11 Best Things to do in Thekkady Indulge in Nature with these Activities

Thekkady is a green town near Wayanad and a beautiful destination in Kerala. Thekkady is covered with green mountains, sanctuaries, tea plantations, and beautiful lakes. People stay here for a small duration of time but the time they spend here is unforgettable. There are so many things to do in Thekkady that you be excited to come here again and again. Some of the popular activities to try at Thekkady are photography, trekking, cruising, bamboo rafting, night patrolling, elephant rides and many more. So, I have made a list of Famous Things to do in Thekkady that you must enjoy during your Trip.

Famous Activities to Enjoy at Thekkady for Charming Vacation

1. Explore Periyar National Park 

Periyar national park is one of the most famous tourist attractions in India and situated at wester Ghats of Kerala. The place is famous for the population of tigers and elephants within the reserve. There are other wild animals too, but the place is popularly known for tigers and famed as Periyar Tiger Reserve. You can also take an elephant ride, or you can even spend some time feeding them. An elephant ride lasts around 30 minutes and all the activities here in the park are done under a program.           

Location: Periyar National Park, Thekkady district, Idukki

Timings: 8:00AM – 7:00PM

Ideal Duration: Around 1 hour

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2. GAVI Trekking in Thekkady

There are several spots that are suitable for hiking and trekking. Some of the places that are famous among trekkers are Gavi and Periyar wildlife park. Trekking through the forests is a fun way to explore the beautiful surrounding but you can also see some wildlife animals from a distance. When you reach the end of trek a must to do the thing is taking a photograph of the surrounding because that view of the waterfall from the top will be mind-blowing.     

Location: NH220, Idukki, Thekkady district  

Ideal Duration: Around 2-3 Hours

3. Most beautiful Chellarkovil waterfall 

Chellarkovil waterfall is worth visiting as you will be amazed by the true essence of the freshness of this waterfall. The waterfall is surrounded by thick forests the reason that it’s a major attraction among tourists. Chellarkovil waterfall is the best place to take a bath in fresh and clean water; the place is also a perfect spot for photography lovers. 

Location: Thekkady, Kerala 

Timings: 9:00AM – 6:00PM

Ideal Duration: Around 2 hours

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4. A walk-in nature

Walking in natural habitat and exploring the jungle is an activity that everyone must try. You won’t be disappointed by a walk-in nature; the smell of leaves and mud is an addiction for nature lovers. In Thekkady, you can go for a nature walk in Periyar national park. The walk is of around 5 km which is guided by a professional and in one group only 5 members are allowed. While walking you will see various species of butterflies and birds.        

Location: Periyar National Park 

Timings: 7:00AM – 5:00PM

Ideal Duration: Around 1 Hour

5. Cruise & Boating in Periyar lake 

Cruising in the charming lake is one of the best activities you can try to escape the daily stressful life. In Thekkady, there are several man-made lakes that provide this activity to tourists. The cruising is organized by the department of forest development. There are different packages available to choose from and you can select the ride distance and places you want to cover while in a boat or on a cruise. If you are lucky enough you can even see elephants showering and playing with their babies in a lake.        

Location: Periyar Lake and Thekkady Lake

Timings: 8:00PM – 5:30PM

Charges: INR 1000 onwards

6. Jeep safari in Thekkady

This Activity is opted by many tourists and a fun way to explore the city and do some off-roading too. There are two spots where you can go for jeep safari, The first one is in Periyar National Park to explore the wildlife in a jeep and another one is in Gavi where you will be traveling in lush green dense forests and in Gavi you can also go for off-roading.

For both the options there are different packages available from which you can select the most suitable for you. The charges start from INR3000 for 6 people in Periyar National Park.

Timings: 6:00AM – 5:00PM

Location: Periyar National Park and Gavi 

Ideal Duration: Around 1-2 hours

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7. Night patrolling in jungle

Walking in a jungle at night is a dare for many and we all want to try this activity once in our life. The activity is quite thrilling as walking in dense forest at night will surely give Goosebumps. If you want to patrol in the jungle at night, then you can go to Periyar National Park and buy the package. The patrolling starts at around 10 pm and covers around 3 km. There are only 8 members allowed at a time and they are divided into teams and each team is guided by professionals for your safety. 

Timings: 10:00PM – 5:00PM

Location: Periyar National Park 

Charges: INR500 per person

8. Explore Tribal Heritage

A walk at tribal heritage is an activity selected by few but its an activity you must try because you will be taken to a tour to show tribal life. The program of tribal heritage is conducted by the department and a guide will be there with you to take you for a walk and guide you about the tribal village. The major attraction is a tribal heritage museum where you will be showed many artifacts of tribal, culture, rituals, ceremony, weapons, furniture, and everything of that time period. 

Location: Near Periyar Tiger Park 

Ideal Duration: Around 1-2 hours

Timings: 9:00AM – 4:00PM

9. Elephant ride in Thekkady

The elephant ride is organized at Periyar National Park by the members of the forest department and you can book the ride at the national park counter. The activity is of around 1 hour where you can get indulge with elephants and see them showering and you can also feed them. An elephant ride will take you through a part of the national park. The camera is allowed inside the park so you can even click a photo with elephants.      

Location: Periyar National Park, Thekkady District  

Timings: 6:00AM – 6:00PM

Trip Duration: Around 1-2 hours

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10. A tour of Tea Factories

Thekkady has many places where tea is cultivated and, in a few factories, you can go to see the production. When you enter the tea factory or say tea estate will get a fragrance of fresh tea inside of the factory, a guide will take you through all the processes of tea production. From tea leaves plucking to granular formation each and every step is shown.

Location: Kottayam-Kumily Rd, Kakkiavala Junction, Periyar 

Trip Duration: Around 1-2 hours

Timings: 9:00AM – 6:00PM

11. Bamboo Rafting

The bamboo boat is made by tying up several bamboo logs together to make them float over water. You can do bamboo rafting near Periyar national park with your friends and family. At once maximum 10members are allowed for rafting on a bamboo boat. Floating on a boat just a few inches above the water surface is fun but not that easy and just to for your safety professional rows, and also ensure that you stay safe.            

Charges: INR1000 onwards 

Duration: Around 1 hour 

Opening hours: 8:00AM – 5:00PM

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