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Thekkady is located 140 km away from Cochin Airport. It is well connected by road to all nearby cities. This is a forest-border village and part of a reserved forest area established for the conservation of wild animals. Thekkady is also part of the great Western Ghats mountain range of India.
The surrounding areas of the forest are cool, nature-friendly, and offer a peaceful environment. Thekkady provides several exciting activities for tourists, such as nature walk, rafting, hiking, boating, elephant safari, vineyard visit and spice garden visits, making it a perfect tourist place for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Thekkady Climate Overview
Seasonal Weather:
Summer (March to May):
Temperatures range between 25°C to 36°C. While it’s warmer than the rest of the year, Thekkady remains relatively cooler compared to the plains. Light cotton clothing is suitable during this season.
Monsoon (June to September):
The region receives heavy rainfall, especially during the peak monsoon months. The forest looks green, but outdoor activities may be limited due to slippery trails and leech presence. It’s a good time for those who enjoy the serene beauty of the rains.
Winter (October to February):
This is the best time to visit Thekkady, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The weather is cool and perfect for trekking, wildlife safaris, and other outdoor activities.
Activities in Thekkady
Nature Walk & Bamboo Rafting
Nature Walk and Bamboo Rafting is one of the most interesting and exciting activities to do in Thekkady. This unique program combines trekking through the forest and rafting on the serene waters of the Periyar Lake. Starting point from WGH Poetree is 4 km away to the location so start the journey considering the distance.
The activity involves a nature walk of approximately 10 kilometers (up and down). In the middle of the trek, participants enjoy about 1 hour of bamboo rafting on large, stable bamboo rafts. During the rafting, you may spot wild animals such as elephants, deer, and various species of birds in their natural habitat, making the experience even more exciting.
The program starts at 7:00 AM and it is conducted by the Forest Department of the Government of Kerala. It is completely safe and well-organized, with a dedicated security team—including forest officials and police—ensuring the safety of all visitors throughout the activity.
Things to Take Care Of
- Warm jacket: A light, warm jacket is recommended for the first half of the trek, as the early morning can be quite cold.
- Trekking shoes: Wear comfortable and sturdy trekking shoes suitable for rough forest terrain.
- Snacks and water: These will be provided by the forest authorities, so you don’t need to carry your own.
- Breakfast: A simple breakfast is arranged by the authorities at the midpoint of the program, before the bamboo rafting begins.
Hiking
Hiking in Thekkady is a unique experience, as most trails pass through the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Depending on your preference, you can choose short nature walks or more challenging border hikes. Along the way, hikers may spot elephants, bison, and a variety of rare birds. The trails also lead to stunning viewpoints such as Ottakathalamedu. Ottakathalamedu is 2 km away from WGH Poetree. With its rich biodiversity, Thekkady provides some of the best hiking opportunities in South India for both nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Boating
Boating in Thekkady is one of the must-do activities, offering a chance to explore Periyar Lake, surrounded by forests and wildlife. The starting point of boating from WGH Poetree resort is 4 kms. The boat rides are organized by the Kerala Forest Department and usually last around 1.5 to 2 hours. They run at fixed timings during the day, typically starting around 7:30 AM. Early morning and evening rides are the best, as the chances of spotting elephants, deer, and other wildlife are higher. This activity is also very suitable for families.
Elephant Safari
Never miss the elephant safari when you visit Thekkady. The elephant safari is mainly conducted near the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The rides allow tourists to sit on trained elephants and explore spice-scented trails, plantations, and forest paths. The safari lasts around 30 minutes to 1 hour. Along with the ride, visitors can also enjoy activities like elephant feeding, bathing, and photo sessions. It is a safe and family-friendly experience, as the elephant trainers are always present with each elephant.
Vineyard Visit & Spice Garden Visit
Don’t miss the experience of visiting vineyard and spice garden. The garden is filled with beautiful bunches of grapes hanging from the vines, creating a beautiful view. Visitors can taste and purchase freshly plucked grapes, enjoy fresh grape juice, or buy locally made grape wine. The vineyard also offers a lovely setting for photo sessions, making it both a relaxing and memorable experience.
Visiting the spice garden in Thekkady is a refreshing experience. Visitors can walk through plantations filled with cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and many other spices. Guided tours are also offered to explain how these spices are grown, harvested, and processed. You can also see varieties of medicinal plants and learn about their uses. Freshly packed spices, oils, and herbal products are available for purchase as well. A spice garden visit is both educational and memorable.
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