We use cookies to improve your website experience and provide more personalized services to you, both on this website and through other media. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Cookie Policy. Please read our Cookie Policy for more information on how we use cookies and how you can disable them.
Thekkady is an ecological wonder that appreciates and cherishes its natural bounty. The sheer diversity of the region makes it a dream destination for travellers looking to commune with nature. But Thekkady has a lot more to offer.
The tea, coffee and spice plantations add more colour to the landscape while the Periyar National Park is home to the ‘King of the Thekkady Forests’, the tiger. Here are some places you should visit on your next trip to Thekkady
All in all, Thekkady’s best feature is its natural habitat kept rare and unspoilt - be its culture, its flora, its fauna and its population. Home to the mighty roar of the tiger, this sleepy little town has as much to offer as any other big wildlife destination.
If Thekkady comes calling, simply choose Kerala tour packages from SOTC and get some great deals with advance booking. It doesn’t matter whether you want to fly solo, go with family or in a group, there are Thekkady tour packages for every type of traveller.
The first on the list for places to visit Thekkady is the Periyar Tiger Reserve. This sanctuary is famous in history as it was India’s first tiger reserve. Originally established in 1934 as a sanctuary, this reserve boasts of an artificial lake which was put in by the British in 1895. Today, this reserve houses various species of animals such the tiger, wild boar, sambal, langurs and around 2000 elephants. The river cruise in a bamboo boat is the best way to see this reserve. The more adventurous can see it more up and closer with treks led by the tribal locals.
Tip: For both activities carry warm and waterproof gear, and comfortable shoes for getting in and out of the boat or trekking.
When at the Wildlife sanctuary, one of the places to visit in Thekkady is the Abraham Spice Gardens. Breathe in the fresh spicy aroma as they send a tingle up your nose. This friendly, organic 12-hectare farm, located west of Kumily, has been around since 1952.
Tip: Take permission before you photograph the workers or the farm and don’t forget to stock up on spices on your way out. This promises to be a great experience for your children but ensure that the walk is easy for senior citizens before you begin exploring. The fascinating journey from seed to spice is an enthralling one so don’t miss it.
The Connemara Tea Factory is also one of the super places to visit in Thekkady. Also located in the reserve, you can easily get to it by bus, or if you prefer, a car ride. This 4-decade-old tea factory and plantation offers guided tours that end with delicious tea tastings. This is another one for the photo album and your taste buds, so do make it a point to go there.
The Highrange Spice Garden is a one of the recommended places to visit in Thekkady. It also offers you an opportunity to live on this farm as a homestay guest. Situated roughly 4 km from Kumily, this is where organic gardens bloom with spices, ayurvedic herbs and vegetables. If you like the idea of simple rooms awash in baby pink, book a night here for an authentic farm stay experience.
The Nature Interpretation Centre is one of the coolest places to visit in Thekkady. Your children are sure to love this. This small museum is located along the Western Ghats. It teaches us about sustainability and tiger conservation. Important lessons for tomorrow’s adults to learn.
If jungle hills are your thing, go camping or picnicking in Kumily. You won’t find it very crowded and your hotel or homestay can pack a lunch.
Tip: Read the weather forecast before setting out and carry books, sketching pads or board games. If you want to read about the local life or history or even buy a paperback or two, here are a few options:
· The Oxford Bookstall
· The Kerala Stores
· Via Kerala
ChellarKovil is a great town for views of cascading waterfalls that glow golden in the sunlight. Head to this spot for another slice of nature’s bounty.
Pandikuzhi is abundant with natural flora and fauna, making it one of the super Thekkady tourist places. Its highlights include its many winding streams that flow from Chellarkovil to Tamil Nadu. Get your picnic blanket out along with your cameras.
The St. George Orthodox Church is situated in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and is Kumily’s main orthodox church, making it one of the fabled Thekkady tourist places. It is popularly called the Cheppad Valiya Pally and is the resting place of Cheppad Philipose Mar Dionysius. This church is famous for its 600-year old mural which depicts traditional Christian paintings. Another notable church is the Lourdes Church, which is Kumily’s catholic church.
Built within the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the Mangla Devi temple is one of the frequently visited Thekkady tourist places. Also known as Kannaki, this temple is a symbol of moral powers in a woman. People flock here to pray and ask for guidance and some also come to enjoy its pristine setting and ambience.
Some of your favourite Thekkady tourist places should be Ayurveda centres. The Ayur Sparsh is one of the best places to get treated and pampered. Go for a detoxifying Sirodhara – a process that heals all while herbal oils drop on your forehead. Or choose a treatment like Pizhichil – a continuous dripping of lukewarm oils all over your body.
Other treatments are also common. Like Kizhi which applies herbal leaves and balms to your body and medicated steam baths which allow your skin to inhale steam which comes from boiling herbs. If Ayurveda is your priority, then come in the monsoon as that is the time when your skin and body are more open to treatment and will respond better.
From Grandma’s Café’s multi cuisine to the Ebony’s Café’s French croissants, Thekkady tourist places are also restaurants and diners that are alive with fresh flavours and delights for your hungry palate. For nightlife, head to the Woodhouse Spice bar or to Kumily, there are plenty of options in terms of where to have a quiet pint or make new friends.
