A scenic viewpoint and locality near Thekkady, famous for its sprawling spice plantations of cardamom, pepper, and coffee that cover the rolling hills.
Discover what makes this destination truly special

Murikkady is a scenic area located a short distance from Thekkady, primarily known for its extensive plantations of spices and coffee. As you approach, the air becomes filled with the distinct aromas of cardamom, pepper, cloves, and cinnamon. The landscape is a continuous stretch of rolling hills covered in a green carpet of these cultivated crops, creating a peaceful and refreshing environment. Visitors typically experience Murikkady by driving through the winding roads or stopping at viewpoints to take in the panoramic sights. Many of the local plantations offer guided walks, allowing you to see the plants up close and learn about the cultivation and processing methods from the people who work there. It’s not a single enclosed attraction but an entire locality dedicated to spice cultivation. The experience is sensory – combining the visual beauty of the green hills with the rich smells of spices that define this region of the Western Ghats. It provides a calm contrast to the more activity-focused attractions in nearby Thekkady.
Ideal For
Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience
November to January, weekends, and national holidays, aligning with the peak season in Thekkady.
September-October and February-March, especially on weekdays.
April to August, due to the summer heat and heavy monsoon rains.
Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours
Indian Visitors
Free
No entry fee
Opening Hours
6:00 AM — 6:00 PM
As an open area, Murikkady is accessible at all times. However, the recommended visiting hours for sightseeing and plantation tours are during daylight, from dawn to dusk. Most plantation tours operate between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
There is no entry fee to visit the area of Murikkady itself. However, individual private plantations may charge a fee for guided tours, which typically ranges from ₹100 to ₹300 per person.
Find your way to this destination with ease
Address
Kottayam-Kumily Road, Murikkady, Idukki District
Coordinates
9.6158, 77.1321
Nearest City
Idukki
Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently
The nearest airport is Madurai Airport (IXM) in Tamil Nadu, about 140 km away (3.5-4 hours by car). Cochin International Airport (COK) in Kerala is about 155 km...
The nearest major railway station is Kottayam (KTYM), located about 107 km away (3-3.5 hours by car). Taxis and buses are available from the station to Kumily/T...
Murikkady is situated on the Kottayam-Kumily road. It is well-connected by road to major cities in Kerala like Kottayam (107 km), Kochi (155 km), and Trivandrum...
From the main town of Kumily (Thekkady), Murikkady is just 5 km away. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are easily available for hire. You can also rent a scooter in Kum...
Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination
The history of Murikkady is directly linked to the agricultural development of the Idukki district, which began in the early 20th century. While the region has ancient roots, the organized cultivation of cash crops like cardamom, pepper, and coffee on a large scale was promoted during and after the ...
Murikkady's significance lies in its role as a living showcase of Kerala's status as the 'Spice Garden of India'. It is one of the primary areas for the cultivation of high-quality cardamom and black pepper in the country. This agricultural importance makes it a vital part of the local economy. For ...
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