12 Best Places To Visit In Thekkady: Uncovering Nature’s Treasure And Gems

Places to visit in Thekkady cannot be complete without the spectacular Periyar Lake.

Among the pride of Kerala in Idukki comes Thekkady, a place for nature and adventure lovers. With lush green beauty, exquisite wildlife, and serene landscapes, there are several places to visit in Thekkady that are perfect for any rejuvenating vacation. Be it an avid traveller or a peaceful retreat, Thekkady has everything. This place abounds in biodiversity and scenic beauty. From the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary to the spice plantations, every destination in Thekkady evinces respect for the natural beauty and cultural richness of this land.

Top 12 Places To Visit In Thekkady

Let us explore the top 12 places to visit in Thekkady for your unforgettable trip amidst the lap of nature :

1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary houses a large number of species in flora and fauna.

Photo: Anand2202 / Wikimedia Commons

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary tops the list of tourist places in Thekkady. One can get a great view of wildlife at close range in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The lake, with its placid waters and partly submerged tree stumps, forms the background for various flora and fauna. It is an abode of great varieties of wildlife, like the Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, Indian bison, and many species of birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Entrance Fee: ₹500 for Adults, ₹200 for Children
Location: Thekkady, Kerala
Best Time To Visit: October to June

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2. Periyar Lake

 Periyar Lake renders exotic views of the surrounding landscapes during the boat rides.

Photo: Krishna Prasad T / Wikimedia Commons

Periyar Lake, in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, is a beleaguered area ideal for either boat riding or trolling for wildlife viewing. This lake is one of the major places to visit in Thekkady, fascinating visitors with its landscapes and immense biodiversity. It is among the hottest spots for eco-tourism, with some nature buffs and wildlife enthusiasts visiting the place from all parts of the world. One can take up boat rides that offer stunning views of the lush landscape and the wildlife.

Entry Fees: ₹250 for Boating
Location: Thekkady, Kerala
Best Time To Visit: November to April

3. Bamboo Rafting

Bamboo rafting can be an adventurous option while exploring the places to visit in Thekkady.

Photo: Simeen23 / Wikimedia Commons

This eco-friendly adventure is among the most preferred places for Thekkady trip since it offers a unique way of experiencing the rich biodiversity of the region. It showcases that man’s ingenuity and use of natural resources can be quite sustainable. Amidst the dense forests and chilled-out water, bamboo rafting is an adventurous activity. The tranquillity of rafting on a bamboo float down a river enables greater proximity to nature. The beauty of lush forests and tranquil waters with wildlife can be seen from this peaceful experience.

Entry Fees: ₹1500 per person
Location: Periyar Tiger Reserve
Best Time To Visit: September to March

Suggested Read: Snake Temples In Kerala

4. Border Hiking

While exploring the places to visit in Thekkady, border hiking serves the enthusiastic hikers.

Photo: Tony Webster / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

This hike is most likely to suit trekkers who want to witness the vast biodiversity and natural beauty of the reserve in Thekkady border hiking. Hikers should be aware of the legal and logistic considerations of crossing borders while obtaining permissions and the regulations for obtaining their visas. Hikers may find themselves walking on varied terrain, rugged mountains and thick forests, rolling hills, and vast plains. Proximity to borders often translates into the crossing of paths with different cultures, languages, and traditions, enriching the hiking experience with a deep sense of global connectivity.

Entry Fees: ₹2000 per person
Location: Thekkady, Kerala
Best Time To Visit: December to April

5. Anakkara

Anakkara is known for its spices, tranquil scenes , and serene markets.

Photo: Prasoonvp / Wikimedia Commons

A small village close to Thekkady, Anakkara is known for its spice plantations and sightings of scenic beauty. Anakkara is a part of the greater spice belt of Kerala and proves to be an integral part of the agricultural economy of the region. One of the best views, pristine ambience, and serene surroundings have made Anakkara a must-visit place to visit in Thekkady. The village is most famous for the high-quality pepper, cardamom, and vanilla cultivated in the green plantations that cover the area. Apart from that beauty, spice gardens are of interest for agri-tourism and eco-tourism.

Location: 13 km from Thekkady
Best Time To Visit: November to March

Suggested Read: Paragliding In Varkala

6. Murikkady

 Murikkady is a real heaven for agricultural tourists due to its spices , coffee and vanilla plantations.

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Murikkady is a land of panoramic views and lush plantations of spices, coffee, and tea. Murikkady is one of the picturesque villages nestled among the best places to visit in Thekkady. It is well-known for its lush green landscapes, spice plantations, and serene atmosphere. This village is one of the main growing centres for various spices, mainly pepper, cardamom, and vanilla plantations, a real paradise for nature lovers and agricultural tourists.

Location: 5 km from Thekkady
Best Time To Visit: Best throughout the year

7. Mangala Devi Temple

One of the revered places to visit in Thekkady, Mangala Devi Temple is a traditional one.

Photo: Rajesh Dhungana / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Deep inside dense forests lies the ancient Mangala Devi Temple, rewarding the visitor with serenity. The traditional Kerala-style architecture is reflected in its intricate woodwork, sloping tiled roofs, and carvings on the pillars. Though not being a big temple complex, it has amazingly serene, mystic areas that will enable it to become a famous pilgrimage area. Whether you seek spiritual rejuvenation or just want to connect with the natural beauty of Thekkady, your visit to Mangala Devi Temple will remain in your memory forever.

Location: 15 km from Thekkady
Best Time To Visit: April to September

Suggested Read: Parasurama Temple

8. Chellarkovil

Chellarkovil, one of the places to visit in Thekkady, is an unexplored yet graceful spot for solace.

Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons

This viewpoint, giving a scintillating view of Tamil Nadu’s plains and the imposing Western Ghats, is one of the prime attractions compared to other places to visit in Chellarkovil. If the day is clear, visitors can obtain a scintillating view of far-flung mountain ranges and sprawling fields that lie down below from this viewpoint. Its tranquil ambiance, coupled with its aesthetic splendour, makes it a gem waiting to be discovered by travellers.

Location: 15 km from Thekkady
Best Time To Visit: October to March

9. Kadathanadan Kalari Center

Kadathanadan Kalari Center stands for the ancient martial art form of Kalaripayattu .

Photo: Ginu C Plathottam/ Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Kadathanadan Kalari Centre is an institution of great repute situated in the heart of Kerala, moulded and dedicated to the ancient martial art form of Kalaripayattu. Controlled through the centuries by strict adherence to customs, the centre is a beacon of culture that whisks one away on an intense practical experience with the martial art of Kalaripayattu; being highly physical yet spiritual and meditative.

Entry Fees: ₹200 per person
Location: Thekkady, Kerala
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year

Suggested Read: Thrissur Museum

10. Vandiperiyar

Vandiperiyar , the entrance to the Periyar Tiger Reserve , serves amazing safaris and sight-seeing.

Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Vandiperiyar, a small town on the way to Thekkady, is essentially a place for plantations and tea factories. This town, on the banks of the Periyar River, is a wonderful place filled with biodiversity among places to visit in Thekkady. Vandiperiyar is the entrance to the well-known Periyar Tiger Reserve, where exciting safaris are very common among wildlife lovers through dense forests full of different flora and fauna.

Location: 18 km from Thekkady
Best Time To Visit: November to February

11. Ramakkalmedu

Ramakkalmedu, one of the places to visit in Thekkady , is a beautiful hill station with religious importance.

Photo: Kondephy / Wikimedia Commons

Ramakkalmedu is a spectacular attraction for people in search of serenity with a panoramic landscape. Ramakkalmedu is a hill station lying in the vicinity of Thekkady. This place offers a cool breeze and rolling hills, with undisturbed scenic beauty. It is of historical relevance, considering the place where the Hindu epic God Lord Rama kept his foot, hence the name “Ramakkalmedu.”

Location: 40 km From Thekkady
Best Time To Visit: January to April

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12. Pandikuzhi

 Pandikuzhi, one of the places to visit in Thekkady, is famous for its greenery, and serene atmosphere.

Photo: Vimalefx / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Pandikuzhi is one of those places nestled in the surroundings of the Idukki district of Kerala, India. It is famous for its greenery, waterfalls, and peaceful atmosphere, which attracts many nature lovers and adventurers. Pandikuzhi offers a blend of natural beauty, tranquillity, and cultural richness. Visitors to Pandikuzhi can frolic in several small waterfalls, amble along the winding trails amidst thick forests, and take leisurely walks through lush green tea gardens.

Location: 5 km from Thekkady
Best Time To Visit: August to February

Thekkady offers the perfect blend of adventure and nature; boasting primarily of its natural beauty. This destination, in particular, should be on your next getaway since it combines both adventure and nature, as well as culture. Ranging from wildlife sanctuaries, serene lakes, a lot of adventurous activities, and spiritual temples, each forms a reason to visit Thekkady. Plan your trip to Thekkady with Trip XL to create unforgettable memories.

Cover Photo: Jonathanawhite / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Thekkady would be from October to March, when it is pleasant and very apt for sightseeing.
A 3 to 4-day trip would suffice to see the major places.
Yes, Thekkady can prove to be an excellent choice for solo travellers, who wish to explore the unexplored and satisfy their wanderlust.
The closest one to Thekkady will be the Madurai Airport, at a distance of about 140 km.
Though it is open throughout the year, the best time to visit the Periyar Sanctuary is from October to June.

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