkady Rose Park:
Thekkady Rose Park in Kerala is a beautiful 10-acre attraction perfect for families and nature lovers. It has colorful rose gardens, a spice park, and a fun kids’ zone with rides. Visitors can also enjoy exciting activities like a 20D theatre, zip lining, kayaking, and multi-wine tasting, making it a great spot for a day out.
- Timings: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Ticket Price: Adults: Rs 150, Children (3-12 years): Rs 75, Senior Citizens (above 60 years): Rs 100
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
Things to Do in Thekkady:
When you are in Thekkady, it is recommended to go for an Elephant Ride. A visit to neighboring villages to know about the tribal communities, the culture of Kerala, taking a peaceful walk in the spice plantations and boating will add to your senses. You can also go on Jeep Safari to explore the jungles around. Below is a list of things to do in Thekkady.
- Boating on Periyar Lake – A peaceful boat ride on Periyar Lake is a must-do. If you are lucky, you might spot elephants, deer, and even tigers near the water.
- Bamboo Rafting – For those who love adventure, bamboo rafting is a great experience. You will get to float on the calm waters of Periyar Lake while enjoying the beauty of the forest.
- Nature Walks – A guided nature walk is a perfect way to explore Thekkady’s rich greenery. You can see different birds, butterflies, and animals as you walk through the forest.
- Jungle Night Patrol – Walking through the jungle at night is an unforgettable experience. With forest guards leading the way, you can feel the thrill of the wild in complete darkness.
- Elephant Rides – Ride on an elephant and enjoy a slow and peaceful journey through spice plantations and green fields.
- Spice Plantation Tour – Thekkady is famous for its spices. Visit a plantation to see how cardamom, pepper, and cloves are grown. You can even buy fresh spices to take home.
- Trekking – If you love walking through mountains and forests, Thekkady has some beautiful trekking trails. You can enjoy superb views and fresh air on your journey.
- Border Hiking – This full-day guided hike takes you through deep forests and hills. It is an adventurous experience where you can see wild animals and beautiful landscapes.
- Jeep Safari – A jeep safari is the best way to explore the rough and wild side of Thekkady. The ride through hills and forests is full of fun and surprises.
- Kathakali Performances – Watch a live Kathakali show and see the beautiful dance, colorful costumes, and expressive facial movements. It is a true cultural experience.
- Kalaripayattu Shows – If you are interested in martial arts, don’t miss a Kalaripayattu show. This ancient fighting style from Kerala is full of energy and excitement.
- Bird Watching – Thekkady is home to many colorful birds. If you love nature, this is a great activity to enjoy some peaceful time in the wild.
- Camping – Spend a night in the forest, listening to the sounds of nature. Camping in Thekkady is a wonderful experience for adventure lovers.
- Plantation Walks – Walk through tea, coffee, and spice plantations and see how these crops are grown. The smell of fresh spices in the air makes the walk even more enjoyable.
- Cycling Tours – Ride a bicycle through the scenic roads of Thekkady and enjoy the fresh air. It is a great way to explore the countryside at your own pace.
- Visit to Tribal Villages – Thekkady is home to many tribal communities. You can visit their villages, learn about their lifestyle, and see their traditional arts and crafts.
Festivals Celebrated in Thekkady:
Chithirapuram Pongal:
In January, Thekkady celebrates Chithirapuram Pongal, a beautiful harvest festival. Farmers thank nature for good crops. People make traditional food, decorate their homes, and come together for joyful celebrations.
Periyar Pongal:
Periyar Pongal happens in August or September to honor the rain god, Lord Indra. Devotees pray and perform rituals, asking for a good monsoon and a rich harvest.
Navarathri:
Navarathri, or Nine Nights, is a grand festival for Goddess Durga. Celebrated in September or October, it includes prayers, dance, devotional music, and colorful decorations. The festival ends with Dussehra, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
Best Time to Visit Thekkady:
Planning winter holidays in Thekkady would be the wisest decision. Thekkady is one of the best places to visit in Kerala during Winter. You can visit here anytime in between October to February would be good to visit. June to September marks the monsoon season thus it would also be the best time to visit Thekkady. Although planning summer holidays in Thekkady would also not be a bad choice.
Things to Buy from Thekkady:
The list of the best things to buy in Kerala is wide. Though buy Spices, Tea and Coffee, Cashew Nuts, Banana Chips, Aroma Oils, handmade Jewelry, and KasavuMundu from Thekkady as souvenirs. There are other things such as Coconut Coir, Aranmula Kannadi, Kerala Handicrafts, etc. that could be the best gifts you can buy from Kerala for your loved ones.
If you are struggling with the number of leaves to be taken from work then planning a weekend trip to Thekkady would also be a good idea. Pack your bags and plan a trip to Thekkady now.
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FAQs:
Some of the best places to visit in Thekkady are Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar Lake, Mangala Devi Temple, Gavi, the spice plantations, and more. These places offer a mix of wildlife, nature, and cultural experiences.
The best time to visit Thekkady is from October to February when the weather is pleasant. If you love greenery, the monsoon season from June to September is also a great time to visit.
In Thekkady, you can enjoy wildlife safaris, boat rides on Periyar Lake, trekking, bamboo rafting, and jeep safaris. There are also spice plantation tours where you can learn about different spices.
A 2 to 3-day trip is ideal to explore Thekkady. This gives enough time to visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, go for a boat ride, explore spice plantations, and enjoy local cultural performances.
Yes, boating in Periyar Lake is a great experience, as you can see wildlife coming to drink water at the lake. Early morning and evening boat rides offer the best chances to spot animals.
