The name of the place, Thekkady creates an image of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice-scented plantations. The Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India. The scenic beauty of entire district is very beautiful because of this hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.

Kurisumala:
This place is famous for adventure tourism and trekking. From this place one can enjoy the panoramic view of Kumily town as well as Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Kumily:
This place is 4 km away from Thekkady. This plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady, is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. There is an important shopping centre and spice trade centre, the main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region are in Kumily.

Murikkady:
This place is situated at 5 km away from Thekkady. This place is filled up with fresh spice-scented air. From Murikkady there is a view of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations everywhere.

Pandikuzhi:
This picturesque spectrum of exotic flora, fauna and gurgling streams is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border. This is a popular picnic spot, and offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer`s delight. This is at 5 km away from Kumily.

Mangala Devi Temple:
This is 15 km away from Thekkady. This ancient temple is hidden in the dense woods at the top of a peak and is 1337 m above sea level. The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. On the Chithra Pournami festival day the visitors are allowed here which is regarded as very important day. The peak commands a panoramic view of the eastern slopes of the Ghats and some hill villages of Tamil Nadu. To visit the area one should get the permission obtained from the Wildlife Wadren, Thekkady.

Chellarkovil:
This is 15 km away from Kumily, This sleepy little village with its breathtaking view of the plains and cascading waterfalls is a wide range of visitors. The visitors come here to enjoy the place. The village slopes down to the famous coconut groves of Cumbum, which is in neighboring Tamil Nadu.

Vandiperiyar:
This is placed at 18 km away from Thekkady. The River Periyar flowing through the centre of this town nourishes its vast tea, coffee and pepper plantations. This Vandiperiyar is also a major trade centre, which is the home to a number of tea factories. The Government Agriculture farm and Flower Garden have a delightful array of roses, orchids and anthuria.

Vandanmedu:
This place is situated at 25 km from Kumily. This is one of the world`s largest auction centres for candamom. A walk through the extensive cardamom plantations of Vandanmedu is an exhilarating experience.

Pullumedu:
This is placed at 43 km away from Thekkady, and 26 km away from Periyar. The meandering journey to this hill town, along the Periyar River, offers a stunning view of the undulating hills wrapped in lush greenery. Velvet lawns, rare flora and fauna add to the beauty of Pullumedu, which can be accessed only by jeep. The famous Sree Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala and the Makara Jyothi illumination at the shrine are visible from here. Special permission has to be obtained to visit Pullumedu from the Wildlife Preservation Officer, as it is part of the restricted forest zone.

Ramakalmedu:
This is 40 km from Thekkady and 75 km from Munnar. Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu enthralling and charming recoil. The hills top also offers a wide view of picturesque villages of Bodi and Cumbum on the Eastern slop of the Western Ghats.

The following are the some of the things that one can do when one visits the place:

Plantation Tours:
Plantation tours are arranged from the District Tourism Information Office at Thekkady Junction in Kumily. This type of tours covers cardamom, pepper, coffee and tea plantations, tea factories, tribal settlements and the surrounding hill regions. So to avail this plantation tour after going to that place is always added some value to it.

Elephant rides:
The Forest Department, Thekkady offers facilities for elephant rides through the jungle. The timing starts for this ride is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Its duration is 30 Minutes and fare is Rs.30 per person. Tickets are available at the Wildlife Information Counter.

Trekking:
Trekking is a nice experience in this place. Main trekking areas in Thekkady are Kurisumala, Pullumedu, Ottakathalamedu near Kumily and Grampi near Vandiperiyar The Forest Department conducts daily trips from the boat landing station at Thekkady to the Nellikkampetty area and Manakkavala. This trip starts at 7 a.m. in the morning and its fare is ten rupees and also entrance fee. Booking can be made with the Wildlife Preservation Officer, Thekkady.