Thekkady, with its pristine tropical forests and incredible wildlife and plant life, is a heaven for nature lovers. The journey to the best places in Thekkady will take you through picturesque little hill towns and soft contoured hillsides. It’s a pleasure for tourists because of its endless chain of hills with scented spice plantations along with tea, coffee and cardamom. Several picturesque towns in Thekkady have good opportunities for trekking and mountain walking. Come on, let’s explore the wonderful places to visit in Thekkady, in the land of God, Kerala.
1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary is located on the banks of the Periyar River, which offers some of the best wildlife sightings in India. You have to go for bamboo rafting to enjoy the real pleasure of this amazing destination in Thekkady. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary has picturesque views of the lush green surroundings that will not only give you a reason to smile but will also give you good pictures to capture.
Entry Fee: Is Included
Stay Options: Aranya Niwas, Hotel Tiger Roar and Jungle Palace
2. Mangla Devi Temple
The Mangla Devi Temple in Idukki is one of the most important attractions in Thekkady. It is built within the premises of the renowned Periyar Tiger Reserve within the northern boundary. Mangala Devi, also known as Kannaki, is a symbol of a woman’s moral power. The temple is not only visited by pilgrims, but this tourist spot is frequented by those who are searching for a quiet place with a pristine atmosphere.
Stay Options: Sicilies Hotel, Kofiland, Periyar House
Also Read: Places to Visit in Kannur, Kerala
3. Abraham’s Spice Garden
The spicy place is located between Thekkady and Kottam. Abraham’s Spice Garden is a magnificent organic spice garden with scenic charm and a picturesque view of the gardens. The site is considered the perfect place for the cultivation of spices, Ayurveda and organic farming.
Entrance fee: INR 200 per person.
4. Murikkady
Kerala, other than its beauty, is also known for its spice plantation, but this place has something else in its pocket. Murikkady is famous for its spices, but it is also known for its coffee and cardamom gardening. It cultivates more than twelve varieties of spices, including cloves, ginger, turmeric, vanilla and tea.
Stay Options: Palace Avenue Hill Top, Sterling Holiday Woods & Spice and Elephant Court
Also Read: Places to Visit in Ernakulam, Kerala
5. Kadathanadan Kalari Centre
The centre is famous for the renowned art of Kerala known as Kalaripayattu. The Kadathanadan Kalari Center is a place where you can have a first-hand experience of renowned art. A spot that is unique to Kerala and well designed for self-defence. You can see this beautiful art form in Thekkady sightseeing from a special gallery.
Entrance fee: INR 200 per person.
Also Read: Places to Visit in Trivandrum
6. Kumily
Thekkady mesmerizes one to the core with its peaceful countryside, exuberant jungles that make it an idyllic getaway in Kerala. It is located 4 kilometres from Thekkady, hidden away from the bustling tourist activities. Kumily is extremely famous for its spice and tea plantations. Spice-trading has made the place commercially significant, making it a great place to visit in Thekkady.
Also Read: Offbeat Places in Kerala
7. Chellarkovil
The quaint village has begun to be prominent among the popular places to visit in Thekkady. The stunning natural beauty of this place, combined with loneliness and peace, attracts a large number of tourists. The shimmering sunlight reflected on the cascading waterfalls is something that will absolutely mesmerize you. As a result, no one should miss this Thekkady tourist spot on their tour.
Stay Options: Beaumont Plantation Retreat, Eco Inn and Pepper Valley
8. Pandikuzhi
The picturesque village has begun to be prominent among the popular places to visit in Thekkady. The stunning natural beauty of this place, combined with solitude and peace, attracts a large number of tourists. The shimmering sunlight reflected in the cascading waterfalls is something that will absolutely mesmerize you. As a result, no one should miss this Thekkady Tourist Place on their tour.
Stay Option: Beaumont Plant Retreat, Eco Inn and Pepper Valley
Also Read: Places to Visit in Vagamon
9. Periyar Lake
Placid Lake, located near the Periyar National Reserve, is one of the famous places to visit in Thekkady. You can go boating and enjoy the serene beauty of the surroundings. If you’re lucky, you might get a chance to see herds of elephants bathing on the lakeside.
Boat charges: INR 150 for KTDC and INR 40 boats from the forest department
Also Read: Places to Visit in Calicut, Kerala
10. Thekkady Lake
This lake is located in the middle of the lush green jungle and is quite famous for the fauna that can be seen in a wide variety of species. A boat ride here is one of the best things you can do to make the most of your day at this lake. This is one of the places to visit with your family.
11. Anakkara
This is basically a small village located in the Idukki district, at a distance of 18 kilometres from the well-known Idukki wildlife sanctuary on the highway between Kumily and Munnar. This place is well known for its spice plantations as well as some wonderful waterfalls. You’re also given the opportunity to trek here! You can see this as one of the places to visit in Thekkady in 1 day.
If you’re looking for picturesque villages in South India, then Anakkara is the best choice. Located close to Thekkady, Anakkara can be easily visited. Take a day trip to this scenic hamlet to experience and witness the life of the village. With its aromatic spice gardens and beautiful picnic spots, Anakkara is set to become the top tourist destination in Thekkady.
Also Read: Places to Visit in Kovalam
12. Vandiperiyar
This is a beautiful town known for its picturesque features, such as the Periyar River. This place is also known for its cultivation of spices and herbs. The landscape here is breathtaking, and this place will be a paradise for nature lovers. On your visit to this place, explore the famous Flower Garden! It’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Thekkady, Kerala.
13. Mullaperiyar Dam
The Mullaperiyar Dam, built on the Periyar River, is one of the places to visit in Thekkady Kerala India. The dam is located at 2,890 ft above sea level on the Cardamom Hills. The famous Periyar National Park in Kerala is scattered around the reservoir of this dam. It’s a great place to visit on a trip to Thekkady. The dam is scenic and has beautiful surroundings.
Entrance: NA
14. Elephant Junction Thekkady
Elephant Junction Thekkady is a famous tourist attraction not only in Thekkady but in the whole state of Kerala. People here can spend their time with the elephants and feed them. Elephant rides are also available and the surrounding area is lush green. The place is peaceful and a great place to hang out for families on a tour of Kerala. If you’re travelling with children to Thekkady, this place should be on your list of places to visit.
Entrance fee: INR 400 (Prices are based on activities and hours)
15. Spring Valley Mountain
Famous for its local name, Kurisumala, Spring Valley Mountain is a hill that overlooks the Periyar National Park. It’s a wonderful viewpoint, offering one with a lovely view of the surroundings. Also, you will lush green, and the place looks even more inviting during the rainy season. There is no entrance fee for the Spring Valley Mountain, and if you want to explore the outlandish places and attractions, this is one of those places in Kerala.
Entrance fee: no entry fee
16. Green Park Ayurvedic & Spices Plantation
Another place to enjoy the essence of this Kerala town is the Ayurvedic Green Park and the Spices Plantation. As soon as you enter this place, you can smell the aromatic spices. At the entrance, there is a door that is traditionally decorated, and inside, there is a heavenly five-acre plantation. Mixed organic spices can be found here, and there are also a few farm animals along with the spice plantation. It’s a great experience, and one should definitely visit the plantation. No one would want to miss this spot, as it is one of the best places to visit in Thekkady for a day.
Entrance fee: INR 100
17. Ramakkalmedu
Situated just a few minutes away, Ramakkalmedu is one of the top tourist spots in Thekkady that nobody should miss on their Kerala trip. The place is of great importance to locals as well as to tourists. Not only does it offer some of the best views of Thekkady greenery, but you can also smell freshly grown cardamom, pepper, tea, rubber and coffee here. You will also find a huge statue of Kuravan and Kuruthi on the top of the hill.
Location: Ramakkalmedu, district of Idukki, Thekkady, Kerala
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Alos read: 5 Days Kerala Itinerary
FAQ’s
It is famous for lush evergreen forests and for its savanna grasslands.
It would take atleast 2 to 3 days to explore this destination.
Embark on a full day jungle safari within the Periyar Tiger reserve to get an immersive experience in Thekkady.
Yes, there are tigers in Thekkady, but it might be difficult to spot them.
October to February is the best time to visit Thekkady.