7 Reason Why Thekkady is for Adventure Seekers

Munnar is always a destination but not Thekkady, why? Because it is for adventure seekers!

If you are planning for a visit to Munnar, then I would say you should also visit Thekkady along with Idukki Arch Dam. Munnar to Thekkady is one of the most evergreen scenic routes you can drive.

Thekkady is a must visit for a wildlife lover and is a beautiful hill station. The main attraction here is Periyar National Park, the Largest Tiger Reserve. You can do Bamboo Rafting, Hiking and Boating/Cruise in the Lake. The entire place is famous for mountain, tea plantation and spice estates.

Tips: Road trip has to be careful due to narrow road and fog during rainy season.

Thekkady is not about the destination, it’s about the complete scenic forest route. So, you do not have to hurry to reach the destination. Submerged trees in the Periyar lake is a beautiful view to witness. Boat riding in Periyar lake will allow you to see herd of animals coming to drink water from the lake.

Thekkady is a fantastic place for adventurous families, a hide out for romantic couples, haven for nature lovers or a camping place for solo travellers.

What is there to see in Thekkady?

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Also known as Periyar National Park is a protected area on the Western Ghats of Kerala. It is a reserved area in the forest with mountains and lakes for tigers, elephants and some other rare species of wildlife. The Periyar Lake in the heart of Jungle is the main attraction where the wild animals come to drink water. And you can witness that by taking a morning boat ride in the lake. And Thekkady is for Jungle lovers and adventurous travellers. This is the place where you can get rid of the city life.

What is there for Adventurers in Thekkady?

Trek in the tribal village where you can get to know more about the village life and learn about the various culture and rituals.
A Jeep Safari to Gavi, in the thick forest for those who love the adventurous side. Trekking to Gavi gives you an opportunity for Bird and wildlife watching, view waterfalls, green vegetations and spice plantation.
Hiking in the Thekkady Borders, you walk 15 kms in jungle starting from early morning.
Hiking in the forest is followed by a 3-hour bamboo rafting in Thekkady Lake. You will have guides along with you for a group of 10 members to hike in the forest and also for rafting.
Jungle Night Patrolling with the guides in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Many adventure seekers opt for this, but should be very careful.
Enjoy Boating in the Periyar lake in the middle of the national park where the animal comes for drinking water, you can spot few here. Also, the Thekkady Lake, which is an artificial lake formed by Mullaperiyar Dam and the Periyar where you can see the trees submerged in water. I don’t think there will be anyone left without seeing this image of Thekkady.

You can extend your adventure by Thekkady jungle stay and experience the stay in tree huts.

Timings for each Activities:

Periyar National Park opens from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM everyday
Trekking in the Periyar National Park starts from 7:00 AM
Jeep Safari starts from 5:00 AM to 10.00 PM
Boating in Periyar Lake starts from 8:00 AM
Thekkady Boating starts from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Bamboo Boating starts from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Timing for Nature Walks starts from 7:00 AM – 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Night Patrolling starts from 10:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Even though you need only 2 days to view Thekkady, these timings will be helpful for you to decide which to prioritise and how to include all the activities in your vacation. Wildlife lovers may need more days to explore. Best time to visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is from the months of October to June.

Tip: Keep note that if it during rainy season it is difficult to spot animals, as animals comes to this lake to drink water only if the forest is all dried up.

Even if the place is famous for elephant ride, I am not personally a fan of hurting animals so I am not interested in recommending any of the rides, as Bullock Cart riding is also an option here. If possible one can ignore these rides and stop disturbing the animals.

Tip: Keep note that if you travel during rainy season it is difficult to spot animals, as animals comes to this lake to drink water only if the forest is all dried up.

Ramakkalmedu, a picturesque place is a must visit for photographers and for the one who love scenic beauty, one can also see the sunset between 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Shopaholics can include spice and tea leaf/coffee shopping in their list. You can have wide variety of spices like vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, clove, nutmeg.

Those who are looking for beautiful location stay, here are few budget hotels in Thekkady:

Lee Wood Villas

Lee Wood Villa is a beautiful wooden structure villa with a great location by having a scenic view to the valley. There is tree top in the cardamom plantation for you to relax. Garden and Barbeque facilities are available here with parking. Periyar National Park is 15.6 KM from the villa. Kids will have a fun time here.

Spices Lap, Thekkady

You can stay at the tree house here and kids will have a lovely memory of the trip. The staffs at this property will arrange everything in and around Periyar area. Garden, swimming pool and free parking are some of the facilities available. Periyar National Park is 10.7 KM from the property. Spice Lap is a perfect place to relax after your trek.

Chrissie’s Hotel – Pet Friendly Stay in Thekkady

It’s a pet-friendly accommodation in Thekkady. All rooms feature a terrace or balcony facing greenery. Yoga classes are available here. Chrissie’s is a little haven in the beautiful town of Thekkady. One thing I liked about this property is that the walls of the rooms are filled with colorful artistic work. The top deck has a little pool and a great seating area for relaxing and meeting other travellers.

Green Ark Resorts

Green Ark Resort is a small beautiful resort ideally located 17 km from Thekkady Kerala. The resort is surrounded by miles and miles of lush tropical greenery with spectacular views. Periyar National Park is 17.7 KM from the property.

Monsoon Retreats

Monsoon Retreats is a real tree house experience, you have to climb the ladder not the stairs to reach the house. The property is located in the dense cardamom plantation and beautiful trees. It is an ideal location for bird watchers. You can enjoy bird chirping especially during dawn and dusk. Periyar National Park is 11.4 km away from this property.

Noah’s Nest Tree House – Budget Homestay in Thekkady

You can enjoy the beautiful view of Periyar lake from Noah’s Nest. It is hidden in the middle of spice plantation and in the banks of Periyar. Periyar National Park is 5.2 km away from this property. You can enjoy kayaking here.

Ambadi – Best Resorts in Thekkady for Family

Ambadi is a heritage themed resort with a close to nature experience. It has a restaurant, free parking and all the rooms with balcony. All the rooms are wooden furnished in traditional style. Periyar National Park is 10.6 km away from this property.

You should visit Thekkady at least once if you are looking for peace and fresh air in your life, and sure if you are a wildlife lover.

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Photo Credit: tusktravel.com/keralatourism.org/keralatravels.com