Welcome to Thekkady, the heart of Kerala’s untamed wilderness.
Imagine this: a cool, dew-kissed morning. The rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. Exotic bird songs filter through the verdant canopy. You’re walking along a path, the scent of rich earth and teak wood accompanying you. Welcome to Thekkady, a pocket of nature’s serene paradise tucked away in the beautiful state of Kerala, India.
Here, in Thekkady, you’re a part of a picture-perfect painting of undulating hills and lush forests. The centerpiece of this tableau? Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a thriving home for elephants, tigers, and countless other species. The dense woods bristle with life, and the rhythmic hum of the jungle is your ever-present soundtrack.
You can imagine yourself on a boat, gliding on the emerald Periyar Lake, eyes wide in the hope of spotting a herd of elephants on the water’s edge. Or perhaps you’d fancy a trek, through thick foliage and past aromatic spice plantations, where scents of cardamom, pepper, and coffee fill the air.
And when the day turns to night, the local Kathakali performance is a colourful, entrancing spectacle, an echo of tradition as ancient as the hills themselves.
Thekkady is more than just a destination – it’s an escape, a plunge into the heart of Mother Nature. It’s the exhilaration of adventure, the peace of solitude, the harmony of coexistence.
Your journey starts here. Welcome to Thekkady.
Nestled within the lush confines of the Western Ghats, Thekkady has a long and intriguing history that has shaped its present-day charm.
Ancient Era
Thekkady’s tale begins in antiquity. The Western Ghats, where Thekkady resides, is believed to have formed during the break-up of the supercontinent Gondwana, dating back to approximately 150 million years. The region’s abundant natural resources have attracted humans for thousands of years, as attested by prehistoric artifacts discovered in these forests.
The Tribal Epoch
The Mannan tribe, one of the oldest ethnic groups in India, is an integral part of Thekkady’s history. With a deep-rooted connection to the land, the tribe’s traditions, customs, and practices were harmonious with nature, and they revered the forests as their sacred abode.
Colonial Influence
Thekkady’s dense forests and aromatic spices caught the eye of European colonists in the 18th century. British explorers and traders were particularly drawn to the cardamom hills, and the area rapidly evolved into a hub for spice trade. The British also introduced new forms of agriculture and infrastructure, forever altering the region’s landscape.
Post-Independence and Conservation Efforts
After India’s independence in 1947, Thekkady saw significant changes, especially with the creation of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in 1950. Recognizing the area’s unique biodiversity, the sanctuary was established to protect and preserve the wildlife and flora, marking the beginnings of a concerted conservation effort. In 1978, it was declared a Tiger Reserve, further reinforcing its importance for wildlife conservation.
Modern Era
Today, Thekkady is a treasured ecotourism destination, revered for its lush forests, diverse wildlife, and unique cultural heritage. The conservation efforts of the past continue, ensuring that Thekkady remains a vibrant testament to Kerala’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
Unraveling Thekkady’s history, one realizes how deeply entwined it is with its natural surroundings – a delicate balance that continues to this day.
Location: Thekkady is located in the Idukki District in the eastern part of Kerala, southern India. It’s nestled in the Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills of the Southern Western Ghats.
Languages Spoken: Malayalam is the local language, but English is widely understood, particularly in tourist areas.
Climate: Thekkady enjoys a tropical climate. Summers (March to May) are warm but pleasant, with temperatures around 28°C. Monsoons (June to September) are heavy, contributing to the region’s lush greenery. Winters (October to February) are cool and comfortable, with temperatures dropping to about 15°C.
Best known for: Thekkady is best known for its Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the most significant protected areas for elephants and tigers in India. The region is also renowned for its spice plantations and Kathakali performances.
Popular Festivals: Thekkady celebrates many traditional Kerala festivals, such as Onam, Vishu, and Pongal. The Periyar Tiger Reserve also organizes an annual ‘Periyar Elephant Festival’ in the summer.
Tourist Attractions: Beyond Periyar National Park, attractions include boating in Periyar Lake, visiting spice plantations, witnessing traditional martial art performances of Kalaripayattu, and exploring the local Tribal Heritage Museum.
Local Cuisine: Thekkady offers an assortment of Kerala cuisine, rich with rice, coconut, and a variety of spices. Popular dishes include appam (rice pancake) with stew, Malabar parotta (flaky bread) with Kerala beef curry, and fish in banana leaf. For dessert, ‘payasam’ (a sweet pudding) is a must-try. Visitors can also enjoy freshly brewed cardamom tea, made with spices from local plantations.
Thekkady’s charm lies in its unique, natural splendor that can be appreciated all year round. However, certain times of the year lend themselves particularly well to exploring this beautiful destination.
Winter (October – February):
Winter in Thekkady is often considered the best time to visit. Temperatures hover between a comfortable 15°C and 24°C, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as trekking, wildlife spotting, and plantation tours. Clear, sunny days provide excellent visibility for boat rides on Periyar Lake, and the overall weather is pleasant for exploring the town and its surroundings.
Summer (March – May):
While temperatures can rise to around 28°C during the day, summer in Thekkady still presents an enjoyable time to visit. The weather is warm but not excessively hot, which still allows for outdoor exploration. The evenings are pleasant, making it an ideal time for nighttime safaris and stargazing. This period also coincides with the ‘Periyar Elephant Festival,’ a unique spectacle for wildlife enthusiasts.
Monsoon (June – September):
Monsoon season brings heavy rainfall, painting Thekkady in various shades of green and enhancing the beauty of the landscape. While some outdoor activities might be restricted due to rains, the monsoons offer a unique view of the flourishing flora and fauna, making it an ideal time for photographers and nature lovers. Do remember to pack a good raincoat and sturdy footwear.
Each season in Thekkady has its charm, offering different perspectives of its natural beauty. Choose the one that suits your travel interests the most, and prepare to be amazed by Thekkady’s timeless allure.
Nestled amidst the lush hills of the Western Ghats, Thekkady may seem remote, but it is well connected with several modes of transportation making it easy to reach.
By Air:
The nearest airports to Thekkady are Cochin International Airport (about 140 km away) and Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu (about 136 km away). These airports are well connected to major Indian cities and international destinations. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use bus services to reach Thekkady.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station to Thekkady is Kottayam, approximately 110 km away. Kottayam railway station is well connected to major Indian cities. From Kottayam, you can hire a cab or take a state-run or private bus to reach Thekkady.
By Road:
Thekkady is well connected to other cities in Kerala and neighboring states via a network of state and national highways. You can reach Thekkady by using Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses, private buses, or taxis from cities like Kochi, Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram, and Madurai.
By Sea:
If you’re traveling from nearby coastal areas, you could also consider a combination of ferry and road travel to reach Thekkady. The nearest major seaport is Cochin (Kochi), about 160 km away. From Kochi, you can take a taxi or bus to Thekkady.
Regardless of the path you choose, your journey to Thekkady promises stunning vistas and a captivating introduction to the lush beauty of the Western Ghats.
Subscribe to see secret deals prices drop the moment you sign up!
