Places To Visit In Thekkady

"Kerala’s wildlife hub with spice plantations and Periyar lake"

3 out of 70 Places in Kerala
Best Time: Throughout the year Read More

Save upto 30%

by comparing quotes from 3 agents

View Tour Packages View Thekkady Hotels

25 Tourist Places In Thekkady

Show on map
  • Filter (25)
  • Landmark (3)
  • Village (2)
  • Viewpoint (2)
  • Garden & Park (2)

1. Periyar National Park

Periyar National Park
Top Attraction 4.5 /5

16 km from city center

National Park

Highlights: Boating at Periyar Lake, Periyar National Par (Read More)k Jeep Safari, Periyar Tiger Trail, Thekkady, Bamboo Rafting in Thekkady, Thekkady, Border Hiking, Thekkady, Jungle Night Patrol, Thekkady, Nature Walks, Thekkady, Jungle Camp, Thekkady
Periyar National Park in Thekkady, Kerala, is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world and one of India's best-protected reserves. It is home to a wide range of wildlife, including tigers and elephants, along with reptiles, fish, and birds, set amid dense forest and hills.

2. Kadathanadan Kalari Centre

Kadathanadan Kalari Centre
Top Things To Do 4.5 /5

0 km from city center

Landmark

Kadathanadan Kalari Centre is a renowned centre of the traditional form of martial arts, Kalaripayyattu which was invented by Sage Parshuram. The programs arranged by the centre are specifically to showcase the ancient form of self-defence in a gallery specially designed for the safety of the fighters and the audience and to give insights into the discipline required for the art form.

3. Thekkady Spice Market

Thekkady Spice Market
Popular among Locals 4.1 /5

3 km from city center

Thekkady Spice Market, located near the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, is a vibrant hub for exploring the region's rich spice heritage. Famous for its aromatic offerings like cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg, the market showcases the finest produce from Kerala's spice plantations and you can buy the most expensive and aromatic spices here at very cheap rates.

4. Periyar Tiger Trail

Periyar Tiger Trail
4.1 /5

2 km from city center

Wildlife

The Periyar Tiger Trail, located within the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady, Kerala, offers a unique eco-tourism experience for adventure enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Conducted by trained local guides and former poachers, this guided trekking program allows participants to explore the forest's biodiversity while promoting conservation.

Thekkady Travel Packages

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

5. Bamboo Rafting in Thekkady

Bamboo Rafting in Thekkady
Top Things To Do 4.3 /5

1 km from city center

Rafting

Bamboo Rafting in Thekkady, conducted within the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, is a popular eco-tourism activity that combines adventure and nature exploration. Participants embark on a guided trek through the forest, followed by a tranquil ride on a bamboo raft across the serene waters of the Periyar Lake.

6. Periyar Lake

Periyar Lake
4.4 /5

12 km from city center

Lake

Thekkady Lake, also known as Periyar Lake, is an artificial reservoir within Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady, Kerala, formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River. It serves as a key water source for the region's wildlife. Boat rides on the lake give visitors a chance to spot elephants, bison, and deer along the shores, set against dense forest and rolling hills, making it a popu (Read More)lar draw for birdwatching and nature photography.

7. Anakkara

Anakkara
Hidden Gem 4.1 /5

2 km from city center

Waterfall

Anakkara is a small village in Idukki district, about 50 sq. km in area, located on the Kumily-Munnar state highway roughly 18 km from Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary. It is known for its spice plantations and waterfalls, and offers trekking and, depending on weather, paragliding for adventure seekers. Aruvikuzhi Falls, also known as Chellarkovil Falls, is a well-known spot here.

8. Green Park Ayurvedic & Spices Plantation

Green Park Ayurvedic & Spices Plantation
Great For Family Outing 4.4 /5

3 km from city center

Farms & Plantations

Green Park Ayurvedic & Spices Plantation is an ecological park set up to grow medicinal herbs and spices and share knowledge of growing them using advanced agricultural techniques. Spread over about five acres, it has a Spice Garden and an Organic Farm for visitors to explore.

9. Thekkady Rose Park

Thekkady Rose Park
Fun For Kids 4.3 /5

3 km from city center

Garden & Park

Thekkady Rose Park is a 10-acre park with a mix of attractions for visitors of all ages. It includes the Great Spice Park, an antique collection, and an on-site restaurant. The park also hosts events and celebrations, making it a flexible spot for both relaxation and special occasions in Thekkady.

10. Elephant Junction Thekkady

Elephant Junction Thekkady
Top Things To Do 4.2 /5

3 km from city center

Elephant Camps & Parks

Elephant Junction, located in Thekkady, is an eco-tourism center offering an immersive experience with elephants. Visitors can enjoy activities such as elephant rides, bathing the elephants, and feeding them, making it a popular family-friendly attraction. The center also offers guided nature walks through the surrounding forest, providing an opportunity to spot wildlife and learn about the local (Read More)ecosystem.

11. Mangala Devi Temple

Mangala Devi Temple
Popular among Locals 4.1 /5

6 km from city center

Temple

Sree Mangala Devi Kannaki Temple, located near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border in Idukki, is a historic shrine situated at an altitude of about 1,337 meters in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Dedicated to Goddess Kannaki, the temple is believed to date back over 2,000 years, with its origins rooted in Tamil Sangam literature and the epic Silappathikaram.

12. Chellarkovil Viewpoint

Chellarkovil Viewpoint
4.3 /5

8 km from city center

Viewpoint

Chellarkovil Viewpoint is known for its wide view of hilly terrain covered in green vegetation and a waterfall nearby. It has a watchtower with a telescope on a terrace, giving visitors a bird's-eye view of the surroundings and the sunset.

13. Pullumedu

Pullumedu
4.3 /5

16 km from city center

Hill Station

Pullumedu is a hill station in Thekkady, Kerala, set among dense forest and hills, near Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is known for its flora and fauna and its views of the Western Ghats, and is home to several tribal communities with a rich cultural heritage. The name Pullumedu means 'green meadow' in Malayalam.

14. Kumily

Kumily
Day Trip 4.7 /5

3 km from city center

Kumily is a town near Thekkady, about 4-5 kilometers away, and serves as the main gateway to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is known for its spice plantations, markets, and proximity to the sanctuary, with activities like plantation tours, wildlife spotting, and cultural experiences. While Thekkady leans more toward nature and wildlife, Kumily has more of a local, rural feel, with bustling bazaars (Read More), spice shops, and views of the Western Ghats.

15. Murukkady

Murukkady
4.1 /5

4 km from city center

Garden & Park

Murikkady, located in Idukki near Thekkady, is a serene village known for its lush spice plantations and scenic landscapes. Famous for the cultivation of cardamom, pepper, and coffee, it offers visitors a chance to explore Kerala’s vibrant agricultural heritage. The area is ideal for nature walks, spice tours, and photography, with panoramic views of rolling hills and misty valleys.

16. Vandiperiyar

Vandiperiyar
Great For Family Outing 4.5 /5

9 km from city center

Town

Highlights: Connemara Tea Factory, Periyar Wildlife Sanct (Read More)uary, Trekking
Vandiperiyar is a small town in Idukki district, Kerala, at an altitude of around 2,743 ft. This hill town is popular with travelers who enjoy exploring plantations and spice farms. Despite some commercial activity, the plantations here function as their own ecosystem, supporting flora and fauna much like the surrounding forests.

17. Mudra Cultural Centre

Mudra Cultural Centre
Top Things To Do 4.5 /5

0 km from city center

Landmark

Mudra Cultural Centre is famous for cultural events that specifically involve the traditional dance form, Kathakali and India's oldest form of martial arts, Kalaripayyattu. Tourists can also witness the laborious preparations the artists have to make before they watch their spectacular performances. Watching one of their shows is the best way to get a glimpse into the rich culture and art of the r (Read More)egion.

18. Pandikuzhi Viewpoint

Pandikuzhi Viewpoint
4.4 /5

3 km from city center

Viewpoint

Pandikuzhi is a small village known for its natural scenery. Its landscape, varied terrain, and a stream flowing through a valley covered in green foliage make Pandikuzhi Viewpoint a popular picnic spot for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and photographers.

19. Vandanmedu

Vandanmedu
4.4 /5

13 km from city center

Village

Highlights: Tea Plantation Tour, Spice Plantation Tour, V (Read More)isiting the Cardamom and Tea Auction Center, Birdwatching, Trekking
Vandanmedu is a village in Idukki district, in Thekkady, known for its wide views and tea plantations. Sitting at about 4,000 feet above sea level, it is a good spot for adventure and nature enthusiasts, with panoramic views of the Western Ghats and a quiet break from city life. The village is dotted with spice plantations and tea estates.

20. Mullaperiyar Dam

Mullaperiyar Dam
Top Attraction 4.3 /5

9 km from city center

Dam

Highlights: Boating in Periyar Lake, Periyar Wildlife San (Read More)ctuary, Trekking
Mullaperiyar Dam was built in 1895 by the British and stands 53.6 meters tall. It provides water for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation, and sits amid the greenery of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, making it a popular stop. Visitors can walk across the dam for views of the surrounding hills and forest.

21. Trekking in Thekkady

Trekking in Thekkady
Top Things To Do 4.1 /5

0 km from city center

Thekkady offers a variety of trekking and nature walk experiences within the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, catering to adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Guided by tribal or forest experts, these treks allow visitors to explore the sanctuary’s rich biodiversity, with opportunities to spot wildlife like elephants, gaurs, and exotic birds.

22. Parunthumpara

Parunthumpara
4.1 /5

17 km from city center

Village

Parunthumpara is a quiet, scenic spot in Idukki district, Kerala, at an altitude of about 1,200 meters. The name comes from the Malayalam words 'parunthu' (eagle) and 'para' (rock), describing the area's natural rock formations. The small village is known for a rock formation that resembles an eagle.

23. Jungle Camp

Jungle Camp
Top Things To Do 4.2 /5

Camping

Jungle Camping is one of the top thrilling things to do in Thekkady. The camps are organized on the banks of Periyar River in Vallakadavu at the river viewpoint in the vicinity of Periyar National Park. The programme includes a board room facility for projection, film shows, trekking in the forest and traditional food prepared by Urali tribe. A single tent can accommodate 2 persons.

24. Spring Valley Mountain

Spring Valley Mountain
4.0 /5

5 km from city center

Landmark

Highlights: Trek to the mountain peak, Periyar National P (Read More)ark
Spring Valley Mountain sits within Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Idukki district, Thekkady, amid dense forest. At an altitude of 1,370 meters, it is covered in greenery and is a good spot for birdwatching and trekking.

25. Tribal Heritage Walk

Tribal Heritage Walk
Top Things To Do 4.2 /5
The Tribal Heritage Programme, organized by the Kerala Tourism Board in Thekkady, introduces visitors to local tribal culture and traditions. It involves trekking through a tribal village with a tribal guide, and a highlight is the Tribal Heritage Museum, which displays artefacts related to traditional farming practices, marriage rituals, and other customs.

FAQs on Thekkady

How can I commute within Thekkady?

Buses, Taxis and Autos can be found in abundance.
Read More

What are the top hotels in Thekkady?

There are 146 Hotels in Thekkady which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Thekkady are Aanavilasam Luxury Plantation House, Indhrivanam, Cassells Jungle Resorts, Aranya Homestay, Sopanam Heritage Thekkady, Homeroots. You can see all the hotels in Thekkady here

What are the top sightseeing places in Thekkady?

The top sightseeing places in Thekkady are Periyar National Park, Periyar Tiger Trail, Bamboo Rafting, Thekkady Lake, Border Hiking, Green Park Ayurvedic & Spices Plantation.

How much does a package cost for Thekkady?

The packages for Thekkady start at INR 7464 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

Can you suggest an itinerary for Thekkady?

Day 1 - Go on the famous Nature Walk, a guided tour through the forests in the morning. After that, go boating on the Periyar lake. Try the elephant rides that are offered.  Wander around the town area and check out the plantations. In the evening, be sure to catch a Kathakali performance held near Periyar Meadows.
Day2 - Visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. If possible check out the Periyar Tiger Trail. Also, check out the Kalari Payattu performance that takes place at the kadathanadan Kalari Center at Kumily.
View 149 Packages