Best Time to Visit

Thekkady in Summer- The summer season in Thekkady is hot from March to May, with temperatures between 26 and 36 degrees Celsius. However, early mornings and evenings are still pleasant, and it is an excellent time to visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and observe wildlife. Chitra Pournami celebrations occur in April/May, and the Mangaladevi temple is open for devotees.

Thekkady in Monsoon- Thekkady's monsoon season offers pleasant weather with mild showers and a drop in temperature. It is an ideal time to visit Chellarkovil, as the vibrant landscape and bubbling waterfalls are at their best. Visitors are advised to carry umbrellas as the showers can get heavy.

Thekkady in Winter- The winter season is the best time to visit, with temperatures between 15-24°Celsius. The pleasant climate makes it easier to enjoy the region's natural splendor. Thekkady is also known for its excellent climate and festivals, such as the Thai Pushya Festival and the Sabrimala Temple Festival.

How To Reach

By Air- The nearest airport to Thekkady is Madurai, which is well-linked to the rest of India. It is around 136 kilometres from the heart of Thekkady. Nedumbassery Airport in Kochi is another international airport close to Thekkady. It is around 190 kilometres from Thekkady's centre. There are several flights available to Madurai.

By Train- Kottayam, about 114 kilometres away, is the nearest railway station. Trains to Trivandrum also pass through Kottayam. Trains of various varieties, including local, express, and super rapid, connect the city to other areas of the nation. To go to Thekkady, you can take taxis or private cabs from the station.

By Road- Thekkady is very well connected by road to several cities. The route connects Thekkady to places such as Kochi (165 kilometres), Kottayam (108 kilometres), Kothamangalam (110 kilometres), Munnar (90 kilometres), and Trivandrum (206 kilometres). You can use comfortable premium buses or private vehicles to go to Thekkady. The state-owned buses are the heartbeat of Kerala, running to all state regions, and you may get here either by state buses or private cab services.

Major Tourist Attractions

Periyar National Park: The Periyar National Park is a bio-diverse region in Kerala, home to royal tigers and elephants. It offers boat cruises, jungle safaris, jeep safaris, and elephant safaris, as well as eco-tourism activities such as Jungle Patrol, Border hiking, Bamboo Grove, Bamboo Rafting, Periyar Tiger Trail, Jungle Inn, Jungle camp, and Bullock Cart discoveries.

Periyar Tiger Trail: Visitors trek through the Tiger Path and thick foliage of the reserve with guides and Forest Department personnel have an unforgettable experience. They can also see elephants, sambhars, and tigers.

Thekkady Lake: Thekkady or Periyar Lake, located in the middle of the forest, is famed for being a gathering place for a vast range of animals. You may experience the forest up close by by boating through the reservoir.

Chellarkovil Viewpoint: The Chellarkovil Viewpoint offers stunning views of the hilly terrain of Thekkady, with lush green vegetation and a mesmerizing waterfall. It also has a watchtower equipped with a telescope, giving visitors an incredible bird's eye view of the location and fantastic sunset views.

Kadathanadan Kalari Centre: Kadathanadan Kalari Centre is a renowned centre for the traditional form of martial arts, Kalaripayyattu, which Sage Parshuram invented. Programs are arranged to showcase the ancient form of self-defence in a gallery designed for safety and insight into the discipline required.

Mangaladevi Temple: Mangaladevi Temple, located in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, is an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Mangala. The temple offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and hills, making it a serene and spiritual destination.

Spring Valley Mountain: Spring Valley Mountain is a tranquil spot known for its lush greenery and panoramic views. This location provides a peaceful retreat into Thekkady’s natural beauty and is ideal for nature walks and picnics.

Spice Walk: Embark on a Spice Walk through Thekkady’s aromatic spice plantations. This guided tour educates visitors about cultivating and processing spices like cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon, enhancing the sensory experience.

Elephant Junction: Elephant Junction offers an exciting opportunity to interact with elephants. Visitors can enjoy elephant rides, bathing, and feeding activities, providing a memorable and immersive wildlife experience in Thekkady.

Tribal Heritage Museum: The Tribal Heritage Museum showcases the culture and traditions of the local tribal communities. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring traditional artifacts, clothing, and tools, gaining insight into the rich heritage of Thekkady’s Indigenous people.