10 Breathtaking Places to Visit in Thekkady: Explore Tiger Reserve, Artificial Lake, Spice Market and Temples!

Imagine yourself taking an elephant ride in a location surrounded by tropical flora, fauna, endangered species, and rich tribal culture. Thekkady is a haven for all nature lovers and home to tigers, elephants and rare species. Spread over an area of 777 sq kms, it is located in the Idukki district of Kerala, surrounded by forests of the Western Ghats 700 m above sea level. So, if you are looking for a place with a bounty of nature, adventure, wildlife and pleasant weather, plan your itinerary to explore the best places to visit in Thekkady.

The place includes one of the biggest Tiger reserves of India, artificial lakes, spice markets, ancient temples and much more. Go on and read the blog to know more about the place.

Best Time to Visit Places in Thekkady

Thekkady offers a soothing, peaceful and calm atmosphere throughout the year, making it a popular travel destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. It experiences three major seasons: summer, monsoon and winter. The place attracts most of the travellers during the winter season between October to February when the weather is cool and pleasant. Also, you can enjoy festivals like Diwali (October/ November), Makaravilakku (January) and Pongal (January) around this time.

But if you are looking forward to a time when there is no rush of tourists and hotels in Thekkady are cheap, then summer and monsoon season are the best times to explore places to visit in Thekkady on a budget.

10 Best Places to Visit in Thekkady for An Incredible Travelling Experience!

1. Periyar National Park

Immerse yourself in the magical land of wild creatures and vegetation at Periyar National Park, one of the most popular places to visit in Thekkady. The national park’s rich biodiversity attracts a large number of travellers. Abundant evergreen forests enclose a quaint Periyar Lake at the heart of the park, offering breathtaking views to relax and enjoy the magic of nature. Here, you will see many Bengal tigers, wild elephants, Nilgiri langurs, deer, sambar and many more majestic creatures.

Moreover, the national park also offers adventure activities like boat safaris around the lake, trekking, camping and nature walks. You can book your boat safaris in advance with the help of travel desks available at the hotels near Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady or reach the park as early as 7 am to enjoy the best views of flourishing flora and fauna.

2. Kadathanadan Kalari Centre

A cultural centre dedicated to preserving and showcasing the ancient martial art form of Kalarippayattu and the classical dance form of Kathakali, Kadathanadan Kalari & Navarasa Kalari Centre is one of the best places to visit in Thekkady for travellers who wish to explore the culture of the place. The centre, believed to be around 3,000 years old, offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history through captivating performances and informative displays.

It not only lets you witness the Kalarippayattu, also known as the “mother of all martial arts”, but you can also learn this martial art form during the Kalarippayattu training program for both beginners to instructors. 

3. Periyar Tiger Trail

If you are an adventure lover, you cannot miss the Periyar Tiger Trail, which is a protection-oriented trekking programme.  Through their thorough knowledge of the forest, the guides can help to pitch tents, cook food and explain to you about the flora and fauna in the region. Another purpose of the trail programme is to create awareness about the prevention of poaching and other illegal activities while taking a pledge to protect the forests and their invaluable resources.

During the trail through hills and valleys, you get to encounter a variety of wildlife, including Nilgiri langur, the giant squirrel, herds of elephants or even a tiger. However, to participate in the programme, you need to be medically fit, aged between 15 to 65 years and carry a personal travel kit. So, if you are a serious travel enthusiast, don’t miss this incredible trail to explore.

4. Periyar Lake

Also known as Thekkady Lake, the Periyar Lake is a manmade reservoir encompassed by the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Built in 1895 by the construction of the Mullaperiyar Dam, it is one of the most popular places to visit in Thekkady and an eco-tourism centre.

The boating safaris are the major attraction for visitors as they offer spotting of elephants bathing along the shores, herds of deer grazing and on a good day, a majestic tiger strolling. The lake is also a paradise for birdwatchers as you get to witness various species of water birds, including kingfishers, cormorants and herons.

So, if you visit Thekkady, don’t skip the site for ultimate soaking in the natural beauty filled with lush greenery and wildlife while staying at family-friendly hotels near Periyar Lake, Thekkady.

5. Bamboo Rafting

Indulge in the unique rafting experience of rafting on the bamboo rafts, gliding silently through emerald green water. While rafting, you get to spot wildlife quenching their thirst on the riverbanks and their voices echoing through the dense forest, a symphony of nature’s music offering a soothing and calming atmosphere for rejuvenation and connecting with nature.

So, if you are a nature lover and an adventure enthusiast looking for a calm and serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, you cannot skip bamboo rafting on your trip to Thekkady.

6. Green Park Ayurvedic & Spices Plantation

Filled with honey bee colonies, a natural fish aquarium, an artificial paddy field, a suspension bridge, one of the best tree houses in India and fruit and Ayurvedic plantations, Green Park Ayurvedic & Spices Plantation offers freshness of life through its scenic landscapes. Get a chance to explore the wonder of nature and synchronise yourself with the serene environment.

While looking for places to visit in Thekkady with family and children, the Green Park Ayurvedic & Spices Plantation is a perfect place where you get to learn about different ecosystems, organic farming and sustainability. You can enjoy a memorable time with them in the tree houses built almost 20 ft. above the ground, which you can reach through a suspension bridge.

7. Mullaperiyar Dam

The Mullaperiyar Dam, built on the confluence of the Mullayar and Periyar Rivers, serves as a major source of water to the temple town of Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Although the dam is constructed in Kerala, it is operated by the Tamil Nadu government. The dam also helped to convert some of the barren land in Tamil Nadu into fertile land for irrigation. The first dam constructed by the British Corps of Royal Engineers was washed away in floods, and then the second one was constructed in 1895.

The construction of the dam led to the formation of an artificial lake, known as Periyar Lake, which is a major tourist attraction around the dam. It is a perfect spot to relax and rejuvenate while spotting the wildlife,

8. Pandikuzhi

A haven for nature lovers, Pandikuzhi is one of the enchanting places to visit in Thekkady. Located between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border, Pandiluzhi offers exotic flora and fauna, unique heritage, splashing waterfalls, deep valleys and calm water streams. The place is a popular weekend destination among locals and tourists to recharge themselves, click pictures and spend a relaxing time with friends and family.

While visiting the place, don’t forget to visit the cascading 1200 ft. high waterfalls of Pandikuzhi and enjoy splendid views, splashes of water and pleasant weather. 

9. Thekkady Spice Market

Located near the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady Spice Market is one of the popular places to visit in Thekkady to explore the region’s rich spice heritage. The market is famous for its finest and aroma-rich spices like black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg.

While visiting Thekkady, don’t forget to fill your bags with fresh and aromatic spices, Ayurvedic products and handicrafts while enjoying the local delicacies. 

10. Mangala Devi Kannaki Temple

Looking for pilgrimage places to visit in Thekkady? Mangala Devi Kannaki Temple is a historic temple just 15 kms away from Thekkady. Situated at a height of 1,338 m above the mean sea level, the temple was built by Cheran Chenguttuvan, the king of ancient Tamilakam, around 2000 years ago. The breathtaking view from the temple premises also offers a spectacular sight of the Eastern Ghats and some of the villages from the adjacent state of Tamil Nadu.

Although the temple remains closed throughout the year except during the Chitra Pournima Festival in April and May, you can enjoy the scenic beauty from the place after getting a special letter from the forest ranger.

The above-mentioned places to visit in Thekkady are perfect for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, adventure lovers and photographers. So, when are you planning a visit to this paradise? For booking your stay, you can visit Treebo Club’s website or app and find some of the best hotels in Thekkady located near key landmarks.