Thekkady, a complete guide for 2025 and beyond
Post Date - 07-02-2025 | Subject - Travel, Tourism, Thekkady, Kerala

Thekkady is an important tourist and wildlife destination in Western Ghats of Kerala. Situated 700 meters above the sea level, Thekkady is known for the proximity to the “Periyar Tiger Reserve”, a home for almost 40 tigers.
Every year thousands of travelers travel to Thekkady to enjoy the wilderness and the 90 minutes long boating through the Periyar Lake that is surrounded by the dense green forest. A lucky traveler might spot wild animals like elephants, deer, bison and migratory birds.
The travelers can also explore the nearby spice & tea plantations, grapes farms and the off-road jeep safari close to Thekkady.
Best time to visit Thekkady
The main attraction in Thekkady is the boating through the Periyar Lake and the wildlife spotting that might happen around the lake.
There are two things to consider when we plan to visit Thekkady.
What is your purpose of visit? Wildlife spotting or enjoying the nature?
Summer season (March – May)
Summer season is the time to visit Thekkady if you wish to spot wild animals. Due to scorching hot summer, the water sources inside the forest get dry and animals come to the lake side to drink water. So, summer makes a good time to visit Thekkady to spot wild animals.
Monsoon (June – September)
With monsoon rain, the nature starts to grow back to its original glory. Wherever you look, you will see only the lush green. This is a low tourism season. Monsoon is a great season to get Ayurvedic treatments.
Winter (October -February)
An ideal time to visit Thekkady for a tourist is between October till the end of February. The nature would be at it’s best. The temperature remains pleasant throughout this season. This is a n ideal time to visit Thekkady if you are visiting Thekkady for activities like hiking, trekking, jeep safari etc.
How many nights are needed at Thekkady?
A normal traveler spends only one night at Thekkady. He/ She would end up doing only the boating at Periyar Lake.
But, if you would like to explore the wildlife through different programs like nature walk, green walk, bamboo rafting, jeep safari etc. you need 2 nights at Thekkady. But, believe me it is worth spending two nights at Thekkady if you are an avid wildlife lover.
Would I get to spot a tiger?
Well, spotting a tiger in Thekkady is rarest of the rare incident and we don’t think you might spot a tiger in Periyar reserve though the reserve has around 40 tigers.
You might spot bison, elephants, bore etc.
Top places to visit in and around Thekkady

1) Periyar National Park
The main attraction at Thekkady is the boating through the lake that is surrounded by the evergreen forest inside the Pariyar National Park. A must-see place if you are a wild life lover.
2) Chellarkovil View Point
40 minutes jeep safari away from Thekkady, Chellarkovil offers, on a clear day, a spectacular view of vast stretch Tamilnadu from the watch tower. The best time visit is in the evening so that we can avoid hot weather.
3) Ramakkalmedu
The main attraction at Thekkady is the boating through the lake that is surrounded by the evergreen forest inside the Pariyar National Park. A must-see place if you are a wild life lover.
4) Wineyards at Cumbum
Travels 25 kilometers to Tamilnadu, you will reach Cumbum, a small town which is famous for the grape farms that stretches for long. You can visit the farm, buy grapes and locally made vines as well. Cumbum is also known for the vegetable farms.
5) Gavi
40 kilometers away from Thekkady, Gavi is a village inside the forest. Gavi is an ideal destination for wild life enthusiastic if you have 2 or more days at Thekkady. Away from the civilization, Gavi offers trekking, hiking and camping opportunity. There are strict entry permit to Gavi. You need prior reservation to avail the facilities at Gavi.
Top activities to do Thekkady

1) Boating at Periyar Lake
Boating at Periyar Lake is the most sought-after activity at Thekkady. Most of travelers end up doing at least boating at the lake.
Boating in Thekkady – Timing.
7:30 am
9:30 am
11:15 am
1.45 am
3:30 pm
The boating is for 90 minutes and animal sighting is a matter of luck. March – may is the offer the highest possibility to spot wild animals.
You can do the booking online at the following link. It is always advisable to ensure your tickets well in advance to avoid the long queue.
Book Online NowThe boats are well equipped with security measures like life jacket, life buoys and experienced staffs etc. Do carry camera is available.
2) Nature & Green Walks
Chose nature & green walks if you wish to explore Periyar Tiger Reserve on foot. These are two programs offered by the Kerala forest department. These are guided walk through the forest boundaries and the lake shore. These last for around 3 hours.
3) Bamboo Rafting
This is a combination of 30 minutes waling through the forest plains and a peaceful journey on a bamboo raft. Do remember to carry water bottles, fruits and an umbrella to prevent scorching summer heat. Wildlife spotting is common during bamboo rafting.
There are two programs – Full Day rafting & half day rafting.
4) Jeep Safari
Opting for a 3 hour long open jeep safari is a good idea if you wish to visit the hinterlands of Thekkady. The jeep can take you to some excellent view points where your car might not reach due to rough terrain. Also, the jeep drivers are locals and know where to go for animal spotting. Must try if you have 3 hours to spare.
5) Elephant safari
Ever wished to see an elephant close? Wanted to ride on an elephant? If yes, do visit an elephant center while you are at Thekkady. The elephant safari is a 20 minutes safari on the back of a trained elephant. You also get a chance to bath an elephant.
6) Plantation visit
Thekkady and it’s surrounding area is known for spices like black pepper, cardamom, turmeric etc. Visiting a real plantation gives you an opportunity to know how spices are cultivated, harvested and processed. You can also buy the organic spices as well.
We suggest you to check out Abraham’s Spice Garden
Entry fee – Rs 200/head
7) Ayurvedic Massage
Ayurvedic massage helps you to get your body relaxed and stress free. There are different types of massages like head, body massage etc. But, please do remember that this type of massages is mainly aimed for relaxation of the body and not considered as a medical treatment.
Cost depends on the type of massage you chose.
8) Witness Kadhakali & Kalaripayattu performance
Kadhakali is a traditional dance form and Kalarippayattu is the traditional martial art form of Kerala. There are regular shows at evening that last for more than 2 hours. This is a unique experience.
Entry fee – Rs 200/head
How to reach Thekkady?
By Air – The nearest airport is Cochin International Aiport (150 kms). Cars are available at the airport.
By Train – Kottayam is the nearest railway station (115 kms) to Thekkady. There are frequent buses available from Kottayam to Kumily, a nearby town to Thekkady.