Thekkady Tourist Places & Things to Do

Thekkady, in Kerala's Idukki district, sits on the edge of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, close to the Tamil Nadu border. It is one of the few places in India where you can watch wild elephants from a boat, and the hills around it are covered in cardamom, pepper and coffee plantations. Most visitors stay in Kumily, the small town next to the reserve entrance. This guide covers the best Thekkady tourist places and things to do, how long to stay and how to fit Thekkady into a Kerala trip.

• Where: Idukki district, on the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border, about 900 metres above sea level
• From Kochi: about 4–5 hours by road
• From Munnar: about 3–4 hours
• From Alleppey: about 4 hours
• Time needed: 1 day for the highlights, 2 days to add a trek, rafting or Gavi
• Best time: October to March for comfort; February to May for wildlife near the lake

1. Periyar Lake Boat Ride

The one thing everyone does in Thekkady. The lake was formed when the Mullaperiyar Dam was built in 1895, flooding a forest valley, and the dead tree stumps still rise out of the water. From the boat you can often see elephants, gaur (Indian bison), sambar deer, wild boar, otters and many water birds along the shore. Trips last about an hour and a half. The early-morning sailing is usually the best for wildlife, and tickets sell out quickly in season and on weekends, so book ahead.

2. Periyar Tiger Reserve Treks and Walks

To get closer to the forest, join one of the reserve's eco-tourism programmes, run by the forest department with local guides, several of them former poachers who now protect the forest. Choose from a two- to three-hour nature walk, a full-day border hike along the reserve's edge, a jungle patrol, or the Tiger Trail, a one- or two-night trek with camping. Places are limited and fill up early.

3. Bamboo Rafting

A full-day programme that combines a forest trek with a slow paddle across Periyar Lake on a raft made of bamboo. It is the quietest way to see the lake and its wildlife, away from the motorboats. Booking ahead is essential.

4. Gavi

About two hours from Thekkady through forest roads, Gavi is a remote eco-tourism area inside the Ranni forest, with a lake, cardamom plantations, grassland and cloud forest. Visitor numbers are controlled, which keeps it quiet. Activities include trekking, boating on Gavi Lake and wildlife spotting. Make it a full-day trip.

5. Spice Plantations

Thekkady is the heart of Kerala's spice country. A guided walk through a plantation shows you cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, coffee and vanilla growing, and how each is harvested and dried. Most walks last about an hour and end at a shop where you can buy fresh spices.

6. Kumily Town and Spice Market

The main street of Kumily is lined with spice shops, tea and coffee sellers, handicraft stores and Ayurvedic centres. It is a pleasant place for an evening walk and to buy cardamom, pepper and tea at local prices.

7. Kathakali Performance

Kathakali, Kerala's classical dance-drama, uses elaborate make-up, costumes and hand gestures to tell stories from the Hindu epics. Thekkady has evening shows of about an hour. Arrive early to watch the performers apply their make-up, which is part of the experience.

8. Kalaripayattu Show

Kalaripayattu is Kerala's ancient martial art, said to be one of the oldest in the world. Evening demonstrations in Thekkady show fast, acrobatic fights with sticks, swords and shields, and a finale with fire. It suits families with older children.

9. Murikkady

A small village a few kilometres from Kumily, surrounded by cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations. It is good for a quiet walk or a short drive with views across the estates.

10. Chellarkovil Viewpoint

About 15 kilometres from Thekkady, this viewpoint on the edge of the Ghats looks down over the plains of Tamil Nadu, with a waterfall that flows strongly in the monsoon. It is best in the late afternoon.

11. Pandikuzhi

A scenic gorge between Thekkady and the Tamil Nadu border, with views of the forest and streams below. It suits travellers who enjoy short treks away from the crowds.

12. Mangala Devi Temple

An ancient stone temple on a 1,300-metre hilltop inside the reserve, right on the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border. It opens to the public only once a year, on the Chitra Pournami full-moon festival in April or May, so it is worth planning around if your visit coincides.

• Ayurvedic massage: Thekkady has many Ayurveda centres offering treatments from an hour-long massage to multi-day programmes.
• Cooking demonstration: some homestays and restaurants offer short Kerala cooking classes using local spices.
• Tea estate visit: the drive towards Vandiperiyar passes tea gardens and factories.
• Ramakkalmedu: about an hour north, a windy hilltop with wide views over Tamil Nadu and a large statue of the Kuravan and Kuravathi from local legend.

One night is enough for the Periyar boat ride, a spice plantation walk and an evening show. Stay two nights if you want a forest trek, bamboo rafting or a day trip to Gavi. Thekkady sits neatly between Munnar and the backwaters, so most Kerala itineraries spend one or two nights here.

Thekkady is part of most of our Kerala itineraries:

• Kerala 5 Days Itinerary: Munnar, one night in Thekkady and Alleppey
• Kerala 6 Days Itinerary: three nights in Munnar, then Thekkady and a houseboat
• Kerala 7 Days Itinerary: two nights in Thekkady with a free day for treks, rafting or Gavi
• Houseboat, Thekkady & Munnar (5 days): start on the backwaters, then Thekkady and Munnar

Planning a wider trip? See our guides to Kerala tourist places and the best time to visit Kerala, our Munnar tour packages, or all our Kerala tour packages.

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