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Places to visit in Thekkady
Steeped in lush greenery and wild adventures, Thekkady – Kerala offers countless experiences for every traveler. Discover majestic tigers, serene lakes, sprawling spice plantations, and thrilling bamboo rafting among the top places to visit in Thekkady.
Periyar National Park
One of India’s most renowned wildlife sanctuaries, Periyar National Park is centered around the scenic Periyar Lake and protects a rich ecosystem of evergreen and deciduous forests. The park is home to majestic Bengal tigers, herds of Indian elephants, sambar deer, wild boars, lion-tailed macaques, and over 260 species of birds, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.
The highlight of any visit is the boat safari on Periyar Lake, where visitors can often spot elephants and other animals coming to the water’s edge, especially during early morning hours.
Periyar Lake
A serene artificial lake at the heart of the tiger reserve, offering breathtaking boat safaris to spot wildlife drinking water along the forested shores.
Thekkady Boat Safari
A 1-2 hour guided boat trip on Periyar Lake, the best way to observe elephants, wild boars, bison, and birdlife in their natural habitat.
Kumily
A bustling town adjacent to Thekkady, known as the spice capital of Kerala, offering vibrant spice markets, cardamom auctions, and traditional Kerala cuisine.
Mangala Devi Temple
An ancient hilltop temple built in traditional Pandyan style, located within the Periyar reserve, offering stunning views of the Western Ghats and Tamil Nadu plains.
Elephant Junction
Situated close to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, Elephant Junction offers visitors an unforgettable opportunity to interact with gentle elephants in a natural and ethical setting. Activities include short elephant rides through forest trails, bathing and scrubbing elephants in the river, and feeding them their favorite fruits while learning about their behavior from experienced mahouts.
The facility emphasizes responsible tourism and provides great photo opportunities, making it a favorite among families and children visiting Thekkady.
Kadathanadan Kalari Centre
A cultural venue showcasing traditional Kalaripayattu (ancient martial art) performances with fire tricks, sword fighting, and acrobatic displays.
Spice Plantation Tours
A guided walk through working spice plantations, explaining the cultivation of cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg and coffee.
Periyar Tiger Trail
An adventurous eco-tourism activity combining bamboo rafting on Periyar Lake with jungle trekking and overnight camping inside the reserve.
Thekkady Trekking Trails
These eco-tourism trails, conducted by the Kerala Forest Department, offer guided trekking experiences ranging from easy 2-hour nature walks to challenging full-day treks deep inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Led by trained tribal guides and armed forest guards, trekkers explore dense forests, bamboo thickets, and grasslands while learning to identify animal tracks, medicinal plants, and bird calls.
The most popular trek is the bamboo rafting cum trekking experience, which combines a peaceful raft ride on Periyar Lake with an exciting jungle exploration.
Gavi
Located deep inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve, about 40 km from Thekkady, Gavi is a pristine eco-tourism destination known for its untouched natural beauty, lush green landscapes, and serene lake surrounded by dense forests. Accessible only by jeep through the reserve, this offbeat gem offers treehouse accommodations, boating in the Gavi Lake, and guided night treks where visitors might spot leopards, elephants, and flying squirrels.
The journey to Gavi itself is an adventure, passing through winding forest roads with breathtaking views of tea estates, waterfalls, and wildlife sightings.
Murikkady
A scenic village covered in sprawling cardamom and coffee plantations, offering peaceful walks and photography opportunities.
Chellarkovil Viewpoint
A breathtaking viewpoint overlooking a cascading waterfall and the plains of Tamil Nadu, with lush green tea estates on the Kerala side.
Vandiperiyar
A small town known for its extensive tea plantations, the tea factory run by the Tata Group, and scenic river views.
Pandikuzhi
A picturesque valley surrounded by rolling hills and dense forests, offering stunning sunset views and peaceful picnic spots.
Pullumedu
Situated at an altitude of about 3,000 feet, Pullumedu is a scenic hilltop located around 25 km from Thekkady, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the winding Periyar River, and the distant Sabarimala temple on clear days. This vantage point is particularly famous as the spot where the holy Iyappa temple becomes visible during the annual Sabarimala pilgrimage season, drawing many devotees.
The journey involves a thrilling jeep ride through rough forest trails, making the destination popular among adventure seekers and photographers seeking stunning sunrise and sunset shots.
Perunthenaruvi Waterfall
A beautiful waterfall with a wide rock face where water cascades gently during dry seasons and roars during monsoons, ideal for wading and picnics.
Nadukani
A popular viewpoint offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, forests, and distant Tamil Nadu villages.
Bamboo Grove
A serene spot within the Periyar reserve featuring dense bamboo thickets, ideal for birdwatching and short nature walks.
Anakkara
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Thekkady Blogs
- Kerala Backwaters & Spice Guide
- Places to visit in Thekkady
- Places to visit nearby Kumily
- India’s most breathtaking wildlife destinations
- India’s spice garden capitals
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