A complete guide to picturesque Thekkady

Be it summer, winter, or rainy season, Thekkady in the Idukki district retains its freshness even after being on the tourism map for decades. 

Thekkady lures visitors with the sights of the lake and forest clasping each other. 

With unending chains of hills, sightings of wild elephants, mesmerising mountains, spice-scented plantations, and boat rides, Thekkady is one of the exciting places in Kerala to explore the wilderness of nature. 

How to reach

The tourist season in Thekkady is generally from September to May.

By train: The nearest railway station is Kottayam which is about 110 km from Thekkady.

By air: The nearest airport is about 140km from Madurai and Cochin International Airport, about190 km from Thekkady.

By road: Thekkady also has good connectivity with various cities via road. From Kochi (165km), Madurai (140km), Trivandrum (206km), Munnar (90km), or Kottayam (108km), one can easily drive their way to Thekkady. 

Where to go

Thekkady offers stunning scenery and a pleasing climate that lures a large number of tourists. Thekkady is best known for boat trips and treks to enjoy the sights of the forest.

Periyar National Park

Periyar forests of Thekkady, one of the finest wildlife reserves in the country is the residing place for a variety of flora and fauna. 

With a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary, Thekkady and is known for its wild elephants and thickly established Western Ghats forests. Spread across an area of more than 300 sq miles, the Periyar National Park is considered to be the most protected area for elephants and tigers. 

The biggest attraction of Thekkady is the sight of wild elephants taking a sip from the edge of the reservoir.

Bamboo rafting

A perfect activity for water sports enthusiasts, Bamboo rafting is offered by the Kerala Forest Department at Thekkady where one can enjoy the activity in the catchment area of the national park.

Thekkady lake

Right in the heart of the forest, Thekkady or Periyar Lake offers the visitors to take a boat ride in the reservoir. This lake provides water to the forest.

Jeep safari 

Thekkady has an unending chain of hills and spice plantations and offers several nearby attractions.

A jeep safari in Thekkady can cover places like Ottakathalamedu, Vandiperiyar, Watch Tower, Pandikuzhi viewpoint, Elephant junction, Chellarkovil Mett waterfalls etc. 

Murikkady, Vandanmedu, Mangla Devi Temple, Abraham’s Spice Garden, Grambi, Kurisumala, Spring Valley Mountain etc are other stunning places to visit nearby Thekkady. 

Where to stay

A royal retreat in the middle of a lake situated deep inside a forest, Lake Palace offers guests a truly unique experience. 

Apart from Lake Palace which can be reached only by a 30-minute boat trip, there are two other hotels under the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) inside the Periyar wildlife sanctuary. They are, Aranya Nivas and Periyar House.

Where to eat

All Spice

This restaurant is famous for steaming idlis, traditional puttu and the spicy fish curry with rice. All Spice is nestled in the Cardomom County Resort in Thekkady. 

Peppermint Restaurant

This restaurant in a jungle resort at Abad Green Forest is an ideal go-to place if you love appams, stews, and Kerala fish curry. The place is also known for its fresh juices and cocktails. Dinner for four would cost around Rs 1,000. 

Dosa De Thekkady

Known for preparing the most innovative dosas in Thekkady, this restaurant serves the best paneer dosa, chicken tikka dosa, chicken Chettinad dosa and masala dosa. 

Dosa De Thekkady has also got the perfect combo of good décor and good food. They also serve beverages and desserts.

Bamboo Café 

This Café is the favourite haunt of Foreign tourists looking for a quick snack and coffee. The cafe serves both Indian and Italian cuisines.

French Restaurant & Bakery 

The French Restaurant & Bakery is a very popular tourist cafe in Thekkady. The place offers a good ambience along with baked goods and different kinds of pasta.