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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: INR
- Languages: Malayalam, English, Tamil, Hindi
- Climate: Tropical
- Timezone: Asia/Kolkata
- Population: Approximately 12,000 (Thekkady town and surrounding area)
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is between September and April to avoid heavy monsoon rains.
- Visa Requirements Visitors to Thekkady must comply with Indian visa regulations. Citizens from many countries including the US, EU, and UK require a visa to enter India, which can be obtained as an e-visa online prior to arrival or as a visa on arrival in some cases. Visa-free entry is limited to citizens of neighboring countries with special agreements. A valid passport, return ticket, and proof of accommodation are typically required.
About Thekkady
Thekkady is a scenic town in Kerala, India, renowned for its lush greenery and the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a major attraction for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Nestled in the Western Ghats, Thekkady offers a unique blend of biodiversity, spice plantations, and cultural experiences. The sanctuary is home to elephants, tigers, deer, and a variety of bird species, making it a prime destination for safaris and nature walks. Visitors can enjoy boat rides on Periyar Lake, which provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Thekkady's cool climate and tranquil environment make it a refreshing escape from city life. Additionally, the town is known for its spice gardens where tourists can learn about and purchase local spices. Thekkady also offers cultural shows featuring traditional Kerala art forms such as Kathakali and Kalaripayattu. Its combination of natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural richness makes Thekkady a compelling destination for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation.
Top Attractions
1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – A protected area famous for its elephants, tigers, and diverse flora and fauna, offering boat safaris and guided treks. 2. Periyar Lake – A picturesque lake inside the sanctuary ideal for boat rides and wildlife spotting. 3. Spice Plantations – Tours of local spice gardens where visitors can see and buy spices like cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon. 4. Elephant Junction – A place to observe and interact with elephants, including elephant rides and feeding sessions. 5. Kadathanadan Kalari Centre – A cultural center showcasing traditional Kerala martial arts and dance performances.
Popular Activities
Thekkady offers a range of activities including wildlife safaris by boat and on foot, trekking through forest trails, visiting spice plantations, and enjoying cultural performances. Adventure seekers can try bamboo rafting and jungle patrols. Bird watching is popular due to the rich avian diversity. Visitors can also participate in guided nature walks and visit local markets for handicrafts and spices. Thekkady provides a blend of adventure, education, and cultural immersion.
Thekkady Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Kerala
- Duration Range: Thekkady offers a range of activities including wildlife safaris by boat and on foot, trekking through forest trails, visiting spice plantations, and enjoying cultural performances. Adventure seekers can try bamboo rafting and jungle patrols. Bird watching is popular due to the rich avian diversity. Visitors can also participate in guided nature walks and visit local markets for handicrafts and spices. Thekkady provides a blend of adventure, education, and cultural immersion.
- Group Size: Small groups (up to 15 people)
- Difficulty Level: Mixed Difficulty
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is between September and April to avoid heavy monsoon rains. Pack light cotton clothes, comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, and rain gear if visiting during the monsoon. Respect local customs such as removing shoes before entering homes or temples. Carry some cash as smaller shops may not accept cards. Stay hydrated and follow safety guidelines in wildlife areas. Booking safaris and accommodations in advance is recommended during peak season.
Average Tour Price: $80
Lowest Price Tour: $50
Highest Price Tour: $250
6 Available Tour Excursions in Thekkady
A guided tour that covers Tea plantation, Tea factory and Tea testing, travel by tuk tuk from 1 point to another point. Plantation walk ( 1-2 hours plantation walk ), Connemara Tea factory – 1 Hour, & Tea testing – 1/2 Those who are coming to Thekkady can opt for this Connemara tea factory. The tea trail at Thekkady is a three- to four-hour walk through tea plantations and interactions with tea pluckers to learn about the local culture of the people. Moreover, this walk is good for health in the form of breathing pure oxygen and having peace of mind. where we will be showing you the plantation and the way it is produced into tea powder at the final stage to outlet.
Price: $14.06
Duration: 3 hours
The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice-scented plantations. In the Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns. On this day tour of Thekkady visit a coffee and spice plantation, learn about beekeeping, chocolate and poppadom making. Also visit a South Indian ashram (monastery). Highlights • Visit to a coffee & spice plantation • Views from Valiyapara & Ottakathalamedu • Santhigiri ashram
Price: $234.00
Duration: 9 hours
Experience the untamed beauty of Thekkady on a full-day private tour that blends thrilling adventure, natural exploration, and vibrant cultural encounters. This immersive day trip includes a jeep safari, a walk through fragrant spice plantations, a peaceful boat ride on Periyar Lake, and a captivating Kathakali dance performance—ideal for nature enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.
Price: $176.48
Duration: 10 hours
On this half-day tour visit an organic farm located in the fertile Cumbum valley of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Learn about the basic tenets of organic farming as you stroll through the fruit plantations. Take a bullock cart ride and enjoy the laid back charm of the countryside. End the tour with a sumptuous lunch prepared from freshly sourced ingredients. Highlights: • Introduction to organic farming • Visit to a South Indian farmhouse • Bullock cart ride • Lunch (beverage excluded)
Price: $197.00
Duration: 5 hours
You get the chance to visit the untouched southern circuit by visiting 4 different attractions. If you are a nature-lover, you will have the most unforgettable experience on this tour as we take you to different lands with different colors. Have a picnic with the best spots of nature.
Price: $3,125.34
Duration: 168 hours
The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice-scented plantations. In the Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns. On this day tour of Thekkady visit a coffee and spice plantation, learn about beekeeping, chocolate and poppadom making. Also visit a South Indian ashram (monastery). Highlights • Visit to a coffee & spice plantation • Views from Valiyapara & Ottakathalamedu • Santhigiri ashram
Price: $191.00
Duration: 9 hours
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Thekkady’s cuisine reflects Kerala’s rich culinary traditions, featuring coconut, spices, and fresh local produce. Signature dishes include Kerala-style fish curry, appam with stew, and spicy beef fry. Vegetarian options often include sambar, avial, and thoran. Street food and local eateries serve snacks like banana chips and pazham pori (fried banana). Noteworthy restaurants include those offering traditional Kerala meals served on banana leaves and places specializing in fresh seafood and authentic spice-infused dishes. Dining customs often involve communal eating and using the right hand for food.
Getting Around
Thekkady is accessible by road from major cities like Kochi, Madurai, and Coimbatore. The nearest railway station is in Kottayam, about 114 km away, and the closest airports are Cochin International Airport and Madurai Airport. Local transportation includes taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses. For getting around town and to nearby attractions, taxis and auto-rickshaws are convenient. Costs are generally affordable, but it is advisable to agree on fares beforehand or use metered taxis where available.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is between September and April to avoid heavy monsoon rains. Pack light cotton clothes, comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, and rain gear if visiting during the monsoon. Respect local customs such as removing shoes before entering homes or temples. Carry some cash as smaller shops may not accept cards. Stay hydrated and follow safety guidelines in wildlife areas. Booking safaris and accommodations in advance is recommended during peak season.
Culture & Customs
Thekkady’s culture is deeply rooted in Kerala’s traditions, with a strong emphasis on hospitality and respect. Social customs include greeting with a slight bow or “Namaste.” Festivals like Onam and Vishu are celebrated with traditional feasts and cultural programs. Visitors should dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Public displays of affection are uncommon and should be avoided. Participating in or observing local dance and martial arts performances offers insight into the region’s heritage.
