You’ll Love These 15 Tours & Experiences In Thekkady

Thekkady is a treasure trove for travelers who want to experience authentic Kerala wildlife, spice plantations, and local culture. Its Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its tiger reserve and elephants, making it a prime spot for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers. We particularly like the Exclusive Periyar Wildlife with Elephant Bath Tour for its combination of boat cruises, spice market visits, and the unforgettable elephant bathing experience. If you’re short on time but eager to see the highlights, the Half Day Thekkady Tea Trail Tour offers a quick yet immersive peek into Kerala’s famed tea plantations. For those who want more in-depth exploration, the Private Full Day Wild Trails at Thekkady combines wildlife safaris with spice plantation visits, giving you a comprehensive day in nature.

The list below covers a range of experiences, from wildlife safaris and nature walks to cooking classes and hill station day trips, ensuring there’s something for every type of traveler.

1. Exclusive Periyar Wildlife with Elephant Bath Tour

This 3-day tour is a luxurious way to explore Periyar’s wildlife and spice plantations. It includes a morning boat cruise on Periyar Lake, visits to spice markets and plantations, and the iconic elephant bath activities that create lifelong memories. The elephants are treated well, and you get a chance to feed and photograph them up close. The tour also features a Kathakali Dance Show in the evening, offering a taste of Kerala’s vibrant culture. What makes this tour stand out is its well-rounded itinerary, giving you plenty of time to soak up the scenery and interact with local wildlife.

With a rating of 5/5 from 2 reviews, travelers praise the personalized attention and the variety of activities packed into three days. This experience is perfect for those wanting an in-depth look at Kerala’s wildlife and cultural traditions without rushing. Bottom line: If you want a comprehensive and comfortable experience with plenty of wildlife encounters, this is the tour for you.

2. Periyar 02-Days Tour with Nature Walk and Elephant Bath

This 2-day trip offers a balanced taste of Periyar’s natural splendor. It begins with a guided boat cruise on Periyar Lake and includes a guided forest walk, perfect for spotting local flora and fauna. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a Kathakali Dance Show, adding a cultural layer to the adventure. You’ll also visit a spice plantation to learn about Kerala’s famous spices like cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon—a sensory experience for sure. The highlight is the elephant bath, which is a unique and memorable activity.

Rated 5/5 from 1 review, this tour is ideal for travelers with limited time but a keen interest in wildlife and local culture. The value for money is notable, considering the inclusion of multiple activities that showcase Kerala’s rich biodiversity and traditions. Bottom line: This tour suits those who want a quick but immersive experience combining wildlife, spice exploration, and local performances.

3. Half Day Thekkady Tea Trail Tour

For around $13.77 per person, this 3-hour guided tour dives into Kerala’s famous tea culture. It includes visits to a Tea plantation, a Tea factory, and a tea tasting session. The journey begins with a plantation walk lasting about 1-2 hours, where you’ll see how tea leaves are plucked and processed, followed by a visit to the Connemara Tea Factory. Traveling by tuk-tuk adds a local flavor to the experience, making it both convenient and fun.

This tour is perfect for travelers looking for a quick, affordable insight into Kerala’s tea industry. It’s especially suitable for those interested in local agriculture and tea tasting, or anyone wanting a relaxing break from more active tours. Bottom line: A great short activity that offers a taste of Kerala’s lush tea estates and production process.

4. Thekkady: Kerala Cooking Class with Market Visit

This 3-hour cooking class combines culinary learning with an authentic market visit. You’ll start by exploring a local market, discovering regional vegetables and spices. Then, step into a traditional Kerala kitchen for a hands-on cooking session, learning to prepare classic dishes served on a banana leaf. After cooking, you’ll enjoy your meal with tea and snacks, and leave with recipes to recreate Kerala flavors at home.

The experience is rated 5/5 from 1 review, making it a top choice for foodies and those wanting to connect with local culture through cuisine. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy interactive activities and want to bring a taste of Kerala back home. Bottom line: A flavorful, educational experience perfect for culinary explorers.

5. Private Full Day Wild Trails at Thekkady

This 10-hour private tour provides an in-depth exploration of Thekkady’s wildlife and spice culture. It starts with a jeep safari into the forest, where your guides will help spot elephants, bison, and exotic birds. Later, you’ll visit a spice plantation to see how Kerala’s famous spices like cinnamon, pepper, and cardamom are cultivated. The highlight is a boat ride on Periyar Lake in the afternoon, offering a peaceful way to absorb the scenery.

Rated 4/5 from 2 reviews, this tour is excellent for those wanting a full day immersed in nature and local industry. The combination of safari, spice touring, and boat riding makes it a comprehensive experience. It’s well-suited for wildlife enthusiasts and culture lovers alike. Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want a full, personalized day with diverse activities.

6. Beauty of Nature, Cochin with Periyar Wildlife Tour

At four days, this tour blends Cochin’s cultural sights with a focus on Periyar’s wildlife. It includes a boat ride on Periyar Lake, elephant activities, and a Kathakali dance, along with visits to historic sites like Mattancherry Palace and Fort Kochi. It offers a well-rounded Kerala experience, covering both urban and wilderness highlights.

While no review rating is listed, the itinerary’s diversity makes it suitable for travelers seeking a mix of cultural and natural experiences. It’s ideal if you want to explore Kerala’s history and wildlife in one trip. Bottom line: A solid choice for those wanting a broad overview of Kerala’s attractions.

7. Cochin: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Safari with Boat Ride

This 10-hour day tour from Cochin offers a chance to see Kerala’s wildlife in Periyar Sanctuary. It starts with a spice plantation visit, then moves into a guided nature walk through the forest, where you might spot elephants, deer, and exotic birds. The tour concludes with a scenic boat ride on Periyar Lake, providing a tranquil view of the sanctuary’s beauty.

Rated with no reviews, it’s a straightforward, convenient option for day-trippers staying in Cochin. It’s especially good for those interested in spice cultivation and wildlife observation in one day. Bottom line: An efficient way to combine urban exploration with wildlife viewing, ideal for a day trip.

8. Exclusive, Periyar Wildlife Overnight Tour with Guide

This 2-day tour plunges you deeper into the wilderness, with guided boat cruises, spice market visits, and elephant interactions. Staying overnight in Periyar allows for more relaxed wildlife encounters, including bathing, feeding, and photography. It’s a comprehensive experience that emphasizes personal interaction with elephants and local culture.

Rated not rated but noted for its exclusivity, it’s suited for travelers who want to spend extra time in the sanctuary and experience wildlife up close. It’s a good option if you’re seeking a more immersive, less rushed experience. Bottom line: For wildlife lovers wanting an exclusive, in-depth visit, this is a strong choice.

9. Exclusive Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Tour (02 Nights/03 Days)

This 3-day experience combines boat cruises, spice market visits, and Kalaripayattu martial arts shows. It’s designed for those wanting a thorough exploration of Periyar’s biodiversity and local culture. The inclusion of elephant activities and visits to Kumily spice market makes for a well-rounded trip.

Rated not rated, but its detailed itinerary suits travelers eager for multiple wildlife and cultural encounters. It’s best for those with time to spare in Kerala and an interest in traditional arts. Bottom line: Ideal for cultural enthusiasts and wildlife fans who want a deeper experience.

10. From Kochi:- Periyar Elephant Bath, Nature Walk Guided Tour

This 3-day tour centers on the elephant bath, combined with a nature walk and spice market visit. The highlight is the chance to interact with elephants in a responsible setting, making it a memorable activity. The tour also offers a boat cruise on Periyar Lake and cultural shows.

Rated not rated, but its focus on elephants makes it particularly appealing for animal lovers. It’s a good option for a short, activity-packed trip that emphasizes wildlife interactions. Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want a close-up elephant experience coupled with scenic and cultural activities.

11. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Tour (02 Nights / 03 Days)

This 3-day tour explores the Periyar Tiger Reserve with boat rides, spice market visits, and a Kumily spice plantation tour. The itinerary emphasizes wildlife viewing and local industry, with convenient private transfers included.

Rated not rated, this package serves travelers wanting a balanced mix of wildlife, spice exploration, and cultural activities in a relaxed setting. It’s especially good for those seeking a structured itinerary with comfort. Bottom line: Well-suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, stress-free experience.

12. Thekkady Adventure: Off-Road Jeep Safari & Vagamon Tour

This 10-hour trip combines off-road jeep safaris through Chatram and Panrunthupara with a visit to Vagamon’s scenic meadows and tea plantations. It also includes a stop at the Pattumalai Church, making it a varied day of adventure and culture.

Rated not rated, it’s perfect for those craving an active day exploring rugged terrain and mountain scenery. The off-road rides and hill station visit make it stand out as a more adventurous option. Bottom line: Great for travelers seeking excitement and panoramic views in a single day.

13. Thekkady: Vagamon Hill Station Day Trip with Breakfast

This one-day trip includes a scenic drive, off-road jeep rides, and visits to the Panrunthupara view point and Vagamon’s lush meadows. It’s capped with a visit to a local tea plantation, giving insight into tea cultivation.

Rated not rated, this trip appeals to those wanting a full-day escape into hill station scenery with minimal hassle. It’s suitable for nature lovers and photographers. Bottom line: An ideal choice for a scenic hill station outing from Thekkady.

14. Wilderness & Culture: One Day Tour of Thekkady with Jeep

This day-long tour combines a jeep safari with visits to spice plantations, a boat ride on Periyar Lake, and a Kathakali dance show. It offers a good balance of wildlife, local industry, and culture, all within a manageable schedule.

Rated not rated, it’s perfect for travelers who want a taste of everything Kerala has to offer in a single day. Its structured yet flexible itinerary makes it easy to customize. Bottom line: A convenient introduction for first-time visitors.

15. Explore The Rustic Life Of Thekkady

This 9-hour tour immerses you in local life with visits to a coffee and spice plantation, beekeeping farm, and South Indian ashram. It’s a window into rural Kerala, with opportunities to learn about traditional crafts and local practices.

Rated no reviews, it suits travelers interested in culture and rural experiences. It’s less about wildlife and more about understanding the everyday lives of Kerala’s farmers and artisans. Bottom line: A unique, hands-on experience for culturally curious travelers.

How to Choose Your Perfect Tour

When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time available, and interests. For a family-friendly adventure, the Elephant Bath Tour offers memorable animal encounters. If your focus is on wildlife and natural beauty, the Wild Trails or Full Day Wild Trails tours deliver immersive experiences. Those passionate about Kerala’s spice trade or culinary traditions should look at the Cooking Class or Tea Trail.

For travelers with limited time, the Half Day Tea Trail Tour or the day trips to Vagamon provide a quick but satisfying escape. In contrast, longer tours like the 4-day Cochin & Periyar experience or the 3-day wildlife sanctuary tour suit those wanting a comprehensive Kerala adventure. Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, to secure your spot.

Final Thoughts

Thekkady offers a wide array of tours and experiences that cater to wildlife lovers, culture enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike. Top picks like the Exclusive Periyar Wildlife with Elephant Bath Tour provide a luxurious deep dive into Kerala’s wilderness, while shorter options like the Tea Trail are perfect for a quick taste of local flavor. If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity, the Elephant Bath is hard to beat. For a more immersive, multi-day experience, the Wild Trails or Overnight Wildlife Tours are excellent choices.

No matter your travel style or interests, there’s a tour in Thekkady that can make your visit memorable. Be sure to plan ahead, book early during peak season, and enjoy discovering Kerala’s natural and cultural riches firsthand.