Things to Do in Thekkady for an Action-packed yet Laidback Vacay

The Periyar National Park in Thekkady, Kerala, is one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world and the best-protected reserve area that one can lay eyes on in India. Famous for its gorgeousness, greenery and stillness, the park is the dwelling place of abundant significant species, including the royal tigers and majestic elephants apart from other reptiles, fishes and birds. This National Park is an amazing coming together of nature, adventure and beauty. Full of beautiful sightings and sounds, a ride on the mighty elephants here is one of the top things to do in Thekkady.

Tucked in the heart of the jungle, Thekkady or Periyar Lake is famous for its wide varieties of wildlife. You can also take a boat ride in the reservoir that provides water to the forest. This is one of the topmost things to do in Thekkady. Besides the gorgeous views of the adjoining mountains, you can also spot a large variety of avifauna while in the waters. This is one of the topmost things to do in Thekkady.

One of the prime things to do in Thekkady is experience a trek on the Periyar Tiger Trail. Tourists trek along the Tiger Trail and thick vegetation of the reserve along with guides and Forest Department officials is an experience worth remembering. Tourists can also spot elephants, sambhars, and tigers there. It is a part of the magnificent Periyar National Park.

One of the unique things to do in Thekkady is Bamboo Rafting. Bamboo Rafting is a perfect activity for all the water sports enthusiasts. The facility is offered by the Forest Department at Thekkady where one can enjoy the activity in the catchment area of the national park. The activity is all day long where the exercise is performed under strict supervision of professional and armed guards. The tourists are taken through the thick interiors of the forests.

Nature Walks is another one of the top things to do in Thekkady and a very popular activity in the region. Walking through the stunning wildlife and vegetation of the sleepy town, you can come across varied varieties of flora and fauna, wild animals and the like. It is a surreal experience with beautiful landscape in front and hills in the backdrop. These walks are performed with a professional guide.

A trekking program conducted into the wilderness, border hiking is offered by various agencies and also by the Forest Department of the region. The hike is conducted at a height ranging from 900 metres to 1500 metres for an entire day under the supervision of a professional. Wildly popular among the adventure enthusiasts, the hiking trail lets you across thick forests and wilderness. You can also spot exotic wildlife on the route. If you an adventure buff, you should definitely include this activity in your top things to do in Thekkady.

Jungle Night Patrol is one of the top thrilling things to do in Thekkady. It is a trekking activity which begins at two points in the Periyar National Park- Entrance Gate of the Periyar Tiger Reserve and from the Bamboo Grooves. The activity is performed under the supervision of an armed guard and two professional guides. The thrilling activity is surely going to give you an adrenaline rush and a memory for a lifetime.

Spice Shopping is one of the most popular things to do in Thekkady, for the tourists. The region is known for its rich and authentic spices, and you can buy the most expensive and aromatic spices here at very cheap rates. Some tourists also purchase spices from here to take them home as souvenirs for their kith and kin.

Mudra Cultural Centre is famous for cultural events that specifically involve the traditional dance form, Kathakali and India's oldest form of martial arts, Kalaripayyattu. Tourists can also witness the laborious preparations the artists have to make before they watch their spectacular performances. Watching one of their shows is the best way to get a glimpse into the rich culture and art of the region and is one of the prime things to do in Thekkady.

Tribal Heritage Walks are organized in Thekkady to introduce the tourists to the local culture and tradition of the place. The activity requires the volunteers to trek through the tribal village with a help of a tribal guide. One key attraction in the entire programme is the Tribal Heritage Museum where you can find ancient relics about traditional agricultural practices, marriage rituals, culture, ceremonies etc. This is one of the most interesting activities and top things to do in Thekkady.

Chellarkovil Viewpoint is famous for a stunning view of hilly terrains covered in lush green vegetation and an enchanting waterfall. The viewpoint has a watchtower with a telescope installed on a terrace which allows tourists to get a splendid bird's eye view of the picturesque location and the mesmerising sunset. Visiting here is one of the top touristy things to do in Thekkady.

Kadathanadan Kalari Centre is a renowned centre of the traditional form of martial arts, Kalaripayyattu which was invented by Sage Parshuram. The programs arranged by the centre are specifically to showcase the ancient form of self-defence in a gallery specially designed for the safety of the fighters and the audience and to give insights into the discipline required for the art form.

Jungle Camping is one of the top thrilling things to do in Thekkady. The camps are organized on the banks of Periyar River in Vallakadavu at the river view point in the vicinity of Periyar National Park. The programme includes a board room facility for projection, film shows, trekking in the forest and traditional food prepared by Urali tribe. A single tent can accommodate 2 persons.

Green Park Ayurvedic & Spices Plantation is an ecological park founded to grow medicinal herbs and spices and disseminate the knowledge of growing them with the help of advanced agricultural techniques. The park expands over an area of five acres and has a Spice Garden and an Organic Farm that one can explore along with the stunning landscape. Unique to the area, talking a walk in the plantations is one of the best things to do in Thekkady.

A quaint little town with the enchanting River Periyar flowing through, Vandiperiyar is famous for the cultivation of spices, herbs and its breathtaking natural terrain. Nature lovers can explore the Government Agricultural Farm and the Flower Garden other than exploring the expansive coffee and tea plantations in the region, which in fact, is a major source of income for the locals.

A small village in the Idukki district, Anakarra is just about 50 sq. km in area. Situated approximately 18 km from Idduki wildlife sanctuary on the Kumily-Munnar state highway, this place is famous for its spice plantations and picturesque waterfalls. Aruvikuzhi Falls, also known as Chellarcovil falls is a very famous spot which also houses an Ayurvedic destination resorts apart from spice plantations.

Pandikuzhi is a humble little village famous for its picturesque beauty. Its captivating natural landscape, the thrilling terrain, a pristine stream of water flowing through the valley covered with lush green foliage makes Pandikuzhi a famous picnic destination and no less than a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers and photographers.