Top 10 Things to Do in Thekkady to Experience Kerala's Age-old Culture

Kerala’s crown jewel that takes pride in its natural riches and cultural legacy, Thekkady can make you fall in love with its extravagance. Known as the Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady will lure you with the never-ending chains of lush green hills and spice scented plantations for a rich calming effect. While planning your trip to Thekkady, make a list of things to do in Thekkady such as taking up a plantation tour, booking your stay in one of the luxurious properties in Periyar and waking up to the soothing melodies of nature for experiencing the best of nature in Kerala. Never forget to miss out on traversing the bustling and aromatic lanes of Thekkady’s markets, shop a unique selection of exotic spices, and add flavors to your lustrous food platter to make it more flavorful.

Things to Do in Thekkady: Go on a Scenic Trail Through Kerala’s Wilderness

Being the home to the India’s largest Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady is best known for its bountiful hidden natural resources including exotic flora and fauna. With a wide acre of land submerged in dense evergreen and semi-evergreen forests of Western Ghats and located in the district of Idukki, Thekkady is the ideal destination for you to rejoice amid calm and tranquil surroundings. One of the major things to do in Thekkady is to go on a scenic boat ride to explore the Periyar Lake and discover the wilderness of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. What fascinates the tourists in Thekkady is the rustic green marvels sprawling across all over the region and the warm hospitality of the locals by booking a stay in the resorts, curated with an ideal blend of nature and luxury.

Let’s have a glance at the top 10 things to do in Thekkady to explore Kerala’s hidden paths through the woods.

Periyar National Park: Have Close Encounter with Exotic Wildlife
Chellarkovil Waterfalls: Witness the Majestic Cascade
Spice Gardens: Go on a Plantation Tour at Green Park Spices
Gavi: Trek Through a Picturesque Landscape
Periyar Lake: Sail Across the Scenic Lake
Pandikuzhi: The Safe Haven for Nature Enthusiasts
Bullock Cart Exploration: Tour Around the Scenic Periyar Villages
Tribal Walks: Embark on a Cultural Odyssey
Mangla Devi Temple: Unfurl the Spiritual Side of Kerala
Spice Shopping: Enjoy a Spice Tour at Lord’s Spice Super Market

1. Periyar National Park: Have Close Encounter with Exotic Wildlife

Embark on a journey to traverse the wilderness of Periyar National Park and explore the incredible ecosystems existing there that would make every nature lover fall for it. Also, popular as the “Periyyar Tiger Reserve”, that comes under the UNESCO World Heritage listings, Periyar National Park is best known for its unique and diverse flora and fauna species that includes Indian Elephant, Bengal Tigers, Sambar, Gaur, Leopards, Indian Wild Dogs, Monitor Lizards, Barking Deers, etc. Tucked away within the verdant landscapes of Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills of Western Ghats, Periyar National Park is also a paradise for the nature lovers to take up scenic boat rides, nature walks, wildlife safaris, bamboo rafting, etc., which can be included in the list of things to do in Thekkady India.

Location: Western Ghats, Kerala

Opening Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Ideal Duration: 4 to 5 hours

Best Time to Visit: March to May

Entry Fee: INR 45

Famous for: Nature & Wildlife

2. Chellarkovil Waterfalls: Witness the Majestic Cascade

As Kerala’s natural splendors never leave a chance to astound you with its ethereal beauty, Chellarkovil Falls is best known for its breathtaking sights, located in the Idukki district in proximity to Thekkady. Known as “God’s Own Balcony”, the best-kept secret of Kerala, the picturesque Chellarkovil village is the home to this majestic cascade which will offer you a plentitude of scenic routes leading to the earthly wonders. One of the best things to do in Kerala is to hike up the fascinating hills drenched in lush greenery and reach the most captivating Chellarkovil viewpoint to witness and immerse yourself in the alluring views of the rippling falls. You can even watch out for the sunset from the viewpoint and create some surreal moments with your beloved one to cherish for a lifetime.

Location: M56P+QVQ, Aruvikkuzhy Viewpoint, Chellarcovil P.O, Kerala 685512

Opening Hours: 12 a.m. to 11.59 p.m.

Ideal Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Best Time to Visit: June to September

Entry Fee: Free Entry

Famous for: Nature Hikes

3. Spice Gardens: Go on a Plantation Tour at Green Park Spices

Located on the outskirts of Thekkady, Green Park Spices will make you witness five-acre vast plantations of organic spices and a wide range of farm animals which give greater insights into Indian and Ayurvedic medicinal plants. One of the top 10 things to do in Thekkady is to take up spice plantation tours and learn about the medicinal attributes of the herbs. If you are a true nature lover, you should visit this park to traverse the scenic plantations and get lured by the aroma and peaceful environment to get connected to Mother nature in an idyllic way. You can even wander around the park to marvel at the honeybee colonies, natural fish aquarium, artificial paddy fields, suspension bridge, and fruit plantations. The simple and sustainable tree houses, the exotic spice garden, and the organic farm are some of the best attractions of the park.

Location: Laksham Veedu Colony Road, Thekkady, Kumily, Kerala 685509

Opening Hours: 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 pm.

Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Best Time to Visit: October to February

Entry Fee: INR 100

Famous for: Rich vegetation, plantation farms, culture

Major Attractions: Tree house, Spice Garden, Organic Farm

4. Gavi: Trek Through a Picturesque Landscape

Being considered as the part of Periyar Tiger Reserve, Gavi Village is one of the best places to visit in Kerala that will take you through its dense forests to discover its untouched beauty. Located in the Pathanamthitta district, Gavi offers a plethora of activities like trekking, wildlife watching, outdoor camping in tents, and night safaris. If you want to plan your honeymoon in Kerala, you can trek Gavi’s lush green jungles and discover its rich wildlife and avian species like the great pied hornbill, woodpecker, and kingfishers which is considered very ideal in this popular eco-tourism spot. Gear yourself up along with your beloved one to embark on an expedition where you will encounter verdant landscapes full of grasslands, rippling waterfalls, hills and valleys and for an alluring affair.

Location: Laksham Veedu Colony Road, Thekkady, Kumily, Kerala 685509

Opening Hours: 8.30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Best Time to Visit: September to February

Entry Fee: INR 25

Famous for: Scenic Vistas, Wildlife

5. Periyar Lake: Sail Across the Scenic Lake

Located at the center of Periyar National Park, Periyar Lake or Thekkady Lake is one of the most famous artificial lakes in Kerala that was created on the state’s longest river Periyar or Mullaperiyar in 1895. One of the best things to do in Periyar Thekkady is to go on a boat ride at Periyar Lake and carry binoculars with you to spot some local and migratory avian species for visual delight. Have close encounters with tigers and elephants bathing or sipping water from the lake to soak themselves in the blues. Being the home to a wide variety of fish, Periyar Lake will enchant you with the exotic Periyar barb, the Periyar Latia, and Periyar trout kind of fishes for an appealing effect. Moreover, you can even encounter steppe gull, black-necked stork, great Hornbill, and the Malabar Grey Hornbill.

Location: 4 kms from Kumili, District Idukki, Thekkady, Kerala, 685536, India

Opening Hours: 7.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Best Time to Visit: October to February

Entry Fee: INR 225

Famous for: Water birds, Boating

6. Pandikuzhi: The Safe Haven for Nature Enthusiasts

Pandikuzhi is especially well-known for its enchanting scenery, which includes rippling streams, dense forests, and tumbling waterfalls. You will find a diverse range of flora and fauna species, thriving in the area's pristine ecology, contributing to its rich biodiversity, at one of the best places to visit in Thekkady. Trekking, nature hikes, and birdwatching are among the top actrivities visitors to Pandikuzhi can do while soaking in the serene atmosphere of the Western Ghats. The area is also well-known for its wildlife sanctuaries, such as the well-known Periyar Tiger Reserve, where tourists may go on safaris to see endangered creatures like tigers, elephants, and a variety of bird species. Pandikuzhi's calm atmosphere and abundant greenery provide chances for relaxation and renewal in addition to its natural beauty where you can have a picnic, set in an idyllic setting.

Location: J5VJ+H22, Idukki Twp, Tamil Nadu 625525

Opening Hours: 24 hours

Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Best Time to Visit: September to March

Entry Fee: Free Entry

Famous for: Nature, Waterfalls, Valleys

7. Bullock Cart Exploration: Tour Around the Scenic Periyar Villages

Tourists can get a distinctive and genuine glimpse of Kerala’s traditional village life by taking a bullock cart ride in Periyar Village, Thekkady. Periyar Village, which is located in the vicinity of the well-known Periyar Tiger Reserve, offers a window into the area's bountiful natural resources and rich cultural legacy. Since Kerala’s agriculture is centered around the bullock cart, a traditional form of transportation in rural India, you can embark on a cultural odyssey through the scenic countryside, immersing yourself in the verdant fields, swaying palm trees, and charming villages. One of the best things to do in Thekkady Kerala is to interact with the local villagers and observe their daily life, occupation like farming and pottery-making, during the bullock cart ride.

Location: Peerumade of Idukki district

Opening Hours: 24 hours

Ideal Duration: 1 to 2 hours

Best Time to Visit: October to February

Entry Fee: Free Entry

Famous for: Culture, Nature

8. Tribal Walks: Embark on a Cultural Odyssey

Undertake a guided tribal walk in Thekkady, Kerala, that offers visitors an exquisite opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage and traditional lifestyle of the indigenous tribal communities in the region. Located in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, one of the best places to visit in India, Thekkady is the home to several tribal settlements, including the Mannan, Paliyan, and Oorali tribes which provides insights into their unique ways of living life, customs, rituals, and cultural ethos. As a part of Kerala’s Tribal Heritage programme, you will be taken through a dense forest, small brooks, numerous soothing natural melodies, grey-thatched houses where the tribals have lived in for centuries, where you can find the harmonious balance of nature. Never forget to visit the Tribal Heritage Museum to get a glimpse of the region’s aboriginal communities.

Location: Periyar Tiger Reserve

Opening Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tribal Walk Timing: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. & 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Best Time to Visit: October to February

Entry Fee: Free Entry

Famous for: Tribal communities, Cultural heritage

9. Mangla Devi Temple: Unfurl the Spiritual Side of Kerala

A 1000-year-old temple, Mangla Devi Temple will take you through the perennial beauty and charm of Thekkady and will shed light on its rich historic past. Also known for the majestic Pandyan architectural style, the temple is dedicated to the deity of Mangladevi, who is also known as Kannaki. Being perched on the grasslands of Periyar Tiger Reserve, Mangla Devi Temple is best known for its ideal location, scenic and calm surroundings far away from the madding crowd to unwind in the best way possible. One of the best things to do in Thekkady is to visit the Mangla Devi Temple during the Kannagi Temple festival, which is held annually best known for cultural rituals, performances, and practice age-old customs & traditions for a religious appeal.

Location: Idukki District, Kerala 625516

Opening Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ideal Duration: 1 hour

Best Time to Visit: October to February

Entry Fee: Free Entry

Famous for: Architecture & Ambiance

10. Spice Shopping: Enjoy a Spice Tour at Lord’s Spice Super Market

Embark on a spice shopping tour to immerse yourself in the rich flavors and brilliant colors of Kerala's renowned spices in Thekkady, Kerala. Since Thekkady is well-known for its spice farms, which grow a wide range of aromatic spices, including nutmeg, cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and more. One of the best-known shopping destinations in Thekkady for spice purchasing is the Lord’s Spice Super Market. In addition to providing guided tours of spice plantations where guests can get the firsthand experience of planting and harvesting procedures of various spices, several spice shops in Thekkady also provide this service. These excursions frequently feature educational seminars on the therapeutic qualities, culinary applications, and cultural significance of many spices, offering insights into the region’s rich history and culture which can be added to the list of offbeat things to do in Thekkady.

Location: J53C+Q8F, Kottayam - Kumily Rd, Thekkady, Kumily, Kerala 685509

Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Ideal Duration: 1 hour

Best Time to Visit: October to February

Entry Fee: Free Entry

Famous for: Organic Spices

Since there is something for everyone that Thekkady caters to, from having close encounters of wildlife amid verdant surroundings of the Periyar Tiger Reserve to indulging in purchasing spices, you will have a list of things to do in Thekkady. Since Thekkady is an idyllic destination for travelers looking for adventure, leisure, and cultural immersion because it provides a plethora of experiences and activities to suit different interests. Adventurers can enjoy trekking, camping, and bamboo rafting among the breathtaking Western Ghats scenery, while nature lovers can explore the region's rich biodiversity with boat safaris, jungle hikes, and bamboo rafting excursions. Book your Kerala tour packages with us for an amazing vacation amid the abundance of greens.

Things to Do in Thekkady FAQ’s

Q1. What is Thekkady famous for?

Thekkady is famous for its verdant landscapes and the popular Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary which is the home to a wide variety of endangered wildlife species and eco-tourism initiatives. It also offers visitors plenty of activities to carry out like trekking, boating, wildlife safaris, etc.

Q2. Is one day enough for Thekkady?

No, one day is not sufficient to explore Thekkady since it is enriched with plenty of natural splendors. Exploring the Periyar National Park takes almost a day, so it is ideal to spend 2 days at least in Thekkady.

Q3. Is Periyar National Park worth visiting?

Yes, Periyar National Park is worth visiting since it is the sanctuary of peace and tranquility. You can have close encounters with the exotic wildlife species and take up numerous activities to explore its wilderness and understand its natural eccentricities.

Q4. What are the best things to do in Thekkady?

Since Thekkady is endowed with a myriad of natural splendors and a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, you will get the opportunity to do a plenty of things such as:

Visit the Periyar National Park
Boating in Periyar Lake
Spice Plantation tour
Trekking
Bullock Cart Expedition
Tribal tours

Q5. Is Thekkady a hill station?

Yes, Thekkady is a popular hill station of Kerala which boasts of its scenic landscapes including the lush green tea and spice plantations. You will find yourself in solace amid the tranquil surroundings of Thekkady.

Q6. When is the best time to visit Thekkady?

The best time to visit Thekkady is during the months of October to February when the weather is favorable and pleasant for an ideal stay. Moreover, you can carry out sightseeing and spotting animals during this time.

Q7. What is the best time to visit Periyar National Park?

The best time to visit Periyar National Park is from the months of March to May, which is considered ideal for sightseeing and animals spotting. Moreover, you can undertake boat rides at Periyar Lake during this time.

Q8. Which safari is best in Thekkady?

A jeep safari to Gavi village is considered the best in Thekkady. It covers the major highlights of the village like the organic spice plantations, dense forests, breathtaking waterfalls, lush green hills and valleys.

Q9. What should I wear to Periyar National Park?

You are always suggested to wear earthy colored clothes like beige, dark green, brown to maintain the harmony amid the natural ecosystems. If you are planning to visit during summer, wear light comfortable clothes.

Q10. What are the major activities to do in Periyar National Park?

Periyar National Park will offer you an opportunity to carry out a plethora of thrilling activities. The major things to do in Periyar National Park are: