11 Famous Tourist Places to visit in Thekkady for Incredible Experience
Thekkady is situated in western Ghats of Kerala and is popularly known for its spice plantation gardens and hills. The tours to these gardens and other tourist attractions are arranged by the forest department. The whole city is covered with green hills and beautiful lakes. The best places to visit in Thekkady are waterfalls and lakes that are surrounded by thick dense forests. While visiting in Thekkady city you have to make sure that you don’t litter tourist sites and also don’t carry any plastic item as Kerala is a plastic-free state.
Famous Tourist Places at Thekkady for Incredible Experience
- Spring valley mountain
- Hiking in Thekkady
- Night patrol in the jungle
- Periyar wildlife sanctuary
- Camping in Thekkady
- Kalaripayattu center
- Elephant junction Thekkady
- Beautiful lakes of Thekkady
- A walk at tribal heritage
- Chellarkovil waterfall
- Spice plantation
1. Spring Valley Mountain
Thekkady is a hillock that offers a splendid view of the surrounding. The place is locally known as Kurisumala and in this place, everything is the green and perfect place for those who are searching for a purely natural place to spend some time. Spring valley becomes more beautiful in the rainy season. There is no fee to explore the place and this is one of the best locations in Thekkady.
Visiting hours: 9:00AM – 6:00PM
Entry fee: Free
Trip Duration: Around 1-2 hours
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2. Hiking in Thekkady
Thekkady is surrounded by many hills and there are many organizers who manage these hikes and treks. The forest department organizes these hikes and the mountains are covered with green forests. The hills are of great height and from the top, you can have a mesmerizing view of the surrounding. Some of the hills do not require a fee for hiking or trekking.
Visiting hours: 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Entry fee: INR 1000 onwards
Trip Duration: Around 1-2 Hour
3. Night patrol in Jungle
The walk-in jungle starts from Periyar National Park and is organized by the department of forests. Night patrolling in Jungle is a thrilling adventure that is the dream of many but only a few dares to do. At once only 10 members are allowed and are separated into two teams. Each team is guided by a professional and the walk is of around 3 km through the jungle.
Visiting hours: 10:00PM to 4:00PM
Entry fee: INR500
Trip Duration: Around 1-2 hours
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4. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
The Periyar wildlife sanctuary is situated near Periyar lake and is home to many wild animals like elephants, tigers, panthers and many species migratory birds. The sanctuary is surrounded by thick dense forests and is untouched by humans. You can buy tickets from the ticket counter and at the gate, a security check will be done to make sure you are not carrying any plastic item as the whole place is a plastic-free zone.
Visit timings: 6:00AM – 6:00PM
Room fee: INR25 – INR300
Ideal Duration: 1 hour
5. Camping in Thekkady
One of the best places for camping is Gavi where you can reach by hiking. This is the favorite spot among campers as the place is free and you don’t require any guide to enjoy at this place. Camping under stars with a bonfire and waking up with birds chirping is a feeling very few get. One of the best ways to reach the place is by cycle.
Visiting Timings: 8:00AM – 6:00PM
Entry fee: Free
6. Kalaripayattu Centre
At the Kalaripayattu center programs are arranged to showcase the power of Indian martial art and is learned by many celebrities. The art is not easy to learn, it requires a lot of discipline. There is a show is organized by the Kalaripayattu Centre for Traveler’s and you can be a part of the Kalaripayattu show. There are many weapons by which martial art practice is done and you can see even old age can fight like young people.
Visiting hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 200
Trip Duration: Around 1-2 Hours
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7. Elephant junction Thekkady
Elephants are the most loved animal in Kerala and Periyar national park you can experience the life of elephants. You can buy tickets at the counter of Periyar national park and the package includes an elephant ride along with feeding and elephant bathing. A professional will be there with the tourists for their safety and to guide tourists so they can play with elephants.
Charges: INR400 onwards
Visiting hours: 8:00AM – 7:00PM
Trip Duration: Around 1-2 Hours
8. Beautiful lakes of Thekkady
There are many beautiful lakes in Thekkady which are surrounded by lush green forests and scenic landscapes. These man-made lakes can be explored by boating and cruising that are available for tourists. The boating services are arranged by the department of forests and if you are lucky enough you can even spot elephants playing in lakes. Make sure you do not carry any plastic items and help in maintaining the purity of the lake.
Visiting hours: 9:00AM – 6:00PM
Trip Duration: Around 1-2 hours
Entry Fee: INR 200 onwards
9. A walk at tribal Heritage
Near Periyar National Park, tribal heritage museum is situated where you can have a walk-in tribal village and see how tribes use to live. The major attraction is the tribal heritage museum that displays the costumes, weapons, furniture, culture, rituals and everything about their lives. A guide will take you through the village and museum to showcase the culture and ceremonies of tribes.
Visiting hours: 9:00AM – 6:00PM
Entry fee: INR 500 onwards
Trip Duration: Around 1 hour
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10. Chellarcovil Waterfall
The waterfall is located in the small village of Idukki and Famous place to visit in Thekkady. You can trek to the waterfall to admire the beauty of this stunning waterfall. The water that falls on the ground forms a pool and is an ideal spot for swimming. You should avoid visiting the Chellarkovil waterfall during monsoon season as the place becomes dangerous during rainfall.
Visiting hours: 10:00AM – 4:00PM
Trip Duration: Around 1-2 hours
Entry Fee: Free
11. Spice plantation
There are many gardens that are famous for spice and tea plantation. Here at these gardens, you can witness the scenic charm of these organic gardens. Near these gardens, there are factories that produce tea and you can be apart of that. In visiting the factories you will be amazed by the aroma of teas and you can have an experience of whole tea production.
Visiting hours: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Entry fee: INR 200 onwards
Trip Duration: Around 1 hour
Frequently Asked Questions?
A. By Air – The nearest airport to Thekkady is Madurai Airport that is about 104 km.
By Rail – Nearest Railway Station to Thekkady is in Kottayam and the station is connected to the major cities of India. From the station, you can hire a taxi to reach your destination.
By Road – There are regular bus and taxis services all around the city.
A. There are many places where you can get lost while traveling alone so you should hire a travel guide to explore places without any problem.
A. You can visit Thekkady in the winter season that is between September to April, in the winter season the weather becomes pleasant to explore the city and enjoy the activities.
