Thekkady

About Thekkady

Thekkady is the gateway to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India's most celebrated tiger reserves and a must-visit destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts travelling through Kerala. Located in the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats at an elevation of 900 to 1,800 metres, a Thekkady tour offers an extraordinary combination of wildlife safaris, spice plantation walks, tribal cultural experiences, and adventure activities. If you are wondering about Thekkady things to do, the answer is remarkably varied — from spotting wild elephants on Periyar Lake to walking through aromatic cardamom gardens in the surrounding hills.<br/><br/>The Periyar Tiger Reserve, spread across 925 sq km of tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forest, is the jewel of Thekkady. Established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1934 and later declared a tiger reserve in 1978, Periyar is centred around an artificial lake created by the Mullaperiyar Dam in 1895. This scenic lake, surrounded by dense forest and rolling hills, is the main arena for wildlife viewing. Boat safaris on Periyar Lake are the most popular activity — as the vessel glides silently across the water, herds of wild elephants frequently emerge from the treeline to drink and bathe at the lake's edge. Indian bison (gaur), sambar deer, wild boar, and Nilgiri langurs are commonly spotted, while Bengal tigers and leopards remain elusive but present. Over 265 bird species have been recorded in the reserve, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.<br/><br/>For a more immersive wildlife experience, the Periyar Tiger Trail — an overnight trekking programme run by former poachers turned conservation guides — takes small groups deep into the forest for a night camping on the reserve's periphery. Bamboo rafting, another unique activity, involves floating silently through the heart of the sanctuary on bamboo rafts, offering close encounters with wildlife that boat safaris cannot match. The border hiking programme follows the Tamil Nadu–Kerala border through pristine forest trails rich in wildlife signs.<br/><br/>The town of Kumily, which serves as the base for Periyar visits, is Kerala's spice capital. The Cardamom Hills surrounding Thekkady produce some of the world's finest cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and vanilla. Guided spice plantation walks are a sensory feast — you will crush fresh peppercorns between your fingers, smell cinnamon bark peeled from the tree, and taste cardamom pods still warm from the plant. Many plantations also grow coffee and tea, and some offer accommodation in plantation bungalows surrounded by aromatic gardens.<br/><br/>Cultural experiences enrich any Thekkady tour. The Kadathanadan Kalari Centre stages performances of Kalaripayattu, Kerala's ancient martial art, with dramatic displays of sword fighting, fire breathing, and acrobatic combat. Kathakali performances, with their elaborate costumes and stylised storytelling, are staged nightly at several venues in Kumily. The Mannan and Paliyan tribal communities in the surrounding forests offer guided village visits where you can learn about traditional forest-dwelling lifestyles, herbal medicine, and tribal art.<br/><br/>Series Tours arranges comprehensive Thekkady tour packages that include Periyar boat safaris, spice plantation visits, and cultural shows. We book accommodation at properties ranging from budget hotels in Kumily to luxury tree houses and plantation resorts nestled in the spice gardens. For <a href="/packages/honeymoon">honeymoon couples</a>, a tree house stay overlooking the forest canopy combined with a private spice garden walk creates an unforgettable romantic experience.<br/><br/>Getting to Thekkady requires a scenic road journey that is itself a highlight. From Cochin, the drive takes approximately 5 hours (190 km) through a route that climbs from the coastal plains into the spice-growing highlands, passing through picturesque towns like Thodupuzha and Nedumkandam. The nearest airport is Cochin International (CIAL), and Series Tours provides comfortable <a href="/car-rentals">car rental</a> services with pickup from the airport or from any Kerala destination. Thekkady is also well-positioned between Munnar (110 km, 4 hours) and Alleppey (150 km, 4 hours), making it an essential stop on Kerala's most popular touring circuit.<br/><br/>The cuisine around Thekkady is heavily influenced by its spice heritage. Meals are rich with freshly ground masalas — the Kumily special chicken roast, pepper mutton curry, cardamom-flavoured payasam, and spice-infused fish preparations are all regional specialities. Do not miss visiting a local toddy shop for authentic Kerala-style duck roast or tapioca with spicy fish curry, washed down with fresh palm toddy.<br/><br/>Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast hoping to spot elephants and tigers, a food lover drawn to spice country, or an adventure seeker looking for bamboo rafting and jungle trekking, Thekkady delivers richly on every count. <a href="/contact">Contact us</a> to plan your Thekkady tour with Periyar safari bookings, spice plantation stays, and seamless transfers from Cochin.