Visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thekkady. It is home to a wide variety of animals, including elephants, tigers, and leopards. Visitors can take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake to spot wildlife or go on a guided jungle trek.

Explore the Spice Plantations: Thekkady is known for its spice plantations, which produce a variety of spices such as pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon. Visitors can take guided tours of these plantations and learn about the different spices and how they are grown and harvested.

Enjoy an Elephant Ride: One of the most popular things to do in Thekkady is to take an elephant ride through the forest. Visitors can get a chance to interact with these majestic animals and learn more about them.

Go on a Trek: Thekkady offers a variety of trekking options, including the popular trek to Mullaperiyar Dam, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Visit the Thekkady Lake: Thekkady Lake is a man-made lake that offers a variety of activities such as boating, fishing and bird watching. Try Local Cuisine: Thekkady offers a wide range of local cuisine that visitors can enjoy. Some popular dishes include dosa, idli, sambar and chutneys.

1. Wildlife Spotting:

Yes, wildlife spotting in Periyar National Park is a must-do activity for visitors to Thekkady. The park is home to a wide variety of animals, including elephants, tigers, leopards, bison, and deer. Visitors can take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake to spot wildlife or go on a guided jungle trek to see the animals in their natural habitat. The park also offers a variety of nature trails for visitors to explore, which offer the opportunity to spot rare and exotic wildlife species. Additionally, visitors can also take guided tours to learn more about the park and its inhabitants and get a chance to see the animals up close.

2. Boating

Boating in the Periyar Lake is definitely a great way to get closer to the wildlife of the Periyar National Park. The lake is situated within the park and is a great spot to see animals up close. Visitors can take a boat cruise on the lake and enjoy views of the jungle while also getting a chance to spot elephants and other animals that come to the lake to drink or bathe. Boating is an ideal way to spot the animals in their natural habitat without disturbing them and also it is an ideal way to see birds, reptiles, butterflies and other inhabitants. It is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the park and learn more about the local flora and fauna. The boat ride is also an excellent opportunity to take photographs and appreciate the natural surroundings

3. Jeep Safari

Jeep safaris are a great option for visitors to Thekkady who are looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure. These safaris take visitors through the rugged and untouched terrain of the Periyar National Park and surrounding areas. Jeep safari usually starts early in the morning from Gavi, which is a village located near the park, and continues until the evening. The safari will take you through a variety of trails and terrains, giving you an opportunity to see the untouched beauty of Thekkady. The safari offers a chance to spot wildlife like elephants, tigers, bison, and other animals in their natural habitat, while also providing an opportunity to see the local flora and fauna. Jeep safari is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the park and to get a glimpse of the local culture and lifestyle of the people living in the area.

4. Night Trekking

Night trekking is a unique and exciting activity for visitors to Thekkady who are looking for an adventure. This activity is typically only conducted under the supervision of local and expert guides as it takes place in the dense thickets of the Periyar National Park, which can be dangerous for visitors who are not familiar with the area. The night trekking is usually conducted daily, and it will take visitors to some of the corners of the reserve forest that are restricted or cannot be reached during the daytime. It is an exhilarating way to experience the nocturnal beauty of Thekkady’s fascinating wildlife, including the opportunity to see animals like elephants, tigers, and leopards. It also offers a chance to see the local flora and fauna. However, it is important to note that night trekking can be challenging and strenuous, and visitors should be in good physical shape and properly equipped before undertaking this activity.

5. Bamboo Rafting

Bamboo rafting is a unique and offbeat activity for visitors to Thekkady who are looking for an adventure. Unlike traditional rafts, bamboo rafts are slower, more stable and easy to maneuver, which makes them more reliable than inflatable rafts. Bamboo rafting is typically done on the Periyar Lake and other rivers in the area, and offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the area in a unique and exciting way. The rafting offers a different perspective of the wildlife and surroundings, and visitors can get a chance to see wildlife like elephants, tigers, and other animals in their natural habitat. It also offers visitors a chance to take in the beautiful scenery of the area, including the local flora and fauna. Bamboo rafting is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Thekkady and to get a glimpse of the local culture and lifestyle of the people living in the are

6. Elephant Ride

Elephant rides are a popular and exciting activity for visitors to Thekkady. The rides are typically conducted under the supervision of expert mahouts, who are trained to care for and control the elephants. The rides offer visitors a chance to experience the unique sensation of riding on the back of these majestic animals and to see the local scenery and wildlife from a different perspective. In addition to the rides, visitors can also participate in other elephant- related activities such as elephant bathing, learning commands and communication to control them, photo sessions and more. Timber dragging, elephant feeding and shower can also be enjoyed along with the riding session. It is a great way to learn about the elephants and their care, as well as getting an opportunity to interact with them. It also offers visitors a chance to see the local flora and fauna and also to witness the traditional way of working with elephants in the area.

7. Plantation Tour

Taking a plantation tour is a great way for visitors to learn about the traditional practices and cultures of Thekkady. The region is known for its lush and evergreen plantations, which cover more than half of the area. A walk or a guided tour through the plantations is a joyous experience for visitors, and it offers a chance to learn more about the different types of plants that are grown in the area, including tea, cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, cloves, and turmeric. Visitors can also learn about the traditional practices used in the cultivation of these plants, and buy freshly prepared herbal products and souvenirs. Plantation tour is a great way to learn about the local culture and history, and to appreciate the natural beauty of the area. It also offers visitors an opportunity to purchase locally made products and souvenirs.

8. Waterfall Visit

Chellarkovil Waterfalls is a must-visit destination for visitors to Thekkady. The waterfall is located in the quaint hamlet of Chellarkovil, which is around 15km from Thekkady. The waterfall is known for its rustic beauty, and it is situated at an altitude of around 1,200m above sea level. The waterfall has an alluring charm and appeal that can make visitors forget the outer world and crave for more. It is an ideal destination for shutterbugs and adventure seekers, as the waterfall offers great photo opportunities and challenging trekking trails. The waterfall is a great way to escape the heat and relax in the cool waters. It is also a great spot to take a dip, relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. The waterfall is a great spot for photography and it is also a great spot to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

9. Sightseeing

Sightseeing is a great way for visitors to explore the major tourist spots, landmarks, historical destinations, and other attractions in Thekkady. Visitors can take a sightseeing tour year- round and witness the natural marvels of the area and delight in their enchanting charm and appeal. Some popular sights to see in Thekkady include the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, the spice plantations, the Thekkady Lake, the Mullaperiyar Dam, and the local temples and churches. Visitors can also take guided tours to learn more about the history and culture of the area, and to get a better understanding of the local flora and fauna. A sightseeing tour is a great way to get an overview of the area, and to see the best sights in Thekkady. It can also be a great way to plan your visit and decide which sights you would like to see in more detail.

10. Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is a great way to explore the misty hills, salubrious plantation areas, and scenic meadows of Thekkady. Pedaling through the narrow trails and captivating slopes of the area offers its own fun and thrill quotient. The activity is usually conducted for a day, around 6-7 hours and it takes visitors to some of the most beautiful and secluded areas of the region, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Mountain biking allows visitors to see the natural beauty of the area and to appreciate the local flora and fauna. It is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area and to get a glimpse of the local culture and lifestyle of the people living in the area. The activity can be done by people of all age groups and it is an excellent way to stay active and healthy while enjoying the nature.