Hello dear friends! If you are looking for Best places to visit Thekkady for Couples, you are at the right place. In this article, we have brought you complete details of the Top 12 Places to visit in Thekkady.From Periyar National Park and Periyar Lake to Spring Valley Mountain and Parunthumpara Hill Viewpoint and Pullumedu, we’ve got all the details you need. Also, we will share information about Murikkady and more exciting best places to visit Thekkady for Couple. So, let’s get to know about these amazing destinations!
Thekkady, located near Periyar National Park, is a popular tourist spot in the state of Kerala, India. The town gets its name from the word “thekku,” which means teak. The coolest weather is experienced in December and January, while the warmest temperatures occur in April and May.
15 Best places to visit Thekkady
- Periyar National Park
- Murikkady
- Pandikuzhi
- Periyar Lake
- Chellarkovil Viewpoint
- Spring Valley Mountain
- Mullaperiyar Dam
- Vandiperiyar
- Parunthumpara Hill Viewpoint
- Ramakkalmedu
- Anakkara
- Pullumedu
1. Periyar National Park
Location:- Thekkady, Kerala
Entry fees:- INR 25 per person for Indians, INR 300 per person for foreign tourists.
Timings:- 7 AM to 9 PM every day
Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (PNP) is a special place safeguarded in the Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts of Kerala, India. It’s known for being home to elephants and tigers, providing them a secure haven. This conservation area spans 925 square kilometers, with 305 square kilometers designated as the core zone, officially established as Periyar National Park in 1982.
2. Murikkady
Location:- Murikkady, Thekkady
Entry fees:- no entry fees
Timings:- no specific timing restrictions
Thekkady, a continuous stretch of rolling hills and fragrant spice gardens, offers the perfect setting for a relaxing outing in Idukki. Just 5 kilometers away from Thekkady, you’ll find Murikkady, a wonderful place for tourists to explore various spice plantations. Wrapped in the refreshing aroma of spices, Murikkady showcases the lush landscapes of cardamom, coffee, and pepper plantations.
3. Pandikuzhi
Location:- Thekkady, Kumily
Entry fees:- Free
Timings:- no specific timing restrictions
Pandikuzhi is a charming place located in Thekkady, Kerala, known for its natural beauty. It’s situated amidst lush greenery and picturesque landscapes. This serene spot is famous for its meandering streams, small waterfalls, and dense forests. Visitors often come here to enjoy leisurely walks, picnics, and birdwatching. Pandikuzhi is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat in the lap of nature. The tranquil ambiance and scenic surroundings make it a must-visit attraction in Thekkady.
4. Periyar Lake
Location:- Thekkady, Kumily
Entry fees:- Rs 225 per person and Rs 75 for children. Advance booking charges for boating are Rs 500
Timings:- Boat ride timings are 7.30am / 9.30am / 11:15am / 1.45pm / 3.30pm
Periyar Lake is a stunning reservoir nestled in the heart of Thekkady, Kerala. This man-made lake, formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. Surrounded by lush green forests, the lake offers visitors a unique experience to enjoy boat rides while observing wildlife along its banks.
You can spot various animals, especially elephants, as they come to the lake to quench their thirst. It’s a haven for birdwatchers too, with a variety of avian species. Periyar Lake is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil escape amidst the mesmerizing landscapes of Thekkady.
5. Chellarkovil Viewpoint
Location:- Chellarakovil-Mettu Road, Kerala
Entry fees:- Free
Timings:- 12 AM to 12 PM
The Chellarkovil Viewpoint is a captivating destination in Thekkady, Kerala. Situated at a short distance from Thekkady town, this viewpoint offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscapes. It’s especially famous for the panoramic views it provides of the plains of Tamil Nadu. Visitors can relish the sight of rolling hills, dense forests, and the distant plains merging with the horizon.
The journey to Chellarkovil itself is a delightful experience, passing through winding roads and lush greenery. Once you reach the viewpoint, you can spend peaceful moments admiring the natural beauty and capturing memorable photographs. Chellarkovil Viewpoint is a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Thekkady, offering a serene escape into nature’s tranquil embrace.
6. Spring Valley Mountain
Location:- Spring Valley PO Mullayar, Thekkady, Kerala
Entry fees:- rent varies according to the room
Timings:- 12 AM to 11.59 PM, Monday to Sunday
Spring Valley Mountain is a picturesque gem nestled in the heart of Thekkady, Kerala. This enchanting destination is a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility amidst lush greenery. The mountain derives its name from the numerous freshwater springs that dot its slopes, creating a serene and rejuvenating atmosphere.
Visitors to Spring Valley Mountain can embark on scenic hikes and nature walks, exploring the rich biodiversity of the region. The captivating views of the surrounding hills and valleys are a treat for the eyes and provide ample opportunities for photography. Birdwatchers will also find this place a delight, with a variety of avian species frequenting the area.
7. Mullaperiyar Dam
Location:- Thekkady, Kumily
Entry fees:- INR 25 per person for Indians, INR 300 for foreigners
Timings:- 6 AM to 3 PM
The Mullaperiyar Dam is a significant landmark located in Thekkady, Kerala. This impressive structure stands as a testament to engineering prowess and plays a crucial role in the region’s water management.
Situated on the Periyar River, the dam is surrounded by lush greenery and offers scenic views of the reservoir it creates. It was built primarily for water storage and irrigation purposes, benefiting the local agriculture and the surrounding regions.
8. Vandiperiyar
Location:- Idukki, Kerala
Entry fees:- INR 25 per person, INR 50 per vehicle
Timings:- no time restriction
Vandiperiyar is a charming town nestled in the heart of Thekkady, Kerala. This quaint and picturesque destination is known for its serene ambiance and lush green surroundings. It is often referred to as the “Land of Spices” due to its significant role in the spice trade.
One of the key attractions in Vandiperiyar is the sprawling spice plantations that adorn its landscape. Here, you can take leisurely strolls through aromatic cardamom, pepper, and coffee plantations, gaining insight into the region’s rich agricultural heritage. Vandiperiyar also boasts a bustling market where you can explore and purchase a variety of spices and other local produce.
The town’s location, surrounded by verdant hills and fertile valleys, makes it a peaceful and rejuvenating destination for nature lovers and those seeking a glimpse into Kerala’s spice culture. Visitors can also use Vandiperiyar as a gateway to explore the wider beauty of Thekkady and its natural attractions.
9. Parunthumpara Hill Viewpoint
Location:- Parunthumpara, Pambanar, Kerala
Entry fee:- Free
Timings:- no specific timing restrictions
Parunthumpara Hill Viewpoint is a captivating destination nestled in Thekkady, Kerala. This enchanting viewpoint, also known as the ‘Eagle Rock,’ offers visitors a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding landscape, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and photography enthusiasts.
The name “Parunthumpara” translates to “Eagle Rock” in the local language, and the viewpoint lives up to its name, providing panoramic vistas of rolling hills, lush green valleys, and meandering streams. The natural beauty here is simply breathtaking, with the peaceful ambiance adding to its charm.
Visitors can embark on short hikes to reach the viewpoint, and once there, they are rewarded with spectacular sights. It’s an ideal spot to witness mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets, making it a perfect place for capturing memorable moments.
10. Ramakkalmedu
Location:- Idukki, Kerala
Entry fees:-Free
Timings:- 6 AM to 6 PM
This charming village is located in Kerala’s Idukki district, often referred to as ‘God’s own country.’ It holds special religious importance for both locals and tourists. Besides providing stunning vistas of Thekkady’s hills adorned with tea, cardamom, coffee, pepper, and rubber plantations, the village is also home to the renowned Kuruvan and Kuruthi statue. Standing at a height of 300 meters, this pillar offers a fantastic viewpoint to admire the breathtaking natural beauty of Ramakalmedu’s scenic landscape.
11. Anakkara
Nestled between Munnar and Thekkady, the charming village of Anakkara is gaining popularity as a top tourist spot. Here, you can enjoy guided interactive tours that include leisurely walks through the picturesque landscape, showcasing stunning waterfalls and vibrant spice plantations. You’ll also find quaint shops offering fresh, top-quality spices and traditional handcrafted items created by local artisans.
12. Pullumedu
Pullumedu is a tranquil destination nestled in Thekkady, Kerala, known for its natural beauty and spiritual significance. This serene hilltop offers visitors a peaceful retreat amidst lush greenery and breathtaking vistas.
One of the highlights of Pullumedu is its religious significance, attracting devotees and travelers alike. The Sabarimala pilgrimage route passes through this charming hill station, making it a significant stop for pilgrims on their journey.
Best Time to Visit in Thekkady
The ideal time to visit Thekkady is during the cooler months, which are from December to February. During this period, the weather is pleasant and perfect for enjoying the natural beauty and wildlife of the region.
How To Reach Thekkady
By Bus
Several government and private bus services run regular routes to Thekkady from major cities in Kerala, like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, as well as from nearby states.
By Train
The closest railway station to Thekkady is Kottayam Railway Station, which is about 114 kilometers from Thekkady. From Kottayam, you can hire a cab or take a bus to reach your destination.
By Air
The nearest airport to Thekkady is Madurai International Airport, located approximately 140 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Thekkady.
Read Also:- 15 Best Places to visit in Kochi
FAQ
Q. What is Thekkady famous for?
Ans. The main draws of Periyar are the gatherings of wild elephants, deer, and bison that visit the lake for a drink. You can explore the sanctuary by hiking, taking a boat ride, or going on a jeep safari. Thekkady is renowned for its abundance of natural spices like cardamom, black pepper, nutmace, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Q. Which are the best waterfalls in Thekkady?
Ans. Best waterfalls in Thekkady –
- Marmala Waterfalls
- Suruli Falls
- Thommankuthu Waterfalls
- Suranganur Waterfalls
Q. Which are the famous places to visit in Thekkady with your family?
Ans. Best places to visit in Thekkady with your family –
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Elephant Junction Thekkady
- Chellarkovil
- Periyar Lake