EXPERIENCES
Thekkady Tourist Places: A guide to the best things to do and see
Welcome to Thekkady! The town boasts a variety of attractions that will keep you busy throughout your visit. From scenic beauty to exciting wildlife, Thekkady offers an array of unique experiences. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of the best things to see and do in Thekkady, including top-rated tourist places and must-visit locations. Don’t miss out on exploring the beauty and wonder of this incredible destination. Here are some of our top recommendations for things to do in Thekkady.
Elephant Junction
It is a 16-hectare elephant park that offers visitors the opportunity to interact with elephants in their natural habitat. Visitors can take elephant rides, bathe elephants, and learn about the care and training of these gentle giants. Visitors are offered various programmes: elephant ride, elephant bathing, shower and timber hauling.
Bamboo Rafting
A morning to afternoon range hiking and rafting tour will be conducted in some of the Periyar Tiger Reserve’s richest forest tracts, trekking through the Periyar forest, before the group boards bamboo-made rafts. You will be accompanied by a guide and a gunman. The guide will lead the trek and point out the plants and animals of the forest. The gunman is there for your safety. This is a combination of trekking and bamboo rafting. You can see hills covered with vegetation from all angles while rafting and a great chance of sighting wild animals.
Boating in Periyar
Experience the thrill of boating in Thekkady, as you navigate through the picturesque Periyar Lake. Boating cruises last 1.5 hours and it’s not unusual to see an elephant herd or a group of Sambar Deer, Wild Boar, Indian Gaur herds & other wild animals. The bookings can be done via KTDC or Periyar Tiger Reserve website. The best time to go boating is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light is good and the animals are more active. Bring binoculars, cameras and hats to enhance your experience.
Mlamala Waterfalls
The Mlamala Waterfalls are a beautiful set of waterfalls located near Thekkady. The sound of the water cascading down the rocks is very soothing and the surrounding scenery is breathtaking. It is a perfect place to escape for weekend getaways and spend time with loved ones. This 30 feet waterfall has a short hiking trail, there are stairs downwards that take you to the waterfalls. One can also get in the water, it would be best to carry spare clothes and a towel with you. Best time to visit is in the monsoon and winter, when the water levels are high.
Abraham’s Spice Garden
This is the location to be if you want to learn more about Kerala’s illustrious tradition of spice growing. Abraham’s spice garden is a natural spice garden where you can observe and admire the beauty of the various spices grown in Kerala. A tour of the spice garden will be given by Mr. Abraham. You can engage with agriculturalists to learn more about growing spices, organic farming, using plants as medicine(Ayurveda), and the scientific understanding of each spice. Abraham’s spice garden has been in this industry for many generations and has gained experience via numerous tests and farming experiments. Abraham’s family manages this entirely organic spice garden.
Trekking – Periyar
Explore the beauty of Periyar Tiger Reserve with Nature Walk and Green Walk treks. Led by knowledgeable guides, these 2.5-hour treks offer a chance to spot diverse wildlife in their habitats. The interpretive sandal preservation program covers 4-5 miles, welcoming 6 trekkers per session. The Nature Walk and Green Walk are both moderate treks that take place on different routes in Periyar Tiger Reserve. Immerse in nature’s sounds and sights, observing birds and butterflies.
Kathakali
The Kathakali performances at the Kadathanadan Kalari and Navarasa Kathakali Center are a must-see for anyone interested in experiencing this unique art form. The performers are highly skilled and talented, and they bring the stories to life with their expressive movements, gestures, and facial expressions. The centre offers a variety of Kathakali performances, including stories from the Hindu epics, such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The performances are usually held in the evening and last for about an hour.
Chellarkovil ViewPoint & Falls
Aruvikkuzhi ViewPoint, also known as Chellarkovil ViewPoint, is a popular tourist destination in Thekkady, Kerala. It is a government developed tourist spot with a scenic setting and a flowing stream that leads to the Chellarkovil Waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy the view of the waterfall from the top as the stream cascades down. The site also has gazebos for relaxation, a cafe, and a bridge that spans the stream. Aruvikkuzhi ViewPoint is a great place to experience the natural beauty and tranquillity of the surroundings.
Sathram Jungle Border Safari
Sathram gets into the list of must go places for travellers visiting Thekkady. The uneven terrain with the unique topography makes it an excellent spot for off road travel. The location which provides shelter for a number of birds and animals comes under Periyar tiger reserve. The narrow-broken roads lead into a breath-taking array of hills and cushion like meadows. The top most view is breath-taking with the scenic view of the woods, the vast cloudy sky and meadows around.
Pugmark Trail – Periyar
The Pugmark Trail is a self-guided nature trail in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The trail is 2 kilometres long and takes about an hour to complete. It is a relatively easy trail, but it is important to be aware of your surroundings as you walk, as there are wild animals in the reserve. Along the trail, you will see a variety of plants and animals, including elephants, deer, and monkeys. You may also see the pugmarks of tigers and other wild animals. The trail is led by a variety of biodiversity themes, a great way to learn about the wildlife of the Periyar Tiger Reserve and to experience the beauty of the natural world.