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Travel
Thekkady Travel Guide: Wildlife, Stays & Experiences
Team Social Exoticamp
23 Feb 2026Very few places pack in a huge mix of wildlife, excitement, and local history, and Thekkady (Kerala’s spice hub) is one of them.
Tucked high in the lush Western Ghats of Kerala, this charming hill town offers far more than just scenic views. It’s where dense forests meet shimmering waters, where the call of wild elephants echoes across valleys, and where the scent of cardamom and pepper lingers in the air.
At the heart of it all lies the famous Periyar Tiger Reserve, drawing travellers from across India and beyond who hope to spot incredible animals in their natural habitat.
But Thekkady isn’t only about safaris and boating trips. It’s also about spice plantations, cultural performances, warm local hospitality, and slow mornings wrapped in mist.
Whether you are travelling with friends, family, or solo, Thekkady offers a perfect blend of adrenaline and serenity. In this Thekkady travel guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know for an unforgettable trip.
No Thekkady travel guide is complete without covering the journey. To get to this hilly paradise, you'll have to travel through some of the most beautiful land in the country. While Thekkady doesn't have its own airport, it is well-connected to major hubs.
The nearest airport is actually across the state border in Tamil Nadu the Madurai Airport, located about 140 km away. Alternatively, many travellers choose to fly into Cochin International Airport, which is roughly 150 km from the hills.
From either airport, the easiest way to reach Thekkady is by hiring a taxi or taking a pre-booked private car. The drive from Cochin is particularly famous for its panoramic views of rolling tea estates and waterfalls.
If you are arriving by train, the nearest railway station is Kottayam, about 110 km away. The distance might seem long on a map, but the winding roads and lush flora make every minute worth it.
Finding the perfect property to rest your head is easy here, as the hospitality sector is well-developed.
Whether you want a luxury hotel with panoramic views or a cosy homestay where the host treats you like family, the availability of options is vast.
For those who want to be close to the park, many resorts are located right on the edge of the greenery. Many of these can be booked directly through their websites, or you can book online via travel portals to compare prices.
When choosing your hotel, consider if you want to be in the heart of the town for easy access to food and local markets, or tucked away in the forest for ultimate peace.
Want to wake up to the sound of birds and the smell of fresh plants? Camping is the way to go. Exoticamp provides an unparalleled getaway by nesting you directly within a lush, 50-acre spice plantation.
You cannot visit Thekkady without spending significant time in the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
This park is a sanctuary for some of the most amazing wildlife on the planet. Spread across 925 square kilometres, this protected site is a bastion of biodiversity in a world where many species face threats of extinction.
Prepare to see amazing wildlife in their natural home. The reserve is famous for its wild elephants, which you can often spot grazing near the water.
If you are lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive Bengal tiger. The forest is also a haven for over 260 species of birds, making it a prime site for ornithologists.
From the giant Malabar squirrel to the Nilgiri langur, the life within this forest is vibrant and buzzing. It’s a powerful reminder of why we must remain committed to protecting these species from the threats of habitat loss and extinction.
One of the top attractions in the park is boating on Periyar Lake. This man-made lake was formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam over a hundred years (well, over a century!) ago. As the boat glides through the water, you'll see submerged tree stumps that look like natural sculptures. It’s the easiest way for groups and families with children to see wildlife safely.
Pro Tip: As this is such a popular activity, it is highly recommended to book online in advance. Availability for the early morning slots, which are the best for spotting animals, especially, fills up fast.
If you’re craving an adrenaline rush, this Thekkady travel guide has you covered. Here, we’ll share experiences that get you off the beaten path and into the thick of the wild.
For the thrill-seekers, jeep safaris offer a rugged way to see the forest. These tours take you deep into the jungle, providing panoramic views of the rolling hills and deep valleys. It’s an educational experience where guides share stories about the country's flora and history.
If you prefer a slower pace, bamboo rafting on the lake is a serene way to appreciate the natural beauty. You’ll drift past submerged tree stumps that look like eerie sculptures, all while keeping an eye out for rare birds.
The forest department also organizes treks. Go for them; you’ll hike through dense forest tracks and then paddle across the lake on a traditional bamboo raft. Trekking will help you understand the delicate balance of life in the woods.
You cannot leave without visiting the spice plantations. Thekkady is the spice hub of Kerala, where pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves flourish.
Walking through these gardens is a sensory journey. Many of these plantations are the property of local families who have been farming the land for generations. They often share fascinating stories about the medicinal uses of different plants. Most of these plantations offer guided sightseeing walks at a very reasonable cost. Don't forget to buy some fresh spices to take back.
To make your trip as smooth as possible, here are a few helpful tips:
While the journey toward the spice plantation is scenic, digital reliability can be fickle. The dense canopy of the forest often creates dead zones where GPS signals drop unexpectedly.
To avoid your way on winding backcountry roads, download offline maps via Google Maps or carry a physical guidebook. Having your route saved ensures you stay on track even when your bars disappear in the deep woods.
The forest follows its own clock, and the hours just after sunrise are the most magical. This is when the temperature is cool, the mist clings to the spice plants, and wildlife is most active before the midday heat.
It's wise to book the very first slot for boating or trekking. That way, you beat the crowds and significantly increase your chances of spotting rare birds and animals in their natural habitat.
Maintaining the sanctity of the 50-acre site is vital for both the environment and your safety.
You are entering a delicate ecosystem where loud noises can distress the local fauna and disrupt the peaceful atmosphere that other campers seek.
Always carry your trash back out with you and avoid bringing single-use plastics. This small act helps preserve the breathtaking beauty of the spice plantation for future explorers.
More than just a spot on a traveller's map, Thekkady is a place that stays in your heart long after your trip ends. Its combination of amazing wildlife, lush natural beauty, and warm hospitality makes it a must-visit destination in India.
And if you want to take that experience a step further, consider booking your trip with Exoticamp.
Nestled close to nature, our thoughtfully curated camping experiences let you wake up to misty forest views, unwind under starlit skies, and enjoy the wilderness without compromising on comfort. It’s a wonderful way to blend adventure with relaxation if you want something more immersive than a traditional hotel stay.
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