Thekkady

🌲 Top Sightseeing Places in Thekkady

🟢 1. Wildlife & Nature

• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Periyar Tiger Reserve)
  A dense forest reserve famous for boat safaris, elephant sightings, birdwatching, and rare flora. Declared a tiger reserve under Project Tiger.

• Periyar Lake Boat Cruise
  Scenic boat ride through the lake — chance to spot elephants, bison, deer, and sometimes even tigers near the shore.

• Bamboo Rafting in Periyar (Eco-tourism Program)
  Forest trek + bamboo rafting on the lake, guided by tribal eco-guides.

🔵 2. Adventure Activities

• Border Hiking / Nature Walks
  Guided full-day treks through deep forests with tribal guards — thrilling and educational.

• Jeep Safari in Gavi Forest (optional full-day tour)
  Offbeat trip to Gavi, part of the same forest belt, offering deeper jungle trails and mist-covered mountains.

• Spice Plantation Tours
  Walk through cardamom, pepper, clove, and vanilla plantations with live demonstrations. Great for educational and eco-tourism travelers.

🟡 3. Cultural Attractions

• Kadathanadan Kalari Centre
  Watch live Kalaripayattu (Kerala martial arts) and Kathakali performances — a unique cultural highlight for tourists.

• Abraham’s Spice Garden / Green Park Spices
  Famous spice garden tours with a guided explanation of Kerala’s spice history.

🟣 4. Religious & Scenic Sites

• Mangala Devi Temple (seasonal – special permit needed)
  1,300-year-old temple located on a hill inside the forest — open only during Chithra Pournami festival (April–May).

• Chellarkovil Viewpoint
  Offers a beautiful view of the plains of Tamil Nadu, cascading waterfalls, and dense forest.

• Parunthumpara (Eagle Rock) (nearby)
  Misty mountain viewpoint with panoramic cliff views — great for photography and en route to Vagamon.

🔴 5. Ayurvedic Wellness & Shopping

• Ayurvedic Massage Centers (Thekkady Junction area)
  Try authentic Kerala massage therapies — ideal for post-trek relaxation and rejuvenation.

• Local Handicraft & Spice Markets
  Great place to buy organic spices, handmade soaps, souvenirs, and natural oils.

🧭 Suggested Thekkady Tour Packages

🟩 2-Day Thekkady Wildlife & Culture Tour

• Day 1: Periyar Lake Boat Safari → Kalari Show → Spice Garden Tour

• Day 2: Bamboo Rafting or Nature Walk → Shopping → Departure

🟨 3-Day Thekkady Explorer

• Day 1: Periyar Sanctuary → Boat Ride → Kathakali/Kalari Performance

• Day 2: Gavi Jeep Safari or Border Hike

• Day 3: Spice Plantation → Chellarkovil View → Ayurvedic Massage

🧘 Popular Activities

• 🌳 Wildlife Safari & Trekking

• 🛶 Boating in Periyar

• 🌿 Spice Trail Walks

• 💆 Ayurvedic Therapies

• 🎭 Kalari & Kathakali Shows

• 📷 Nature Photography + Birdwatching