Thekkady

Travel Guide

Thekkady which includes mist or fog
Thekkady featuring a waterfall
Thekkady featuring forests
Thekkady which includes a lake or waterhole as well as a large group of people
Thekkady which includes 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 ¥18,420 per night from Sep 29 to Sep 30
¥18,420
¥22,188 total
Sep 29 - Sep 30
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! (46 reviews)
"Stay In the lap of Mother Nature"

Reviewed on Jun 14, 2025

Spice Village - Cgh Earth
The Elephant Court

The Elephant Court

5 out of 5
Amalambika Road, Peermade, Kerala
The price is ¥9,137 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
¥9,137
¥9,598 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
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! (17 reviews)
"Great property, wonderful staff and great food"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

The Elephant Court
Greenwoods Resort

Greenwoods Resort

5 out of 5
K.K Road, Kumily, Peermade, Kerala
The price is ¥22,415 per night from Oct 22 to Oct 23
¥22,415
¥26,898 total
Oct 22 - Oct 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Peermade. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Mudra Cultural Centre and Kadathanadan ...
9/10 Wonderful! (38 reviews)
Family trip to Kerala from US
"We had a great time in Greenwoods resort. The facility was great and the staff very friendly. We would have liked the lunch and dinner to have the buffet. The rooms were good and despite being close to the main street, the hotel was surprisingly secluded."

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

Greenwoods Resort
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 housekeeping. 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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Reviews of Thekkady

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Verified traveler

Thekkady is a popular tourist destination, so expect some commercialism, but it's still a pretty place to visit. I highly recommend a jeep ride into the back country and a visit to one of the tea plantations and factories.

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