Thekkady.

Thekkady is a nature lover's paradise, known for its serene backwaters and the opportunity to witness elephants in their natural habitat. The area offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for families or solo travelers seeking a peaceful escape.

Insider tip Visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Cardamom County is a nature destination that offers a serene and relaxing experience. The area is known for its lush greenery, wildlife, and tranquil ambiance, making it perfect for family vacations or solo travelers seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Thekkady Elephant Camp offers a unique opportunity to experience an elephant safari in the heart of Kerala's nature. The camp provides a close encounter with these gentle giants, allowing visitors to learn about their behavior and care while enjoying the lush surroundings.

Edapalayam Watch Tower is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts in Thekkady. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding tiger reserve and provides a unique opportunity to observe wildlife from a vantage point within the park.

Explore the spice plantations in Thekkady, Kerala, where you can spot various spices like cardamom and experience the lush greenery and biodiversity of the region.

Insider tip Visit early morning to witness the misty forests and enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.

Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, offering the chance to see elephants, tigers, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. It’s a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Thekkady is the birthplace of Kalaripayattu, one of the oldest martial arts in the world. Visitors can experience and learn about this ancient practice, which offers a unique blend of physical fitness, self-defense techniques, and cultural insight.

Witnessed Kalaripayattu, a raw and intense martial art form that is truly unmissable. Thekkady Kalari Centre offers this experience in the evening with tickets priced at ₹300 (cash only).

Nr Thekkady & Kumily, a lot of spice plantations are present. Typically they will charge around ₹50 to ₹100 for showing you around the plantation and explain it to you.

The endless rolling hills and mountains surrounding Thekkady offer very good opportunities of trekking to the adventure enthusiasts. The jungles and hills inside the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary are amongst the popular trekking trails in this region. Trekkers must obtain prior permission from the wildlife authorities and they are accompanied by a guide that will lead them safely through the Reservoir woods. Kurisamala to Kumily and Kumily to Pandikuzhi are some of the most favorite trekking routes and Pullumedu, Kurisumala, Ottakathalamedu and Grampi are noteworthy trekking bases in this area. Daily treks are organized by the Kerala Forest Department that begin from the boat landing station - Thekkady and lead to Nellikkampetty and Manakkavala. Making a way through Thekkady woods is really a thrilling and enchanting experience

This is a dawn to dusk range hiking and rafting programme through some of the richest forest tracts of Periyar Tiger Reserve. Starting at 8AM from the boat landing, a mosaic of habitats will be traversed before the party gets into rafts made of bamboos. The forests are rich in bird life and arboreal animals like giant squirrel and Nilgiri langur. The rafting is for about three hours and one gets a panoramic view of forest-clad hills reflected on the lake. Animals like elephant, gaur and sambar are sighted keeping close to the edges of the lake. The team hitchhikes back to the boat landing by about 5PM. An armed guard and 4 guides will accompany a maximum of 10 tourists. Tea, snacks and packed lunch will be served enroute.

Elephant ride for 30 min (cost approx ₹350).

The guided day trek. Different nature trails traversing diverse habitats form the trekking routes, generally 4 to 5 km in length. This is an interpretive programme offering excellent opportunity to watch birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The trails often pass through evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grasslands. The programme is offered between 7AM and 10:30AM and between 2PM and 3PM and lasts for about 3 hours. A maximum of 5 persons can go for trekking at a time along each nature trail, accompanied by a trained tribal guide. The nature walk is the right programme to feel nature, hear her whispers and smell her flowers.

Fabulous show of Kathakali.

The programme is unique in being conducted by a team of poachers who turned protectors of the forests. The team members are hardy and dependable with an intimate knowledge of the forest terrain. The programmes are 1 night/2 days and 2 nights/3 days. The first day’s trek starts at noon and ends by noon in the second or third day. The team consists of a maximum of 5 visitors, 5 guides and 2 forest officials. Normally 20 to 35 km of trekking distance will be covered, depending on the route chosen. Here, one may chance to encounter much indigenous wildlife like Nilgiri langur, giant squirrel, elephant and who knows, even the tiger! The trek route passes through hills and valleys with a variety of tropical plants and wide-open spaces. Enroute vegetarian meals will be prepared and served and country tents will be pitched for holing up in the night. Trekking groups are accompanied by armed forest guards with good communication equipments, and geared to face any emergency situation. Remember to listen to unusual and strange adventure stories of the former poachers, now your guides and protectors of the forests. Preconditions for joining the tiger trail: visitors who are medically fit and aged between 15 - 65 are advised to take the tiger trail. Visitors should be serious nature lovers willing to sacrifice some of the luxuries and comforts of a hotel.

Boat cruises on the Periyar Lake. Typical boat ride will be for 2 hours and cost ₹150 per person.

Organic garden fresh spices like tea, coffee, vanilla, saffron, cardamom, pepper, cloves, nutmeg, nut maze, star anise, honey, cinnamon, ayurvedic oils and home made chocolates.

Souvenirs, message T-shirts, post cards, WWF products, wildlife books etc.

Velvet lawns and the cool pleasant non-polluted continuous breeze make the sojourn on the mount a memorable experience to the tourist. From its top one can enjoy the green beauty of the Periyar Tiger Reserve with the lake on the one side and vast tea plantations on the other side.

It is considered to be the place where Pancha Pandavas lived during the exile forest life (Vanavasa Kalam in Mahabaratha epics). It is believed that Pancha Pandavas still hide there though nobody can see them, but they can see everybody. The tourist can see there are stones like furniture which are believed to be used by the Pandavas.

This sleepy little village slops to the famous grapes, coconut, cotton and vegetable growing areas of Tamil Nadu. Abundant scenic beauty and a silver cascade add to the charm of the place.

People are allowed to visit only once in a year during chitra pournami (a Hindu festival) and is 15 km inside the forest.

Grampi is also known as Parunthupara. Because of the panoramic view from its high peaks, rocky plains and hillside it has become a tourist centre.

It can be called the home of tea plantations. The Velamkanni Church at the top of the fill is a pilgrim centre.

Vandanmedu is one of the world's largest cardamom auction centers. An excursion through the widespread cardamom plantations at Vandanmedu is an intoxicating experience.

The cool mountain air, mist, grass-covered hills, velvet lawns etc amek Wagamon a perfect holiday resort. The chain of three hills Thangal Hills (Muslim name) Murugan Hills (Hindu name) and Kurisumala (Christian name) is a mark of religious harmony.

From the top of this hillock, you can have a panoramic view of the lush green woods of Periyar Tiger Reserve, the beautiful Periyar Lake, surrounding Kumily township and of course adjoining Tamil Nadu borders.

Tea, coffee, cardamom, pepper, vanilla growing areas. A walk through the spice plantations of these areas can be a memorable experience.

The rolling hills, velvet lawns and rare flora and fauna cascading the Holy Shrine of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala and the Makara Jyothi illuminations are the main attractions of this place.

From its mountain top, one can enjoy the sleepy little village with its view of the plains. It is a feast for the eyes.

Xandari is a recommended hotel in Thekkady that offers a luxurious and comfortable stay. It provides amenities for families and couples, making it an ideal choice for those looking to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Stay at Cardamom County by Xandari to experience luxurious rooms and spa treatments, while enjoying the serene surroundings of Thekkady. The hotel offers a flat 10% off on your stay, food, and spa services.

Insider tip Book in advance to secure the discount and ensure availability during peak travel seasons.

Experience the ultimate luxury with Thekkady Luxury Pool Villa, offering a serene stay amidst the lush Kerala backwaters. Indulge in the comfort of a private pool and the tranquility of nature.

Offers rooms, cottages and tree house.

Offers three types of rooms.

This hotel is on the edge of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and offers comfortable stay at budget rate with 46 rooms across three categories, standard, deluxe, and suite. There is only a slight variation in the price tag of each.

This resort offers independent cottages, deluxe rooms and a bungalow.

Abad green forest is located in kumily, thekkady, which is a 4-hr drive from Cochin. Located close to the wild life reserve.

Mid-range hotel at budget rate.

Experience the unique opportunity to interact with elephants in their natural habitat at Thekkady's Elephant Camp. This adventure offers a cultural insight into traditional elephant training practices and provides a memorable wildlife encounter.

Experience a dream-like encounter with elephants in their natural habitat at Thekkady Elephant Safari, offering a unique and memorable adventure for families and groups seeking an authentic wildlife experience.

Experience the serene beauty of Periyar Lake by boat, offering a unique opportunity to see wildlife in their natural habitat. The tranquil waters and lush surroundings make for an unforgettable adventure.

Experience the unique and traditional practice of bathing elephants in their natural habitat, offering a close-up encounter with these majestic creatures. This activity is not only an adventure but also a cultural experience that provides insight into local traditions.

Experience an unforgettable elephant safari at Elephant Junction in Thekkady, Kerala. This adventure offers a unique opportunity to interact with elephants and explore the lush tropical forests of the region.

Experience the vibrant and traditional Kathakali dance performance at The Kadathanadan Kalari and Navarasa Kathakali Centre in Thekkady, Kerala. The performances are held twice daily and offer a deep dive into the rich cultural heritage of India with ticket prices starting at ₹300 per person.

Tapioca biriyani with salad, pickles and pappada, available in local restaurants

Biriyani made in earthen vessels increasing the taste manyfold.