Ultimate Thekkady Tour Package: 3 Days Wildlife Adventure

Introduction to the Thekkady Tour Package

The Thekkady Tour Package offers an extraordinary 3-day, 2-night journey into the lush wild heart of Kerala. Located in the Western Ghats around the famous Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady is India’s premier eco-tourism hub. Whether you are traveling with family, a partner, or friends, this curated itinerary blends wildlife cruises, elephant experiences, traditional arts, and high-octane forest safaris into one seamless holiday.

Package Highlights & Quick Summary

• Destination: Thekkady & Gavi Eco-Tourism Circuit
• Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
• Meals Included: Daily Breakfast (Lunch included on Day 2)
• Best For: Families, Couples, Wildlife Photographers, and Nature Enthusiasts
• Key Attractions: Periyar Boating, Kathakali, Kalaripayattu, Gavi 4×4 Jeep Safari, Spice Plantations

Day	Key Activities	Included Meals
Day 1	Periyar Lake Cruise, Elephant Center, Kathakali & Kalaripayattu	Breakfast
Day 2	Option 1: Gavi Eco-Tourism OR Option 2: Angamoozhy Jeep Safari	Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks
Day 3	Spice Plantation Tour & Departure	Breakfast

Day 1: Periyar Tiger Reserve & Cultural Heritage

Start your morning after breakfast by entering the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The primary attraction is the official lake cruise operated on Periyar Lake. The reservoir stretches through dense evergreen forest, where herds of Asian elephants, wild gaur, sambar deer, and rare birds often gather along the water’s edge.

Official Thekkady Boating Timings

• Morning Slots: 07:30 AM | 09:30 AM
• Mid-Day Slots: 11:30 AM | 01:30 PM
• Evening Slot: 03:30 PM

Pro Tip: Report to the boat landing ticket counter at least 45 minutes prior to departure. The early morning (7:30 AM) and late afternoon (3:30 PM) slots yield the highest probability of spotting wild herds.

[Arrival at Park] ➔ [1.5-Hour Boat Cruise] ➔ [Elephant Park Visit] ➔ [Evening Cultural Shows]

Afternoon Elephant & Cultural Activities

• Elephant Experience: Participate in 15-minute rides, feeding sessions, or an extended 1-hour elephant bathing experience.
• Kalaripayattu (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM): Watch live demonstrations of Kerala’s ancient martial art, displaying weapon control, acrobatics, and tactical flexibility.
• Kathakali (7:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Experience classical Indian dance-drama featuring vivid makeup, traditional percussion, and expressive storytelling.

Day 2: Choose Your Offbeat Jungle Excursion

Your Thekkady Tour Package includes a full-day off-road forest expedition. Choose between two legendary forest routes:

Option 1: Gavi Eco-Tourism Full-Day Safari

Gavi is located in Pathanamthitta district, approximately 28 km from Kumily. It is an untouched evergreen sanctuary managed under strict forest protection rules.

• Timings: Forest checkpost entry at 06:00 AM; departure required before 06:00 PM.
• Inclusions: Forest entry permit, guided trekking, row boating on Gavi Lake, vegetarian lunch, cardamom curing house tour, and Sabarimala viewpoint access.
• Wildlife: Asian elephants, lion-tailed macaques, Malabar giant squirrels, and Great Indian Hornbills.

Option 2: Angamoozhy 4×4 Jungle Jeep Safari

For intense off-road adventure seekers, this deep forest circuit traverses protected corridors connecting Periyar Tiger Reserve and deep dam reservoirs.

• Timings: Early departure at 05:00 AM from Kumily in an open 4×4 jeep (max 6 guests per jeep).
• Inclusions: Forest permits, breakfast, lunch, evening tea, and snacks.
• Key Landmarks: Moozhiyar Dam, Kakki Dam, Anathode Reservoir, and Pampa River basin.

Accommodation Options in Thekkady

Customize your Thekkady Tour Package by selecting from top-rated hotels and eco-resorts across three distinct tiers:

Standard Stays

• Periyar Mountain Palace — Cozy, budget-friendly rooms near the city center.
• Crown Valley Thekkady — Comfortable stays with modern amenities.
• Jungle Park Resorts — Surrounded by lush greenery.

Deluxe Resorts

• Woodnote Thekkady — Modern boutique stay with fine dining.
• The Mountain Courtyard — Scenic resort overlooking misty valleys.
• PepperVine Thekkady — Premium comfort with a swimming pool.
• Wild Avenue Resort & Spa — Eco-friendly luxury resort experience.
• Cardamom County by Xandari — Sustainable resort adjacent to the reserve entry.

Luxury Retreats

• Hills & Hues Resorts — Perched on a cliff with panoramic view of Tamil Nadu plains.
• WGH Poetree Thekkady — Ultra-luxury stay with 360-degree hill views.
• Spice Village – CGH Earth — Tribal-inspired eco-resort with organic spice gardens.
• Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club — Wellness luxury set within cardamom plantations.
• Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden Resort & Spa — Heritage cottages surrounded by rainforest vegetation.

Specialized Periyar Eco-Tourism Programs

If you wish to extend your Thekkady Tour Package, you can add these community-led programs operated by the Forest Department:

• Periyar Tiger Trail (1N/2D or 2N/3D): Deep jungle trekking and night camping led by former poachers who are now eco-protectors.
• Nature Walk: A guided 2.5-hour interpretive forest walk through diverse habitats with a trained local guide.
• Jungle Scout (Night Patrol): A guided night trek along the park periphery alongside armed forest guards.
• Bamboo Grove Eco-Lodge: Stay inside eco-friendly bamboo huts managed by local community members.

Essential Travel & Booking Information

1. Government ID Required: You must carry original photo identification (Aadhaar, Voter ID, or Passport) for all forest checkpost entry points and boating counters.
2. Book Ahead: Boating and Gavi entry permits are strictly capped by the Kerala Tourism Service Provider Portal and Forest Department. Book your slots well in advance.
3. Plastic-Free Zone: Single-use plastic bottles and polythene bags are strictly banned inside Periyar Tiger Reserve and Gavi.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Thekkady?

The best time to book a Thekkady Tour Package is between October and March when the weather is cool and ideal for wildlife sighting and outdoor treks.

Is the Gavi jeep safari safe for families?

Yes, the Gavi safari is safe for travelers of all age groups. It includes forest-department-approved vehicles, experienced drivers, and local guides.