🐘 1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Description: Explore the heart of Thekkady at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to majestic elephants, bison, leopards, and over 260 bird species. Embark on bamboo rafting, jungle safaris, or serene lake cruises across Periyar Lake. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife photographers. 🌲
History: Declared a sanctuary in 1950, once the royal hunting grounds of Travancore kings.
Distance: 1 km from Thekkady
Travel Time: 5 mins
Best Time: Oct–May
How to Reach: Walk or auto from town
Best Food: Bar-B-Que by Meesha’s
Local Culture: Tribal eco-tourism, eco-development societies
Great Deals: Wildlife tour package with boat safari by Kreative Routes
🌊 2. Periyar Lake
Description: This artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam offers calm boat rides amid thick forests, with wildlife sightings along the shoreline. A boat safari here is one of the most popular activities in Thekkady. 🛶
History: Created in 1895, the lake supports Thekkady’s biodiversity.
Distance: Within Periyar Sanctuary
Travel Time: 10 mins
Best Time: Nov–Feb
How to Reach: Accessible inside the park
Best Food: Spice Garden Restaurant
Local Culture: Eco-conscious and wildlife-centric community
Great Deals: Boat ride combo with lunch by Kreative Routes
🧘♀️ 3. Elephant Junction
Description: Experience interactive elephant activities like bathing, feeding, and short rides in a humane and well-maintained setup. A favorite among families and kids! 🐘
History: Established as an eco-activity center promoting ethical elephant interaction.
Distance: 1.5 km from Thekkady
Travel Time: 5–10 mins
Best Time: Oct–March
How to Reach: Auto or tuk-tuk
Best Food: Ambadi Restaurant
Local Culture: Strong focus on animal respect and conservation
Great Deals: Family wildlife experience with Kreative Routes
🔥 4. Kadathanadan Kalari Centre
Description: Witness Kerala’s ancient martial art – Kalaripayattu, performed with agility and weapons in a traditional arena. A thrilling cultural show not to be missed. ⚔️
History: Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest martial arts in the world, with origins in Kerala.
Distance: 1 km from city center
Travel Time: 5 mins
Best Time: Evening shows (6 PM)
How to Reach: By foot or auto
Best Food: Chrissie’s Café
Local Culture: Martial heritage of Kerala
Great Deals: Evening cultural tour with reserved seats by Kreative Routes
🌿 5. Abraham’s Spice Garden
Description: Take a guided walk through aromatic spice gardens featuring cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and more. Learn about spice processing and Ayurvedic herbs. 🌱
History: Family-owned plantation offering eco-tours for over two decades.
Distance: 5 km from Thekkady
Travel Time: 15 mins
Best Time: Sept–Feb
How to Reach: Taxi or scooter
Best Food: Homemade Kerala meals on-site
Local Culture: Spice-based agriculture & wellness
Great Deals: Spice tour + local lunch package with Kreative Routes
Thekkady Tour Packages
🥾 6. Gavi Eco-Tourism
Description: Hidden deep within the Periyar forest, Gavi is ideal for trekking, birdwatching, and jeep safaris. A pristine eco-tourism destination perfect for adventurers. 🏞️
History: Promoted by Kerala Forest Development Corporation
Distance: 40 km from Thekkady
Travel Time: 2 hrs
Best Time: Oct–March
How to Reach: Pre-booked jeep or cab
Best Food: Forest lodge meals
Local Culture: Tribal-led eco tourism
Great Deals: Full-day adventure tour to Gavi by Kreative Routes
🌄 7. Chellarkovil Viewpoint
Description: Overlooking lush valleys and cascading waterfalls, Chellarkovil offers breathtaking sunrise and sunset views. A peaceful retreat off the tourist trail. 🌄
History: Gained popularity for eco-tourism and spice cultivation
Distance: 11 km from Thekkady
Travel Time: 30 mins
Best Time: Sunrise or sunset
How to Reach: Cab or two-wheeler
Best Food: Local dhabas en route
Local Culture: Organic farming & nature-based life
Great Deals: Scenic escape + tea garden picnic by Kreative Routes
🎭 8. Mudra Cultural Centre
Description: Experience classical Kathakali performances with detailed expressions and vibrant makeup – a cultural treat in Thekkady. 🎨
History: Ancient temple art of Kerala
Distance: 1.2 km from city
Travel Time: 5 mins
Best Time: 5–7 PM
How to Reach: Walk or auto
Best Food: Coffee Garden Restaurant
Local Culture: Performance arts & folklore
Great Deals: Evening cultural combo with Kathakali & martial arts by Kreative Routes
🐾 9. Mangala Devi Temple
Description: Located within the forest at 1337m altitude, this 1000-year-old stone temple is open to the public only once a year during the Chitra Pournami festival. Surrounded by stunning scenery, it’s a sacred and offbeat trek. 🙏
History: Built by Chera kings in Pandyan style
Distance: 15 km from Thekkady
Travel Time: 1 hr (with permit)
Best Time: April (festival season)
How to Reach: Jeep through forest (permit needed)
Best Food: Packed meals advised
Local Culture: Blend of Tamil & Kerala traditions
Great Deals: Special festival trek permits & guided tour by Kreative Routes
🍃 10. Pandikuzhi
Description: A lush green valley tucked between Chellarkovil and Tamil Nadu border, Pandikuzhi is perfect for picnics, photography, and nature walks along waterfalls and plantations. 🌸
History: Known for colonial tea trails
Distance: 5 km from Thekkady
Travel Time: 15 mins
Best Time: Oct–March
How to Reach: Auto or hired cab
Best Food: Picnic food or nearby tea stalls
Local Culture: Hill community farming life
Great Deals: Picnic setup & walking tour by Kreative Routes
Honeymoon in Thekkady
🐦 11. Green Park Ayurvedic & Spice Plantation
Description: A beautiful eco-farm offering insights into organic spice farming, Ayurveda, and even vermicomposting! Great for nature lovers and those seeking authentic wellness experiences. 🌿
History: Founded to promote sustainable spice tourism
Distance: 3 km from Thekkady
Travel Time: 10 mins
Best Time: Sept–Feb
How to Reach: Auto or tuk-tuk
Best Food: Farm-fresh veg thali
Local Culture: Ayurveda + sustainable living
Great Deals: Wellness tour & free spice souvenir with Kreative Routes
⛵ 12. Bamboo Rafting in Periyar
Description: An exciting eco-tourism activity where you raft through calm waters, trek through forest trails, and spot animals in their natural habitat. Ideal for adventure and nature photography. 🛶
History: Introduced by Kerala Forest Dept for sustainable tourism
Distance: Inside Periyar Sanctuary
Travel Time: Full-day activity
Best Time: Nov–April
How to Reach: Entry via Thekkady gate
Best Food: Lunch included in forest package
Local Culture: Tribal guides, forest communities
Great Deals: Eco-adventure pack with bamboo rafting by Kreative Routes
🧗♂️ 13. Border Hiking
Description: A hard-core trek led by armed forest guards through border zones of the sanctuary – a must for thrill-seekers and wildlife enthusiasts. Be prepared for wild terrain and raw beauty. 🥾
History: Managed by the forest department
Distance: 5 km from center
Travel Time: Starts early morning
Best Time: Nov–Feb
How to Reach: Booked through park office
Best Food: Packed food provided
Local Culture: Eco-patrolling & tribal involvement
Great Deals: Full hiking kit + forest permit included with Kreative Routes
🍛 14. Kumily Town
Description: The bustling commercial town just outside Thekkady known for spice shops, handicrafts, and local eateries. Great for shopping, sampling authentic Kerala dishes, and exploring life beyond tourism. 🛍️
History: Evolved as a spice trading center
Distance: 4 km from Thekkady
Travel Time: 10 mins
Best Time: Evening market strolls
How to Reach: Auto, walk, or drive
Best Food: Grandma’s Café, Spices Restaurant
Local Culture: Trader families, Tamil-Malayali blend
Great Deals: Spice shopping walk with local guide by Kreative Routes
🪔 15. Tribal Heritage Museum
Description: Discover the lifestyle, tools, rituals, and homes of the Mannan and Paliyan tribes through well-curated exhibits. Tribal dances and handicrafts are also part of the experience. 🎨
History: Set up by Eco-Development Committees
Distance: 2 km from town
Travel Time: 10 mins
Best Time: Morning to afternoon
How to Reach: Tuk-tuk or walk
Best Food: Nearby café kiosks
Local Culture: Tribal dances, bamboo crafts
Great Deals: Museum entry + dance show combo by Kreative Routes
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Thekkady with Kreative Routes
Q1. What is the ideal time to visit Thekkady?
🍂 October to March is best for pleasant weather and wildlife viewing.
Q2. Are boat rides and wildlife safaris safe for kids?
✅ Yes, most activities are family-friendly. Life jackets and expert guides are included.
Q3. Can I book forest permits and rafting via Kreative Routes?
🎟️ Absolutely! We handle all permit logistics and curate packages.
Q4. Is Thekkady good for honeymoon or family trips?
💑👨👩👧👦 Yes! Romantic stays, jungle adventures, and cultural evenings suit all travelers.
Q5. How do I get great deals with Kreative Routes?
💬 Just message us! Exclusive Thekkady packages with hotels, safaris, spice tours & meals await.
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📞 Ready to explore royal Rajasthan?
Contact Kreative Routes, Noida’s best travel agency, and book your majestic journey today