Near Thekkady
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
A celebrated reserve of evergreen forest, lake scenery and rich wildlife. The Periyar Lake boat experience offers a distinctive way to view the landscape and animals from the water.
A Vacationer's Right Choice
Thekkady — elephants,
hills and spice.
The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice-scented plantations — all beginning within a short walk from your room.
The region
Where forest, spice and hill towns meet.
Thekkady sits on the edge of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala's Idukki district — a landscape of dense evergreen forest, cool mountain air and heavily scented spice plantations.
A short walk from the hotel puts you in Kumily's spice market. A short drive brings you to boat rides on Periyar Lake, jeep safaris, panoramic viewpoints and quiet plantation towns.
Featured guides
Read before you go.
In-depth guides to the region's headline experiences — with tips, practicalities and travel notes.
01
02
03
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
India's flagship tiger reserve — best explored from the water and along the guided nature trails.
Read the guideThekkady's Spice Country
Walk between cardamom, pepper, clove and cinnamon rows and browse Kumily's spice streets.
Read the guideHill Towns & Viewpoints
Ramakalmedu, Chellarkovil and Kurisumala — the Western Ghats' finest viewpoints on day-trip distance.
Read the guideMore places to visit
Around Thekkady & Kumily.
Near Thekkady
Inside the sanctuary
The Sanctuary Watch Towers
Forest observation towers set along the trails and lake edge — a quiet vantage point for watching wildlife come down to the water, arranged through the forest department.
5 km from Thekkady
Murikkady
A scenic plantation panorama scented with cardamom, coffee and pepper — beautiful in every season.
4 km from Thekkady
Kumily
A lively plantation and spice-trading town on the edge of the sanctuary, known for its market, transport connections and shopping.
Near Kumily
Tribal Heritage Museum
A small museum documenting the tools, dress and daily life of the forest communities of the Periyar region — an easy, interesting stop between sightseeing trips.
5 km from Kumily
Pandikuzhi
A picturesque picnic and trekking area with streams, varied flora and views towards the Tamil Nadu border.
Kurisumala
An adventure and trekking destination with panoramic views over Kumily town and the Periyar landscape.
15 km from Thekkady
Mangala Devi Temple
An ancient Kerala-style temple in dense forest at about 1,337 metres. Access is restricted; public entry is generally associated with the Chithra Pournami festival.
15 km from Kumily
Chellarkovil
A quiet village known for broad views across the plains, cascading waterfalls and slopes leading towards Cumbum.
18 km from Thekkady
Vandiperiyar
A plantation and tea-trade town on the River Periyar, with tea factories and agricultural gardens.
25 km from Kumily
Vandanmedu
A major cardamom auction centre surrounded by sprawling plantations — a fascinating stop for spice enthusiasts.
In & Around Thekkady
Ways to spend your day.
The headline experiences, all within easy reach of the hotel — our travel desk arranges them on prior request.
Wildlife & Boating
Periyar's evergreen forest and its lake — with wildlife viewing from the water on the Periyar Lake boat cruise.
Jeep Safaris
Forest and hill routes with local professional guides, usually in early-morning or afternoon slots.
Elephant & Horse Rides
A relaxed, family-friendly ride through plantation and forest-edge trails, arranged on prior request.
Cumbum Grape Farms
Cross into the Cumbum valley for sprawling vineyards — one of South India's best-known grape-growing belts.
Flower Parks
Landscaped gardens and seasonal flower displays — an easy, colourful stop for families and photographers.
Ottakathalamedu Viewpoint
A panoramic hill viewpoint over the Western Ghats — at its best for sunrise and sunset.
More things to do
Beyond the headlines.
Boating on Periyar Lake
Cruise across the lake created by the Mullaperiyar dam and take in its islets, forested banks and wildlife-viewing possibilities.
Trekking & nature programmes
Nature walks, green walks, jungle scouting, border hiking and bamboo rafting are offered locally, subject to current schedules.
Jeep safari
Travel with local professional guides on forest and hill routes, usually offered in early-morning or afternoon time slots.
Spice garden visits
Walk among cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, clove and nutmeg while learning how Kumily's climate supports spice cultivation.
Spice shopping in Kumily
Browse Kumily's spice streets for cardamom, pepper and other produce sourced from Idukki's gardens.
Local experiences
Ask about current nature, cultural and family activities. Programmes and permissions can change, so availability is confirmed locally.
Plan with our team
Turn a good trip into a great one.
Our travel desk helps with plantation visits, boat rides, jeep safaris and day trips — arranged on prior request.