Offbeat Things to do in Thekkady

Thekkady is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty and wildlife. However, for offbeat travellers looking for unique experiences, there are several things to do in Thekkady beyond the usual tourist activities.

  • Trekking in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary offers a variety of trekking trails through the forest, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area and spot wildlife.
  • Plantation Walk: Thekkady is home to a variety of plantation such as cardamom, pepper, coffee and tea. Visitors can take a guided tour of the plantation and learn about the cultivation process and history of the area.
  • Bamboo Rafting: A unique way to explore the Periyar River is by bamboo rafting. Visitors can glide through the river on a traditional bamboo raft and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
  • Night Safari: Visitors can take a night safari through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and spot nocturnal animals such as elephants, bison, wild boars, and sambar deer.
  • Spice Garden Visit: Thekkady is known for its spices and visitors can take a guided tour of a spice garden and learn about the different types of spices grown in the area and their uses.
  • Cooking Classes: Visitors can take a cooking class and learn how to prepare traditional Kerala dishes using local spices and herbs.
  • Yoga and Meditation: Visitors can take part in yoga and meditation classes to experience the serene atmosphere of Thekkady and to relax and rejuvenate.
Please note that it is important to check the availability and safety of these activities before planning to participate in them.

1. Village Tours

Taking a village tour in Thekkady is a great way to experience the local culture and learn about the history and roots of the area. Some popular activities that are offered on village tours in Thekkady include:

  • Beekeeping: Visitors can learn about the traditional practice of beekeeping and see how honey is harvested.
  • Preparing traditional meals: Visitors can take part in cooking classes and learn how to prepare traditional Kerala dishes using local ingredients.
  • Meeting local craftsmen: Visitors can meet local artisans and learn about traditional crafts such as pottery, weaving, and woodcarving.
  • Elephant rides: Visitors can take an elephant ride through the village and learn about the traditional practice of elephant training and care.
  • Traditional medical practices: Visitors can learn about traditional Ayurvedic medicine and participate in treatments such as massages and herbal remedies.
  • Discovering the rural way of life: Visitors can learn about rural way of life, such as farming, cattle rearing and traditional ways of living.
  • Interacting with locals: Visitors can interact with local people, attend local festivals and ceremonies, and learn about their customs and traditions.
It is important to note that some of these activities may not be available every day, and it is advisable to check with tour operators before planning your trip. Also, it is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions and to follow any guidelines provided by tour guides or hosts during the village tour.

2.Bullock Cart Rides:

Taking a bullock cart ride in Thekkady is a great way to experience the local culture and learn about the traditional way of life in the area. Some popular activities that can be enjoyed with bullock cart rides include:

  • Bullock cart rides: Visitors can take a ride on a traditional bullock cart through the village and learn about the traditional practice of using bullocks for transportation and farming.
  • Coracle rides: Visitors can take a ride on a traditional circular boat known as a coracle and explore the nearby rivers and backwaters.
  • Farming: Visitors can try their hands at local farming activities such as planting and harvesting crops and learn about traditional farming practices.
  • Livestock: Visitors can learn about the traditional practice of raising and caring for livestock such as cows and goats, which are considered sacred in Hinduism.
  • Local markets: Visitors can visit local markets and learn about the traditional practice of trading and commerce in the area.
  • Attending local festivals: Visitors can attend local festivals and ceremonies and learn about the customs and traditions of the local people.
It is important to note that some of these activities may not be available every day, and it is advisable to check with tour operators before planning your trip. Also, it is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions and to follow any guidelines provided by tour guides or hosts during the village tour.

3.Bamboo Rafting:

Bamboo rafting is a unique and exciting way to explore the Periyar National Park in Thekkady. Unlike traditional rafts, bamboo rafts are made from locally sourced bamboo, and offer a more authentic and eco-friendly way to explore the park.

The activity usually takes place on the Periyar river and during the ride, visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the park, spot wildlife and birds and learn about the ecosystem of the park. As the rafts are made of bamboo, they move slowly and silently, providing an opportunity to observe nature closely and quietly.

Bamboo rafting is a guided activity and is usually done in the morning or evening when the wildlife is active. It is advisable to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and to bring sunscreen and insect repellent. It is also important to follow the guide's instructions and safety rules.

It is important to note that bamboo rafting may not be available every day and that the weather conditions can affect the availability of the activity. It is advisable to check with tour operators before planning your trip.

4.Tribal Dance and Heritage Tours:

Taking a tribal dance and heritage tour in Thekkady is a great way to experience the local culture and learn about the traditional way of life of the indigenous tribes in the area. The Mannan tribe is one of the many tribes that inhabit the remote areas of Thekkady and is known for their unique culture and heritage.

During a tribal dance and heritage tour, visitors can:

  • Visit remote tribal villages and interact with the locals
  • Learn about their daily activities such as fishing, agriculture, and house building
  • Visit a tribal museum and learn about their culture and heritage
  • Attend cultural shows and witness traditional dances such as 'Paliyan' and 'Mannan'
  • Feast on traditional tribal food and learn about their cuisine
It is important to note that these tours may take place in remote and rugged areas and visitors should be prepared for the terrain and weather conditions. It is also important to be respectful of local customs and traditions and to follow any guidelines provided by tour guides or hosts during the tour. It is also important to check with tour operators before planning your trip as availability of these tours may be limited and can vary depending on the season.

5.Day with the Jumbos:

Spending a day with the elephants at an elephant farm in Thekkady is a unique and memorable experience. It is an opportunity to learn about the care and conservation of elephants and to interact with them in a natural and ethical way.

During a day with the elephants, visitors can:

  • Observe the elephants in their natural habitat and learn about their behavior and social dynamics
  • Participate in elephant care activities such as bathing, feeding, and communicating with them
  • Learn about the conservation efforts and challenges of protecting elephants in the wild
  • Take photographs with the elephants
  • Enjoy a guided elephant safari through the forest.
It is important to note that ethical elephant farms prioritize the well-being and welfare of the animals. Visitors should ensure that the farm they visit is reputable and follows ethical practices. It is also important to be respectful of the elephants and to follow any guidelines provided by the staff during the visit. It is also important to check with tour operators before planning your trip as availability of these tours may be limited and can vary depending on the season.

6.Night Jungle Patrolling:

Night Jungle Patrolling is an exciting, offbeat activity that allows visitors to explore the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Thekkady after dark. The activity is conducted under the supervision of trained forest rangers and armed forest personnel and allows visitors to see the nocturnal side of the park and its inhabitants.

During a night jungle patrol, visitors can:

  • Explore the park after dark and see nocturnal animals such as tigers, leopards, and wild elephants
  • Learn about the park's ecosystem and conservation efforts
  • See the park from a different perspective and learn about the behaviour of animals at night
  • Listen to the sounds of the jungle and learn about the different species of birds and animals
  • Observe the stars and the night sky, learn about the night sky and the constellations
It is important to note that night jungle patrolling is a guided activity and is only available in a limited number of places and time of the year. Visitors should be prepared for the terrain and weather conditions and should wear comfortable clothing and shoes. It is also important to follow the guide's instructions and safety rules.

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