Thekkady Tourist Places: 15 Best Places to Visit in Thekkady, Kerala (2026 Guide)

Quick Overview: Thekkady at a Glance

• Location: Idukki district, Kerala, near the Tamil Nadu border
• Best time to visit: September to May
• Known for: Periyar Tiger Reserve, spice plantations, boat safaris, elephant camps
• Ideal trip duration: 2 to 3 days
• Nearby destinations: Munnar, Kumily, Vagamon, Idukki town

1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

The undisputed highlight among Thekkady tourist places, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary spans a large stretch of the Western Ghats and is home to elephants, sambar deer, wild boars, leopards and the elusive Bengal tiger. Boat rides on Periyar Lake let visitors watch animals gather at the water's edge from a safe distance, while guided treks such as the Tiger Trail take you deeper into the reserve with the help of forest department guides.

• Location: Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady, Idukki, Kerala 685536
• Entry fee: Approximately ₹45 per adult (Indian nationals) and ₹500 for foreign nationals; boat cruise tickets are separate at approximately ₹225 per person
• Timings: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM; boat cruises depart at 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:15 AM, 1:45 PM and 3:30 PM
• Ideal duration: Half to full day (3–6 hours depending on activities chosen)
• How to reach: Boat landing and entry point is about 4.5 km from Kumily bus stand; taxis and auto-rickshaws are easily available from Kumily town

2. Periyar Lake

Set within the Periyar Tiger Reserve, this artificial lake is the centrepiece of most Thekkady sightseeing trips. Early morning and evening boat cruises offer the best chances of spotting wildlife against a backdrop of misty hills and reflected forest canopy.

• Location: Inside Periyar National Park, Thekkady, Idukki, Kerala 685536
• Entry fee: Included with Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary entry ticket; boat ride approximately ₹225 per adult, ₹85 per child
• Timings: Boating slots at 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:15 AM, 1:45 PM and 3:30 PM; each cruise lasts around 90 minutes to 2 hours
• Ideal duration: 1.5–2 hours for the boat ride
• How to reach: Boat landing point is about 4.5 km from Kumily bus stand; accessible by taxi or shared jeep

3. Spice and Cardamom Plantations

Thekkady is often called the spice bowl of Kerala. Guided plantation tours walk you through cardamom, pepper, clove and coffee estates, explaining how each spice is grown and harvested. Most tours end at a small shop where you can buy fresh, locally packed spices to take home.

• Location: Multiple plantations around Kumily and Murikkady, Thekkady, Idukki, Kerala
• Entry fee: Approximately ₹150–₹300 per person for a guided plantation walk (varies by estate)
• Timings: Generally 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
• Ideal duration: 1–2 hours
• How to reach: Most plantations are within 2–5 km of Kumily town, reachable by auto-rickshaw or on foot from nearby homestays

4. Mangla Devi Temple

Hidden deep inside the forests of Periyar National Park, this ancient temple is dedicated to Kannaki and holds spiritual as well as historical significance. It is usually open to the public only once a year during the Chithra Pournami festival, making a visit here a memorable addition to a Thekkady trip.

• Location: Inside Periyar Tiger Reserve, about 10–15 km from Thekkady, Idukki, Kerala
• Entry fee: Free, though forest department permission and entry fee to the reserve applies
• Timings: Accessible to the public mainly during the Chithra Pournami festival (April/May); check locally for exact dates each year
• Ideal duration: Half day, including trek or jeep transfer
• How to reach: Reachable by forest department jeep or on a guided trek from Thekkady; not accessible independently

5. Kumily

A quiet township on the edge of the sanctuary, Kumily is where most visitors base themselves while exploring Thekkady. Its markets are lined with spice shops, Kerala handicrafts and Ayurvedic products, and it also serves as the gateway town on the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border.

• Location: Kumily, Idukki, Kerala 685509
• Entry fee: Free (open township)
• Timings: Markets generally open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Ideal duration: 1–2 hours for shopping and a walk through town
• How to reach: Central hub of Thekkady; most hotels, taxis and buses operate from here

6. Murikkady

Just a few kilometres from the town centre, Murikkady is a scenic village wrapped in cardamom, pepper and coffee plantations. It's a favourite short excursion for travellers who want quiet, green views without a long drive.

• Location: Murikkady, near Kumily, Idukki, Kerala 685536
• Entry fee: Free; plantation tours in the area may charge approximately ₹150–₹300 per person
• Timings: Open throughout the day
• Ideal duration: 1–2 hours
• How to reach: About 5 km from Thekkady town; accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw

7. Chellarkovil

Perched close to the Tamil Nadu border, Chellarkovil is known for waterfalls that catch golden light at sunset and sweeping viewpoints over the valley below. It's a good stop for photography and a peaceful break from the main tourist crowds.

• Location: Chellarkovil, near Thekkady–Tamil Nadu border, Idukki, Kerala
• Entry fee: Free
• Timings: Best visited between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM; sunset views are especially popular
• Ideal duration: 2–3 hours
• How to reach: About 10 km from Thekkady town; taxis and jeeps available from Kumily

8. Pandikuzhi

Located between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border, Pandikuzhi is rich in flora, fauna and clear forest streams. It works well as a picnic or short trekking spot for travellers who want to experience Thekkady's wilder side.

• Location: Pandikuzhi, near Chellarkovil, Idukki, Kerala
• Entry fee: Free
• Timings: Open throughout the day, best visited before 4:00 PM
• Ideal duration: 2–3 hours, including a short trek
• How to reach: About 12 km from Thekkady town; combine with a Chellarkovil visit via taxi or jeep

9. Nature Interpretation Centre

A small museum near the sanctuary entrance, this centre is especially popular with families travelling with children. It offers an easy introduction to the Western Ghats ecosystem, tiger conservation efforts and the importance of sustainable tourism.

• Location: Near Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary entrance, Thekkady, Idukki, Kerala 685536
• Entry fee: Nominal fee of approximately ₹20–₹30 per person, often included with sanctuary entry
• Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
• Ideal duration: 30–45 minutes
• How to reach: Located at the sanctuary entrance, walkable from Kumily town

10. Pullumedu

A lesser-known hill station near the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Pullumedu sits amid dense forest and offers views over the Western Ghats. Its tribal heritage and untouched landscape make it a good pick for travellers looking to move beyond the standard Thekkady circuit.

• Location: Pullumedu, near Periyar Tiger Reserve, Idukki, Kerala
• Entry fee: Free; forest permit may be required for trekking
• Timings: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Ideal duration: Half day (3–4 hours)
• How to reach: About 30–35 km from Thekkady town; best reached by taxi or private vehicle

11. Peermade (Peermedu)

A cool, green hill town on the way to Thekkady, Peermade is dotted with tea, coffee and cardamom estates. It also has historical connections to the erstwhile Travancore royal family, including a summer palace in the area.

• Location: Peermade, Idukki, Kerala 685531
• Entry fee: Free (town and viewpoints); the Summer Palace may have a nominal entry charge
• Timings: Open throughout the day
• Ideal duration: 2–3 hours
• How to reach: About 35–40 km from Thekkady on the Kumily–Kottayam route; accessible by taxi or bus

12. Ramakkalmedu

Known locally as a windmill viewpoint, Ramakkalmedu offers panoramic sunrise views and strong winds that make it popular with paragliders. Pine forests surround the hilltop, adding to its scenic appeal.

• Location: Ramakkalmedu, Idukki, Kerala 685511
• Entry fee: Free; paragliding activities are charged separately, approximately ₹1,500–₹2,500 per person
• Timings: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM; sunrise visits are most popular
• Ideal duration: 2–3 hours
• How to reach: About 45 km from Thekkady town; best reached by taxi via Kattappana

13. Ayurveda and Wellness Centres

Thekkady has a number of Ayurvedic centres offering traditional Kerala massages and treatments, making it easy to combine sightseeing with relaxation during your stay.

• Location: Multiple centres across Kumily town, Idukki, Kerala 685509
• Entry fee: Treatment charges vary, approximately ₹800–₹3,000 per session depending on therapy
• Timings: Generally 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM; advance booking recommended
• Ideal duration: 1–2 hours per session
• How to reach: Most centres are within walking distance in Kumily town

14. Local Churches and Heritage Sites

Kumily and its surrounding villages are home to centuries-old churches, including one noted for a 600-year-old mural of traditional Christian art, reflecting the region's layered cultural history alongside its natural attractions.

• Location: Cheppad Valiya Pally and Lourdes Church, in and around Kumily, Idukki, Kerala
• Entry fee: Free
• Timings: Generally open 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM; mass timings may restrict visitor access
• Ideal duration: 30–60 minutes
• How to reach: Located within and around Kumily town, accessible on foot or by auto-rickshaw

15. Elephant Camps and Jeep Safaris

Several elephant camps near the sanctuary allow visitors to interact with and learn about the resident elephants, while jeep safaris into buffer forest zones such as Sathram offer an adventurous way to explore Thekkady's wilderness after the rains, when the landscape is at its greenest.

• Location: Elephant camps near Kumily and jeep safari routes towards Sathram, Idukki, Kerala
• Entry fee: Elephant camp visits approximately ₹300–₹600 per person; jeep safaris approximately ₹1,500–₹3,000 per jeep depending on group size and route
• Timings: Morning (6:00 AM–9:00 AM) and afternoon (2:00 PM–5:00 PM) slots
• Ideal duration: 2–3 hours
• How to reach: Bookable through local tour operators in Kumily; pickup is usually arranged from your hotel

Best Time to Visit Thekkady

The ideal window to visit Thekkady tourist places is between September and May, when daytime temperatures stay cool and wildlife sightings around Periyar Lake are more frequent. The monsoon season (June to August) turns the forest a deep green and is beautiful for photography, though some trekking trails become slippery.

How to Reach Thekkady

• By Air: Nearest airport is Madurai Airport (~100 km) or Cochin International Airport (~190 km)
• By Rail: Nearest railway station is Kottayam (~110 km) or Madurai (~135 km)
• By Road: Well connected by state highways from Munnar, Kumily, Kottayam and Madurai

Suggested Thekkady Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Kumily, check in, and spend the afternoon on a spice plantation tour followed by a visit to the Nature Interpretation Centre.

Day 2

Early morning boat safari on Periyar Lake inside Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, followed by an afternoon excursion to Murikkady and Chellarkovil for viewpoints and waterfalls.

Day 3 (optional)

Day trip to Pullumedu or Ramakkalmedu, or continue onward to combine your trip with our Munnar tourist places and Idukki tourist places guides for a full Kerala hill-station circuit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thekkady Tourist Places

What is the best time to visit Thekkady?

The best time to visit Thekkady is between September and May, when the weather is cool and pleasant and ideal for wildlife sightings and boating on Periyar Lake. Monsoon months (June to August) are lush and green but trekking routes can be slippery.

How many days are enough for Thekkady?

Two days and one night are usually enough to cover the main Thekkady tourist places such as Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar Lake, spice plantations and Mangla Devi Temple. Add an extra day if you want to include trekking or a visit to nearby Munnar and Idukki.

What is Thekkady famous for?

Thekkady is famous for the Periyar Tiger Reserve, boat rides on Periyar Lake, spice and cardamom plantations, elephant camps, and its cool, misty hill climate in Kerala's Idukki district.

Is Thekkady close to Munnar and Idukki?

Yes. Thekkady lies within Idukki district and is roughly 3 to 4 hours by road from Munnar, making it common for travellers to combine a Munnar, Idukki and Thekkady tour package in a single Kerala trip.

Plan Your Thekkady Trip with Backwater Holidays

At Backwater Holidays, we design custom Kerala holiday packages covering Thekkady, Munnar, Idukki and the backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom. Whether you're planning a wildlife-focused trip, a honeymoon, or a family vacation, our local team can arrange stays, guided safaris, spice plantation tours and transport for a hassle-free experience.

Contact Backwater Holidays today to book your Thekkady tour package, or explore our related guides on Munnar tourist places and Idukki tourist places to plan a complete Kerala itinerary.