Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary

Periyar wild life sanctuary is the most famous wild life sanctuary in Kerala and is spread over an area of 777 sq km. Periyar wild life sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar Lake and this wild life sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve in 1978. Periyar wild life sanctuary is a “must see” tourist destination in Kerala and offers a chance to view herds of wild elephants at close range. Boating facilities are also available in the Periyar Lake and elephants can be seen drinking water from the Periyar Lake. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can see wild animals at close range sitting in the safety of a boat. The Periyar wild life sanctuary is famous for elephants, tigers, gaur, sambar deer, wild boar, lion tailed monkeys, and the Nilgiri Tahr in the higher rock formations. Tourists can enjoy boat rides in the lake and view these wild animals at close range

Mangala Devi Temple

This is one of the oldest temples in kerala and is located at a height of 1337 meters above sea level. The temple is situated at a distance of 15 km from Thekkady and is built in the traditional Kerala architectural style. The Mangala Devi temple is one of the important tourist attractions near Thekkady and tourists visiting Thekkady also visit this temple. The temple premises offer a panoramic view of the high ranges. Special permission, however, needs to be obtained from the wild life warden for visiting this temple. (Phone- 0486- 322027)

Ramalkalmedu

Ramalkalmedu is located at a distance of 40 km from Thekkady and is a famous picnic spot in Kerala. This tourist destination offers a panoramic view of the high ranges and tourists visiting Thekkady also visit this famous picnic spot that is covered with rolling hills and meadows. Ramalkalmedu is one of the important tourist attractions near Thekkady
 
Murikkady

Murikkady is one of the most important spice growing areas in Kerala and tourists are seen visiting this place to go through the spice plantations where cardamom and pepper are grown in abundance. Located at a distance of 5 km from Thekkady, Murikkady is growing in importance as a place for picnic in Kerala due to the clean and pure spice scented air that one can breathe in Murikkady.

Pandikkuzhi

Pandikkuzhi is another famous tourist delight in Kerala and offers facilities for mountain trekking, mountain climbing and wild life safari. The place is also well known for exotic flora and fauna and the gurgling streams. This tourist destination attracts large number of tourists due to scope for adventure tourism and its serene ambiance and the panoramic view that one can have from this location. Pandikuzhi is now recognized as a famous picnic spot in Kerala and attracts tourists in large numbers. The place is at a distance of 10 km from Thekkady.

Chellarkovil

Chellarkovil is one of the tourist destinations in Kerala famous for its waterfalls. It is located at a distance of 20 km from Thekkady.This famous tourist place in Kerala is also known for its breathtaking scenery. It is particularly known as a place for picnics.

Pullumedu

Pullumedu is one of the famous tourist attractions near Thekkady located on the banks of the Periyar River. This tourist place offers a stunning view of the rolling hills draped in lush greenery, velvet lawns and rare flora and fauna. This tourist destination can only be accessed by Jeep. The Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa temple can be seen from this famous tourist town. Pullumedu forms part of the restricted forest area and permission has to be obtained from the wild life preservation officer at Thekkady to visit this attractive tourist destination in Kerala.  Phone number is 0486- 352515

Kumily

Kumily is a famous plantation town near Thekkady located on the outskirts of the Periyar Lake. Kumily is one of the most important spice growing and trading areas in Kerala. People from all parts of the country and outside come to purchase fresh spices as spices are easily available in Kumily and the prices are also low. Kumily is one of the important places in Kerala where fresh spices in bulk quantity are available at reduced prices.

Boat Cruise in Thekkady

Boat cruise facilities in the Periyar Lake are available for tourists coming to Thekkady. The Department of tourism, government of Kerala offers boating facilities in the Periyar Lake. Many hotels and resorts in Thekkady also offer boat cruise for their guests. Many of the hotels and resorts in Kerala offer holiday packages with boat cruise in the Periyar Lake also included as part of the holiday package. The ticket charges for the boat cruise in the Periyar Lake are generally rupees fifty for the lower deck and rupees hundred for the upper deck.
Elephant Rides in Thekkady
Many of the hotels and resorts in Thekkady make arrangements for elephant rides for guests. Elephant rides along the forests of Thekkady are a favorite with tourists and these elephant rides also form part of the holiday packages offered to guests. The forest department also offers facilities for elephant rides in Thekkady. The charges for elephant rides in Thekkady are on average rupees thirty per person for thirty minutes.

Mountain Trekking in Thekkady

Thekkady offers ample scope for mountain trekking as it is located in the high ranges and is full of mountains and valleys. Many of the famous tourist places near Thekkady are ideal for mountain trekking and many of the tourists coming to Thekkady also take part in mountain trekking. Hotels and resorts near Thekkady also offer mountain trekking facilities for the guests and these are also included in the holiday package offered to the guests.