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15 Places to Visit in Thekkady, Kerala | Offbeat Kerala Tours & More!

Strategically positioned in the vicinity of lush green Periyar National Park, Thekkady is a serene haven that fascinates travel aficionados, wildlife junkies and nature lovers from across the world. This popular thekkady tourist places in the Idukki district of Kerala is famous for wildlife ecology as well as inspiring topography that includes quiet countryside, rolling hills, verdant forests, savanna grasslands, rich plantations and shimmering lakes. Rendering to Wildlife tourism and Adventure tourism, Thekkady sightseeing is a lifetime experience.

It is one of the most stunning hill stations in Kerala where you can revel in the lap of nature and enjoy close encounters with denizens whilst sailing in the boat. Also known as the city of spices, it is a place that can seduce your senses with the freshness of air quality and the light aroma it carries. What else does this charming place have in store for the visitors? Well, you gotta scroll down to the list of top 15 places to visit in Thekkady which must be in the itinerary.

15 Best Places to Visit in Thekkady

  • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary & Lake
  • Murikkady
  • Kumily
  • Anakkara
  • Chellarkovil
  • Pandikuzhi
  • Vandiperiyar
  • Ramakkalmedu
  • Pullumedu
  • Vandanmedu
  • Mangla Devi Temple
  • Mullaperiyar Dam
  • Kurisumala
  • Elephant Junction
  • Kadathanadan Kalari Centre

1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary & Lake

Located in the western ghats - the famous biodiversity hotspot in India, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places to visit in Thekkady, Kerala. Famous for its Tiger Reserve and untouched beauty, the wildlife sanctuary is a perfect place to catch the sight of wild animals manoeuvring in the expansive deciduous forest. You can enjoy a unique experience of boat cruises in Periyar Lake along with other options like Jeep Safari and Elephant safari to get around the sanctuary.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary & Lake | #1 of 15 Places to Visit in Thekkady

  • Distance from Thekkady: 2.6 km via Kumily - Thekkady Road
  • Average Time to Reach: 8 minutes
  • Best Time to Visit: Between 7 AM to 9 PM on all Days
  • Entry Fees: INR 25 for Indians | INR 300 Foreigners

Also Read: Biodiversity Hotspots in India

2. Murikkady

Murikkady is one of the best places to visit in Thekkady with family as it is a popular picnic spot of the area. The lush green surroundings, enchanting view of emerald hills, fragrance of spices and coffee is like a treat for the visitors. You can enjoy an entire day in the lap of nature savouring every bit of beauty this place offers. You can also take a tour to spice and coffee plantations in Murikkady which is quite intriguing for nature lovers and hikers.

Murikkady | #2 of 15 Places to Visit in Thekkady
  • Distance from Thekkady: 5 km
  • Average Time to Reach: 15 minutes
  • Best Time to Visit: Anytime of the Day
  • Entry Fees: Free

Also Read: Offbeat Places to Visit in Kerala

3. Kumily

The erstwhile capital of Thekkumkoor Kings, Kumily is a beautiful town that was previously known as Kuzhumoor. Unlike the quaintness of Thekkady, Kumily is a bustling trade centre with an idyllic countryside vibe. The town is popular for spice and tea plantations as well as verdant surroundings which makes it an ideal place for relaxation and rejuvenation. Besides, there are activities like nature walks and tea plantation tours which grab the attention of tourists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Kumily | #3 of 15 Places to Visit in Thekkady

  • Distance from Thekkady: 1.4 km
  • Average Time to Reach: 5 minutes
  • Best Time to Visit: Anytime of the Day
  • Entry Fees: Free

    Virtual Tour To Kerala: God’s Own Country

4. Anakkara

The mini hamlet located on the Kumily-Munnar state highway, Anakkara is an ideal place for the tourists. It is one of the best places to visit near Thekkady as this small 50 sq km village is packed with the glory of nature. Tourists can also enjoy guided interactive tours along with thrilling activities such as trekking and paragliding. This picturesque village is perfect for savouring the beauty of nature and serene environment. You can also buy fresh spices and handicrafts in this village close to Thekkady.

Anakkara | #4 of 15 Places to Visit in Thekkady

  • Distance from Thekkady: 13.4 km
  • Average Time to Reach: 25 minutes
  • Best Time to Visit: Anytime of the day
  • Entry Fees: Free

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5. Chellarkovil

Located at a distance of 11 km from Kumily, Chellarkovil is a secluded town close to Thekkady which is gaining popularity in the offbeat traveller circuit. This small village is known for its scenic beauty and virgin landscape. Tourists visit this breathtaking destination to revel in the glory of nature that includes verdant surroundings, coconut groves and cascading waterfalls. It is an idyllic spot for honeymooners as the town offers much needed seclusion and serenity.

Chellarkovil | #5 of 15 Places to Visit in Thekkady

  • Distance from Thekkady: 15.3 km via Munnar-Kumily Highway
  • Average Time to Reach: 40 minutes
  • Best Time to Visit: Anytime of the day
  • Entry Fees: Free

6. Pandikuzhi

Located at a distance of 5 km from Kumily, Pandikuzhi is one of the highly recommended tourist places that can be visited on your trip to Thekkady. This charming hill town is a treasure trove of nature and serenity. Brimming with lush green surroundings, cascading waterfalls, unique foliage and exotic fauna, this place in Thekkady offers myriad visual treats to the visitors. People also get an opportunity to get closer with nature through trekking and nature walks.

Pandikuzhi | #6 of 15 Places to Visit in Thekkady

  • Distance from Thekkady: 4.9 km via NH183 and Munnar-Kumily Highway
  • Average Time to Reach: 12 minutes
  • Best Time to Visit: Anytime
  • Entry Fees: Free Entry

7. Vandiperiyar

The famous spice village located in Idukki district of Kerala, Vandiperiyar is a mesmerising place that grabs the attention of nature lovers and tourists alike. This charming town near Thekkady is where you can enjoy the eye popping vistas of expansive plantations, shimmering rivers and cascading waterfalls. Tourists also get an opportunity to discover the jaw dropping beauty of Flower Garden and take a short tour of Government Agricultural Farm.

Vandiperiyar | #7 of 15 Places to Visit in Thekkady

  • Distance from Thekkady: 14.2 km via NH183
  • Average Time to Reach: 25 minutes
  • Best Time to Visit: Free
  • Entry Fees: INR 25 per person, INR 50 per vehicle

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8. Ramakkalmedu

Located at a distance of about 40km from Thekkady, Ramakkalmedu is a gorgeous hill station that grabs the fancy of nature lovers and thrill seekers. This small hamlet in God’s own country, Kerala is known for the most enchanting panoramic view of the rolling hills dotted with numerous windmills. Reckoned as one of largest wind blowing areas in Asia, Ramakkalmedu is a place that remains pleasant all through the year. Besides, there are a gamut of attractions such as the Statue of Kuravan and Kuruthi, a 300 m high pillar like structure which serves as an excellent vantage point, cardamom fields, coffee plantations etc which serve as the major drawcard for Kerala Tourism.

Ramakkalmedu | #8 of 15 Places to Visit in Thekkady

  • Distance from Thekkady: 38.7 km via Munnar-Kumily Highway Idukki, Kerala
  • Average Time to Reach: 1hour 10 minutes
  • Best Time to Visit: 6 AM to 6 PM
  • Entry Fees: Free

9. Pullumedu

Drawing a vivid picture of green carpet on earth, Pullumedu is one of the most scenic places to visit near Thekkady that has resemblance to heaven. This sparsely populated place is known for its virginity and the famous Makarajyothi - the celestial light. Besides its religious significance, Pullumedu offers an untouched landscape that includes rolling hills, gurgling rivers, rich flora and fauna. So if you want to bask in the beauty of nature, this place is perfect for you.

Pullumedu | #9 of 15 Places to Visit in Thekkady

  • Distance from Thekkady: 18.5 km via NH185 and Anavilasam-Marykulam Rd, Idukki, Kerala
  • Average Time to Reach: 35 minutes
  • Best Time to Visit: Anytime of the day
  • Entry Fees: Free

10. Vandanmedu

If you want to witness the exceptional beauty of nature then Vandanmedu is a must visit place near Thekkady that has a lot to offer the visitors. Nestled at an altitude of 4000ft above sea level, this place serves as a great vantage point from where you can grab panoramic vistas. Right from sprawling cardamom fields to coffee plantations and spice gardens, this place has a refreshing vibe hence making it a perfect getaway for unwinding yourself. Also, it is a wonderful place for trekkers as they enjoy trekking around its verdant plantations on the hill slopes. It is easily accessible from Kumily and Munnar as frequent buses ply to and fro on regular intervals.

Vandanmedu | #10 of 15 Places to Visit in Thekkady

  • Distance from Thekkady: 22.0 km via Munnar-Kumily Highway
  • Average Time to Reach: 40 minutes
  • Best Time to Visit: Anytime
  • Entry Fees: Free

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11. Mangla Devi Temple

Perched at an altitude of 1300 m and tucked in the deep forests of Periyar National Park, Mangla Devi Temple is one of the best places to visit in Thekkady. The temple is visited by a large number of devotees and tourists in the month of April to May as it is the time when this revered shrine of Goddess Mangla Devi is opened to the public. Besides holding immense religious significance, the temple is also a great place for trekkers and nature lovers.

Mangla Devi Temple | #11 of 15 Places to Visit in Thekkady

  • Distance from Thekkady: 11.8 km via Kumily - Kannagi Temple Road
  • Average Time to Reach: 41 minutes
  • Best Time to Visit: In the months of April through May
  • Entry Fees: Free

12. Mullaperiyar Dam

Mullaperiyar Dam is a masonry gravity dam which is situated in the Periyar Tiger Reserve and is in close proximity to Thekkady. It is a perfect picnic spot where you can enjoy the mesmerising view of verdant tiger reserve and the shimmering Periyar Lake. Another top attraction of Mullaperiyar Dam is its cascading water which gushes down from the scoring height of 155 ft. It is also a wonderful vantage point for wildlife viewing.

Mullaperiyar Dam | #12 of 15 Places to Visit in Thekkady

  • Distance from Thekkady: 26.3 km via NH183 and NH 183A
  • Average Time to Reach: 50 minutes
  • Best Time to Visit: 6 AM to 3 PM
  • Entry Fees: INR 25 per person for Indians, INR 300 for Foreigners

Also Read. Best Tourist Places In Kerala That Are Travellers Delight

13. Kurisumala

Also known as the Spring Valley Mountain, this mini resort town is set against the beautiful backdrop of Thekkady’s verdant hills and untouched landscape. It is one of the most scenic places where you can simply soak yourself in the serenity and jaw dropping surroundings.

Reckoned as the hikers paradise, Spring Valley Mountain, aka Kurisumala gives you an opportunity to get close to nature. You can also grab the most enchanting view of the Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary from its towering summit which rests at the height of 4,000 feet above sea level.

Kurisumala | #13 of 15 Places to Visit in Thekkady

  • Distance from Thekkady: 4.6 km via NH183
  • Average Time to Reach: 10 minutes
  • Best Time to Visit: Anytime
  • Entry Fees: Free 

14. Elephant Junction

From Elephant safaris to watching them close in their natural habitat, Elephant Junction near Thekkady offers you an experience of a lifetime. You can spend a day here and take a tour to spice plantations and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on the Elephant back. Also, you can bathe, feed and get close to these mammoth sized species that are harmless in nature. You can enjoy the diverse flora and fauna here.

Elephant Junction | #14 of 15 Places to Visit in Thekkady

  • Distance from Thekkady: 3.9 km via NH183
  • Average Time to Reach: 12 minutes
  • Best Time to Visit: Every day between 8 AM to 6 PM
  • Entry Fees: INR 400 for 30 minutes, INR 1000 for an hour, INR 1250 for 1.5 hours, INR 1500 for 2 hours, INR 3000 for half day, INR 6000 for full day.

15. Kadathanadan Kalari Centre

If you like to delve in the vibrant culture of Kerala then Kadathanadan Kalari Centre is the place that will grab your attention. It is one of the exciting Thekkady tourist places where you can enjoy cultural displays of traditional Kalaripayattu martial arts of Kerala. People also visit here from across the world to learn this 3000-year-old art form from basic to advanced level. It is an interesting place for cultural exchange and catching a kaleidoscopic glimpse of ancient art forms of India. Make sure it is on your wishlist!

Kadathanadan Kalari Centre | #15 of 15 Places to Visit in Thekkady

  • Distance from Thekkady: 1.3 km via Kumily Govt Hospital Rd and NH183
  • Average Time to Reach: 4 minutes
  • Best Time to Visit: 6 PM to 7 PM
  • Entry Fees: INR 200/Person

Best Time to Visit Thekkady

Winter season that falls between the months of October to February is the best time to visit Thekkady. During this time of the year, the weather here is pleasant with mild rainfall and less humidity. You will be totally at ease doing wildlife safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and indulging in other outdoor adventures such as trekking, hiking, and nature walks.

Frequently Asked Questions about Best Places to Visit in Thekkady

Q 1. What are the top attractions to visit in Thekkady?
A 1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary & Tiger Reserve is the top attraction of Thekkady.

Q 2. Which are the best waterfalls in Thekkady?
A 2. Thommankuthu Waterfalls is among the best waterfalls in Thekkady.

Q 3. What is the best time to visit Thekkady?
A 3. October to February is the best time to visit Thekkady.

Q 4. What are the top sightseeing places in Thekkady?
A 4. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary & Tiger Reserve, Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, Elephant Junction, Mullaperiyar Dam, Mangla Devi Temple, Thommankuthu Waterfalls, Ramakkalmedu, Kurisumula, Murikkady, Kumily are the top sightseeing places in Thekkady.

Q 5. What are the top 10 places to visit in Thekkady?
A 5. 
Discover the top 10 places to explore in Thekkady, including Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mangla Devi Temple, Periyar Lake, Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, Abraham's Spice Garden, Elephant Junction Thekkady, Murikkady, Chellarkovil, Pandikuzhi, and Vandiperiyar. These attractions offer a diverse range of experiences, from wildlife encounters to cultural immersion, making Thekkady an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

Q 6. What are some of the best places to visit in Thekkady with family?
A 6. Discover family-friendly attractions in Thekkady that offer memorable experiences for all ages. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary provides thrilling jungle safaris amidst lush greenery, offering opportunities to spot elephants, tigers, and more. Periyar Lake offers serene boat rides with scenic views, perfect for a leisurely family outing. The Elephant Junction Thekkady allows families to interact with gentle giants through elephant rides and bathing sessions, creating cherished moments together amidst nature.

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--- Published By  Shradha Mehra

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