The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Thekkady, Kerala.
Kerala, located on the southwestern coast of India, is known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse cultural heritage. Thekkady, a small town in the Idukki district of Kerala, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. With its lush green forests, sprawling plantations, and rich wildlife, Thekkady offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best places to visit and things to do in Thekkady, as well as tips for planning your trip.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the most popular attraction in Thekkady, and for good reason. Spread over an area of 925 square kilometers, the sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, leopards, bison, sambar deer, and wild boars. Visitors can take a guided safari through the sanctuary, which is conducted in the early morning and late afternoon. The sanctuary also offers boat rides on the Periyar Lake, where visitors can spot animals and birds while enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding hills and forests.
Mangala Devi Kannagi Temple
The Mangala Devi Temple is a historic temple located in the dense forests of Thekkady. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Mangala Devi, and is believed to have been built in the 9th century. The temple is open only during the annual festival, which takes place in the month of April. Visitors can hike through the forest to reach the temple, which is located at an altitude of 1337 meters above sea level. The trek is a challenging one, but the stunning views from the temple make it well worth the effort.
Spice Plantations
Thekkady is famous for its spice plantations, which are spread across the town and its surrounding areas. Visitors can take a guided tour of the plantations, which offer a fascinating insight into the world of spices. The tour includes a walk through the plantation, where visitors can see the various spices being grown, harvested, and processed. Visitors can also buy fresh spices and other products at the plantation stores.
Elephant Rides
Elephant rides are a popular activity in Thekkady, and offer a unique way to experience the natural beauty of the town. Visitors can take a ride through the forests on the back of an elephant, while enjoying the stunning views and spotting wildlife along the way. The rides are conducted in the early morning and late afternoon, and are a must-do activity for families with children.
Ayurvedic Treatments
Kerala is known for its Ayurvedic treatments, which offer a holistic approach to health and wellness. Thekkady has several Ayurvedic centers that offer a range of treatments, including massages, steam baths, and herbal treatments. Visitors can indulge in a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, while also learning about the ancient science of Ayurveda.
Accommodations and Dining
Thekkady has a range of accommodation options, including resorts, hotels, and homestays. The resorts and hotels are located in the town and its surrounding areas, while the homestays offer a more authentic and personal experience. Visitors can choose from a range of dining options, including local cuisine, Indian cuisine, and international cuisine. The local cuisine is a must-try, and includes dishes such as appam, puttu, and kadala curry.
Tips for Planning Your Trip
The best time to visit Thekkady is between October and February, when the weather is pleasant and cool. Visitors should also carry warm clothing, as the temperatures can drop during the night. It’s also important to carry comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent, as you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors.
If you’re planning to visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, it’s advisable to book your safari in advance, as the slots tend to fill up quickly. It’s also important to follow the rules and regulations of the sanctuary, which are in place to protect the wildlife and their habitat.
For those interested in adventure sports, Thekkady offers opportunities for trekking, camping, and bamboo rafting. Visitors can also take part in cultural programs and folk dances, which offer a glimpse into the vibrant culture of Kerala.
In conclusion, Thekkady is a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure enthusiast, or cultural explorer, you’ll find plenty to do and see in this beautiful town. So, pack your bags and head to Thekkady for a truly unforgettable travel experience!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: Thekkady is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich wildlife, spice plantations, and cultural heritage. It offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
A: The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the most popular attraction in Thekkady. It is spread over 925 square kilometers and is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, leopards, bison, deer, and wild boars. Visitors can take guided safaris and boat rides on Periyar Lake to spot animals and enjoy the scenic beauty.
A: The Mangala Devi Kannagi Temple is a historic temple located in the dense forests of Thekkady. It is open only during the annual festival in April. Visitors can hike through the forest to reach the temple, which offers stunning views from its altitude of 1337 meters above sea level.
A: Yes, Thekkady is famous for its spice plantations. Visitors can take guided tours of the plantations, where they can learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of various spices. Fresh spices and other products can also be purchased at the plantation stores.
A: Yes, elephant rides are a popular activity in Thekkady. Visitors can take rides through the forests on the back of an elephant, enjoying the scenic views and the opportunity to spot wildlife. The rides are conducted in the early morning and late afternoon.
FAQs
A: Yes, Thekkady has several Ayurvedic centers that offer a range of treatments, including massages, steam baths, and herbal treatments. Visitors can indulge in a relaxing and rejuvenating experience while learning about the ancient science of Ayurveda.
A: Thekkady offers a range of accommodation options, including resorts, hotels, and homestays. Resorts and hotels are located in the town and surrounding areas, while homestays provide a more authentic and personal experience.
A: The best time to visit Thekkady is between October and February when the weather is pleasant and cool. It’s advisable to carry warm clothing as temperatures can drop during the night.
A: Yes, Thekkady offers opportunities for trekking, camping, and bamboo rafting for adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can also participate in cultural programs and folk dances to experience the vibrant culture of Kerala.
A: It’s advisable to book your safari in advance as slots tend to fill up quickly. Booking can be done online or through authorized agents. It’s important to follow the rules and regulations of the sanctuary to protect the wildlife and their habitat.
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