There are many places to visit in Thekkady but very few make it to the traditional itinerary. We are Woodnote Thekkady and want our clients to explore the unexplored to really feel the offerings of Thekkady. Listed below are the top 10 places to explore in Thekkady that we highly recommend you to visit.
Gavi
If your weekend getaways are for seeking adventure and finding thrills, then Gavi will provide all the fun for trekkers. Gavi is popular as a pristine, beautiful tourist place in Thekkady, situated in the Pathanamthitta district. It will take more than one hour to reach here. If you plan a small trek here, you may land in Sabarimala Ayyapan temple, one of the most visited Hindu pilgrimage sites. It is a paradise for bird watchers and wildlife lovers as myna, Indian hornbill, Sunbird, woodpecker, kingfisher, cuckoo, and bulbul can be seen here. As it is a part of the famous Periyar Tiger Reserve, you will be able to spot various animals like elephants, leopards, tigers, bears, Indian gaur, barking deer, sambar, lion-tailed macaque, mouse deer, and the Nilgiri Marten.
Murikkady
Murikkady has located almost 5 km from Thekkady. It takes hardly 15 minutes to reach this small village. You can drive to this place while enjoying the scenic beauty throughout the route. Spice and coffee plantations are the surprises waiting in this place. It is a picture-perfect tourist location providing stunning misty hills and evergreen valleys. The aromas of the spices like cardamom, pepper, etc., and tea or coffee flowing all over the place, make it ideal for nature-lovers.
Anakkara
Situated almost 13.6 km from Thekkady, Anakkara is another small village in the Idukki district. It lies on the highway between Munnar and Kumily. Anakkara is renowned for its rich greens, beautiful waterfalls, and stunning spice plantations. You can also try to go trekking here. Anakkara is all set to surprise you with its postcard-ready amazing plantations. While returning from the trip, buy some spices from authorized dealers. This place is ideal for a day trip and that too by road.
Mangala Devi Temple
Let us now explore a religious place called Mangala Devi Temple. It is situated in the Idukki region within the premises of the famous Periyar Tiger Reserves. This is a 1000-year-old temple situated on the top of a hill 1337 meters above sea level. It is 11.8 km away from Thekkady. You would need 40 minutes to reach this place. The general public or pilgrimages can visit this temple only during the Chitra Pournami festival. This is the time when the temple remains open, though you can visit any time of the year, just to mesmerize yourself with the panoramic view from the top. It is definitely one of the best-unexplored places near Thekkady.
Chellarkovil
You will need 35 minutes to reach Chellarkovil as it is 15 km away from Thekkady. This quaint village is slowly gaining popularity day by day. Unlike many, the true globetrotters’ always try to explore the paths less traveled. This place is one of them. This tiny village possesses the natural beauty of waterfalls in abundance, for example, the Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall. The picturesque view, along with solitude and peace, attracts offbeat travelers.
Pattumalay Tea Factory
Pattumalay Tea Factory, 24 km away from Thekkady, is a place worth visiting. Pattumalay Estate is well known for the production of orthodox tea. They produce a huge capacity of 16000 kg of orthodox tea each day. Spend your day amid the tea gardens for an aromatic and relaxing experience. You can learn a lot about the tea manufacturing process from picking leaves to the ultimate outcome from the factories. Tourists can even taste yummy and delicious tea and pick their favorite ones.
Panchalimedu View Point
Located 2500 feet above sea level, Panchalimedu Viewpoint is a picturesque hillock that offers a paradise with fresh herbage. The view of the striped farms, present at the foot of the hills, will be a lifetime experience. For adventure lovers, trekking can be fun here. A soothing pond called Panchalikulam is located in between the hills and the forests. According to the Mahabharata, the Pandavas and their wife Panchali spent some time here during their exile period. This is one of the most captivating tourist places in Thekkady.
Parunthumpara
Parunthumpara, also popularly called ‘Eagles Rock’, is an enormous stretch of rock covered with lush greenery. The entire view resembles an eagle which the name symbolizes. It is 24 km away from Thekkady, and it would take 55 minutes to reach there. Due to its less popularity, it is not enlisted in the sightseeing list of Thekkady. But slowly and steadily, the place is achieving a new status in the trip planning for tourists. The huge mountain ranges, dense forests, and valleys with amazing beauty are attracting visitors.
Vandanmedu
Vandanmedu is also a dainty village located in the district of Idukki. This place is recognized for its largest production of cardamom and also as an auction center for it. It is situated 22 km away from Thekkady, and you will need 40 minutes to reach there. The delicious aroma of cardamom plantations creates magic throughout the town. This place also offers great adventure sports and trekking opportunities for enthusiasts. Many honeymoon couples and lone nature lovers like to visit this place due to its calm and quiet presence in the vast nature.
Ramakkalmedu
Ramakkalmedu is a splendid place that no one should avoid on a Kerala trip. It is 36 km away from Thekkady. There are numerous trekking trails where people from all over the country seek adventure. You will be able to witness a 360-degree view of the spectacular terrain below from the top of the hillock. This highest viewpoint is hardly 3 to 4 km from the Ramakkalmedu junction.