- Home to the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, known for rich biodiversity.
- Boating in Periyar Lake offers a chance to spot elephants, bison, and birdlife.
- A hub for eco-tourism and nature-based activities.
- Popular for trekking, bamboo rafting, and jungle safaris.
- Spice plantations nearby offer guided tours and fresh spices.
- Pleasant climate throughout the year, cooler than the plains.
- Accessible hill town located in Kerala’s Idukki district.
- Ideal destination for wildlife lovers, adventure seekers, and families.
- Best time to visit: October to March for wildlife sightings and cool weather.
Thekkady is a popular spot in Kerala. It’s known for its beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and backwaters. Thekkady is a wonderful place to escape into nature. Whether you like wildlife, nature, or relaxing, Thekkady has something special for you. In this blog, we’ll learn about the natural beauty, activities, and attractions that make Thekkady a must-visit place.
Thekkady’s Natural Beauty
Thekkady is in the Western Ghats and is known for its beautiful landscapes, as well as many different kinds of animals and plants. Here’s a closer look at why Thekkady is so special:
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
The heart of Thekkady is the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area that covers 925 square kilometers. The sanctuary has many different kinds of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, wild boars, and birds. The sanctuary is also known for its beautiful lake, which offers boat rides with outstanding views of the forests and wildlife.
Periyar Lake
Periyar Lake is part of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The lake is a popular place in Thekkady and is surrounded by beautiful forests. Taking a boat ride on the lake is a wonderful way to see wildlife, like elephants and deer, that come to the lake to drink water. The calm waters and beautiful views make the boat ride a relaxing and memorable experience.
Spice Plantations
Thekkady is renowned for its spice plantations, offering a glimpse into the cultivation of spices such as cardamom, pepper, and cloves. You can learn about the cultivation and processing of spices by visiting these plantations. You can also enjoy the beautiful and fragrant surroundings.
Cumbum Valley
The Cumbum Valley is a beautiful and less-visited place near Thekkady. It has beautiful views and pleasant weather. The valley is surrounded by hills and is a peaceful place to escape.
Activities in Thekkady
Thekkady offers many activities that allow you to explore its natural beauty and wildlife. Here are a few popular things to do in Thekkady:
Wildlife Safari
A wildlife safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-do activity. You can choose between boat safaris on Periyar Lake or guided nature walks through the forest. The boat safaris offer the chance to spot wildlife from the water, while the nature walks provide a closer look at the flora and fauna of the sanctuary.
Spice Plantation Tours
Taking a tour of a spice plantation is a fascinating experience. Discover the various spices grown in Thekkady, their cultivation methods, and their applications in both cooking and medicine. Many plantations offer guided tours where you can also sample fresh spices and buy some to take home.
Elephant Rides
Riding an elephant is a thrilling thing to do in Thekkady. You can go for a ride through the beautiful countryside and see the area from a different angle. It’s also a chance to meet these big, friendly animals and learn about how they’re part of the local culture.
Trekking and Nature Walks
Thekkady has many walking trails that go through the green forests and mountains of the Western Ghats. These trails are easy or hard, so there’s something for everyone. You can see different plants and animals and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Boating on Periyar Lake
Going boating on Periyar Lake is a peaceful way to enjoy the quiet surroundings. You can see wild animals near the lake and enjoy the beautiful views of the forested hills. The lake is also a good place to watch birds, and you can often see many different kinds of birds there.
Cultural Performances
Thekkady also hosts cultural performances that showcase Kerala’s traditional art forms. You can enjoy performances of Kathakali, a classical dance-drama, and Kalaripayattu, an ancient martial art. These performances provide insight into Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.
The Climate of Thekkady
Thekkady has a nice climate all year round. The temperatures are between 15°C and 30°C, so it’s suitable for going outside. During the rainy season, it rains a lot, and the area becomes even greener. The best time to visit Thekkady is from September to March, when the weather is cool and dry.
Conclusion
Thekkady is a wonderful place to visit if you want to see Kerala’s beautiful wildlife and nature. It has many different kinds of animals and plants, peaceful backwaters, and lots of enjoyable things to do. It’s a perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. You can go on wildlife safaris, visit spice plantations, or just relax in the beautiful scenery. There’s something for everyone in Thekkady.
If you’re planning a trip to Kerala, be sure to visit Thekkady. It’s a must-see place to experience nature, see wildlife, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of one of Kerala’s most beautiful places.
