Top 10 Things To Do in Thekkady for a Perfect Kerala Getaway

Imagine gliding across a lake so serene that you can spot elephants and other wild animals by the shore or walking through fragrant spice plantations and waking up to the misty hills. Welcome to Thekkady! Tucked away in the heart of Idukki, this enchanting hill station is a treasure trove of adventures and experiences. From thrilling treks amidst greenery and bamboo rafting to cultural delights and vibrant markets, there is no shortage of unforgettable things to do and see in this small yet fulfilling town in Kerala. Let us begin with a list of things you can do on your trip to Thekkady, Kerala.

When you picture Kerala, scenes of backwaters, serene beaches, emerald spice plantations and swaying palms often come to your mind. But tucked away in the Idukki district of Kerala lies a gem that takes the state’s beauty to a whole new level. We are talking about Thekkady, the beautiful hill station, situated about 140 km from Kochi, Kerala. Before we dive into the top things to do in Thekkady, Kerala, here is a little etymology of the town’s name for you.

The name Thekkady is believed to have originated from the word “thekku” in Malayalam, which means teak. True to its name, Thekkady, along with several other small villages near it, was once home to vast teak forests, adding to its lush greenery. Over time, Thekkady has grown into one of the most visited places in Kerala, not solely because of its green cover, but also for its wildlife, plantations and cultural heritage.

From the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary to Kathakali shows at the Mudra Cultural Centre and aromatic spice plantations, places to visit at Thekkady are endless. It is no wonder that travellers coming from all parts of the world have this hill station added to their bucket list. So, if you are planning your next trip to God’s Own Country, Kerala, bookmark this page so that you do not miss out on anything.

Things to do in Thekkady

• Wildlife safari at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Spice plantation tours
• Bamboo rafting in Periyar Lake
• Trekking and nature walks
• Explore Kumily
• Boating at Thekkady Lake
• Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performances
• Visit Mangala Devi Temple
• Chellarkovil viewpoint
• Indulge in Ayurvedic massages

Wildlife Safari at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

The main attraction of every other “things to see in Thekkady” itinerary, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, is a paradise for nature lovers. The wildlife sanctuary is surrounded by lush forest and centred around the serene Periyar Lake, where you can even spend time boating. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to tigers, elephants, bison, sambar, deer and hundreds of bird species. A boat ride on the Periyar Lake lets you spot elephants and their little ones in their natural habitat, making it an unforgettable experience.

Quick Facts:

Location: 4 km from Thekkady town

Timings: Safaris and cruises between 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM

Duration: Roughly 3 hours

Best Season: October to June (dry months for spotting tigers and elephants mainly)

Tip: Carry binoculars and book tickets in advance

Nearby: Combine your itinerary with Thekkady Lake boating

Spice Plantation Tours

Known as the “Spice Capital” of Kerala, Thekkady is surrounded by aromatic spice plantations, like cardamom, pepper and cinnamon plantations. Walking through these aromatic gardens with a guide gives you a glimpse into traditional spice cultivation in Kerala. You can even purchase the organically grown spices in your desired quantities to carry back home. Roaming around the spice plantations is a sensory delight that perfectly reflects Kerala’s heritage.

Quick Facts:

Location: Common around Kumily (3 to 5 km from Thekkady)

Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (varies by plantation)

Duration: 1 to 2 hours

Best Season: October to February (pleasant weather for walks)

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for plantation walks

Unique experience: Buy organic spices straight from the farms

Bamboo rafting in Periyar Lake

Adventure-seekers looking for the best places to visit in Thekkady will love bamboo rafting, a unique experience that combines rafting and trekking in one package. As you gently float on a bamboo raft, the lush greenery around and possible wildlife sightings make it truly thrilling. It is one of the most exciting things to do in Thekkady if you are looking for a blend of adventure and tranquility in your tour package to Kerala.

Quick Facts:

Location: Inside Periyar Tiger Reserve

Timings: Morning and full-day programs available

Duration: 3-4 hours (including trekking)

Best Season: October to March

Tip: Carry water, snacks and wear light trekking gear

Unique experience: Wildlife spotting from the bamboo raft

Trekking and Nature Walks

For those who prefer exploring nature’s bounty on foot, there are several trekking trails in Thekkady ranging from short nature walks to challenging border hikes. These trails promise to fill your hearts with awe as you stroll alongside the misty hills, lush forests and vibrant meadows. Walking amidst this raw beauty, while listening to the birds chirping in the background, feels like therapy for your mind, body and soul.

Quick Facts:

Location: Periyar Tiger Reserve and nearby trails

Timings: Guided walks usually from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Duration: 2 to 6 hours, depending on the trail

Best Season: October to February

Tip: Wear trekking shoes and carry rain gear during the monsoon season

Unique experience: Spot rare birds and butterflies

Explore Kumily

Just a few kilometres away is one of the best places to see near Thekkady, Kumily, which is one of the charming towns in the region, famous for its spice markets and vibrant local life. Strolling through Kumily is a treat as you will get a chance to find bustling shops selling freshly ground spices, handmade chocolate and local handicrafts. The things to do in Kumily, Thekkady, are endless, as you will have a great time interacting with the locals, experiencing Kerala’s laid-back pace and enjoying authentic cuisine at small eateries. A visit to this quaint town gives you a taste of Kerala beyond its natural beauty.

Quick Facts:

Location: 4 km from Thekkady

Timings: Open all day, markets are lively from morning to evening

Duration: 2 to 3 hours for a relaxed stroll

Best Season: Year-round

Tip: Bargain politely in local markets

Unique experience: Shopping for spices, handmade chocolates & souvenirs

Boating at Thekkady Lake

A leisurely boat ride on Thekkady Lake is one of the best and most rewarding things to do in Thekkady. As you glide along calm waters, the sight of elephants, deer and even big cats along the banks keeps you hooked. Add in the cool breeze and serene landscapes and it becomes an experience you will want to relive time and again.

Quick Facts:

Location: Inside Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Timings: 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM (fixed time slots)

Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours

Best Season: November to May

Tip: Book tickets in advance, seats fill up quickly

Unique experience: Scenic photography opportunities

Kathakali and Kalaripayattu Performances

Beyond sightseeing activities listed at your Thekkady things to do, the town is also about its rich cultural traditions. In Thekkady, you can enjoy Kathakali, Kerala’s classical dance-drama, known for its colourful costumes and expressive storytelling, as well as Kalaripayattu, one of the ancient martial arts of India and the world. These performances, held at cultural centres, add a vibrant cultural dimension to Thekkady tour packages.

Quick Facts:

Location: Cultural centres in Thekkady town

Timings: Evening shows (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM approx)

Duration: 1 hour each

Best Season: Year-round

Tip: Arrive early for the best seats for a better view

Unique experience: Watch artists prepare before the show

Visit Mangala Devi Temple

Nestled deep inside the forest at a height of 1337 metres, the Mangala Devi Temple is a hidden gem that you can add to your list of best places to visit in Thekkady. Dedicated to Goddess Kannagi, the temple in Thekkady is open to visitors only during an annual festival; otherwise, visitors have to obtain permission from the forest officials. But even the trek up to the temple is an adventure worth taking, offering sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and plains.

Quick Facts:

Location: 15 km from Thekkady

Timings: Open only during the annual Chitra Pournami festival

Duration: Half-day trek

Best Season: October to May (for clear views)

Tip: Entry requires prior permission from forest officials

Unique experience: Panoramic views of the Tamil Nadu plains

Chellarkovil Viewpoint

For breathtaking views, there is no better place than the Chellarkovil viewpoint to add to your things to see in Thekkady itinerary. From here, you can see cascading waterfalls, lush green paddy fields and the plains of Tamil Nadu. Exploring the Chellarkovil Viewpoint is one of the favourite sightseeing spots at Thekkady for photographers. The place also turns out to be a magical place to watch the sunset paint the sky in vibrant colours.

Quick Facts:

Location: 15 km from Thekkady town

Timings: Sunrise to sunset

Duration: 1 to 2 hours

Best Season: October to March

Tip: Carry a camera and arrive before the crowd emerges during the evening hours

Unique experience: Magical sunsets and photography

Indulge in Ayurvedic Massages

After days of exploring the best places to see in Thekkady, nothing feels better than an authentic Ayurvedic massage. The town of Thekkady has several massage centres where you can rejuvenate your body and mind with therapies that Kerala is world-renowned for. It is the perfect way to relax before you wrap up your holiday.

Quick Facts:

Location: Ayurvedic spas & wellness centres in Thekkady/Kumily

Timings: Every day; timings vary by centre

Duration: 1 to 2 hours

Best Season: Monsoon (June to September) for rejuvenation therapies

Tip: Book sessions in advance, especially in peak season

Unique experience:  Full body Abhyanga massage

Best Time to Visit Thekkady

Thekkady is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit largely depends on what things you wish to see in Thekkady. The winter months from October to February are considered the most pleasant, with calm and comfortable weather perfect for outdoor activities, like boating, hiking, spice plantation tours and wildlife safaris. Suppose you love greenery and do not mind occasional downpours. In that case, the monsoon season between June and September paints Thekkady in fresh shades of emerald, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. The summer months between March and May are warmer but offer fewer crowds and excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife as animals gather around water bodies.

More than just a hill station in Kerala, it is where the state’s wild beauty, cultural richness and soulful experiences come together. From spotting elephants in their natural habitat in Periyar to shopping for spices in Kumily or relaxing with an Ayurvedic massage, the attractions in Thekkady are such that there is something for every visitor. So why wait?

Book your Kerala holiday package with Veena World today and let us take on an unforgettable journey through the wonders of Thekkady.

FAQs

Q1. Are there any tribal village experiences available in Thekkady?

You can visit tribal settlements like the Mannan or Paliyan tribes through programs run by the Tribal Heritage Museum. It’s a guided cultural immersion where you learn about traditional medicine, housing, and customs.

Q2. Can I do bamboo rafting in Periyar Lake year-round?

Bamboo rafting is seasonal and highly dependent on weather and water levels, especially during the monsoon. It’s best from October to May. Early morning trips offer the best wildlife viewing chances.

Q3. Is night trekking allowed in Thekkady?

This can be done via the “Jungle Patrol” program, where you accompany forest guards on night walks through buffer zones. It’s a thrilling, safe way to experience nocturnal wildlife.

Q4. Are there any silent zones or meditative nature experiences in Thekkady?

Yes, a few eco-lodges and forest camps offer silent zones with no-device policies. Some also offer guided forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) sessions for mindfulness in nature.

Q5. Is there anything unique to buy in Thekkady beyond spices and souvenirs?

Yes. Look for locally handmade Ayurvedic balms, tribal art, and jackfruit products like chips, flour, and pickles. These are typically sold by women-led self-help groups.