Places To Visit In Thekkady With Family: Make Unforgettable Memories

The serene Periyar Lake- one of the most peaceful places to visit in Thekkady with family

Thekkady is a wonderful place to visit in Kerala with family since it is entertaining, quiet and calm. Regarding the places to visit in Thekkady with family, the list is fairly extensive and has a greater association with the tourist’s taste. Beginning with spice plantations, the options include Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve. You also get an opportunity to trek on the elephants at the Elephant Junction. Further, Mangala Devi Temple, which is in the forest, makes the tourists interested in the area’s archaeological and religious.

10 Places To Visit In Thekkady With Family

Here are the top attractions to visit in Thekkady with families that combine nature, adventure and active tourism.

1. Periyar National Park (Periyar Tiger Reserve)

Tree trucks amidst the Periyar lake - a scenic place to visit in Thekkady with family

Photo: Bernard Gagon / Wikimedia Commons

Periyar National Park also known as the Periyar Tiger Reserve lies in the state of Kerala, Western Ghats biome. It is one of the best places to visit Thekkady with family because of the blessings of creature endowment, natural brightness and scenic beauty. The park spans 925 square kilometres, and the vegetation and wildlife are quite diverse here. Because of the given premises’ features, such as forests, grassland, and water bodies, the park has a number of characteristics that are suitable for natural and wildlife photographers.

Location: Thekkady, Kerala
Entry Fees: ₹45 (adult), ₹15 (child).
Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Night Safari after 8:00 PM.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Thekkady

2. Sree Mangala Devi Kannagi Temple

Scene from the Mangaladevi in Periyar Tiger reserve looking over the hills beyond

Photo: Siby Periyar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Mangaladevi Kannagi is the oldest temple, built in the 1st century AD, located at the border of Theni and Idukki district of Kerala state. The temple is one the the most sacred places to see in Thekkady with family. The temple is dedicated to the deity Mangaladevi, commonly known as Kannaki. It nestles at about 1,337 metres above sea level in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Popular for the Chitra Pournami Festival, which is celebrated quite elaborately and attracts a large number of tourists and devotees.

Major Attractions: The Forum Fiza Mall, Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple, Kudroli Gokarnath Temple
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: Opened only on Chitra Poornima day (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM)

3. Mullaperiyar Dam

Mullaperiyar dam- one of the most educational places to visit in Thekkady with family

Photo: Rameshng / Wikimedia Commons

It is an example of a masonry gravity dam constructed on the Periyar River in the Indian state of Kerala. Dam constructed a reservoir in a gorge of the Periyar River about 3,000 feet above sea level in a thick and malarial jungle. It is 881m above sea level on the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats. The main aim of the project is to let out the water to the east direction for Tamil Nadu‘s dry areas for irrigation and water resources.

Major Attractions: Wild Elephant Village, Ayyappa Swamy Temple
Entry Fees: ₹60 (adult), ₹15 (child)
Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Kerala

4. Periyar Lake

Tourists strolling verdant fields of Periyar Lake overlooking the forest covering the hills

Photo: SDDEY / Wikimedia Commons

Wildlife depends highly on Periyar Lake, located in the southern part of Kerala, Western Ghats. Measuring about 26 square Kilometres, the lake offers tourists and travellers calmness, an ambience of nature with vegetation and wildlife boosted around the lake making it one of the best picnic spots in Thekkady for family. It is among the extremely few permanent rivers in the region, and it serves as a water source for many large towns.

Major Attractions: Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Latin Church, Kumily-Town Palli, Periyar Spice, and Ayurvedic Garden
Entry Fees: ₹45(adult), ₹15 (child).
Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM

5. Spice Plantation

Spice plantation is one of the informational places to visit in Thekkady with family

Photo: michael clarke / Wikimedia Commons

Spice plantation represents an indication of beautiful diversity and information on the history of the area. Spice Garden includes cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, which are some examples of spices grown in the plantations. Enticing the visitors with the smell, taste, and touch of agriculture and direct interaction with farmers, the guests may get to know about the methods of cultivation, its application in remedy, and more.

Location: Kizhakkethala Clal Dairy Farm, Munnar-Kumily Highway, Thekkady
Major Attractions: Infant Jesus Church, Sri Surya Narayana Swamy Temple, Nexus Mall, Koramangala
Entry Fees: ₹50 per person
Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kerala

6. Kadathanadan Kalari And Navarasa Kathakali Centre

Performers in vibrant costumes on stage for the famous Kuthiyottam Dance of Kerala

Photo: Bimal Miranchandani / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

This is an arts centre intended to exhibit and propagate the culture of extraordinary traditional martial arts and performing arts. The Kadathanadan Kalari Centre teaches Kalaripayattu martial arts, which originated from Kerala and the Navarasa Kathakali Centre shows Kathakali, a dance-drama form that paints Kerala culture with the colours of attractive costumes and makeup. It is a total present, a real depiction of the vital heritages of the state of Kerala.

Location: Kumily Thekkady Rd, Thekkady
Major Attractions: Yodha Cultural Village, Parunthumpara Hill View Point
Entry Fees: ₹200 per hour
Timings: 1 hour show in the evening from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM, then 8:00 – 9:00 PM

7. Elephant Junction

The elephant junction is one of the most unique places to visit in Thekkady with family

Photo: Brian Snelson / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

When you search for tourist places in Thekkady for family, the Elephant Junction is a must on the list. It offers a variety of unique elephant experiences such as rides, bathing, and conservation education, attracting wildlife enthusiasts and naturalists alike. On this aspect, Elephant Junction has shown and demonstrated care for the animals and respect for them. Furthermore, you can also explore the intricacies of cardamom processing and tea production, making it a central hub of information for those willing to discover the beauty and wildlife of Kerala.

Location: Murukkady P.O., Thekkady
Major Attractions: Vagamon Lake, Abraham’s Spice Garden, Mangala Devi Temple
Entry Fees: ₹400 (0.5 Hours), ₹1000 (1 Hour), ₹1250 (1.5 Hours), ₹1500 (2 Hours), ₹3000 (Half Day), ₹6000 (Full Day)
Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kerala

8. Chellarkovil Viewpoint

Picturesque view from the Chellarkovil Viewpoint overlooking the vast fields and hills

Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons

The Chellarkovil Viewpoint, lying in the Idukki District of Kerala, provides a full view of the mountains, the dark green hills, forests, and cascading waterfalls. This site is fondly known as God’s Balcony, where tourists can enjoy the best sunset and sunrise views. Due to the splendid sceneries and comparatively least disturbance, it stands for being one of the best-visited places in the whole of the Western Ghats region. Places like Mattupetty Dam, Illikal Kallu, and Thekkady Boat Landing are easily accessible from this part of the town.

Location: Chellarkovil-Mettu Pretty Road
Entry Fees: ₹ 20 per person (adult), ₹10 per person (child)
Timings: 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM

9. Ramakkalmedu

Kuravan and Kuthari statue is one of the historic places to visit in Thekkady with family

Photo: Arshad.ka5 / Wikimedia Commons

Ramakkalmedu is yet another beautiful place for a stay at a hill station just beside Thekkady, which depicts the beautiful stretch of the Western Ghats and the plains of Tamil Nadu. One of the most beautiful vintage points perched at a high altitude is to experience a pleasant and serene ambience, which is very helpful for photographers and nature lovers. It has windmills, Kuravan and Kurathi statues, and is close to Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary.

Major Attractions: Tortoise Rock, Kuravan, and Kurathi Statue
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Idukki

10. Vandiperiyar

Hills of Vandiperiyar offering a pleasing sight for those seeking an escape to nature’s lap

Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons

The town of Vandiperiyar is charming and well-known for being home to plantations of tea, coffee, and spices. Located at the lowest point of Thekkady on the bank of Periyar River it is a spice trading centre and occupies one of the major cardamom markets. It is an attraction for tourism mainly due to the availability of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at just a humble distance. Its appeal is a serene gateway in the heart of Kerala’s plantation.

Major Attractions: Peermede, Kerala Grampi
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Monday–Saturday)

Thekkady in the Western Ghats of Kerala offers a pleasant destination for families interested in scenic drives, non-urban sightseeing, and outdoor activities. With its deep, impressive views and captivating experiences, visiting this place is highly anticipated. To make your planning and bookings easier, listing the places to visit in Thekkady with family can be helpful, and TripXL can assist you.

Cover Photo: Jigyasu / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Thekkady has plenty to offer families, such as Periyar National Park, Periyar Lake, Elephant Junction, Sri Mangala Devi Temple, and Spice Plantations.
Discover Thekkady through boat safaris, nature walks, cultural shows, and spice tours to observe wildlife, experience Kerala's traditional arts, and delve into diverse spices.
Yes, here are some suggestions: Quadiriya Palace, Abad Green Forest (Resort), Ammus Homestay, Periyar Homes, and many more.
The best season is from September to March, which is perfect for enjoying outdoor activities in the cool weather.
Surely, here are some suggestions: Tusker Cafe, Hotel Thekkady Cafe, Gokul Veg Restaurant, Hill View Cafe Thekkady HomeStay, and many more.

Recommended Articles

Leave a Reply

Top Travel Destinations by Month