Destination · Kerala
Thekkady: Periyar and the Spice Hills
The forested edge of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, plantation country and resort stays on the hills between Munnar and the backwaters. A slower stop of one or two nights.
Setting
Periyar Tiger Reserve and spice country
Recommended stay
1–2 nights
From Munnar
Approximately 3.5–4 hours by road
Onward
Kumarakom or Alleppey approx. 4 hours
Overview
Forest, lake and cardamom
Thekkady is the small town at the gate of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, one of South India’s largest protected forests, set around a lake created by a 19th-century dam. Around it the hills are planted with cardamom, pepper, coffee and tea, and the air is cooler and softer than on the coast. The reserve is home to elephants, sambar, wild boar, birdlife and tigers. Elephants and other wildlife may be seen, but sightings are never guaranteed.
It is a place for one unhurried day: a boat trip on the lake or a guided nature walk in the morning, a spice plantation in the afternoon, an early evening. Resort hotels in the surrounding hills make it a comfortable rest between the hill road from Munnar and the descent to the backwaters.
Why visit
Why visit Thekkady
Nature at an easy pace
A reserve you experience by boat and on foot, with no long safari drives.
Spice country
Working cardamom and pepper plantations you can walk through with the planter.
The link in the chain
Half a day from Munnar and half a day from the backwaters, which makes it the natural middle of a Kerala route.
Key experiences
A day at Thekkady
Reserve activities are run by the forest department and subject to availability, reserve rules, operating conditions and seasonal factors; we book what is available for your dates.
Also worth considering
- A Kalaripayattu martial-arts or Kathakali demonstration in the evening, subject to the programme
- An elephant camp, if you wish; we will advise on the options and their practices
- Gavi, deeper in the forest, as a long day with limited permits, where available
- The Kumily spice market for cardamom and pepper to take home
Planning your visit
Planning your visit
When to go
The hills are pleasant for most of the year. The monsoon from June to September brings heavy rain and some reserve activities pause; October to February is cooler and generally drier; March to May is warmer but fine at this altitude. Sightings vary with season and water levels, and are never guaranteed.
How long to stay
One night works between Munnar and the backwaters if you arrive by early afternoon. Two nights give a full day for a boat trip, a walk and a plantation without hurry, and suit families and seniors.
Booking the reserve
Boat trips and walks have limited places. We book ahead where the forest department allows and confirm what is included in your quotation; if an activity is unavailable on the day, we offer the nearest alternative.
How Thekkady fits into a journey
Thekkady follows Munnar on Kerala Classic and Coffee, Hills and Backwaters, and leads down to Alleppey and Kumarakom (approximately 4 hours). It is also the usual crossing point from Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Two short private trips stop here: Munnar, Thekkady & Kerala Backwaters from Kochi, and Madurai, Thekkady, Munnar & Kochi from Tamil Nadu.
Private vehicle options
A sedan, an Innova Crysta or similar MPV, or a Tempo Traveller for groups; the roads in and out are hill roads with plantation traffic. Your chauffeur drops you at the reserve gate, as private vehicles do not enter the forest.
For transport only, see car with driver.
Relevant journeys
Journeys through Thekkady
Thekkady is the nature stop on each of these journeys:
Senior and family considerations
Thekkady is one of the gentlest nature stops in South India.
- The lake boat is a seated trip with a short walk from the gate; walks and rafting are optional and can be long
- Plantation walks are on gentle paths and suit most ages
- Mornings and evenings are cool; carry a layer and insect repellent
- Two nights keep the reserve morning and the plantation afternoon on separate days
Tell us who is travelling and we will choose the activities to match.
Questions
Thekkady: your questions
Planning a South India Trip or Need a Vehicle?
Tell us your dates, group size and where you want to go. We reply with a clear plan and quotation — no obligation.