Things to Do in Thekkady: Complete Travel Guide for First Time Visitors

Things to Do in Thekkady

Thekkady is one of the best nature spots in Kerala. It is in the Idukki district and is known for forests, wildlife, hills, and spice farms. Many people visit for a calm holiday close to nature. If you are searching for the best things to do in Thekkady, this guide will help you plan your trip in a simple way.

Thekkady is famous for the Periyar forest area, peaceful lake views, and local culture. You can go for safaris, boat rides, short treks, and even watch traditional shows. The weather is pleasant from October to February. March to May is warmer but good for wildlife sightings. Monsoon months bring heavy rain, so travel plans may get affected.

Here is a complete and easy guide to the top things to do in Thekkady.

Visit Periyar Tiger Reserve

One of the main things to do in Thekkady is visiting the Periyar Tiger Reserve. It is one of the most famous wildlife areas in South India. The forest is spread across a large area and is home to elephants, deer, wild boar, monkeys, and many birds. Tigers also live here, but spotting one depends on luck.

The forest has thick trees, open grassland, and a large lake in the center. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see animals because they come out to drink water.

You can choose from jeep safaris, guided forest walks, or special programs like the Tiger Trail. The Tiger Trail is a guided trekking program that may last one or two days. It is led by trained local guides.

Safari Details

Activity	Timings	Approx Cost
Jeep Safari	6:00 AM & 3:00 PM	₹2000–₹3000 per jeep
Entry Ticket	6:00 AM – 7:00 PM	₹475 adult
Tiger Trail	Full day / Overnight	₹5000+ per person

Helpful tips:

• Wear dull colors like green or brown.
• Do not make loud sounds.
• Carry water and binoculars.
• Book tickets early during peak season.

This is one of the most important things to do in Thekkady for wildlife lovers.

Enjoy Boating at Periyar Lake

Boating is a calm and relaxing experience. The lake inside the reserve is called Periyar Lake. It was formed after a dam was built many years ago. Today, it is one of the most scenic spots in the region.

The boat ride usually lasts around 1.5 hours. You can see elephants near the water, birds sitting on dry tree trunks, and sometimes deer on the shore.

Morning rides are quieter and better for wildlife sightings.

Boat Timings

Slot	Time
Morning	7:30 AM
Mid Morning	9:30 AM
Noon	11:15 AM
Afternoon	1:45 PM
Evening	3:30 PM

Ticket cost: Around ₹240 for adults.

Arrive at least 40 minutes before departure. Upper deck seats give better views.

If you want something different, you can try bamboo rafting. It combines a short trek and rafting in peaceful parts of the lake.

Boating is one of the most peaceful things to do in Thekkady.

Go for Trekking and Nature Walks

Thekkady has many walking trails inside and around the forest area. Guided nature walks are safe and informative. A forest guide walks with small groups and explains about plants and animal tracks.

You can choose a short 3-hour walk or a longer border trek. Some treks also include bamboo rafting.

For beautiful hill views, visit Ottakathalamedu Viewpoint. It is about 4 km from town. Sunrise and sunset views are lovely here.

Trek Options

Trek Type	Duration	Cost
Nature Walk	3 hours	₹300–₹500
Border Trek	6–8 hours	₹1000+
Night Trek	2–3 hours	₹1500+

Wear good shoes. Carry water. During rainy months, leeches may be present, so wear proper socks.

If you enjoy walking in forests, this is one of the best things to do in Thekkady.

Visit Spice Plantations

Thekkady is known for spices. Cardamom, pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg are grown here. Visiting a spice garden is one of the simple and informative things to do in Thekkady.

You can walk through the farms with a guide. They explain how spices grow and how they are used in cooking and medicine.

Many spice farms are located in Kumily, near Thekkady.

What You Will See

• Cardamom plants
• Pepper vines climbing trees
• Cinnamon bark
• Clove trees
• Vanilla pods

Tours usually last 1 to 2 hours. Entry fee is around ₹100–₹200.

If you want to buy spices, purchase from trusted farms only.

Watch Kathakali and Kalaripayattu Shows

In the evening, you can watch traditional Kerala performances. Kathakali is a dance drama with colorful makeup and costumes. Artists use facial expressions and hand signs to tell stories.

You can see shows at local cultural centers in Thekkady.

Another show is Kalaripayattu, an old martial art form from Kerala. It includes sword fights and fast movements.

Show Details

Show	Time	Cost
Kathakali	5:00 PM	₹200
Kalaripayattu	6:00 PM	₹200

Arrive early for better seats. Watching these shows is one of the cultural things to do in Thekkady.

Visit a Tea Factory

The hills around Thekkady have tea gardens. You can visit tea factories to see how tea leaves are processed. The process includes drying, rolling, and packing.

Some estates offer tea tasting.

A visit to tea estates is calm and simple. The green views are perfect for photos.

Entry fees are usually low, around ₹100–₹200.

Try Ayurvedic Massage

Kerala is known for Ayurveda treatments. Many resorts and centers in Thekkady offer oil massages and relaxation therapies.

A full body massage may cost between ₹1800–₹3000 depending on the center.

Choose certified centers only.

If you want rest after trekking, this is one of the relaxing things to do in Thekkady.

Take a Gavi Jeep Safari

Gavi is a forest area near Thekkady. A jeep ride through this route offers a chance to see birds, monkeys, and sometimes wild dogs.

Roads are narrow and surrounded by forest.

Jeep cost ranges from ₹2000–₹4000 depending on group size.

Carry snacks and water because shops are limited.

Visit Tribal Heritage Museum

The Tribal Heritage Museum shows the life of local tribes like Mannan and Urali. You can see tools, clothes, and old items used by tribal communities.

Entry fee is minimal.

This is one of the educational things to do in Thekkady.

Elephant Interaction Centers

Some centers allow visitors to feed or bathe elephants. One such place is Elephant Junction Thekkady.

Before booking, check that the place follows proper animal care rules.

Activity cost starts around ₹500.

Visit a Honey Farm

You can also visit a honey farm in Thekkady. Here, you learn about bee farming and taste natural honey.

It is a short visit but interesting for families.

Local Food to Try

While exploring the many things to do in Thekkady, try local Kerala food.

• Kerala Sadhya (vegetarian meal)
• Appam with stew
• Puttu and kadala curry
• Fresh banana chips
• Cardamom tea

Food is simple but tasty.

How to Reach Thekkady

The nearest airport is Kochi, around 140 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus. The road journey takes around 4–5 hours.

Madurai airport is also close.

Best Time to Visit

Month	Weather
Oct–Feb	Cool and pleasant
Mar–May	Warm but clear
Jun–Sep	Heavy rain

October to February is the best time for most outdoor activities.

Where to Stay

Thekkady has many stay options.

• Budget hotels
• Homestays in spice gardens
• Eco resorts near forest
• Mid-range family hotels

Choose a stay close to Kumily for easy access.

Budget Planning

For 2–3 days, average cost per person may be:

Expense	Approx Cost
Stay	₹1500–₹4000 per night
Food	₹500–₹800 per day
Activities	₹2000–₹5000
Local Travel	₹1000–₹2000

Your total budget may range between ₹6000–₹12000 depending on choices.

Quick Travel Tips

• Book safaris early.
• Start mornings early for wildlife.
• Carry cash for small shops.
• Wear simple clothes.
• Respect forest rules.

FAQs About Things to Do in Thekkady

How many days are enough for Thekkady?

Two to three days are enough to cover most things to do in Thekkady comfortably.

Is Thekkady good for family trips?

Yes. Boating, spice tours, and cultural shows are family friendly.

Can we see tigers in Thekkady?

Tigers live in the forest, but sightings are rare. Elephant sightings are more common.

Is Thekkady safe?

Yes. It is safe for tourists. Just follow forest rules during activities.

What is special about Thekkady?

Wildlife, forests, spice farms, and peaceful atmosphere make it special.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Thekkady

There are many simple and enjoyable things to do in Thekkady. You can explore forests, go boating, walk through spice farms, and watch cultural shows. The place is calm and not too crowded compared to many tourist spots.

If you enjoy nature and quiet surroundings, Thekkady is a good choice. Plan your trip well, book activities early, and keep your schedule relaxed.

And that’s it. This guide covers all major things to do in Thekkady in a clear and simple way so you can plan your visit easily.

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