Thekkady in the Rains: A Short Trip, A Long Memory

Though I had visited South Kerala several times before, Thekkady in Idukki district had somehow always escaped my itinerary. That changed in June 2023, during a 9-day Tamil Nadu–Kerala trip. And yes—it was monsoon. Many might shy away from traveling in the rain, but if you ask me, monsoon is when South India truly comes alive. The lushness, the mist, the smell of wet earth—it's an experience in itself. We have given more detailed experience and information in our travel blog.

After soaking in the cloudy charm of Kodaikanal, we crossed the Tamil Nadu–Kerala border under a light drizzle. Thekkady, nestled right at the border, welcomed us with the fresh fragrance of the jungle and an endless blanket of green. Though we spent less than two days there, the memories we made feel like a lifetime’s treasure.

Soon after crossing into Kerala, we found a cozy guest house run by Sathish—a warm and friendly local who doubled as our auto driver and guide. That evening, with the rain still drizzling gently, after some rest, he took us to a local theatre where I watched my first ever Kathakali performance. The vibrant expressions of Minukka—the graceful feminine character—left me awestruck, while Pachcha, the green-faced noble hero, matched her rhythm and expressions beautifully. It was mesmerizing to watch stories of daily life unfold in a unique way—told through nothing but eyes, eyebrows, and silence. What elevated the performance even more was the live classical music and singing by the accompanying artists—the rhythm, voice, and instruments together made the entire experience feel out of this world.

Right after that came another first—Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s traditional martial art. My heart was in my mouth as the performers leaped, flipped, and fought with fire and swords. I couldn’t help but cheer out loud for their incredible skill and courage.

That night, back at the guest house, Sathish handed us a high-powered torch, whispering about a bear that sometimes visited the area behind the house. We tried spotting it with excitement and a bit of fear—but no luck. Still, we slept deeply, the jungle's sounds humming in the background.

The next morning began early. Following Sathish’s instructions, we headed for Periyar National Park. After a short bus ride, we boarded a ferry that took us across the serene Periyar Lake. While we didn’t spot many animals, the tranquil ride through thick forest and misty hills was pure magic. The flora itself was enough to make the journey worthwhile.

Next, we visited a spice garden. It was well-organized, with a guide walking us through an impressive collection of medicinal plants and trees we often hear about but rarely see. The authenticity of their Ayurvedic products impressed us—we even picked up a few to take home.

From there, we headed to Elephant Junction. Though initially hesitant due to concerns about animal welfare, the notice at the entrance detailed how the elephants were cared for. We took a short ride—nervously at first, but I soon relaxed and enjoyed the experience.

With a little time left, Sathish whisked us away to Anakkara Viewpoint. After a short trek through vibrant flora, we reached the edge of a cliff with a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley below. We could’ve stayed there for hours, just taking it all in, but our plan to catch a local bus to Kottayam called us back.

That bus ride turned out to be one of the best parts of the journey. Winding through lush green jungles and rolling tea gardens, the route was something out of a dream. I sat by the window the entire time, soaking in the beauty and thinking—this is what travel is truly about