12 Best Tourist Places in Thekkady

Is a place full of nature, waterfalls, greenery, and calm weather, remind you of Paradise? You may think I am exaggerating, but there is a beautiful place in Kerala which will give you the feel and comfort of Paradise named "Thekkady".

The name Thekkady is derived from "Thekku", which means teak, as this area is full of teak trees. You will pass across lovely tiny hill towns and gently rounded hill slopes on your way to Thekkady. The endless line of hills with fragrant spice crops, as well as tea, coffee, and cardamom, make it a visitor's favourite. Thekkady's charming cities provide a variety of hiking and trekking possibilities. The place's temperatures are at their minimum in December and January and reach their maximum in April and May, so plan your trip according to the region's weather and make all the necessary preparations.

Thekkady provides not just one but numerous reasons to visit and plan a vacation, especially for someone who is really tired of busy life and wants to spend some time with nature on the banks of beautiful rivers and enjoy the splendid beauty and greenery that is spread all around the place. Even if you want to go for a family trip or a solo trip, every tourist will have some new experience from Thekkady.

When you visit the beautiful village of Chellarkovil, you will be captivated by the stunning scenery in the middle of complete solitude. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary has one of the biggest diversity of flora and fauna. In short, you are going to have one of the best times of your life during the visit to Thekkady.

1. Periyar National Park

One of the best ecologically diverse areas in the world and the best-protected park region in India is Periyar National Park. The park, which is popular for its beauty, foliage, and stillness, is not only beautiful but also home to many important species, including magnificent elephants, royal tigers, and numerous reptiles, fish, and birds. So you will get the blend of nature, adventure, and beauty to come together in this protected area in an incredible way. Periyar National Park is full of splendid views. It offers you the peace and tranquillity you need and the chance to be in tune with the environment, and a regular glimpse of a Tiger or two.

The Periyar National Park spans over 257 square kilometres and is traversed by the Pamba and Periyar rivers. These rivers support the growth and flourishing of flora and animals. In order to enjoy boat cruises, jungle safaris on jeeps and elephants, and notableeco-tourism experiencesthat are the speciality of this national park, hundreds of tourists visit this place each year from across the globe. The eco-tourism offers you choices that include choices like Jungle Patrol, Border hiking, Bamboo Grove, Bamboo Rafting, Periyar Tiger Trail, Jungle Inn, Jungle camp, and Bullock Cart ride, whichare commendable efforts to protect the ecosystem.

The national park is the ideal location for taking pleasure in boating on the lovely lake, hiking through the lush forests, or simply relaxing to enjoy the view of a few wildlife animals. There is no doubt that this location is the best vacation spot because it combines a stunning environment and exciting activities. Periyar National Park is a must-see travel destination in Kerala due to the abundance of sports, quality and reasonable lodging, and simple accessibility.

2. Murikkady

A beautiful location called Murikkady is 5 meters away from Thekkady. Large swaths of plantations are what make this area famous. Given its proximity to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, it makes sense to explore both locations in one go. In the plantations of Murikkady, cardamom, pepper, coffee, and tea are all planted in profusion. The entire state is filled with the fragrance of spices, and the breeze that blows through the plantations is certain to energise anyone who visits.

Numerous plantation trips offered in the Murikkady area draw a sizable number of tourists. It is the perfect location for family picnics and trekking. This location is a popular vacation spot because of its alluring pepper wines, healthy vegetation, scented fresh air, misty mountain ranges, and green-carpeted valleys. Both photographers and enthusiasts of nature will be captivated by the location's stunning appeal. Another good reason to visit this location is that you can travel here with no restriction on timing or fees.

3. Mangla Devi temple

You can also visit the primitive temple of Mangaladevi, which goes back a thousand years, hidden within the Periyar Tiger Reserve's forest. This is the location where Kannaki, a fabled Tamil woman, abandoned all of her hatred and changed into the holy woman (Mangaladevi), bestowing favours on everyone on earth.

The Mangaladevi Temple at Thekkady is a spot where you can find the wildness of the forest and the mesmerising beauty of nature. It is situated in the wooded area of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, on the border of the two-state of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The temple is situated 15 kilometres from Thekkady in the Idukki district and 7 km from Pazhiyankudi in the Theni district. This celestial shrine of Mangaladevi is the subject of an astonishing story.

Kovalan's loving wife, Kannagi, sought revenge for the murder of her innocent husband by labelling him a criminal. She supposedly set fire to the entire city of Madurai before moving on to the Suruli Hills. She and Kovalan left this place together for Pushpaka Vimana, paradise. King Chera Chenguttuvan built this temple for Mangaladevi after being moved by this legend.

Chenguttuvan told the Tamil poet Illango Adigal the tale of Kannagi; Illango then created the classic book "Silappathikaram,"which tells the tale of Kannagi and Kovalan. The temple is renowned for its Pandyan design. Massive stones make up the border walls and the steps leading to the temple. Someone who wants to see this beautiful example of old days art should for sure pay a visit to this location.

4. Periyar Tiger Trail

Tigers are the National Animal of India, but how many tigers are left in India? They are endangered animals, and this is why a trekking program called Periyar Tiger Trail focuses on conservation. Along the trek's path, there are mountains and valleys. Locals who were once hunters work as tour guides now. These former hunters, who are now forest guides, are familiar with the forest. These knowledgeable guides assist with cooking, safety measures and setting up tents. They are also quite knowledgeable about the forest's plants and animals, even in its most distant regions.

You have an excellent possibility of seeing a range of animals on this trip, including the Nilgiri Langur, the Giant Squirrel, herds of elephants, and if you're fortunate, a tiger can also cross your path.

It would be best if you made the plan of atleast two days and one night or three days and two nights to enjoy this trip completely. For this trek, you must travel in teams, and equipped forest rangers with excellent communication devices will accompany you. Guests must be between the ages of 15 and 65, in good health, and dedicated to nature enthusiasts. They ought to pack their travel necessities. The program aims to raise the attention of the public's involvement in stopping hunting as well as other unlawful activities and in adopting steps to safeguard the forest and its priceless resources, in addition to giving participants the opportunity to enjoy the trip to the forest.

5. Tribal Heritage Museum

There are numerous tribal groups living in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, such as the Mannans and the Palians. Tourists have the amazing opportunity to see thesetribal communitieswhen they travel to this area. A glimpse into these tribes' existence is given by the Tribal Heritage Programme, which is run as a component of the tourism program.

A tour of the tribal hamlets and the Tribal Heritage Museum is planned as a portion of the two-hour activity. Through a forest trail, participants in the program can access a tribal community hidden behind a deep forest. You can enjoy a wonderful time by taking a walk through the dense forest with its winding brooks and the sound of chirping birds in the distance. The indigenous people still reside in the same grey-thatched homes they had for ages. Despite the difficulties they face, they are gentle people who coexist peacefully with the natural world. The program offers the rare chance to interact closely with a tribal group.

Overall, It is highly recommended to see the Tribal Heritage Museum, which was established by the national tourist officials inside the Mannan settlement. The museum offers a look into the history of the local tribal group and displays relics from prior eras. It offers a glimpse into the community's early culture and way of life.

6. Green Park Ayurvedic and Spices Plantation

Green Park and wooden tree houses are part of Thekkady, a Keralan spice garden situated in a luxuriant ayurvedic spice plantation. The tree houses are kid-friendly and secure. It is the spice garden that you should not skip on your trip to Thekkady. The Sky Walk, a swinging bridge that takes you to such tree houses, will be one of your favourite attractions. When you experience the Skywalk, which is 20 feet higher than the ground, you will feel mesmerised. You can cross this bridge to reach the tree house, which is made entirely of wood.

When you visit Green Park Spices in Thekkady, you can see two tree houses on either side of the place, and a 150-meter hanging bridge links them. The treehouses are entirely made of wood which is also spacious. It is a well-maintained place for accommodation. You will be captivated by the vista from the treetops.

Green Park Spices in Thekkady is a massive place in itself to enjoy. This environmental park called Green Park Ayurvedic & Spices Plantation was established to grow medicinal herbs and spices and teach others how to grow them using cutting-edge farming methods.

7. Pandikuzhi

An old romantic Bollywood movie-type village, full of beauty and greenery. Doesn't this sound like a perfect place to stay for some time? A modest tiny village called Pandikuzhi is well-known for its scenic charm. They are a traveller's paradise if they choose to revel in nature and desire to blend in with the lush surroundings. Pandiluzhi, which is conveniently situated amongst the Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu Border, is known for its wide range of wildlife as well as its waterways.

Once you visit this place, you will want to live here or would love to plan several trips again because of its splendid beauty, the river valleys, the unusual vegetation and fauna, the distinct history, the lovely water streams, the gushing waterfalls, the villages, and even the locals. Located at 5 kilometres distance from Pandikuzhi and Kumily.

8. Mudra Cultural Centre

The Kalaripayattu martial arts and Kathakali performances at the Mudra Cultural Center are well-known throughout India and around the world. At this cultural hub, the Kathakali performances are really interesting and worth appraising. Every show's makeup and costuming time begins 30 minutes beforehand. The use of the camera is encouraged and is free of any charges for the promotion of this art. It would be best if you got there early to get a decent seat. Each night there are two Kalarippayattu shows. Every evening from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM, there is a one-hour show. The hourly cost begins at 200 INR.

The Mudra Cultural Center is known for hosting cultural activities that feature the classical dance style of Kathakali and the earliest branch of martial arts in India, Kalaripayattu. Visitors can also see the performers' laborious rehearsals as they enjoy their magnificent performances. The greatest way to see the rich culture and art of the area is to attend one of their shows. So if you are someone who enjoys visiting and spending some time exploring the culture and ancient dance forms, you should for sure visit this place.

9. Chellarkovil Viewpoint

A small peaceful village called Chellarkovil is located 15 kilometres away from Kumily. It is perfectly situated in the Anakkara Panchayath, on the boundary between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Chellarkovil is regarded as one of the top tourist destinations in the Idukki, and it consistently receives visitors from around the world.

Chellarkovil is known for its scenic scenery, gushing waterfalls, and greener hills. The location is about 1200 meters above sea level. When you get to Chellarkovil, you will feel as if you have wished to visit there for a very long period of time. Thekkady and Kumily are 15 kilometres to the north of Chellarkovil.

Many community-based ecological initiatives have been started in this region. The Chellarkovil Ecotourism Community Centre assisted in the 2008 eco-tourism project, which received minimal support from the department of state of eco-tourism and forestry. The local inhabitants started the initiative. You may observe here a number of huts, pathways, a watch tower, a natural history museum of medicinal herbs, a visitor amenities centre, and other structures related to this project.

10. Kumily

One of the most captivating sites to explore in Thekkady is Kumily, where you can begin a trip to serenity and peace. The charming village's lush green forests and beautiful surroundings will take you to an ethereal atmosphere where you will forget about all of the problems of everyday life that accompany you. The first description of Kumily is found in British colonial history. When Marthanda Varma undertook his expeditions in central Travancore, the land, which the Thekkumkoor rajas had previously held, became the property of the Travancore empire.

Kumily is a perfect escape from the hustle of city life because it is separated from the town core while being only 4 miles from Thekkady. Your frazzled emotions will be soothed, and your tired soul will find solace in the surrounding lush green mountains and the smells of the spices and tea farms. For incomparable relaxation, travel to Kumily and enjoy a break from the tiring and busy world.

11. Periyar Lake

Doing something unique on a trip is what everyone dreams of. Catch a ferry trip on Periyar Lake to gain a unique perspective of the grandeur of the woods. The lake's crystal-clear waters are soothing enough to unwind your brain, body, and soul.

Additionally, the experience is thrilling due to the abundance of wildlife and tall trees that are a part of nature. You will have many opportunities during the hour-and-a-half trip to see unusual bird species, including the Malabar Grey Hornbill and the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon.

The lake, which is administered by the Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department, receives tens of hundreds of visitors every year. It's fascinating to note that this lake was formed as a result of building a damn in 1895 on Periyar or Mullaperiyar, the largest river in Kerala. The current Periyar Lake covers 26 square kilometres or 10 square miles.

12. Kadathanadan Kalari Centre

The Guru Parshuram is credited with the creation of the martial art technique known as Kalaripayyattu, which is practised at the famous Kadathanadan Kalari Center. The events planned by the centre are expressly designed to showcase the traditional style of martial art and created with the fighters' and spectators' safety in mind, as well as to shed light on the dedication needed to master this art.

The 3000-year-old martial technique is attributed to the guru Parasurama, the teacher of all martial art styles and the man who is claimed to have saved Kerala from the Arabian Sea, according to mythology.

In south India, the art of Kalaripayuttu was started first as a form of martial art. Kung-fu originated with Bodhi Dharma, an Indian Buddhist priest and Kalaripayattu teacher, and was promoted by the priests of the Shaolin Temple.