Thekkady is precisely a sophisticated traveler’s eternal paradise situated 170 kms from Cochin and is famous for the wildlife sanctuary. There are so many amazing places to visit in Thekkady such as Periyar wildlife sanctuary, Periyar Lake, Periyar Tiger Trail and many more. This place is perfect for those who love adventure, wildlife, and nature. You will find Asian elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild squirrels and lion-tailed monkeys.
The peaceful and serene environment quenched in the tranquil atmosphere will deliver you a sense of pleasure. You can indulge yourself in a boat cruise at the pristine waters of the Periyar Lake or go faithfully for a nocturnal trek in the lush jungles. Experience bamboo rafting or take a walk into nature which will rejuvenate you. Come and instantly fall in love with Thekkady.
Beautiful Places To Visit in Thekkady
Places To Visit in Thekkady for Adventure Lovers
PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary lies on the banks of Periyar Lake and are popularly known as the intellectual pride of India. The sanctuary is famous for its tiger and elephant reserve and it places emphasis on protecting endangered species. You will find a variety of trees from teak, rosewoods, and sandalwoods. Spot birds like black baza, Nilgiri thrush, little spiderhunter, dominant hornbill, etc.
There are precisely a sufficient number of considerable activities like jungle patrol, bamboo rafting, jungle in and border hiking and keenly enjoy the wildness. If you go deep into the forest, you will easily spot Bengal tiger, Indian elephant gaur, wild pig, Nilgiri tahr and lion-tailed macaque. It is definitely one of the best places to visit in Thekkady for wildlife lovers.
ELEPHANT JUNCTION
Being one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India, Thekkady has a lot to offer. If you are scheduling a visit to this place with your family, do not forget to visit the elephant junction where you can indulge in many activities. Enjoy Elephant Bathing and Ride where you can experience a lot of fun from exciting elephant ride to playing and bathing with elephants.
Visit a plantation firm to relish the exotic flavor of the spices in food and allow the unique experience cause a mesmerizing impact on yourself. Head towards bamboo rafting, next go for tiger trails and ride a Jungle Jeep Safari or skywalk etc. The elephant junction has everything for everyone and you will cherish the experience all your life.
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PERIYAR TIGER TRAIL
The adventurous trekking and camping programmes offer two different packages: one lovely night and two night stays. Indulge yourself into a blissful experience along with friends and family. The observed abundance of extraordinary beauty will promptly follow you throughout the trek showing you narrow pathways winding through gentle hills and sustainable forests.
Participate in the exciting trekking and camping program that will generously offer you the best views of the Periyar tiger reserve. You will be left awestruck with the sceneries and witness the exotic wildlife roaming in the jungles. Enjoy Camping under the starry night and sip in the morning tea and evening glory of this serene land.
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Places To Visit in Thekkady for Nature Lovers
MURIKKADY
Enclosed in enchanting lush sturdy trees and magnificent mountains, Murikkady is traditionally a well-known destination for the plantation of various precious spices. During the tour to Murikkady, you will experience a variety of smell in the air which itself is pleasure-seeking. You will find tea, coffee, pepper, and cardamom cultivation commonly which enriches this beautiful site and jams it with freshness.
This is an ideal picnic spot where you will get to know about the considerable variety of spices across the world. A number of tea stalls offer royal filter coffee and spiced tea. Murikkady is located close to the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Go for an elephant ride, a ghat road drive on the jeep in a pleasant afternoon and attend shows of Kalari and Kathakali dance.
KUMILY
Located on the outskirts of Periyar Wildlife sanctuary, Kumily is the gateway to the town. It is legendary for the spice and tea plantation and is considered as the most commercial centers in Kerala. The most significant volume of spice trade happens here. The markets are full of the freshly produced spices at Kumily at a reasonable price.
It is also regarded as a desirable destination for plantation walks, exotic wildlife, boating, and trekking. Every person visiting here can find a reasonable accommodation and excellent services in the town. This place is most suitable for the people who love admiring the beauty of nature.
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CHELLARKOVIL
Chellarkovil offers incredible views of the plains, lush green mountains, and cascading waterfalls. This isolated village lures a number of tourists every year in the entire Idukki district. The mountain peaks look like a row of arrow tips and increase the exquisiteness of the place. The waterfall looks best during monsoons because the flow increases during that time.
When the heavenly waterfall reaches the land, it creates magic all around with cultivation of plants and vegetables. The village descends to the coconut groves of Cumbum in neighboring Tamil Nadu. The huge extension of rocky and forest land makes it attractive and the comprehensive view is spell-bounding.
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PANDIKUZHI
If you want to bask in the beauty of nature, you will love to visit the cascading Pandikuzhi waterfall. The waterfall is aquarium blue in color and is magical; its edges hemmed with whipped-white lines. Located between Chellarkovil and Tamil Nadu border, this heaven has varieties of flora and fauna.
Splashing from a height of 1200 feet, the water roars like a tigress and the sight is breathtaking. Walk downstairs and feel the water droplets affecting your soul. Pandikuzhi is a popular picnic spot and supports adventurous activities like trekking, paragliding, and others. You can spot rare species of birds, animals, plants, and herbs at this place.
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PERIYAR LAKE
Periyar Lake lies near the Periyar national reserve and park. The vast calm and quiet lake will soothe your soul and you can go boating where the refreshing breeze will come to kiss you. You can find the occasional occurrences of some rare wildlife species coming from the impenetrable forest to either drench themselves in the refreshing water, abundantly satisfy their unquenchable thirst or just to get clicked.
Explore the magical forest of periyar wildlife sanctuary at thekkady with boating and bamboo rafting – Thekkady Boating & Bamboo Rafting Experience – Complete Guide
Opt for a boat ride and go deep into the pristine lake to enjoy breathtaking views of lush greenery, exotic birds, magnificent animals, water bodies, Lake Palace Hotel etc. At the bottom, smooth-edged stones glows amber with a witchery uncommon to the world.
RAMAKKALMEDU
Considered as a dream destination for many, Ramakkalmedu is located in the Idukki district of Kerala. The “God’s Own Hill Station” is undoubtedly known for its verdant scenic beauty and picturesque views of villages. Traditionally regarded as the windiest places in Asia, you will find a wind farm generating electricity undertaken by Government of India.
Ramakalamedu offers panoramic views of several suburbs of Tamil Nadu from a height of 3500 feet. The list of activities which will keep you engaged here are Trekking, jungle jeep safari, wind farm visit, grape farm visit etc. Do not forget to visit the Aamakkallu Rocks and watch the sunset.
Other Popular Places To Visit in Thekkady
MANGLA DEVI TEMPLE
This sacred temple is hidden deep into the lush forests of Thekkady. This sacred temple is opened barely during Chitra Pournami every mild summer from 6 am and typically closes at 5 pm. You will find the temple resting at an altitude of 1337m above sea level and is comprehensively covered by the blanket of lush greenery. This temple demonstrates a historic significance in Indian mythology since Mata Mangladevi granted favors to the modest maidens who worshipped here.
It is said that there is an underground passage which provides a secret route leading to Madurai. The 1000-year-old temple is ideally located in the middle of the floating green forest of Periyar tiger reserve. This will be a somber experience which will purify your soul. It is one of the most popular religious places to visit in Thekkady.
ABRAHAM’S SPICE GARDEN
Established back in 1952, this beautiful spice garden is located 3 km from Kumily. Abraham Spice Garden has been operating for more than 50 years and has been running by a family. There is a pleasant aroma of exotic spices in the mild air when you step nimbly into the garden. Birdsong filters in through the glass and engenders an overwhelming feeling within you.
Organic farming and cultivation of numerous species makes this place an ideal spot for learning. You can explore the world of spices ranging from coffee beans, black pepper, white pepper, green pepper seeds, medicinal herbs, flora, and fauna, etc. You can also taste, smell and buy the authentic fresh spices from the garden.
KADATHANADAN KALARI CENTRE
Witness the grace, and strength of Kalaripayattu at Kadathanadan Kalari centers in Thekkady. Kalaripayattu is a 3000-year-old martial art form originated in South India. This is the oldest form-mother of martial arts in existence. It emphasizes more on kicks, weaponry, healing, grappling, strikes and present forms.
The believers of Shaivism and Buddhism practiced the authentic style. This center is a well designed gallery which ensures that the visitors watch these learners performing martial arts from a safe distance. The artists are dedicated, and the dance performance is also held here. The timing of the shows is: 6 pm to 7 pm, 7 pm to 8 pm, and 8 pm to 9 pm.
MUDRA CULTURAL CENTRE
Come and witness the art form blossom in front of your eyes. The notable shows are done wisely by the skilled artists from Kalamandalam which is a well known World famous art school of Kerala. You have to secure your seats before your visit. Kathakali and local martial art forms with intense energy and extraordinary bravery are performed with divine grace and potential.
At Mudra Cultural Centre, the Kathakali are highly entertaining with make-up and costume, the ritual starts 30 minutes before each show. You will also come across the two kalarippayattu performances nightly. The decorated walls have decorative carvings of the fierce lion, fierce tiger, sacred elephant, wild boar, active snake and the sacred crocodile made with raw powder as an iconic symbol of superior strength. It is one of the best places to visit in Thekkady for cultural events.
DEEPA WORLD SPICE AND AYURVEDIC GARDEN
If you genuinely love nature and are eagerly seeking to vicariously experience something new then Deepa World is undoubtedly your ultimate destination. This family spot offers you an educational and entertainment experience. A tour guide with knowledge of various dialects will explain to you the facts.
You will be given thorough knowledge along with visual treats where you will be allowed to smell and taste the raw spices and herbal plants. The main source of attraction is the Tree House. You can also purchase these exotic spices from here which are undoubtedly of an A-grade quality. This place is truly a must visit.
MULLAPERIYAR DAM
Located in the historic Idukki district, Mullaperiyar dam is one of the biggest dams in Kerala that was built by the British. The dam is precisely 155 ft high and 1200 ft long and with the construction of the completed dam, there is presently an artificial suitable lake for water sports.
Take a boat ride and if lucky enough, you can spot elephant, deer, Bison, etc. This 120 years old dam is known for its brilliant architecture. You can capture the magnificent view of submerged trees in Periyar Lake. You will find a variety of rare species of fauna along with teak, rosewood, bamboos, etc. This peaceful and tranquil add a charm to this place.
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