Things to do in Thekkady

Cardamom country on the Tamil Nadu border, with two days in it: the Periyar lake boat and the spice hills, then Vagamon's meadows and pines.

Getting around Thekkady and Vagamon

There is no ride-hailing in Kumily or Thekkady. Cars stop at the Aanavachal car park and a forest department shuttle bus does the last stretch to the Periyar boat landing, and Vagamon is about 70 km away over the Peermade hills. Every experience below includes the vehicle, a local driver, fuel, tolls and parking. Boat tickets are issued against your own ID and bought by you.

Experiences

• Periyar lake boat, a spice farm and Chellarkovil: The early boat on the reserve lake, then cardamom country and the Tamil Nadu edge
• Vagamon pine forest, meadows and Kurisumala: Over the Peermade hills to Vagamon's grass slopes and pines

Best months

October to March for the hills and the boat. The southwest monsoon from June to September is wet and green, with fewer animals seen from the boat.

Getting there

About 3 hrs from Munnar and about 3.5 hrs from Madurai airport by road; Kochi airport is about 4 to 5 hrs. The nearest railhead is Kottayam, about 3 hrs away.