Have you been planning a trip to Idukki hills but unsure about which Thekkady resorts you should consider for accommodation? Then you’re not the only one who needs help figuring out what Thekkady is all about. Be it the thrilling jeeps safaris or the spice scented air or the exciting opportunity of sighting a wild elephant along the way to your resort – Thekkady has much more to offer than the hotels with pools. Below are the questions that we usually receive and answer them all!
1.What are the best resorts near Periyar Tiger Reserve?
The best resorts near Periyar Tiger Reserve have a few things in common. They are conveniently located, within a short drive from the entrance gate of the reserve; they help visitors arrange for their safaris before they visit, and are designed to coexist with nature around rather than contradict it, using open verandahs, eco-friendly materials, and hill views instead of fencing. Among the resorts that match this description is the Elephant Route, a property of Vasudha Hospitality Group. Apart from its convenient location and comfy rooms, it is run by a highly-efficient management,that helps you arrange your safari without standing in queues at the ticket office.
2. What makes Thekkady resorts different from resorts elsewhere in Kerala?
The majority of Thekkady resorts will have a backdrop of Periyar Tiger Reserve, making it quite distinctive when compared to any other resort. This means that you won’t be visiting the beach city or hill stations but will spend your time in a place known as a spice belt. It is important to note that there are certain differences in the concept of a “resort” when it comes to Thekkady. You can find cardamom and pepper vines here rather than the green lawns and hear the birds chirping rather than the noise of vehicles.
3. When is the best time to visit Thekkady resorts?
The best time would be from October to March. The weather is cool, the visibility in the reserve allows seeing animals well, and all activities will be held without any hindrance from the weather. In April and May, expect warm weather, while the monsoons (from June to September) make the hills green but do not favor jungle activities.
4. How many days should I spend at Thekkady Resort?
At least two days is the recommended period of time. One day will be just enough to see the park and enjoy a safari, but two days will provide sufficient time for a cruise down Periyar lake, a visit to a spice garden and an evening off. If you decide to combine Thekkady with Munnar, then most tourists spend two nights at each place.
5. Are Thekkady resorts ideal for honeymooners?
Yes, because Thekkady is one of those destinations for honeymoon couples which is underrated in South India. It is much more peaceful than other popular destinations in the hills where you cannot get peace or romantic atmosphere. For example, Vasudha Hospitality’s property named “Elephant Route” located at the proximity of Periyar Tiger Reserve will provide you all what you need for your honeymoon.
6. What should I actually check before booking a resort in Thekkady?
Besides the star ratings, consider the following factors:
- Distance to the Periyar Tiger Reserve entrance– the closer, the shorter the distance to reach on time for the safari tour.
- Meals – because of the distance between the resort and restaurants, most offer free meals like breakfast and dinner.
- Basics of room comfort – hot water supply, protection from mosquitoes, and good Wi-Fi are important due to the forest nearby.
- Transportation facilities – help with the arrangements of safaris, taxi services, etc., as there is no other way of transport.
7. Do Thekkady resorts offer both budget and luxury options?
Yes, the variety is huge, starting from simple cottages up to luxury resorts. So, for instance, Vasudha Hospitality provides 3-star accommodation in Thekkady and 4-star in Munnar. It is a great way to pick something suitable for the trip, either a family vacation or a luxurious one, keeping in mind that all the places will provide cleanliness and service.
8. Which resorts are close to the Periyar Tiger Reserve?
Quite a few resorts can be found in proximity to the main gate of the tiger reserve in Thekkady town. One such resort is Elephant Route by Vasudha Hospitality. Located in proximity to the reserve, it allows guests to go for early morning safaris without having to travel too far, and come back for a leisurely breakfast and a relaxed afternoon.
9. What else can I do from a Thekkady resort besides the safari?
Well, quite a few things, including:
- Rafting on the bamboo rafts and boating in Periyar Lake
- Spice plantation tours – cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon plantations exist in the region
- Short treks in areas like Chellarkovil and Ottakalthalamedu
- Elephant camps
- Ayurveda massage at the end of the day, offered by many resorts
10. Can Thekkady be explored within a day?
No. Within one day, you will only manage to make your safari quickly and take a brief boat ride. You may not be able to have the spice walk, enjoy the view points and relax. It takes at least one day and one night to explore the place.
11. How far is Thekkady from Kochi, Munnar and Bangalore?
- Distance of Thekkady from Kochi: approx 190 km, and by road, it will take around 4-5 hours to reach there.
- Distance of Thekkady from Munnar: approx 90-95 km and will take around 3 hours to cover by road.
- Distance of Thekkady from Bangalore: approx 500 km, it can be covered by road overnight or by taking a halt midway on the way.
12. What is the nearest airport and railway station to the resorts of Thekkady?
Nearest domestic airport is Madurai Airport which is around 135 km far from Thekkady resorts. Nearest international airport is Cochin International airport that is approx 190 km far from Thekkady. Nearest railway station is Kottayam railway station which is around 110 km far from Thekkady.
13. Do I have to carry warm clothing while staying in a Thekkady resort?
Yes, particularly from November to February when nights can get quite cold with temperatures ranging from 12 to 15°C. Most of the resort accommodation will not require air conditioning due to the weather – nature takes care of it for you – but a light jacket will be useful for the early morning safaris and evening strolls.
14. Are Thekkady resorts suitable for families?
Yes, mostly because the activities available tend more towards nature and milder adventure rather than extreme sports. Check in advance if there is an age or physical condition limitation for a particular slot of safari or trekking activity as some jungle treks involve rough terrain.
15. Is Thekkady safe for tourists, including solo visitors?
Thekkady enjoys a reputation of being peaceful and welcoming. This is partly due to the fact that the local population relies greatly on tourism for living; thus, people tend to be hospitable and observant. Like any other place that involves wildlife, pay heed to the safety instructions provided before a safari or boat ride.
16. What is Thekkady actually famous for?
Two things, for starters: the Periyar Tiger Reserve, which is one of the tiger reserves in India and is very famous for that, along with the spice plantations. Eco-tourism is also quite big here, thanks to activities like jungle walks, bamboo rafting, and tribal culture tours.
17. How is Thekkady different from Munnar as destinations in Kerala?
They are different in terms of offering the visitor completely distinct experiences. Munnar is all about tea plantations and hills. Thekkady is more dense forest and wildlife. It is not unusual for couples or families to visit both the places on the same trip – a few days in Munnar followed by some days in Thekkady.
18. What kind of food options are available in a Thekkady resort?
The local Kerala cuisine is definitely the biggest attraction – things like the famous appam & stew, delicious fish curries made from freshly ground spices and vegetarian thalis featuring vegetables grown just outside the resort premises. Most resorts, especially those owned by Vasudha Hospitality, have put an emphasis on locally sourced food.
19. Will Thekkady Resort be able to help me get my safari booking and permit done?
Yes, they usually do, and it will definitely help because Periyar Tiger Reserve safari permits get filled up quickly, particularly in high season (December to January). And the good thing about booking the resort that arranges your slot is that you don’t need to rush to book it yourself in the morning.
20. Which resort do I have to opt for during my stay in Thekkady?
The choice of resort depends completely on what you want, but if proximity to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, personalized services, and “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – one world, one family kind of service is important for you, then Elephant Route by Vasudha Hospitality is the perfect example of the same.
21. Do Thekkady resorts get crowded during peak season?
December and January are the busiest times in Thekkady due to the cold climate and festive season. Safari bookings in Periyar Tiger Reserve are made way before this time slot and most of the resorts get full at the same pace. If you want to plan your peak season visit, make your stay and safari booking at least two to three weeks in advance. Travelling during shoulder months of October, February and early March provides you the same pleasant weather without too many tourists.
22. What’s the one thing most first-time visitors don’t expect about Thekkady?
The lack of noise in Thekkady after sunset. There is nothing happening in the town in terms of nightlife and everything becomes peaceful and silent. This aspect catches the attention of some travelers who are used to hustle in other hill stations. But in most cases, this is what visitors are looking for.
