4.3 / 5

Thekkady

📍 Thekkady, KeralaView map ›

🗓 Best Time To Visit:September to May

⏰ Open Hours:24 Hours

🏞 Things To Do:Boat rides, Wildlife safaris, Nature walks, Spice plantations tour, Bamboo rafting

💰 Budget:INR 1000 - 3000 per person

🧳 Traveller Types:Family, Couples, Nature Lovers, Adventure Seekers

📌 Known For:Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Natural beauty, Spice plantations, Adventure activities

🚉 Distances:From Kottayam Railway Station - 107 km, From Cochin International Airport - 190 km, From Madurai - 140 km

🍽 Local Cuisine:Fish curry, Kappa (Tapioca), Appam with stew

🎒 Essential Packings:Light clothing, Hat, Sunscreen, Comfortable footwear, Raincoat (during monsoons)

💡 Tips:Carry water bottles, binoculars for wildlife spotting. Avoid loud noises in the sanctuary.

📸 Must-Visit Places:Periyar Lake, Kumily, Abraham’s Spice Garden, Murikkady

🎪 Festivals:Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Elephant Procession in January

🛍 Shopping:Spices, Handicrafts, Traditional Kerala sari, Handmade chocolates

🚖 Local Transport:Auto rickshaws, Taxis, Buses

🏨 Accommodation:Luxury resorts, Budget hotels, Homestays

Have questions about Thekkady?Ask the Tripoto Community ›
Thekkady: A Complete Travel Guide To Kerala’s Wildlife Paradise

Are you looking for a destination that offers you a perfect blend of nature, adventure, culture, and relaxation? If yes, then Thekkady in Kerala is the place for you. Thekkady is a town near Periyar National Park, an important tourist attraction in the Kerala state of India. Thekkady is home to India’s largest tiger reserve and a biodiversity hotspot, where you can enjoy bamboo rafting, night trekking, boat safari, wildlife spotting, and much more.

Thekkady also has many other places to visit and things to do that will make your trip memorable and exciting. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive travel guide to Thekkady and its tourism potential. We will cover everything you need to know about Thekkady, such as how to reach, best time to visit, where to stay, places to visit, things to do, restaurants, and travel tips. So, read on and discover why Thekkady is a must-visit destination for any traveler visiting India.

Photo of Thekkady 1/11 by
(c) Balan Madhavan

How to Reach Thekkady

Thekkady is well-connected by air, rail, road, and bus from various cities in India. Here are the different ways to reach Thekkady:

By Air: The nearest airport to Thekkady is Kochi International Airport, which is about 140 km away. You can take a flight from any major city in India or abroad to Kochi and then hire a taxi or take a bus to Thekkady. The journey by road from Kochi to Thekkady takes about 4 hours and costs around INR 3000 for a taxi and INR 200 for a bus.

By Rail: The nearest railway station to Thekkady is Kottayam Railway Station, which is about 110 km away. You can take a train from any major city in India to Kottayam and then hire a taxi or take a bus to Thekkady. The journey by road from Kottayam to Thekkady takes about 3 hours and costs around INR 2500 for a taxi and INR 150 for a bus.

By Road: Thekkady is well-connected by road from various cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. You can drive your own car or hire a taxi or take a bus to Thekkady. Some of the popular routes are:

1. Kochi - Muvattupuzha - Kothamangalam - Neriamangalam - Adimali - Kumily - Thekkady (140 km)

2. Madurai - Usilampatti - Andipatti - Theni - Cumbum - Kumily - Thekkady (140 km)

3. Bangalore - Hosur - Krishnagiri - Dharmapuri - Salem - Namakkal - Karur - Dindigul - Theni - Cumbum - Kumily - Thekkady (510 km)

By Bus: There are regular buses from various cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu to Kumily, which is the nearest town to Thekkady. You can take a bus from Kochi, Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram, Madurai, Coimbatore, etc. to Kumily and then hire an auto-rickshaw or walk to Thekkady. The bus fare ranges from INR 100 to INR 500 depending on the type of bus and the distance.

Best Time to Visit Thekkady

Thekkady has a pleasant and moderate climate throughout the year, but the best time to visit Thekkady depends on your preferences and interests. Here are the different seasons and festivals in Thekkady and what they offer:

Monsoon Season (June to September):

This is the best time to visit Thekkady if you love rains and greenery. Thekkady receives heavy rainfall during this season, which makes the landscape lush and verdant. The waterfalls and streams are at their full glory and the air is fresh and cool. The monsoon season is also ideal for enjoying ayurvedic treatments and massages, as the humidity enhances their effects. However, some of the activities and attractions may be closed or restricted due to the rains, such as boat safari, bamboo rafting, etc. You may also face some roadblocks or landslides on the way to Thekkady. So, make sure you check the weather forecast and road conditions before you plan your trip.

Winter Season (October to February):

This is the best time to visit Thekkady if you love wildlife and adventure. Thekkady has a mild and pleasant winter, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. This is the peak season for tourism in Thekkady, as the weather is perfect for sightseeing, wildlife spotting, trekking, camping, etc. The Periyar National Park is open for visitors and you can see a variety of animals and birds in their natural habitat.

The winter season is also ideal for enjoying cultural events and festivals, such as Chitra Pournami Festival, which is celebrated in April at the Mangala Devi Temple. However, the winter season is also the most crowded and expensive time to visit Thekkady, as there is a high demand for accommodation, transportation, and activities. So, make sure you book your tickets and hotels in advance and bargain for the best deals.

You may also like to read: Thekkady Travel Trails

Summer Season (March to May):

This is the best time to visit Thekkady if you love solitude and relaxation. Thekkady has a hot and dry summer, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. This is the off-season for tourism in Thekkady, as the weather is not very conducive for outdoor activities and attractions. However, this also means that you can enjoy a peaceful and quiet vacation in Thekkady, without facing any crowds or queues.

You can also get some discounts and offers on accommodation, transportation, and activities. The summer season is also ideal for enjoying some indoor activities and attractions, such as spice gardens, ayurvedic centers, cultural centers, etc.

Where to Stay in Thekkady

Thekkady offers a wide range of accommodation options for all kinds of travelers, from modest homestays to luxurious resorts. You can choose your stay based on your budget, preferences, location, amenities, ratings, reviews, and prices. Here are some of the best hotels and resorts in Thekkady that we recommend:

Tree Houses:

If you want to experience living close to nature in a unique way, then staying in a tree house is a great option for you. Tree houses are wooden cottages built on top of trees that offer you a panoramic view of the forest and its wildlife. You can enjoy the fresh air the sounds of nature and the starry sky from your cozy nest. Some of the best tree houses in Thekkady are:

Photo of Thekkady 2/11 by
(c) Green Ark Resort

Vanya Tree House: This is a luxury tree house that offers you all the comforts and amenities of a modern hotel such as AC TV WiFi hot water etc. You can also enjoy delicious food a swimming pool a spa and a library at this property.

Dream Catcher Plantation Resort: This is an eco-friendly resort that offers you four different types of tree houses such as deluxe superior standard and family. You can also enjoy organic food a coffee plantation tour a spice garden tour and a campfire at this property.

Carmelia Haven Resort: This is a plantation resort that offers you two types of tree houses such as deluxe and honeymoon. You can also enjoy a swimming pool, a jacuzzi, a spa, and a restaurant at this property.

Homestays:

If you want to experience the local culture and hospitality of Thekkady, then staying in a homestay is a great option for you. Homestays are private homes or cottages that offer you a comfortable and cozy stay with the host family. You can enjoy the authentic Kerala cuisine, the friendly interaction, and the home-like atmosphere at these places. Some of the best homestays in Thekkady are:

Photo of Thekkady 3/11 by

Periyar Villa Homestay: This is a spacious and elegant villa that offers you four well-furnished rooms with attached bathrooms, balconies, and garden views. You can also enjoy a common living room, a dining room, a kitchen, and a terrace at this property.

Green Ark Boutique Resort: This is a charming and colorful resort that offers you six cottages with private sit-outs, bathrooms, and garden views. You can also enjoy a restaurant, a library, a yoga center, and a spice shop at this property.

Chrissie’s Hotel: This is a cozy and rustic hotel that offers you five rooms with private bathrooms, balconies, and mountain views. You can also enjoy a common lounge, a dining area, a garden, and a barbecue at this property.

Private Pool:

If you want to enjoy some privacy and luxury in Thekkady, then staying in a hotel or resort with a private pool is a great option for you. Private pool hotels and resorts offer you exclusive access to a swimming pool that is attached to your room or villa. You can enjoy the refreshing water, the scenic views, and the romantic ambiance at these places. Some of the best private pool hotels and resorts in Thekkady are:

Photo of Thekkady 4/11 by
(c) Elephant Court Thekkady

The Mountain Courtyard Thekaddy: This is a premium resort that offers you four villas with private pools, bathrooms, living rooms, and garden views. You can also enjoy a restaurant, a spa, a gym, and a library at this property.

Spice Village: This is a heritage resort that offers you 52 cottages with private pools, bathrooms, verandas, and forest views. You can also enjoy an Ayurvedic center, an organic farm, a games room, and a restaurant at this property.

Poetree Sarovar Portico: This is a luxury resort that offers you 51 rooms with private pools, bathrooms, balconies, and valley views. You can also enjoy an infinity pool, a spa, a fitness center, and a restaurant at this property.

Wildlife Views:

If you want to witness the wildlife of Thekkady from your room or balcony, then staying in a hotel or resort with wildlife views is a great option for you. Wildlife view hotels and resorts offer you rooms or cottages that overlook the Periyar National Park or the Periyar Lake. You can enjoy the sight of animals such as elephants, bison, deer, monkeys, etc., as well as birds such as hornbills kingfishers parakeets etc., from your window or terrace. Some of the best wildlife view hotels and resorts in Thekkady are:

Photo of Thekkady 5/11 by

Greenwoods Resort: This is an eco-friendly resort that offers you 36 rooms with wildlife views bathrooms balconies and garden views. You can also enjoy an outdoor pool a spa a gym and a restaurant at this property.

Lake Palace Resort: This is an exquisite resort that offers you six rooms with wildlife views bathrooms living rooms and lake views. You can also enjoy an indoor pool a spa a library and a restaurant at this property.

The Elephant Court: This is an elegant resort that offers you 65 rooms with wildlife views bathrooms balconies and mountain views. You can also enjoy an outdoor pool a spa a fitness center and a restaurant at this property.

Places to Visit in Thekkady

Thekkady has many places to visit that will make your trip memorable and exciting. Here are some of the most popular and interesting places to visit in Thekkady:

Photo of Thekkady 6/11 by
(c) Great Escape

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary:

This is the main attraction of Thekkady and one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 925 sq km and hosts more than 35 species of mammals 265 species of birds 45 species of reptiles and 160 species of butterflies. You can see animals such as tigers elephants bison sambar deer nilgiri langurs etc., as well as birds such as hornbills kingfishers parakeets etc., in their natural habitat. You can also enjoy activities such as boat safari bamboo rafting night trekking jungle patrol etc., in the sanctuary.

Periyar Lake:

This is a beautiful artificial lake that was created by the construction of the Mullaperiyar Dam in 1895. Periyar Lake is located inside the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and offers a scenic view of the forest and its wildlife. You can enjoy a boat ride on the lake and spot animals such as elephants bison deer monkeys etc., as well as birds such as hornbills kingfishers parakeets etc., along the shore. You can also enjoy activities such as fishing kayaking canoeing etc., on the lake.

Photo of Thekkady 7/11 by

Kadathanadan Kalari Centre:

This is a cultural center that showcases the ancient martial art of Kerala, called Kalaripayattu. Kalaripayattu is a form of combat that involves weapons such as swords, daggers, spears, shields, etc., as well as unarmed techniques such as kicks, punches, blocks, etc. You can watch a live performance of Kalaripayattu at the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre and learn about its history, techniques, and significance. You can also enroll for a training session or a massage session at the center.

Elephant Junction:

This is an elephant camp that offers you a chance to interact with these gentle giants. Elephant Junction has more than 20 elephants that are well-trained and friendly. You can enjoy activities such as elephant ride, elephant bath, elephant feeding, elephant shower, etc., at the camp. You can also learn about the behavior, anatomy, and conservation of elephants from the mahouts (elephant trainers) at the camp.

Photo of Thekkady 8/11 by

Deepa World Spice And Ayurvedic Garden:

This is a spice and ayurvedic garden that offers you a glimpse of the rich flora and fauna of Thekkady. Deepa World Spice And Ayurvedic Garden has more than 100 varieties of spices and herbs that are used for culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic purposes. You can take a guided tour of the garden and learn about the cultivation, processing, and uses of spices and herbs such as cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, clove, ginger, turmeric, etc. You can also buy some fresh and organic spices and herbs from the garden.

Chellarkovil:

This is a village that offers you a mesmerizing view of the waterfalls and cascades that originate from the Western Ghats. Chellarkovil is located about 15 km from Thekkady and has an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level. You can enjoy the sight and sound of the waterfalls and cascades that flow into the plains of Tamil Nadu from Chellarkovil. You can also visit some attractions such as Chellarkovil Viewpoint, Chellarkovil Eco Tourism, and Chellarkovil Medicinal Garden in Chellarkovil.

Kumily:

This is a town that offers you a vibrant experience of shopping and dining in Thekkady. Kumily is located about 4 km from Thekkady and is the main commercial center of the region. You can shop for some local products such as spices, handicrafts, souvenirs, etc., from the various shops and markets in Kumily. You can also dine at some of the best restaurants in Thekkady that serve a variety of cuisines such as Kerala, Tamil, Chinese, Continental, etc., in Kumily. You can also visit some attractions such as Kumily Church, Kumily Mosque, and Kumily Rose Park in Kumily.

You may also like to read: Munnar To Thekkady

Photo of Thekkady 9/11 by

Murikkady:

This is a scenic spot that offers you a splendid view of the spice plantations and the mountains. Murikkady is located about 5 km from Thekkady and has an altitude of 900 meters above sea level. You can enjoy the aroma and scenery of the spice plantations such as cardamom, pepper, coffee, etc., from Murikkady. You can also visit some attractions such as Murikkady Viewpoint, Murikkady Waterfalls, and Murikkady Lake in Murikkady.

Vandanmedu:

This is a spice village that offers you a chance to witness the cultivation and processing of cardamom, the queen of spices. Vandanmedu is located about 25 km from Thekkady and has an altitude of 4000 feet above sea level. You can see the cardamom plantations, drying yards, warehouses, and factories that produce the aromatic and flavorful spice from Vandanmedu. You can also buy some fresh and organic cardamom from the local markets in Vandanmedu.

Pandikuzhi:

This is a picnic spot that offers you a refreshing experience of nature and adventure. Pandikuzhi is located about 5 km from Thekkady and has an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level. You can enjoy the view of the green hills, valleys, streams, and waterfalls from Pandikuzhi. You can also enjoy activities such as trekking, camping, fishing, etc., at Pandikuzhi. You can also visit some attractions such as Pandikuzhi Viewpoint, Pandikuzhi Waterfalls, and Pandikuzhi Church in Pandikuzhi.

Mangala Devi Temple:

This is an ancient temple that offers you a spiritual experience of history and culture. Mangala Devi Temple is located about 15 km from Thekkady and has an altitude of 1337 meters above sea level. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mangala Devi, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The temple is built in the Pandyan style of architecture and has a stone idol of the goddess. The temple is open only on the Chitra Pournami Festival, which is celebrated in April every year. You can enjoy the view of the forest and the mountains from the temple.

Pullumedu:

This is a hill station that offers you a serene experience of nature and spirituality. Pullumedu is located about 43 km from Thekkady and has an altitude of 3000 feet above sea level. You can enjoy the view of the rolling hills, meadows, rivers, and forests from Pullumedu. You can also visit some attractions such as Sree Ayyappa Temple, Makara Jyothi Viewpoint, and Sabarimala Pilgrim Centre in Pullumedu.

Ottakathalamedu:

This is a viewpoint that offers you a spectacular view of the sunset and the plains. Ottakathalamedu is located about 4 km from Thekkady and has an altitude of 1300 meters above sea level. You can enjoy the view of the sun setting behind the mountains and the plains of Tamil Nadu from Ottakathalamedu. You can also enjoy activities such as trekking, camping, birdwatching, etc., at Ottakathalamedu.

Panchalimedu:

This is a mythical place that offers you a fascinating experience of legend and folklore. Panchalimedu is located about 12 km from Thekkady and has an altitude of 2500 feet above sea level. According to legend Panchalimedu was the abode of Panchali the wife of the Pandavas the heroes of the epic Mahabharata. You can see some rock formations caves and ponds that are believed to be associated with the Pandavas such as Bhima’s Kitchen, Draupadi’s Bath, etc. You can also enjoy activities such as trekking camping photography etc. at Panchalimedu.

Gavi Forest:

This is an eco-tourism destination that offers you an amazing experience of wildlife and nature. Gavi Forest is located about 40 km from Thekkady and has an altitude of 3400 feet above sea level. Gavi Forest is part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve and hosts a variety of animals and birds such as tigers elephants leopards bears hornbills woodpeckers etc. You can enjoy activities such as jeep safari jungle camping birdwatching boating etc. at Gavi Forest.

Photo of Thekkady 10/11 by

Spring Valley Mountain:

This is a trekking spot that offers you an exhilarating experience of adventure and thrill. Spring Valley Mountain is located about 6 km from Thekkady and has an altitude of 1100 meters above sea level. Spring Valley Mountain is also known as Kurisumala and has a cross at the top that is visible from a distance. You can enjoy a challenging trek to the top of the mountain and enjoy the view of the forest and the valley from there. You can also enjoy activities such as rock climbing, rappelling, etc., at Spring Valley Mountain.

Anakkara:

This is a spice village that offers you a delightful experience of aroma and flavor. Anakkara is located about 13 km from Thekkady and has an altitude of 900 meters above sea level. Anakkara has many plantations of spices such as cardamom, pepper, clove, nutmeg, etc., that fill the air with their fragrance. You can take a tour of the plantations and learn about the cultivation, processing, and uses of these spices. You can also buy some fresh and organic spices from the local markets in Anakkara.

Things To Do In Thekkady

Thekkady has many things to do that will make your trip exciting and adventurous. Here are some of the most thrilling and fun things to do in Thekkady:

Photo of Thekkady 11/11 by

Bamboo Rafting:

This is an eco-friendly activity that lets you explore the Periyar Lake and its surroundings on a bamboo raft. Bamboo rafting is a full-day program that starts from the boat landing point and ends at the same point. You can enjoy the view of the lake, the forest, and the wildlife from the raft. You can also spot animals such as elephants, bison, deer, monkeys, etc., as well as birds such as hornbills, kingfishers, parakeets, etc., along the shore. You can also enjoy a picnic lunch on the raft or on an island. Bamboo rafting is a great way to experience nature and adventure in Thekkady.

Night Trekking:

This is an adventurous activity that lets you experience the nocturnal life of the forest. Night trekking is a three-hour program that starts from the entrance gate of the Periyar National Park and ends at the same point. You can enjoy the thrill of walking through the dark forest with a torch and a guide. You can also hear and see some of the nocturnal animals and birds such as owls, civets, porcupines, etc., in their natural habitat. Night trekking is a great way to experience wildlife and thrill in Thekkady.

Boat Safari:

This is a popular activity that lets you enjoy the beauty and diversity of the Periyar Lake and its wildlife. Boat safari is a two-hour program that starts from the boat landing point and covers about half of the lake. You can enjoy the view of the lake, the forest, and the mountains from the boat. You can also spot animals such as elephants, bison, deer, monkeys, etc., as well as birds such as hornbills, kingfishers, parakeets, etc., on the shore or in the water. Boat safari is a great way to experience sightseeing and wildlife in Thekkady.

Wildlife Spotting:

This is an activity that lets you witness the wildlife of Thekkady in their natural habitat. Wildlife spotting is a program that can be done at any time of the day or night from various points in Thekkady such as watchtowers, hides, trails, etc. You can see animals such as tigers elephants bison sambar deer nilgiri langurs etc., as well as birds such as hornbills kingfishers parakeets etc., in their natural behavior and environment. Wildlife spotting is a great way to experience nature and photography in Thekkady.

Spice Garden Tour:

This is an activity that lets you learn about the spices and herbs of Thekkady and their uses. Spice garden tour is a program that can be done at any time of the day from various spice gardens in Thekkady such as Deepa World Spice And Ayurvedic Garden, Abraham’s Spice Garden, Connemara Tea Factory, etc. You can see smell and taste various spices and herbs such as cardamom pepper cinnamon clove ginger turmeric etc. and learn about their cultivation processing and uses for culinary medicinal and cosmetic purposes.

Thekkady is a destination that offers you a perfect blend of nature, adventure, culture, and relaxation. Thekkady is home to India’s largest tiger reserve and a biodiversity hotspot, where you can enjoy bamboo rafting, night trekking, boat safari, wildlife spotting, and much more.

Thekkady also has many other places to visit and things to do that will make your trip memorable and exciting. Thekkady has a pleasant and moderate climate throughout the year, but the best time to visit Thekkady depends on your preferences and interests. You can also enjoy the local cuisine, culture, and hospitality of Thekkady at various restaurants and cultural centers.

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive travel guide to Thekkady and its tourism potential. If you are planning to visit Thekkady, then don’t wait any longer and book your trip today and discover why Thekkady is a must-visit destination for any traveler visiting India.

Thekkady Reviews

We woke up with the knock on the door and it was our caretaker with a broad smile and tray of bed tea. The boat began to sail again while we got ready. Our breakfast was served on the upper deck of the boat for us to enjoy the morning view. We checked out at 9 am. Our driver picked us up from the entry point for our 3 hour long journey to Thekkady. On our way to Thekkady we visited a very beautiful tea estate owned by Goenka. After posing for few photos in the tea plantation we had a tea factory tour where they showed us how different types of teas are produced. We bought some tea packets for back home. Cost of the trip :Rs.100 per person including guide charges. We reached Thekkady at around 2 pm. We found a restaurant called Sandra in the city centre to have our lunch. We had Kerala parotta , veg kadhai, egg masala, egg fried rice and icecream just in Rs.650. Good value for money with some awesome food. We checked into our hotel Grand Thekkady which is again in the heart of the town. Thekkady is a small town surrounded by the jungle. Its a complete tourist place and apt to visit with families. The weather is pleasant. We had lot of activities planned for the evening and all of them take place at single spot so no hassle of finding places. Detailed activity plan: Periyar Tiger Reserve- 2 to 6 hours jeep safari starts from Rs.2200 onward depending on duration of the safari. I skipped this. Periyar boat ride: This is a 1.5 hour boat safari in Periyar lake which passes through jungle and is operated by Forest department and KTDC. Morning rides are always better. Timings :7:30 Am - 3:30 Pm ( you need to wait in long queue for the ticket) Cost :Rs. 225 per Adult; Rs. 50 for child below 11 years. Kathakali Show: Must watch as they show you everything from getting the dancers ready to a very beautiful story narration. Cost:Rs. 200 per person for 1 hour show. Magic show:Good for family with kids. Cost:Rs. 200 per person for 1 hour show. Kalaripayattu show: This is a worth watching as you see famous marshal art from Kerala. Cost:Rs. 200 per person for 1 hour show. Elephant ride:Again good for kids. They take for a ride in jungle. You can spot various birds and white monkeys. Cost :Rs. 350 per person for 25 minutes ride with photography. Elephant bathing:I skipped this one too. We ended our day by treating ourselves with a relaxing massage at Mayura Ayurvedic Centre. We indulged in Deep tissue full body massage with steam bath. Duration:60 -90 Mins Cost:Starts from Rs.1200 depending on the massage you choose.
The most famous attraction in Thekkady is the Mulliperiyar reservoir. It is an artificial reservoir that was formed when the British constructed a dam across the Periyar river in the late 1800's. Formerly a forested area, the dead trunk of hardwood trees still stick out of the water like sentinels. The water body attracts a variety of wild animals, most commonly elephants, gaur and even tigers,. The best way to visit this protected area is by boat, and the local government has several excellent eco-tourism drives (check it out-for tickets, information and more: here). It is best to buy tickets in advance and queue up at the entrance of the Periyar Tiger Reserve at the crack of dawn.Mind you-there is a huge rush and some people seem to forget that they are in a nature reserve! I got the chance to see several kinds of animals and birds from the boat. The lake itself is stunning. After this, I had an amazing breakfast provided by my very kind hosts and set off for Kochi via the cardamom hills and Idukki. The drive, again, was marvellous. The vegetation clearly changed with altitude, and the view of the gigantic Idukki dam and reservoir was quite impressive. The area is restricted though, and photorgraphy of the dam is not allowed. From Idukki, it is also possible to take a diversion and go to Munnar, if you have more time! So, it is quite possible to get a flavour of Kerala over a long weekend (there are quite a few coming up in 2018, BTW). Does this mean that I would not like to sit in a houseboat for 3 days and just drink in the beauty of nature, spend an entire afternoon in an Ayurvedic spa or spend several more hours relaxing in the chic cafes of Kochi? OF COURSE NOT! But with limited time and a busy work schedule, this long weekend was the perfect way to experience the fascinating sights, sounds and tastes of God's Own Country.
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Thekkady(also known as Periyar).Sightseeing of Thekkadyincludes Periyar Tiger Reserve, Periyar lake, Periyar lake boating and jungle safari. Overnight stay at hotel. Periyar National Park: It is spread across an area of 300 square miles, Periyar National Park is covered by lush evergreen and deciduous forests serving as home to various animals such as deer, elephants, sambar, Nilgiri Langurs, etc. Elephant Programs Feeding and Photo session–Rs.550/person Half an hour ride ,Photo session- Rs.400/person Elephant Shower–900/person One hour ride and photo session–Rs.1500/person one hour with elephant ride, elephant bath, Photo session, Commands and communication–Rs.1500/person Half Day with elephant and –elephant bath, commands and communication timber Dragging, Feeding, elephant shower——-Rs.4000/person. * Jungle safari/Boating at Periyar National Park Wildlife Safari Timings Boat cruise stretches for 30 minutes. Timings for boat cruise are 7:25 am, 9:15 am, 11:15 am, 1:30 pm and 4:00 pm. There are two types of jeep safari. Full day safari starts by early morning and the last trip starts by three in the evening. The night safari starts by 11:00 pm and ends by 3:00 am. Elephant safari stretches for 30 minutes. The tour starts by early morning 6:00am and the last trip starts by five in the evening. Boating in Periyar Lake The best way to enjoy Periyar is from the edge of your seat on a boat. If you are a little more adventurous, then you can take a bamboo raft and row while the wild watches you. The Bamboo Rafting at Periyar is available in two slots – Full day and Half day. Many activities are available at Periyar National Park for more details please visit https://www.periyarfoundation.online/
Morning Bells ! Oops I got late it was 8:00 AM. I quickly got ready and informed the Reception about the same, they were quite friendly unlike some who charge customers on being late. I got my morning bed time coffee and got ready very quickly. I was still on time and I quickly paid up the tariff's and loaded my bags in the car with Mr. Nayyar. I had my breakfast and there onto Thekkady. I visited the beautiful Spice Gardens enroute which is just mind blowing and shopping for some spices which are farm grown, cannot be a better option. In Kerala, specially if you are concerned about spicy foods, you can prefer having Biryanis, Dosas with good Sambhars or spicy chatneys they serve. If you have a sweet taste preference, anything with Coconut garnishing is the best suggestion I could provide. So I checked-in the Wild Corridor in Thekkady. The view was fantastic, the hotel was on hills, one could see just trees on the hills and greenery was 100/100. Mist kept on adding to the beauty. I went to the Periyar Wildlife century to have a look of the Wild Animals the people boast on having a view of. I did see alot of animals in their wild habitats and I was quite happy to see them enjoying in their natural habitat. I just rested there in the evening and next day I had to again head to Kumarakkom. My dinner arrangements and next day Breakfast arrangements was supposed to be in the Hotel.
Day 3 we left for Periyar( Thekkady), I must say a memorable journey, on the way the roads were foggy as we could seee it all around us like clouds, & forest. We saw many churches on the way while we were passing. It was a long journey, we stopped for some refreshments & just near it was a beautiful church, so we went to take a look at it too. Our next stop was directly at the spice garden, as kerela is famous for that, we took a trip through the garden with a guide, and got a whole lot of knowledge & information on these spices, saw the plantations, could smell it all around. Here you can shop for it too. After this we had lunch & headed to our Periyar national park which you need to see through the lake, in a boat and you will notice rare & different wild animals if its your luck. Though it was a great ride, lake was beautiful , we weren't lucky to spot tigers, but we spotted wolves, a wild boar,sambar deers, Antelopes, wild elephants & Indian Bisons. After this we reached Thekkady Kalari Centre, here there are alot of different activities you can buy tickets for, we went for cultural dance ( kathakali) It was absolutely amazing show, so many different expressions. Another show was kalariyapattu, its a form of indian martial art. Our day ended at an amazing, with great food not local though but tasty at summit Hampton restaurant.
Photos of Thekkady
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