Top 10 Places To Visit In Thekkady

Imagine Kerala and you will definitely think of exotic palm laced beaches, the backwaters and the boat houses. These features have been the biggest highlights of Kerala tourism. However, God’s own country is also home to some of the best scenic hill stations. Thekkady is one such tourist attraction, which is home to a rich wildlife reserve and plantations. Thinking about your next holiday, here are the best places to visit in Thekkady.

Best places to visit in Thekkady

1. Hear nature’s call at Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve

One of the best wildlife parks in India, Periyar National Park and Periyar Tiger Reserve are the most popular tourist destination in Thekkady. Plan a trip and a wildlife safari in Thekkady on your Kerala holidays.

• The park boasts of a rich biodiversity of wildlife like Asian elephants, bison, sambar deer, boars, tigers, leopards, wild squirrels, and lion tailed monkeys in a scenic natural habitat. It is open from 6 am to 6 pm.
• The beautiful artificial Periyar Lake adds to the beauty of this place. Herds of wild elephants often come to play in the lake.
• Don’t miss the opportunity of viewing the wildlife from close quarters while having the safety of a boat.
• The picturesque and unpredictable terrain is also popular for trekking.
• The Forest Department offers elephant rides through the forest.

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2. Paradisiacal Gavi

Image source: flickr

Gavi is a small village near Thekkady which is one of the major eco-tourism centres of Kerala. An hour away from Thekkady, Gavi was initiated by Kerala Forest Development Corporation.

• The beautiful landscape of hills and valleys, tropical forests, grasslands, stunning waterfalls, cardamom plantations is a treat to the senses.
• Home to more than 260 species of birds like pied hornbill, woodpecker, kingfisher etc., it is a paradise for bird lovers.
• You can also put up a tent and camp in the camping area.

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3. Spicy Kumily – Among the top places to visit in Thekkady

The spice capital of Kerala, Kumily is filled with scenic plantations, waterfalls and is one of the best places to visit in Thekkady.

• If you are in Thekkady in the months of April or May, make a trip to the famous Mangaladevi Temple, a 9^th-century temple located 1337 m above sea level in the midst of dense forests. People are allowed to visit the temple only on the Chithra Pournami festival day which comes on the full moon day in the month of Chithirai or Chaitra, i.e. around April or May.
• As the sun sets, take a relaxing stroll around the plantations.
• Pick up some spices and also local handicrafts from the markets.

4. Adventurous Kurisumala

If you are looking for an adventure, pack your bags and head to Kurisumala.

• One of the best things to do is explore the hiking trails of Spring Valley Mountain.
• You get a stunning panoramic view of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Kumily from here. It is like heaven for photography enthusiasts.
• Experience the thrill of an adventure and trekking in the hilly terrain covered with lush green forests.

Must Read: Top 10 hill stations in Kerala

5. Charming Chellarkovil

If you are looking for a spot away from the hustle-bustle of city life, Chellarkovil is one of the best places in Thekkady that offers a calm and laid back getaway.

• Best time to visit is from September to May.
• You can go trekking, take a spice tour plan a trip to the Ayurvedic garden.
• Climb up the watch tower to enjoy the spectacular view of the town, which appears even better from the telescope placed in the balcony.

6. Vandiperiyar

 Among the cluster of small towns in and around Thekkady, Vandiperiyar is blessed with a unique ambience with the River Periyar flowing through it. Vandiperiyar is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Thekkady.

• The tea, coffee and pepper plantations flourish due it is proximity to the river.
• There are a number of tea factories here making it an important centre for trade and commerce.
• The Government Agriculture Farm and Flower Garden have an exotic collection of roses, orchids and anthurium.

7. Historical Vandanmedu

Image source: Expedia

 This small town that lies on the Thekkady-Munnar highway is known as much for its historical significance as for its natural beauty.

• The post office is considered to be one of the first post offices built by the British in India, in 1892.
• It is said that the village office at Vandanmedu was the administrative office of Travancore kings.
• The town is known for its cardamom plantations and is also a where it is auctioned.

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8. Precious Pullumedu

One of the scenic hill stations in Thekkady, Pullumedu means green meadows and when you visit this place you will realise how apt the name is.

• Best time to visit is from September to December when the weather is cool and pleasant.
• The area is surrounded by plant species on the spectacular hills and valleys and you can only visit some of the places, as balance in the eco-system needs to be
• You will need to get permission from the wildlife preservation officer in Thekkady or the range officer in Vallakadavu before you visit Pullumedu.

9. Ramakkalmedu

Image source: Kerala Tourism

A scenic hamlet, Ramakkalmeduis believed to be the place where Rama kept his feet while searching his beloved wife Sita. The hill station stands 3500 ft above the sea level.

• The massive statue of Kuravan and Kurathi atop the hill is a major tourist attraction. They are considered to be the historical characters responsible for the construction of the Idukki dam.
• Blessed with a lot of wind, the place has 7 wind farms.
• There are many hiking trails around, however, avoid going there during the monsoons.

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10. Peerumedu

 Once the summer residence of the Travancore kings, Peerumedu is one of the best places to visit in Thekkady, thanks to the serenity and pristine beauty.

• Peerumedu is ideal for trekking, paragliding, cycling and horse riding.
• The natural charm of the place replete with coffee, tea, pepper and cardamom plantations, waterfalls and hills is enticing.
• Peerumedu is one of the best places to visit in Kerala to beat the summer heat as temperature varies between 10 to 15 degrees Celsius.

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