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Thekkady (Periyar)

Thekkady (Periyar)

wildlife park · Kerala

Thekkady is a prominent high-altitude wildlife conservation destination at an elevation of 900 metres in the Cardamom Hills of Idukki district.

State
Kerala
Type
Wildlife Park
Best season
Winter
Things to do
3+

Thekkady is a prominent high-altitude wildlife conservation destination at an elevation of 900 metres in the Cardamom Hills of Idukki district. Positioned right along the border lines of Tamil Nadu, the region centers entirely around the core boundaries of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, a sanctuary spanning over 925 square kilometers of rugged evergreen rainforest terrain. The unique safari experience operates entirely on water, where visitors board double-decker passenger boats to track wildlife along the submerged tree trunks and marshy banks of the lake basin. The outer perimeters of the park transition smoothly into expansive organic spice farming valleys.

When to go

The reserve is open year-round, but the best months for comfortable wildlife tracking are from October to March.

Why visit

The lake is man-made, which is why dead tree trunks are still standing in it, and the boat across is what everyone comes for. Take the first boat of the day; the later ones see much less. Bamboo rafting with a forest guide is better still if you can get a place.

Cultural notes

Originally a private royal hunting reserve for the Kings of Travancore, the territory was formally protected under Project Tiger in 1978. Kumily town acts as a bastion for preserving Kerala's ancient cultural arts, hosting daily performances of Kalaripayattu martial arts and Kathakali dance dramas.

How to reach

The closest airport is Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu, located 140 km east, while Cochin Airport sits 145 km west. The nearest major railway hub is at Kottayam (110 km). It is accessed comfortably by driving along the scenic National Highway 183 corridor, with regular state buses running daily to Kumily town.

2 days in Thekkady (Periyar)

Take the whole plan, or add any single stop.

Periyar Lake Boat CruiseDay 1

Day 1

Periyar Lake Boat Cruise

The reserve's primary safari option, utilizing large passenger boats to track wildlife along the winding lake branches.

Day 1

Guided nature walk in the reserve

Guided nature walk in the reserve

Day 1

Evening Kathakali or Kalari show

Evening Kathakali or Kalari show

Day 2

Day 2

Spice plantation tour

Spice plantation tour

Day 2

Bamboo rafting or a border hike

Bamboo rafting or a border hike

Day 2

Shop for cardamom, pepper and tea at Kumily

Shop for cardamom, pepper and tea at Kumily

Suggested Itinerary

Day-by-day plans other travellers have published for Thekkady (Periyar)

Kerala Escape: Munnar, Thekkady & Alleppey

Kerala Escape: Munnar, Thekkady & Alleppey

5 days 11 stopsCityDekho Editorial

Thekkady (Periyar) guide & itineraries

Thekkady (Periyar) is perfect for

naturecouplesfamilyadventure

What & where to eat

Kumily

Fresh cardamom tea

Estate-fresh spiced tea and coffee

Pazham Pori

Sweet fried plantain fritters

Spice-rich Kerala curries

Dishes fragrant with local cardamom and pepper

Appam with Stew

Appam with Stew

Hoppers with coconut stew

Beef / Pork Ularthiyathu

Kerala-style dry-roasted meat with coconut slivers

Nearby getaways

Munnar

~3.5 hrs

Vagamon

~3 hrs

Madurai (TN)

~4 hrs

Frequently asked questions

How many days for Thekkady?
1-2 days: the lake cruise and a spice-and-plantation day.
Best time to visit Periyar?
September to March; the cooler, drier months are best for wildlife and boating.

Things to do

How to spend your time in Thekkady (Periyar).

Periyar Lake boat cruise

Boat safari on the lake to spot elephants and birds

Guided nature walk

Walk the reserve with trained tribal guides

Bamboo rafting

Full-day rafting-and-trek along the lake edge

Kathakali & Kalaripayattu show

Evening classical dance-drama and martial arts

Popular attractions

The places in Thekkady (Periyar) most people come for.

Kumily Spice Market

Kumily Spice Market

Market

Kadathanadan Kalari Center

Kadathanadan Kalari Center

Experience

See all attractions

Reviews & ratings

What travellers say about Thekkady (Periyar)

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