Thekkady is situated in the western Ghats of Kerala and is popularly known for its spice plantation gardens and hills. The tours to these gardens and other tourist attractions are arranged by the forest department. The whole city is covered with green hills and beautiful lakes. The best places to visit in Thekkady are waterfalls and lakes that are surrounded by thick dense forests. While visiting Thekkady city you have to make sure that you don’t litter tourist sites and also don’t carry any plastic items as Kerala is a plastic-free state.

Tourist Places at Thekkady for Incredible Experience

1. Spring Valley Mountain

Thekkady is a hillock that offers a splendid view of the surrounding. The place is locally known as Kurisumala and in this place, everything is the green and perfect place for those who are searching for a purely natural place to spend some time. Spring valley becomes more beautiful in the rainy season. There is no fee to explore the place and this is one of the best locations in Thekkady.  

Visiting hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Entry fee: Free

Trip Duration: Around 1-2 hours

2. Hiking in Thekkady 

Thekkady is surrounded by many hills and there are many organizers who manage these hikes and treks. The forest department organizes these hikes and the mountains are covered with green forests. The hills are of great height and from the top, you can have a mesmerizing view of the surrounding. Some of the hills do not require a fee for hiking or trekking.   

Visiting hours: 10:00AM – 5:00PM

Entry fee: INR 1000 onwards 

Trip Duration: Around 1-2 Hour

3. Night patrol in Jungle

The walk-in jungle starts from Periyar National Park and is organized by the department of forests. Night patrolling in Jungle is a thrilling adventure that is the dream of many but only a few dares to do. At once only 10 members are allowed and are separated into two teams. Each team is guided by a professional and the walk is around 3 km through the jungle. 

Visiting hours: 10:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Entry fee: INR500

Trip Duration: Around 1-2 hours

4. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

The Periyar wildlife sanctuary is situated near Periyar lake and is home to many wild animals like elephants, tigers, panthers and many species of migratory birds. The sanctuary is surrounded by thick dense forests and is untouched by humans. You can buy tickets from the ticket counter and at the gate, a security check will be done to make sure you are not carrying any plastic items as the whole place is a plastic-free zone. 

Visit timings: 6:00AM – 6:00PM  

Room fee: INR25 – INR300

Ideal Duration: 1 hour

5. Camping in Thekkady

One of the best places for camping is Gavi which you can reach by hiking. This is the favourite spot among campers as the place is free and you don’t require any guide to enjoy this place. Camping under stars with a bonfire and waking up with birds chirping is a feeling very few get. One of the best ways to reach the place is by cycle.      

Visiting Timings: 8:00AM – 6:00PM

Entry fee: Free

6. Kalaripayattu Centre

At the Kalaripayattu centre programs are arranged to showcase the power of Indian martial art and is learned by many celebrities. Art is not easy to learn, it requires a lot of discipline. There is a show organized by the Kalaripayattu Centre for Travelers and you can be a part of the Kalaripayattu show. There are many weapons by which martial art practice is done and you can see even old age can fight like young people.         

Visiting hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Entry Fee: INR 200 

Trip Duration: Around 1-2 Hours

7. Elephant junction Thekkady 

Elephants are the most loved animal in Kerala and in Periyar national park you can experience the life of elephants. You can buy tickets at the counter of Periyar national park and the package includes an elephant ride along with feeding and elephant bathing. A professional will be there with the tourists for their safety and to guide tourists so they can play with elephants.   

Charges: INR400 onwards    

Visiting hours: 8:00AM – 7:00PM

Trip Duration: Around 1-2 Hours

8. Beautiful lakes of Thekkady

There are many beautiful lakes in Thekkady which are surrounded by lush green forests and scenic landscapes. These man-made lakes can be explored by boating and cruising that are available for tourists. The boating services are arranged by the department of forests and if you are lucky enough you can even spot elephants playing in lakes. Make sure you do not carry any plastic items and help in maintaining the purity of the lake.     

Visiting hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Trip Duration: Around 1-2 hours

Entry Fee: INR 200 onwards

9. A walk at tribal Heritage

Near Periyar National Park, a tribal heritage museum is situated where you can have a walk-in tribal village and see how tribes use to live. The major attraction is the tribal heritage museum that displays the costumes, weapons, furniture, culture, rituals and everything about their lives. A guide will take you through the village and museum to showcase the culture and ceremonies of the tribes.    

Visiting hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Entry fee: INR 500 onwards  

Trip Duration: Around 1 hour

10. Chellarcovil Waterfall

The waterfall is located in the small village of Idukki and Famous place to visit in Thekkady. You can trek to the waterfall to admire the beauty of this stunning waterfall. The water that falls on the ground forms a pool and is an ideal spot for swimming. You should avoid visiting the Chellarkovil waterfall during monsoon season as the place becomes dangerous during rainfall. 

Visiting hours: 10:00AM – 4:00PM

Trip Duration: Around 1-2 hours

Entry Fee: Free

11. Spice plantation

There are many gardens that are famous for spice and tea plantations. Here at these gardens, you can witness the scenic charm of these organic gardens. Near these gardens, there are factories that produce tea and you can be a part of that. In visiting the factories you will be amazed by the aroma of teas and you can have an experience of whole tea production.

Visiting hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Entry fee: INR 200 onwards

Trip Duration: Around 1 hour

Frequently Asked Questions?