A trip to the wilderness is what Thekkady has to offer. It’s a nature lovers must visit place in the world. Having Kerala’s major share of forest, Thekkady forests are home to tigers, elephants, sambar and many other endangered species. Spread over 777 square kilometers, periyar wildlife sanctuary is very much charismatic because of the reservoir within the sanctuary which covers almost 27 square kilometer of the whole sanctuary. The artificial reservoir is part of the Mullaperiyar dam across the river Periyar. Boating in the reservoir gives a chance to see the wild animals in close range which comes to the banks of the reservoir to drink water. Mostly elephants, deer, monkeys are seen and if lucky enough one could spot a tiger. Being a spice plantation hub Thekkady is also famous for its spices and adventure activities like trekking, hiking and camping. Being a place where a lot of tourists visit, there are cultural programs conducted in Thekkady, mainly performing arts like the kathakali. There are all kinds of accommodations available at Thekkady and the nearby township Kumily.
Boating in the periyar reservoir
Boats offered by the tourism department and the forest departments are available within the park. Tickets have to be purchased and a half an hour boat ride through the reservoir gives a chance to see the wild animals of the reservoir in close range.
Elephant ride
One common activity in Thekkady is the elephant ride. An elephant ride through the spice plantations would be altogether a different kind of an experience. Mostly two people would be able to climb the elephant and go for a ride.
Trip to Gavi
15 Kilometers from Thekkady is Gavi, a nature lover’s paradise truly in the forest. A Program called Gavi eco tourism offers to take visitors to the core forest where one can enjoy nature to its best. The evergreen forest of Gavi is home to animals like the tiger, elephants, leopards, Indian guar, monkeys, bears and unique flora and fauna. The road to Gavi is a little off road and only jeeps can take you there. Prior permissions are required from forest officials. Mostly poachers converted protectors of the forest are guides and they would know even the minutest of the details when going into the forest. It’s the best option if you are a real nature and adventure lover. It would be a combination of trekking and hiking covering kilometers by walking.
Plantation visits
Guided Nature walk through the spice plantation of Thekkady is almost like hiking. Other options are to hire a bicycle or an elephant and start with the tour. Mostly cardamom, vanilla, pepper, cloves, and cinnamon are cultivated. Early mornings are the best way to experience the freshness of nature and return back by noon. It would be the best place to buy some spices for yourself.
Cultural shows
Being a highly touristy destination, there are cultural shows performed every evening at Thekkady. These include performing art forms like the kathakalli, chakyarkooth and martial art forms like the Kalaripaytu. All these would be brief versions of the original art form.
Bamboo rafting
A hiking and rafting experience within the tiger reserve though the river periyar and its reservoir. Rafting longs for 2 to 3 hours and you can see the thickest of the forest and the most diverse of animals and birds. It’s a one day affair accompanied by forest guides and tribals.