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Thekkady

["Nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, Thekkady is a nature lover's paradise, renowned for its dense evergreen forests, the vast Periyar National Park which is home to diverse wildlife like elephants and tigers, and fragrant spice plantations that offer an aromatic sensory experience."]

David Chen
Written byDavid Chen
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Best Time To Visit Thekkady

Onam

15th September

Onam is the most significant harvest festival of Kerala, celebrated with immense fervor and joy, marking the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali. The celebrations in and around Thekkady are marked by intricate Pookalam (floral carpets), the grand Onasadya feast, and traditional folk dances like Kathakali. Local communities engage in various cultural performances, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. It's a fantastic time to witness the state's rich cultural heritage firsthand.

    FESTIVAL AND EVENTS

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    Hotels in Thekkady

    Discover curated hotels, trending escapes, and unique spots that fit your vibe and budget.
    Cozy Beach Hostel

    Cozy Beach Hostel

    4.2

    Budget-friendly accommodation with shared facilities and beach access for the perfect getaway.

    Starting from

    1,500per person
    Backpacker's Paradise, Arambol

    Backpacker's Paradise, Arambol

    4

    Clean dorms and private rooms near the beach with communal kitchen and lounge area.

    Starting from

    1,200per person
    Budget Beach Resort, Calangute

    Budget Beach Resort, Calangute

    3.8

    Affordable beachfront stay with basic amenities and easy access to popular beaches.

    Starting from

    2,000per person
    Economic Stay, Baga

    Economic Stay, Baga

    4.1

    Simple and clean accommodation near nightlife and beach activities.

    Starting from

    1,800per person
    Budget Beachside Cottage, Morjim

    Budget Beachside Cottage, Morjim

    4

    Charming cottage steps from the beach with basic amenities and peaceful surroundings.

    Starting from

    1,600per person
    Affordable Guesthouse, Vagator

    Affordable Guesthouse, Vagator

    3.9

    Clean rooms with air conditioning and Wi-Fi, close to famous beach clubs and restaurants.

    Starting from

    1,400per person
    Budget Stay, Candolim

    Budget Stay, Candolim

    4.2

    Simple accommodation with breakfast included, walking distance to beach and local markets.

    Starting from

    1,700per person
    Economical Beach Lodge, Palolem

    Economical Beach Lodge, Palolem

    4.1

    Cozy lodge with garden views, bicycle rentals, and easy access to pristine beaches.

    Starting from

    1,300per person
    Thekkady Tourism: Periyar Park, Spice Plantations & Safari

    Overview of Thekkady

    Thekkady is a beautiful town in Kerala. It rests in the green Western Ghats. This guide will help your Thekkady tourism plan. It is a true paradise for nature lovers. The air here is fresh and clean.


    Entry Details and Timing for Thekkady

    Most shops in Thekkady open around 9 AM. They usually close by 8 PM. A full visit here takes two or three days. This gives you enough time to see everything. You will not feel rushed.


    What To Expect at Thekkady?

    You will find many fun things to do in Thekkady. You can go on a great Kerala wildlife safari. This lets you see animals in their homes. You can also take a calm boat ride on the lake. It is a very peaceful trip.

    For more adventure, you can try bamboo rafting. This is a unique way to see the forest. The local food is very simple and tasty. People in Thekkady are warm and welcoming to all guests. You will feel very happy here.


    History of Thekkady

    The history of Thekkady is linked to a large dam. The Mullaperiyar Dam was built in 1895. This dam created a big artificial lake. Today, this lake is the center of the wildlife park. It helps all the animals that live there.


    Why Thekkady is Known For
    • Thekkady is very famous for its huge wildlife park.
    • It is known for its fragrant spice plantations.
    • People love the cool and pleasant weather all year.
    • The amazing green hills are a big reason to visit.

    More About Thekkady Scenery

    The hills of Thekkady are covered in thick green trees. You can often see soft mist in the morning. Sunsets paint the sky with lovely orange and pink colors. The large lake is very still and reflects the sky.

    The scenery is very calm and quiet. You can hear the sounds of birds and animals. It is a perfect place to relax your mind. Many people come here to escape busy city life. The green views help you feel fresh.


    Architecture and Style of Thekkady

    The houses in Thekkady often have sloped tile roofs. This style helps during the heavy monsoon rains. Many resorts and hotels use natural materials. You will see a lot of wood and stone. They are built to blend in with the green nature. Modern buildings also try to respect the local style.


    Best Time to Visit Thekkady

    The best time to visit Thekkady is from September to March. The weather is cool and very pleasant for trips. It is the perfect time for sightseeing. Try to visit on weekdays to avoid large crowds. The summer months from April to May can be quite hot.


    How to Reach Thekkady

    The nearest airport is Madurai Airport. It is about 136 kilometers away. The closest railway station is in Kottayam. It is around 114 kilometers from Thekkady. You can also get state-run buses from major cities in Kerala. The road trip to the town is very scenic.


    Travel Tips for Visiting Thekkady
    • Wear comfortable shoes
    • Carry water bottles
    • Follow the local rules
    • Stay safe at the spot
    • Respect the Thekkady
    • Bring good clothes
    • Do not bring banned items

    Top Attractions In or Near Thekkady
    1. Periyar National Park: This spot is in Thekkady and is a famous tiger and elephant reserve.
    2. Murikkady: This spot is near Thekkady and has vast fields of coffee and pepper plants.
    3. Chellarkovil Viewpoint: This spot is near Thekkady and has a stunning view of a waterfall.
    4. Kumily: This town is near Thekkady and is a great place to shop for local spices.
    5. elephant junction: This spot is in Thekkady and offers a chance to feed and bathe elephants.
    6. Periyar Lake: This spot is in Thekkady and is perfect for seeing wildlife from a boat.

    Your Questions, Answered

    Thekkady is primarily famous for the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, one of India's finest wildlife sanctuaries. It's also renowned for its picturesque spice plantations growing cardamom, pepper, cloves, and cinnamon, as well as opportunities for boating on Periyar Lake.
    A trip of 2 to 3 days is generally sufficient to explore the main attractions of Thekkady. This allows enough time for a boat safari in Periyar Lake, a spice plantation tour, a visit to an elephant camp, and perhaps a short trek or nature walk.
    The nearest airport is Madurai Airport (136 km), and the nearest railway station is Kottayam (114 km). The most common way to reach Thekkady is by road, as it is well-connected by state-run and private buses from major cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Taxis are also readily available.
    While Periyar National Park is a designated Tiger Reserve, tiger sightings are very rare due to the dense forest and their elusive nature. However, you have an excellent chance of spotting elephants, sambar deer, gaur (Indian bison), wild boars, and a variety of bird species.
    The top activities include boating on Periyar Lake, bamboo rafting, guided nature walks, visiting spice plantations, attending a Kathakali or Kalaripayattu show, and taking an elephant ride. You can also explore the local markets for fresh spices.
    The best time for wildlife spotting is during the dry season, from September to March. During these months, animals frequently come to the edge of Periyar Lake to drink water, making them easier to spot during a boat safari.
    Yes, it is highly recommended to book the boat safari tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season. Tickets can be booked online through the Kerala Forest Department's official website. This helps you avoid long queues and ensures you get a spot.
    Pack light cotton clothing for the day and a light jacket or shawl for the cool evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for treks and plantation tours. Also, carry insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and binoculars for better wildlife viewing.

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