Thekkady Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Thekkady showing mist or fog
Thekkady which includes a waterfall
Thekkady which includes forests
Thekkady which includes a lake or waterhole as well as a large group of people
Thekkady featuring a lake or waterhole

Explore the flora and fauna of this beautiful region in southwest India. Ride an elephant through the jungle and go on an overnight tiger-trekking adventure.

The hill town of Thekkady is surrounded by a vast wilderness of dense evergreen forests, lakes and plantations. The land is home to a popular wildlife reserve where tigers and herds of elephants roam. Go wildlife spotting, enjoy long walks through the mountains and camp overnight in the jungle.

Spread out over hundreds of square miles is the Periyar National Park, a protected area in the Cardamom and Pandalam Hills. Go on a boat cruise along Periyar Lake to see elephants bathing and playing by the water’s edge. You can also traverse the waterway on a bamboo raft. Visit the park’s Elephant Junction to ride these magnificent creatures through the forest.

The national park is part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Go on the Tiger Trail, a one or two-night trek through hills and valleys to look for tigers. Your overnight accommodation will be in tents pitched in the forest.

The reserve also hosts a number of other guided walks, normally lasting between two hours and a full day. Look for bird species such as flycatchers, thrushes and hornbills on the Nature Walk and hike through deciduous forests and marshy grassland on the Green Walk.

For some evening entertainment, go to the park's Kadathanadan Kalari Center. Watch skilled athletes perform martial art displays, accompanied by music, fire and loud drum beats.

A visit to the national park is also an excellent opportunity to study Thekkady’s tropical flora, including eucalyptus trees, orchids, banyans and jacarandas. Enhance your knowledge of the area's plant life with an excursion to Deepa World Spice and Ayurvedic Garden. Here you can tour plantations and learn about products made from the herbs, spices and other plants.

Reach Thekkady by flying into Madurai Airport. At a distance of approximately 85 miles (136 kilometers) away this is the nearest airport. Make the rest of the journey by taxi or rental car.Thekkady's wildlife and beautiful natural scenery can be enjoyed throughout the year. However, bear in mind the monsoon season is between June and September and some activities are weather dependent.

Spice Village - Cgh Earth
Spice Village - Cgh Earth
4 out of 5
Kumily - Thekkady Road, Peermade, Kerala
The price is NZ$242 per night from 16 July to 17 July
NZ$242
16 July - 17 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Peermade. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Kadathanadan Kalari Centre and Mudra Cultural ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (45 reviews)
"Stay In the lap of Mother Nature"

Reviewed on 14 Jun. 2025

Spice Village - Cgh Earth
The Elephant Court
The Elephant Court
5 out of 5
Amalambika Road, Peermade, Kerala
The price is NZ$124 per night from 11 July to 12 July
NZ$124
11 July - 12 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Peermade. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 indoor pools. Popular attractions Kadathanadan Kalari Centre and Mudra Cultural ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (16 reviews)
"Liked the original Kerala style room decor, location of the property and overall helpfulness of staff. Cafeteria and food was excellent as well."

Reviewed on 15 Feb. 2025

The Elephant Court
Hills & Hues
Hills & Hues
3.5 out of 5
2nd mile,amaravathy P.O.Kumily, Periyar, Peermade, Kerala
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Peermade. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Mudra Cultural Centre and Kadathanadan ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (11 reviews)
A nice and Cozy stay
"A very good place to stay with family, the pool is the most attractive spot. Staffs were very friendly, no bad things to say"

Reviewed on 2 May 2025

Hills & Hues
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Casa Bella
Casa Bella
3 out of 5
Rosapookandam Rd., Thekkady, Peermade, Kerala
Stay at this 3-star villa in Peermade. Popular attractions Mudra Cultural Centre and Kadathanadan Kalari Centre are located nearby.
Casa Bella
Mulberry Homestay  .
Mulberry Homestay .
Thekkady
Stay at this vacation home in Peermade. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kadathanadan Kalari Centre and Mudra Cultural ...
Mulberry Homestay .
Periyar Homes Thekkady
Periyar Homes Thekkady
2 out of 5
Kumily
Stay at this cottage in Peermade. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Mudra Cultural Centre and Kadathanadan ...
Periyar Homes Thekkady
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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