Things to do in  Thekkady

Kerala has given the world many great cultural treasures, two of which are showcased at the Kadathanadan Kalari & Navarasa Kathakali Centre. Visitors can watch live performances of Kalaripayattu, one of the oldest martial art forms on earth, as well as Kathakali, a classical Indian dance known for its intricate eye movements, often used to depict epic tales.

In the Western Ghats region of Kerala, this tranquil reserve is known for its biodiversity. People come to Periyar National Park to spot sambar deer, langurs, otters, elephant herds, and the elusive Bengal tiger, while birders flock to Periyar for kingfishers, herons, and hornbills. One of the park’s star attractions is Periyar Lake, where animals come to drink.

Located in Kerala’s verdant Western Ghats, with scenery ranging from woody grasslands and marshy wetlands to evergreen forests, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places in southern India to observe the region’s unique flora and fauna at close range. Expect rich bird life—including hornbills and kingfishers—and dozens of mammals, from sambar deers to the elusive Bengal tiger.

Home to around 40 Bengal tigers, the densely wooded Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala’s Western Ghat region is part of Periyar National Park, known interchangeably as Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Named after the Periyar River, the biodiverse park is also home to sambar deer, otters, bison, herds of elephants, and bird life such as egrets, hornbills, and herons.

The star attraction of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, this tranquil manmade lake dates back to the turn of the 19th century, when a dam diverted the Periyar River. Today, Periyar Lake serves as a popular drinking and bathing spot for many of the sanctuary’s resident animals, including elephants, otters, sambar deer, bison, and wild boar. You can also spot plenty of bird species here.

Located in the lush town of Thekkady, the Green Park Ayurvedic and Spices Plantation is dedicated to all things Ayurveda. India’s traditional form of ancient medicine relies on nature-based healing and a variety of plants for medicine and oils, many of which are grown right here in this tranquil medicinal garden, along with cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, and more.