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Kerala Tourism

Thekkady Travel Guide | Everything You Need to Know

March 17, 2019 by sarita

If the spirit of wildlife adventure dictates your holiday destination, then you are on the right page! World Ghoomo is here to take you to one such travel destination in India that will satisfy your outdoor cravings. Whether you’re travelling with your partner or a group of friends, an adventure trip to Thekkady in kerala is all you need to plan for your next outing.

 

Thekkady – Periyar Tiger Reserve

 

Thekkady Travel Guide

 

Location – Located near to Kerala – Tamil Nadu border in the Idukki district of Kerala state in South India, Thekkady is the location of the Periyar Tiger Reserve which is one of the 27 tiger reserves in India. Spread across an area of 777 sq. km of forest land, the sanctuary is home to a luxuriant collection of different species of flora and fauna. Eco-tourism forms an integral part of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

 

Thekkady Travel Itinerary – 4 days

 

In the first 3 days we will cover the activities inside the Wildlife Sanctuary and on the 4th day, cover some attractions outside the sanctuary.

 

Watch Thekkady Travel Guide Video

 

 

 

Additional Tips & Information

 

Find below some important things to keep in mind before planning your trip to Thekkady.

 

Booking Tips & Information

 

Advance Bookings for Hotels & Activities. It is mandatory to do all the bookings in advance to avoid last minute chaos.

 

1) Hotel Booking

 

There are 2 types of accommodation options available in Thekkady – KTDC hotels & Hotels outside the Sanctuary.

 

KTDC Hotels

 

Thekkady KTDC Hotels – Lake Palace

 

There are 3 hotels inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve operated by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC)
Periyar House – for a budget traveller who wish to stay in a wildlife sanctuary
Aranya Nivas – an authentic jungle lodge
Lake Palace – be a part of Royal Legacy
Located on the side of Periyar Lake these hotels are perfect destination for wildlife enthusiasts and eco-tourists.

 

Things to Consider Before Booking KTDC hotels

 

Advantages

 

  1. Staying inside the sanctuary allows you to experience the wilderness 24X7.
  2. The start point of most of the Activities like Wildlife Boat Cruises, Nature Walks & Hikings are inside the sanctuary itself. So, you won’t waste any time reaching the spot.
  3. These hotels can also arrange vehicles for activities carried out outside the sanctuary.

 

Disadvantages

 

  1. The gates of the Periyar Tiger Reserve close at 5:30 pm. Since, these hotels are located inside the wildlife sanctuary, you won’t be able to enter or exit the hotel after 5:30 pm.
  2. You won’t be able to explore the nightlife of Thekkady.
  3. Mudra Cultural Centre organises evening shows of Kalaripayattu (martial arts) & Kathakali (dance drama). So, if you are staying inside the sanctuary, you won’t be able to watch the shows.

 

Hotels Outside the Sanctuary

 

Thekkady Hotels

 

There are a number of guest houses and small hotels along the lane right outside the reserve forest gate. In addition, there are quite a number of Hotels, Resorts & Oyo rooms in Kumily.

 

Things to Consider Before Booking Hotels outside the sanctuary

 

  1. Make sure to pick a hotel/room that is close to the Periyar Tiger Reserve. This will save a lot of time to reach the sanctuary for various activities.
  2. KTDC hotels are expensive compared to the ones outside the sanctuary. So, if you are traveling on a tight budget, pick a hotel in Kumily.

 

Forest Entry Ticket

 

Forest Entry Ticket is Rs.40 per person.
You must retain the ticket as you are required to present it everytime you go for any activity inside the sanctuary.

 

Activity Bookings

 

Periyar Tiger Reserve Activities

 

Out of the many activities, some might be arranged by the hotel while others need to be booked by local tour operators. Ask your hotel to help you with the bookings or contact directly with the tour operators.
You are required to present the tickets before the activities begin.

 

Activities Inside the Sanctuary

 

Activities Periyar Tiger Reserve Thekkady

 

  1. Wildlife Boat Cruises on the Periyar Lake
  2. Bamboo Rafting & Hiking
  3. Night Scout
  4. Nature Walk
  5. Border Hiking
  6. Full Day Trekking Programmes such as Windy Walk, Cloud’s walk & Periyar Tiger Trail

 

Wildlife Boat Cruises on the Periyar Lake

 

Wildlife Boat Cruises on the Periyar Lake

 

The boat on the Periyar Lake ride will give you a glimpse of the wild life sanctuary along with some wildlife sightings along the shores of the lake.

 

No of Slots: 5
Boating Timings: 7.30 AM, 9.30 AM, 11.15 AM, 1.45 PM, 3.30 PM
Boating Charges: Rs. 500/- for Per Person (advance booking ) Rs. 225 for Per Person ( on-the-spot booking)
Start Point: Periyar Lake Boating Point
Duration: 1-2 hrs

 

Bamboo Rafting & Hiking

 

Bamboo Rafting Hiking Periyar Tiger Reserve

 

This eco-friendly, entertainment program for the nature-lovers is offered either as a full day or a half day programme. Not suitable for people with physical ailments, kids and pregnant women. Children below 12 years of age are not allowed.

 

Full-day Programme – Packed food and water is provided.

 

No of Slots: 1
Timings: 8 :00 am – 5:00 pm
Activity Charge: INR 2000/- per person
Start point: Nature Interpretation Centre opp Bamboo Grove Point )
Duration: 9 hours
Difficulty Level: Hard

 

Half-day Programme – Packed food and water is provided.

 

No of Slots: 2
Timings: 7:30 am – 12.30 pm & 9:30 am – 2.30 pm
Activity Charge: INR 2000/- per person
Start point: Nature Interpretation Centre opp Bamboo Grove Point )
Duration: 5 hours
Difficulty Level: Hard

 

Night Scout

 

Night Trekking in Periyar Tiger Reserve

 

A three hour night trekking provides a rare opportunity to observe nightlife inside Periyar Tiger Reserve.

 

No of Slots: 3
Timings: 7:30 PM, 10:30 PM, 1:30 AM
Activity Charge: Rs. 1200/- Per Person
Start point: Bamboo Grove Point
Duration: approx 3 hrs
Difficulty Level: Moderate

 

Nature Walk

 

Nature walk in Periyar Tiger Reserve Thekkady

 

The walk covers the moist deciduous forest and grasslands accompanied by a tribal guide. The forest trail interspersed with marshy grasslands offers great opportunity to watch birds, butterflies and other wildlife. Sambar deers,wild boar and Bisons can be seen grazing near the edges of the shoreline of the Periyar Lake.

 

No of Slots: 6 (Each group has a max of 6 persons + 1 guide )
Timings: 7:00 AM, 7:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 2:00 PM and 2:30 PM
Activity Charge: Rs 700/- Per Person
Start point: Boating area inside the reserve forest
Walking trail: 5 kms
Duration: 3 hrs
Difficulty Level: Moderate

 

Border Hiking

 

Border Hiking In Thekkady Kerala

 

A full day trekking program conducted on the high terrains of the forests ranging to heights of 1000 to 1200 meters.

 

No of Slots: 1 (Two groups of six members each are allowed per day)
Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Activity Charge: Rs. 2000/- Per Person
Start point: Bamboo Grove Point
Trekking Trail: 5 kms in which an altitude range of 900m to 1300m will be covered.
Duration: 9 Hrs
Difficulty Level: Hard

 

Activities Outside the Sanctuary

 

Thekkady Activities

 

  1. Off-Roading to Sathram
  2. Elephant ride
  3. Plantation Tour
  4. Waterfall Visit
  5. Tribal Tour
  6. Bullock Cart Rides
  7. Mountain Biking
  8. Kerala tribal art & dance

 

4 Days Thekkady Travel Itinerary

 

Day 1 )
Arrival & Resort check-in followed by
Wildlife Boat Cruise on the Periyar Lake

 

Day 2)
Nature Walk &
Night Scout

 

Day 3)
Hiking & Bamboo Rafting

 

Day 4)
Off-roading to Sathram &
Plantation Tours in Kumily

 

Day 5) Optional – Gavi Wildlife Safari

 

Packing for Thekkady

 

  1. Cotton t-shirts
  2. Hiking pants
  3. Comfortable trousers
  4. Hiking Shoes
  5. Floaters
  6. Backpacks
  7. Medications (if any)
  8. Flashlight
  9. Sunglasses
  10. Hat
  11. Hikings sticks

 

Estimated budget for this Itinerary

 

Approx INR 70K for 2 people.

 

Thekkady Kerala – Travel Guide

Filed Under: Kerala Tourism Tagged With: India, Kerala, Trekking, Wildlife

Wayanad Travel Guide | How to Explore Wayanad in 2 Days

December 7, 2018 by sarita

 
Welcome to Wayanad, one of the most scenic hill stations of Kerala in South India.  Known for its scenic landscapes, greenery, amazing waterfalls and wildlife, Wayanad makes for a perfect getaway destination for nature lovers. A trip to Kerala is incomplete without visiting this charming little hill station.
 
Wayanad Travel Guide
Wayanad Travel Guide
 
 
Hello everyone, It’s Sarita & Kamal. Welcome to Kerala Travel Series. In this Wayanad Travel Guide post/video we are gonna suggest you the best way to plan your trip to Wayanad and explore it within 2 days.
 

What’s Covered in this Wayanad Travel Guide

1. Wayanad Location
2. How to Explore Wayanad 
  • Proper Planning
 
3. Best Season to Visit Wayanad   
 
4. How to Reach Wayanad
  • Via Air
  • Via Rail
  • Via Road
  • Self-driven vehicle
5. Choosing an Accommodation 
  • Kalpetta
  • Vythiri  
6. Bookings  
7. Days Required
 
8. Wayanad 2 Days Travel Itinerary  
 
Wayanad – Day 1
  • Arrival & Check-in
  • Plantation estate stay experience
  • Plantation Walk
  • Sunset trek to Valiyapara in Vythiri
 
Wayanad – Day 2
  • Visit Banasura Sagar Dam
  • Trek to Meenmutti Waterfall
  • Plantation walk in Achoor Tea Estate & visit the Tea Museum
  • Lakkidi View Point
 
Wayanad – Day 3 (suggestive)
  • Pookode Lake, Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak & Soochipara waterfall
 
9. How expensive is Wayanad ?  
10. Things to Carry
11. Other nearby attractions that can be covered

WATCH THE VIDEO

 
 

1. Wayanad Location 

Set high on the Western Ghats, Wayanad is a district in Kerala state with headquarters at the town of Kalpetta. Wayanad is a combination of 2 words ‘Vayal Nadu’ which means the “Land of Paddy Fields”.

 

2. How to Explore Wayanad

Wayanad is all about tea, coffee and spice plantations and is also popular for some of the most stunning waterfalls, lakes and wildlife which means there is a lot to see and explore here.

Proper Planning

One may end up spending most of the the time driving on the roads and miss out the beautiful attractions if proper planning is not done. It’s always good to do some prior research before heading out to Wayanad.  Planning includes  Best Season, Mode of Commute, Picking the right accommodation amongst various option, Bookings, Sorting out the attractions you wish to cover, packing appropriately and then head off.

3. Best Season to Visit Wayanad 

Wayanad Kerala Travel guideWayanad Kerala Travel guide

The best season to visit Wayand is from Oct-May. The weather is extremely pleasant making it the best time for sightseeing, trekking  and wildlife tours.
During the rainy season which is from June-Sept, the landscape turns magical with lush greenery all around. Best time for nature lovers who enjoy greenery and rains.
 

4. How to Reach Wayanad

Wayanad can be reached via air, rail and road.

Wayanad Via Air

Nearest airport is Calicut International Airport ( 61 kms from Wayanad). From the airport, one needs to hire a cab to reach Wayanad via road.

Other Popular Routes

From Kochi To Wayanad – 260 Kms

From Bangalore to Wayanad – 282 kms

Wayanad Via Rail – 

Kozhikode railway station (110 kilometers) is the nearest railway station to Wayanad    

Wayanad Via Road – Bus

One can easily get regular buses to Wayanad from other major cities of the country.  

Wayanad via Self-driven Vehicle

A self driven vehicle or hiring a cab is the most convenient option to reach Wayanad from Bangalore and Kochi. You can make as many number of stops to enjoy the scenic route.

5. Choosing an Accommodation 

Wayanad Hotels resortsWayanad Hotels resorts

Remember, most of the attractions in Wayanad are scattered and the distances are huge. It’s very important to figure out what all you wish to see and explore in Wayanad and then pick an accommodation keeping in mind the distances between them and the number of days you wish to spend in Wayanad.
 
There are broadly 2 regions in Wayanad where tourist prefer to book an accommodation – Kalpetta & Vythiri
 

Accommodations in Kalpetta

Kalpetta is the headquarters of Wayanad district. It is a bustling town surrounded by dense coffee and tea plantations and mountains. 
Due to its central location within the district and its proximity to most visited tourist sites, Kalpetta is also the center of tourism activities in Wayanad . One can find a good number of hotels & resorts within and surrounding Kalpetta town.
 

Accommodations in Vythiri  

Vythiri town is 700 meters above the sea level and the weather is remarkably cooler than other parts of Wayanad. 
The all season attractive weather and abundant greenery makes Vythiri a major tourist destination in Wayanad. You will find a number of beautiful hotels and themed resorts that promise to offer a memorable stay within the tea estates.
 

6. Bookings

Once you have selected a hotel/resort, you can make bookings via various booking sites or book directly from the hotels website. You must book the rooms at least 15-20 days ahead. Because it is a popular tourist destination in Kerala, the most popular hotels/resorts get fill quite fast. 
 

7. Days Required

You can easily cover most of the tourist attractions in Wayanad within 3 days.
In this video, we are gonna tell you places worth visiting in Wayanad within 2 days. The itinerary is based on our personal travel experience. You can add more days and attractions to this itinerary.
 
 

8. Wayanad 2 Days Travel Itinerary

 

Wayanad travel guide itineraryWayanad Travel Guide Itinerary

Wayanad – Day 1

Day 1 is all about arrival, resort check-in, relaxation, plantation walks and trekking.

Arrival & Resort Check-in

Wayanad Resorts Vythiri
Wayanad Resorts Vythiri
 
Wayanad from Bangalore is approx 282 kms and takes around 6-7 hours via road. You can start as early as 4:00 am or even 6:00 am as per your convenience. We reached Wayanad at around 12:00 noon and soon checked-in to our villa.
 
 

Plantation Estate Stay Experience

 
Wayanad Resorts Vythiri Plantation stay
Wayanad Resorts Vythiri Plantation stay
 
Staying inside a tea estate would be the best way to kick start your Wayanad vacation. It’s an experience like no other. Beginning from early morning to late night, the many pleasant sights and experiences such as the sight of the unending green meadows with mountains in the backdrop, fresh aroma of green tea leaves, unexpected mild showers, sounds of cicadas and various bird species and cool breeze make for a unique holiday experience for those looking for an ultimate relaxing getaway. 
 
 

Go for a  Plantation Walk

 
Wayanad Resorts Vythiri Plantation Walk
Wayanad Resorts Vythiri Plantation Walk
 
Besides enjoying the sights & sounds from the comfort of your room, you can also go for a plantation walk within the estates. Indulge into tea plucking experience and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the never ending plantation.   
 
 

Sunset trek to Valiyapara in Vythiri

 
Valiyapara in Vythiri
Valiyapara in Vythiri
 
After the plantation walk, you can go for a mild trek to Valiyapara (Huge Rock) in Vythiri.
This viewpoint is comparatively less familiar which also means no crowd. A wonderful place for those who avoid crowd. The vantage point offers a spectacular 360 degree view of the town and the vast stretches of mountains covered in mist. 
 

Wayanad – Day 2 

Wake up to the sounds of chirping birds, and get greeted by early morning drizzles which is very common in Wayanad especially during the monsoons. Enjoy breakfast and head out to visit the Banasura Sagar Dam.  
 

Banasura Sagar Dam

 
Wayanad Banasura Sagar Dam
Wayanad Banasura Sagar Dam
 
Located 21 km from Kalpetta, the Banasura Sagar Dam is a very beautiful reservoir made of Tributary of the Kabini River. It is the largest earth dam in India and second largest in Asia which makes it one of the most visited tourist place in Wayanad. 
 
Ticket Counter & Short Walk
After collecting tickets from the ticket counter, one needs to walk and climb quite a number of steps to reach the dam.   
On reaching the top, one could see the water towards the left interspersed with some small islands that add a mystic feel to the place. 
Other facilities – Washrooms, small canteen, horse riding, boating, fish spa and swings. 
 
 

 Trek to Meenmutti Waterfall

 
Meenmutti Waterfall Wayanad
Meenmutti Waterfall Wayanad
 
Located just about 29 kilometers from Kalpetta, is  Kerala’s second largest waterfall  – The Meenmutti Waterfalls. Meenmutty is derived from malayalam words Meen (fish) and Mutty (blocked). It’s  where fish gets blocked.
 
From the ticket counter, one needs to trek for about 2 kilometers on rough terrain inside the jungle. With a height of 300 metres,  the water drops from nearly 1000 ft over three stages, presenting a  three-tiered effect. Each of its three tiers requires a separate hike that can be combined with some rock climbing. There are ropes to support you. The waterfall is worth the hike. 
 
Swimming 
The water pours into small round pools and is quite clear. One may swim but before you place your foot into the water , it’s advised to carefully examine the floor underneath the stream. The moss built up makes the floor pretty slippery. 
 
 

Plantation Walk in Achoor Tea Estate

 
Wayanad Plantation Achoor Tea Estate
Wayanad Plantation Achoor Tea Estate
 
Operated by Harrisons Malayalam Ltd, Achoor Tea Estate spreads across acres of thriving tea gardens making it one of the most beautiful places in Wayanad.
 
The sight of the unending green meadows with air intoxicated with the aroma of fresh green leaves, makes for a pleasant walk in the tea gardens.
After the walk one can also visit the Wayanad Tea Museum within the estate.
 
 

Lakkidi View Point

 
Wayanad Lakkidi View Point
Wayanad Lakkidi View Point
 
Lakkidi is the gateway to the Wayanad at 700-800 meters above the sea level, when you approach from Kozhikode. The Lakkidi View Point is right on the highway and one needs to park their vehicle on the sides to get the views.
The vantage point offers stunning panoramic views of the serpentine Ghat road and the valley below usually covered in mist. Enjoy the enchanting views and make your way back to the resort.
 

Wayanad – Day 3  (suggestive)

If you have more days, you can add  the following attractions to your itinerary
 
Wayanad Pookode Lake
Wayanad Pookode Lake
 
  • Pookode Lake 
  • Edakkal Caves
  • Chembra Peak &
  • Soochipara waterfall 

9. How Expensive is Wayanad ?

The budget will largely depend on the number of days spent in Wayand, Mode of commute, the kind of accommodation you book and the number of attractions you wish to see.
 
Wayanad Tea Estate Resorts
Wayanad Tea Estate Resorts
 
A luxury villa in a plantation stay: can cost anywhere between Rs.8K -12K per night per room (double occupancy)
 
Budget Friendly Homestays – can cost anywhere between Rs. 3K – 5K per night per room 

(double occupancy)
Food –  Some hotels/resorts/homestays may have an all inclusive package while others may charge extra for every meal.  

 

10. Things to Carry

Wayanad Kerala HolidayWayanad Kerala Holiday

  1. Mornings and evenings are usually cold, so carry a sweater and a light jacket.
  2. Carry a raincoat / umbrella if you are travelling during monsoons ( in addition to the warm clothes)
  3. A binocular or a zoom in camera to watch / capture the birds.
  4. A flashlight, mosquito repellants and basic first-aid. 
  5. A pair of sneakers or floaters with good sole grip.
  6. A small backpack during tekkings.

11. Other nearby tourist destinations

Munnar, Alleppey, Kochi, Poovar, Thekkady

 

Wayanad Kerala

 
 
Wayanad Banasure Dam                                                                                                                Wayanad Banasura Dam

Wayanad Coffee PlantationWayanad Coffee Plantation

 

Wayanad DriveWayanad Drive

 

Wayanad Tea EstateWayanad Tea Estate

 

Wayanad TrekkingWayanad Trekking

 

Wayanad Trekking SitesWayanad Trekking Sites

 

Wayanad Best Waterfalls MeenmuttiWayanad Best Waterfalls Meenmutti

 

Images: World Ghoomo, Shutterstock

Filed Under: Kerala Tourism Tagged With: Hill Stations, India, Kerala, Wayadand

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