As for the unadulterated nature of Kerala, Thekkady is undoubtedly the crown jewel of God’s Own Country. Situated in Idukki district this exquisite place of tourist interest is famous for wildlife, abundant foliage, and Periyar National Park. Besides the breathtaking beauty of nature, Thekkady is also famous for the culture and history that have been developed throughout centuries, and that is why travellers interested in natural beauty, extreme sports, and history should visit this place.
The main attraction of Thekkady is undoubtedly the Periyar Tiger Reserve, revealed with the size of 925sq.km of unspoiled area. This area has become one of the many protected forest reserves in India, where countless numbers of plants and animals, the famous Bengal tiger, Indian elephants, and birds, can be found.
As for those who are bent on visiting this bewitching place, tourwings.com provides a variety of Thekkady tour packages which are flexible to cater to the customers’ desired choice and pocket allowance. Such services as wildlife safaris and spice plantations, Cultural tourism, and Physical activities are offered by tourwings.
Best Time to Visit Thekkady
1. Pleasant Winter (October to February)
The hill station of Thekkady is most comfortably negotiable in the winter months of November to February when the average temperatures are between 15 degrees to 25 degree Celsius. That is why it is suitable for wildlife and other fun activities since the climate is cool and there is a clear sky. These months are good for photographing because nature is green, and the mornings are usually foggy..
2. Refreshing Monsoon (June to September)
The last among the types of climate experienced in the Thekkady is the monsoon period with another form of beauty that is quite unique. Although one of the consequences may be that any kind of activity in the open is stopped or at least limited, especially during a storm, the rich green scenery The landscapes are filled with a bright green colour. The waterfalls look alive, and the hills, which are wet with the mist, look very magical. Most of the Thekkady packages contain indoor activities and observing places that are perfect for rain.
3. Warm Summer (March to May)
The climate of Thekkady remains quite warm during summer at a temperature of about 23 Degrees Celsius to 35 Degrees Celsius. It is quite cool in the morning and toward evening but in the middle of the day, it can be very hot This season has some perks, especially for trackers. During periods of drought, animals are forced to travel in search of water and hence are easily sighted when viewing the natural beauty during a safari. Walking and jogging, especially in the early morning and in the evening, is most preferred during this time. Travel itineraries of many Thekkady tours are planned in such a way that the visitors will be able to have most of the wildlife viewing in summer.
Top Attractions in Thekkady
1. Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve
The showpiece of Thekkady is Periyar National Park which is the best place to see nature in all its unspoilt beauty. It also offers one a good viewing of wildlife stocks like elephants, tigers, and many more while other facilities like sports fishing, and bird watching are also available here. Boat tours to watch the animals at the water's edge are other activities that tourists engage in at Periyar Lake, particularly in a boat safari.
2. Spice Plantations
Thekkady is famous for spices; plantations here produce spices like cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and many more. Visitation of these important gardens is an added option that gives the tourists a glimpse of spices grown and processed in the region and their uses in the market as well as in food preparations. Some plantations also provide stay solutions so that people can really live a plantation life. Spice plantations are also very often included in the typical Thekkady tour packages and this is because taking a tour around the regional spice gardens is a patron’s stimulating joy ride for the senses..
3. Mangala Devi Temple
Mangala Devi Temple is a temple located on a hilltop in Thekkady in the Periyar Tiger Reserve which, like other temples, offers good views of the surrounding forests and the nearby state of Tamil Nadu. The temple is open to the public only during the Chitra Pournami festival, and that too for a few hours once a year; thus, it becomes a special tourist spot for those who get a chance to visit it on this particular day. Several concentrated Thekkady trip schedules involve this temple as well, having trek as a part of them, both religious and geographical.
4. Elephant Junction
If one wishes to come face to face with gentle Giants, then Elephant Junction is one place that should not be missed. Tourism activities that people can take involve what is related to elephants such as washing and feeding these animals. It is strictly involved in ethical methods of elephant interaction and is meant to be informative as well as entertaining. Most of the Tourist Resorts in Thekkady and Tour operators have pre-inclusion of the visit to Elephant Junction to make the tourists' experience of the wild in Thekkady more interesting.
Adventure Activities in Thekkady
1. Bamboo Rafting
Another interesting water sport in Thekkady is rafting through the Periyar Lake on bamboo floats. This environmentally friendly activity enables people to move through the calm waters as they appreciate the dense forests and possible wildlife. The activity is usually done in tandem with short hikes and bird watching and is a fully-rounded nature activity. Some of the Thekkady tour packages that are offered by different travel companies contain bamboo rafting as one of the fun activities.
2. Nature Walks and Trekking
As for nature exploration, Thekkady presents a very good opportunity for nature walks and trekking because of its diversified terrain. Other famous trekkings are the Gavi trek and Border Hiking trek which provide different viewpoints about the bio-diversity. These walks are usually conducted by professional naturalists and include information concerning the existing plants and wildlife. These nature walks are featured in many Thekkady sightseeing tours, although casual walkers, as well as professional trekking enthusiasts, will find the place interesting.
3. Night Patrol
The Periyar Tiger Reserve also comes with a special night patrol to take an exciting experience of the forest at nighttime. The visitors are allowed to tour the sanctuary in the evening and often in the company of the forest guards. The nocturnal wildlife is witnessed and explanations are given on the various conservation measures as well.
Cultural Experiences in Thekkady
1. Kathakali and Kalaripayattu Performances
For the best experience of volkshok, visitors should visit Thekkady and sample the traditional art forms of Kerala. Kathakali, a typical dance drama, and Kalaripayattu, a touch of the ancient wrestling dance form provide a comparatively good picture of its cultural calendar. Some hotels mainly those up the hills and those located in Thekkady present cultural troupes to entertain their clients. The mentioned performances are usually a part of a detailed Thekkady tour schedule.
2. Tribal Village Visits
Thekkady and its periphery are blessed with many indigenous tribes, and each tribe has its own culture and traditions. Knowledge is gained on the aspect of tribal life, their art, and culture while visiting the villages existing in the region. Various RTM programs in the Thekkady region promote traditional interaction fostering culture promising and speaking positively of the indigenous people. A few of the Thekkady tour packages may also include visits through some of the native tribal villages as a cultural aspect..
3. Ayurvedic Treatments
Thekkady also like other parts of Kerala, has a tradition of offering Ayurvedic treatments. Numerous resorts and wellness centers in the area guarantee Ayurvedic procedures which may include affiliation services ranging from Ayurveda massage to a detailed Ayurveda cure. Nowadays, Thekkady is preferred as a place that provides the possibility of healing amidst nature to people who have a desire to relax. Some of the Thekkady trip packages that are offered contain an ayurvedic session as part of it.
Accommodation Options in Thekkady
1. Luxury Resorts
For luxury travellers, there are many luxury resorts in Thekkady centred in the midst of nature. These resorts are equipped with luxurious rooms, spas, and fine dining restaurants, and with comprehensive amenities, they offer the guests the best place to begin a wonderful exploration of the magnificent beauty of Thekkady. Some of these luxurious accommodations are part of the professionally recommended Thekkady luxury tours by tourwings.com.
2. Eco-Friendly Stays
The fact that the surrounding scenery of Thekkady is dominated by the lap of nature makes it easy to establish environmentally friendly hotels. Different forms of lodging have seen people coming up with tree houses and eco-lodges where one can enjoy the view of the trees. Eco-friendly facilities are incorporated in Thekkady tour packages, of which excursions of nature walks and bird watching, among others facilitate the interaction of guests with nature.
3. Homestays and Plantation Bungalows
But for a homely and comfortable feel, one can opt for homestays or plantation bungalows in Thekkady. These provide an opportunity to enjoy American or any other country’s hospitality as most of them provide home-styled meals inclusive of traditional dishes from the region of the country. Living in a plantation bungalow, thus, also gives an experience of how the spices are grown. These meals are nicely woven into many Thekkady trip packages, so tourists can spend nights in such peculiar homes and plunge into the locals’ lifestyle.
Sightseeing in Thekkady
1. Rose Garden
Another beautiful site in Thekkady is the Rose Garden which, contrary to its name, pops up a lot of colors to many a surprise. Visiting the Rose Garden which contains a large number of roses and helps maintain the garden is a welcome change from the wild activities of the region. Some of the Thekkady sightseeing attractions include the visit to the Rose Garden where people can take a tranquil and sweet disappointing in the midst of nature.
2. Chellarkovil Viewpoint
The Chellarkovil Viewpoint is another important attraction of Thekkady that gives an opportunity to see the picturesque landscapes of the region. This is a view point about 15 km from the town giving an excellent view of the plains of Tamil Nadu and a waterfall. Many Thekkady travel schedules propose this vantage point as a sightseeing dining, giving travelers a chance to look at the area from another angle.
3. Mullaperiyar Dam
The Mullaperiyar Dam is established across the Periyar River and actually a wonder of civil engineering as well as a popular tourist attraction. This seems to be the case, and by so doing it has formed a lake which is the Periyar Lake, this being the base of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. While some of Thekkady's tour packages include a visit to the dam, other tours take the tourists to other places in the region.
Culinary Experiences in Thekkady
Complementing the spice-growing locality of Thekkady, the site cuisine has a strong presence of spices. There is nothing like a good meal and the visitors can grab some great meals that are associated with spices in the region. Most of these tours are offered as part of Thekkady food tours since such trips are labelled as exclusive for lovers of distinctive cuisine.
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Tea and Coffee Plantations
Apart from being the spices capital of the world, Thekkady also has tea and coffee estates. These are historical plantations developed for the production of tea and coffee and the visitors can get to learn or rather be guided on how the tea and coffee products are produced, and even get to taste the teas and coffee. Some of the Thekkady tourist attractions that are seen frequently are tea and coffee plantations, where information about tea and coffee is given.
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Local Markets and Food Stalls
Visiting the local markets and the streets and the Kiwanis foods of Thekkady will give a perfect insight into the local people’s diet. These are the markets with fresh spices, aromatic oils, local snacks, and sweets which can really attract every gourmet.
