Thekkady, with its unspoiled tropical forests and incredible wealth of animal and plant life is a nature lover’s paradise. The journey to the best places in Thekkady will take you through quaint little hill towns and soft contoured hill slopes. It is a delight for tourists because of its unending chain of hills with scented spice plantations along with tea, coffee, and cardamom. Various picturesque towns of Thekkady hold good opportunities for trekking and mountain walks. Come, let’s explore the wonderful places to visit in Thekkady in God’s own country, Kerala.
26 Places To Visit In Thekkady
Listed below are some of the picturesque places to visit in Thekkady that you must explore during your trip to Kerala. From temples and waterfalls to spice plantations, you will find several Thekkady tourist places. Check them out and list some of them in your itinerary!
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – Meet The Animals
- Mangla Devi Temple – Pray For Well-Being
- Abraham’s Spice Garden – Praise The Aroma Of Fresh Spices
- Murikkady – Gape At Vast Meadows
- Kadathanadan Kalari Centre – Know More About The Culture
- Kumily – Admire The Nature
- Chellarkovil – Watch Water Gushing
- Pandikuzhi – Perfect Picnic Spot
- Periyar Lake – Opt For Boating
- Thekaddy Lake – Ride & Explore The Surroundings
- Anakkara – Watch Spice Plantations
- Vandiperiyar – Paradise For Nature Lovers
- Mullaperiyar Dam – Gear Up For Scenic Views
- Elephant Junction Thekkady– Spend Time With Elephants
- Spring Valley Mountain – Amazing Viewpoint
- Green Park Ayurvedic & Spices Plantation – For A Retreat
- Ramakkalmedu – Witness Thekkady Greenery
- Vandanmedu – Cardamom Plantations
- Pullumedu – The Lush Green Village
- Parunthumpara Viewpoint – A Tranquil Place
1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – Meet The Animals
Being one of the top Thekkady places to visit in one day, the sanctuary is located on the banks of the River Periyar and offers some of the best wildlife sightings in India. To enjoy the real pleasure of this amazing destination in Thekkady, one must go bamboo rafting. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary has a picturesque view of lush green surroundings, which will not just give you a reason to smile but also good pictures to capture. It can be considered one of the best places to see in Thekkady.
Location: Kumily, Kerala 685509
Time Required: 5-6 hours
What’s Special: The exotic flora and fauna
Entry Fee: INR 25 For Indians and INR 300 for international tourists
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2. Mangla Devi Temple – Pray For Well-Being
The Mangla Devi Temple in Idukki is one of the most significant Thekkady tourist places. It is built within the premises of the renowned Periyar Tiger Reserves within the northern boundary. Mangala Devi, also known as Kannaki, is a symbol of the moral powers possessed by a woman. The temple is not only visited by pilgrims, but this tourist spot is also frequented by those who are in search of a quiet spot with a pristine ambiance.
Location: Idukki, Kerala 685509
Time Required: 1 hour
What’s Special: The architecture and build of the temple
3. Abraham’s Spice Garden – Praise The Aroma Of Fresh Spices
The spice scented place is situated between the way of Thekkady and Kottam. Abraham’s Spice Garden is a magnificent organic garden of spices with scenic charm and picturesque view of the gardens. The place is considered as the perfect place for spice cultivation, Ayurveda and organic farming. It is one of the many Thekkady attractions that offer an aromatic elegance once you visit.
Location: Springvalley, Kumily, Kerala 685509
Time Required: 3-4 hours
What’s Special: The vast expanse of lush green plantations
Entry Fee: INR 200 per person
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4. Murikkady – Gape At Vast Meadows
Kerala, other than its beauty is also known for its spice plantation, but this place has got something else in it’s pocket. Murikkady, a famous Thekkady places to visit is known for spices but it is also known for coffee and cardamom gardening. This place cultivates more than twelve varieties of spices including clove, ginger, turmeric, vanilla and tea.
Location: Thekkady, Kerala
Time Required: 3-4 hours
What’s Special: The vast plantations
5. Kadathanadan Kalari Centre – Know More About The Culture
The center is famous for the renowned Kerala art known as Kalaripayattu. Kadathanadan Kalari Centre is the place where you can get a firsthand experience of the renowned art. A spot which is unique to Kerala and well designed for self-defense. You can watch this beautiful art form in Thekkady sightseeing from a special gallery.
Location: Tiger Reserve, Thekkady, Kumily, Tamil Nadu 685509
Time Required: 2 hours
What’s Special: The performances
Entry Fee: INR 200 per person
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6. Kumily – Admire The Nature
Thekkady mesmerizes one to the core with its tranquil countryside exuberant jungles that makes it an idyllic getaway in Kerala. The place is located 4 km from Thekkady, hidden away from the bustling tourist activities. Kumily is extremely famous for spice and tea plantations. Spice-trading has rendered the place commercially significant which makes it one of the greatest Thekkady places to visit.
Location: Kerala, 685536
Time Required: 2 days
What’s Special: The tranquil countryside
7. Chellarkovil- Watch Water Gushing
The quaint village has started figuring prominently among the popular places to visit in Thekkady. The stunning natural beauty of this place combined with the solitude and peace attract a good number of tourists. The shimmering light of the sun reflected on the cascading waterfalls is something that will absolutely mesmerize you. As a result, no one should miss on to this Thekkady tourist place on their tour.
Location: Chellarkovil, Thekkady, Kerala, 685536
Time Required: 6-7 hours
What’s Special: The mesmerizing waterfall
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8. Pandikuzhi – Perfect Picnic Spot
Pandikuzhi is a cradled in picturesque landscape and, exotic flora and fauna. The place is laden with numerous winding streams that are sandwiched between Chellarkovil and Tamil Nadu. This is one of the best Thekkady tourist spots and a delightful place for spending a day picnicking among the thickets of greenery and gushing streams.
Location: Kumily, Thekkady, Kerala, 685536
Time Required: 1 day
What’s Special: The picturesque landscape
9. Periyar Lake – Opt For Boating
The placid lake, located near the Periyar National Reserves, is a famous tourist spot. You can go for boating and enjoy the serene beauty of the surroundings. If you are lucky, you might get a chance to see herds of elephants bathing on the lakeside. This is one of the best Thekkady tourist spots that seems to relish the grand beauty of Thekkady. This is one of the best Thekkady places to visit.
Location: Thekkady, Kerala, 685536
Time Required: 2-3 hours
What’s Special: The special views
Boating Charges: INR 150 for boats from KTDC and INR 40 for boats from forest department
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10. Thekaddy Lake – Ride & Explore The Surroundings
This lake is located amidst the lush-green jungle and is quite famous for the wildlife that can be seen in huge varieties. A boat ride here is one of the best things to do to make the most of your day at this lake. This is one of the places to visit in Thekkady with family. Enjoy the serene and beautiful scenery with a backdrop of the mountains, lush green valleys and picturesque landscapes.
Location: Idukki, Thekkady, Kerala, 685536
Time Required: 2-3 hours
What’s Special: The serene views of the mountains
11. Anakkara – Watch Spice Plantations
This is basically a small village which is located in the Idukki district and is lying at a distance of 18 kilometers from the well-known Idukki wildlife sanctuary on the highway between Kumily and Munnar. This place is quite renowned for the spice plantations as well as some amazing waterfalls. You also get the opportunity to trek here! You can consider this as amongst the places to visit in Thekkady in 1 day.
If you are looking for quaint villages of South India, then Anakkara is a top pick. Located close to Thekkady, one can easily visit Anakkara. Take a day trip to this scenic hamlet and get to experience and witness village life. With its aromatic spice gardens and beautiful picnic spots, Anakkara is all set to become a top tourist destination in Thekkady.
Location: Kerala 685512
Time Required: 3-4 hours
What’s Special: The village environment
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12. Vandiperiyar – Paradise For Nature Lovers
This is a beautiful town that is known for picturesque elements like the Periyar River. This place too is known for the spice and herb cultivation. The landscape here is breathtaking and this place will be a paradise for lovers of nature. On your visit to this place, do explore the well-known Flower Garden! This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Thekkady, Kerala.
Location: Vandiperiyar, Kerala 685532
Time Required: 1 day
What’s Special: The picturesque elements
13. Mullaperiyar Dam – Gear Up For Scenic Views
Mullaperiyar Dam is built on the Periyar River and is one of the places to visit in Thekkady Kerala India. The dam is situated at 2,890 ft above sea level on the Cardamom Hills. The famous Periyar National Park in Kerala is sprawled around the reservoir of this dam. It is a great place to visit on a trip to Thekkady. The dam is scenic and has beautiful environs, thus a great Thekkady sightseeing place.
Location: Thekkady, Kerala 685532
Time Required: 2-3 hours
What’s Special: The serene views
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14. Elephant Junction Thekkady- Spend Time With Elephants
Elephant Junction Thekkady is a famous tourist attraction not just in Thekkady but in the whole state of Kerala. People here can spend time with the elephants and feed them. Elephant rides are available too and the environs are lush green. The place is peaceful and a great hangout spot for families on a Kerala tour. If one is traveling to Thekkady with kids, then this place should be on your list of places to visit in Thekkady.
Location: Murukkady P.O., Thekkady, Kumily, Kerala 685535
Time Required: 2-3 hours
What’s Special: Watching elephants training
Entry Fee: INR 400 (Prices depends on the activities and hours)
15. Spring Valley Mountain – Amazing Viewpoint
Famous by its local name Kurisumala, Spring Valley Mountain is a hillock which overlooks the Periyar National Park. It is an amazing vantage point which offers one with lovely views of the surroundings. Everything is lush green, and the place looks all the more inviting during the rainy season. There is no entry fee for Spring Valley Mountain, and if you like to explore offbeat places and attractions, then this is one of those photography places in Kerala.
Location: Kerala, 685536
Time Required: 1 hour
What’s Special: The panoramic views
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16. Green Park Ayurvedic & Spices Plantation – For A Retreat
Another place to enjoy the essence of this Kerala town is the Green Park Ayurvedic and Spices Plantation. As soon as one enters this place, they can smell the aromatic spices. At the entrance, there is a door that is traditionally styled and inside it is a heavenly five-acre plantation. One can find here mixed organic spices and along with the spice plantation, there are a few farm animals too. It is a great experience and one should definitely visit the plantation. No one would want to miss this spot as it is one of the top places to visit in Thekkady for 1 day. No doubt one of the best spots for Thekkady sightseeing.
Location: Laksham Veedu Colony Road, Thekkady, Kumily, Kerala 685509
Time Required: 3 hours
What’s Special: The vast tea estates
Entry Fee: INR 100
17. Ramakkalmedu – Witness Thekkady Greenery
Situated just a few minutes away, Ramakkalmedu is one of the top Thekkady tourist spots that no one should miss on their Kerala trip. The place has a high significance among the locals as well as among the tourists. It not only offers some of the best views of Thekkady greenery but one can also smell freshly grown cardamom, pepper, tea, rubber, and coffee here. On the top of the hill, you will also find a huge statue of Kuruvan and Kuruthi. One of the famous Thekady places to visit with your family.
Location: Ramakkalmedu, Idukki District, Thekkady, Kerala
Time Required: 2 hours
What’s Special: The historical aura of the place
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18. Vandanmedu – Cardamom Plantations
Vandanmedu is another of the beautiful places to visit in Thekkady. Covered in vast plantations of cardamom, the village is swarmed by the aroma of vintage spices. Most of the area of Vandanmedu is covered in lush green forests and the remaining is covered with plantations.
Location: Kerala 685551
Time Required: 2-3 hours
What’s Special: The vast cardamom plantations
19. Pullumedu – The Lush Green Village
Yet another of the lush green places to visit in Thekkady is Pullumedu located near the banks of river Periyar. The village is all about the green carpets, open meadows, temples, and religious celebrations. The place can be best enjoyed during September to December and being blessed with a variety of flora and rare species is a great addition to Thekkady trip.
Location: Kerala 685507
Time Required: 3-4 hours
What’s Special: The open green meadows
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20. Parunthumpara Viewpoint – A Tranquil Place
One of the finest places to see in Thekkady are the views from Parunthumpara Viewpoint. The lush green valley sombers down the mountains which make for a quiet and tranquil appeal. The getaway is a great place to relax and unwind and watch the sun going down and hiding behind the mountains.
Location: Parunthumpara, Pambanar, Kerala 685532
Time Required: 1-2 hours
What’s Special: The mystical views
21. Gavi Forest
Image Credit: Abhijith VG for Wikimedia Commons Gavi Forest, rich in flora, fauna, and avifauna, is surrounded by lush greenery and a peaceful environment. The place has been listed among the top eco-tourism centers and one of the must-see places in India by Alistair International, the world-acclaimed tourism major. Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in camping, trekking, night safari, and wildlife watching. Trained locals oversee all these experiences. If you are looking for places to visit in Thekkady in 1 day, you must stop by Gavi Forest. Accommodation facilities like Green Mansion and tree houses are available.
Location: Gavi Village, Pathanamthitta district, Kerala
Time Required: 2-3 hours
What’s Special: Eco-tourism center
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22. Mudra Cultural Centre
Mudra Cultural Centre is famous for the ancient martial art Kalarippayattu and Kathakali performances. There is audience interaction in the sense that the viewers get to witness the preparations of the artists, their costumes, and their makeup. Also, the actors explain all the mudras and make the audience participate.
Location: Thekkady Road, Kumily, Kerala 685509
Time Required: 1-2 hours
What’s Special: Art Form
Entry Fee: INR 200 per person
23. Tribal Heritage Museum
Tribal Heritage Museum gives a glance at the vibrant culture of tribal life to visitors. It exhibits artifacts such as traditional cooking vessels, hunting weapons, paintings, armor, fishing gear, indigenous medicinal plants, bamboo furniture, etc. If you are planning a short trip, do include this museum in your list of places to visit in Thekkady in 2 days.
Location: Mannan settlement, Periyar Tiger Reserve
Time Required: 1-2 hours
What’s Special: Traditional Artifacts
Entry Fee: INR 500 per person
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24. Connemara Tea Factory
Image Credit: Soman for Wikimedia Commons Connemara Tea Factory, built in 1940, is a working tea factory and plantation. The tea factory provides guided tours of the tea garden cum factory, which start with an audio-visual presentation, the tea factory tour, the tea-making process, and ends with tea tasting. The premises also has an outlet where visitors can buy premium tea. Through this entire process, one gets to imbibe more information about tea.
Location: Vandiperiyar, Kerala 685533
Time Required: 1-2 hours
What’s Special: Guided tours
Entry Fee: INR 150 per person
25. Suruli Waterfalls
Originating from the Megamalai Hills and cascading from a height of 150 ft, Suruli Waterfalls are a year-round waterfall. A trekking trail of 1-2 km will lead you to the falls. Situated amidst the lush greenery makes it a perfect spot for picnics. One can click Insta-worthy pictures with the fall in the background.
Location: Near Cumbum, Suruli, Uttamapalaiyam, Tamil Nadu
Time Required: 1 hour
What’s Special: Enchanting views
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26. Thekkady Rose Park
Image Credit: Kaartic for Wikimedia Commons Thekkady Rose Park is not just a garden but an amusement park as well. The entertainment sections include a 20 D Rider and Virtual Shooting. Other than that, it offers fun activities like Boating, Ziplining, Archery, Water cycle, Bungee trampoline, Kayaking, Sky cycle, and more. The park also has a restaurant, Cacti Succulent Park, Tree House, and restroom facilities.
Location: Attappalllam Road, Thekkady, Kumily, Kerala 685509
Time Required: 1-2 hours
What’s Special: Rides and activities
Entry Fee: INR 100 per person (above 5 years)
Further Read: Thekkady In December: Best Ways To Explore Its Impeccable Beauty
Ready for an awesome journey to the splendid places to visit in Thekkady? Go, pack your bags and get ready for a wonderful trip to God’s own country! Your Kerala vacay will be one of the best experiences of your lifetime if you add all the above-listed places to your itinerary and make the most of it during your whole journey!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Thekkady
Name a few places to visit in Thekkady at night.
In Thekkady, you can enjoy a night walk at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, experience the cultural shows at Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, and explore the local markets for a taste of the night-time ambiance, allowing you to appreciate the town's charm after dusk.
Is one day enough for Thekkady?
One day might feel rushed for exploring Thekkady fully, but it's possible to cover the main attractions like Periyar National Park and a boat safari, although to enjoy leisurely, consider an additional day.
How do I spend a day in Thekkady?
If you are planning for a one day trip to Thekkady then you should include some of the best places or experiences offered here such as tea plantations visit, jeep safari, nature walks, spice gardens visit and obviously the Periyar National Park.
What is Thekkady famous for?
Thekkady is famous for a lot of tourist attractions and the exciting experiences that it offers. Some of the famous things to do in Thekkady are exploring Periyar National Park, visiting Mangla Devi Temple, taking a tour of Abraham’s Spice Garden and more.
Which is the best time to visit Thekkady?
The winter season is the best to visit Thekkady. It lasts from October to February and the weather is pleasant during these months. Another great time to visit Thekkady is during the monsoon from June to September as the lush green setting turns greener.
Which is better, Munnar or Thekkady?
Both the destinations are known for their serene beauty. If you are fond of wildlife or animals, plan a vacation to Thekkady. However, if you want to enjoy the perks of nature including some adventure, Munnar is the place to be.
What is the coldest month in Thekkady?
The coldest month in Thekkady typically occurs in December. During this time, the temperatures drop, with average lows around 15°C (59°F) and highs around 32°C (89.6°F), offering cooler weather for visitors.
How can I reach Thekkady?
The nearest airport to Thekkady is the Nedumbassery airport in Kochi and Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu. Besides this, you can also take a train to Kottayam station which is about 115 km away from Thekkady.
What are the best outdoor activities in Thekkady?
If you are planning an adventurous Thekkady tour, make sure to try border hiking, nature walks, a Jeep safari, Jungle night patrol with your favourite bunch of people. Do try these activities and many others that you come across on your Thekkady trip.
What are the top attractions to visit in Thekkady for nature lovers?
Places like Periyar National Park, Bamboo rafting, Gavi forest, Elephant Junction, Periyar Tiger Reserve and lake are the most scenic places that every nature enthusiast will enjoy. Include them in your travel itinerary for a memorable tour.
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