A forest reserve built around a lake
Periyar Tiger Reserve is known for its boat ride on Periyar Lake. Many visitors enjoy the calm cruise and the chance to spot elephants, deer and birds along the shore.
Forest views · Spice gardens · Periyar Lake
Thekkady Tour Packages
Enjoy forest views, spice gardens and a peaceful boat ride on Periyar Lake with GR Tours & Travels. Our Kerala tour packages include a clean vehicle, an experienced hill-road driver and a plan made around your group.
Madurai pickup • Cochin option • No self drive
Private holidays, at your own pace
What We Offer for Thekkady Tour Packages
GR Tours & Travels in Madurai plans private Thekkady trips for families, couples, nature lovers and friends. Your trip is not a fixed group bus tour, so you choose the timing, the stops and the pace.
As trusted Kerala tours and travels planners serving travellers since 2011, we build each trip around a comfortable hill-road drive, sensible boat-ride timing and the right vehicle for your group. Popular stops include Periyar Lake, Periyar Tiger Reserve, spice plantations and the Kumily markets.
Every vehicle comes with an experienced driver. We do not offer self drive.
One trip, or a bigger circuit
Kerala Tour Packages and Tour Operators in Kerala
Looking for reliable tour operators in Kerala? GR Tours & Travels plans your vehicle, driver, hotels and sightseeing, so you can enjoy the trip without stress.
Many travellers search for the best tour operators in Kerala or the best tours and travels in Kerala. We leave that choice to you, and we work to earn it with honest prices, clean vehicles and friendly support. As cab operators in Kerala routes, we also offer car and van hire with a driver if you only need transport.
Thekkady fits well into a bigger Kerala circuit with Munnar, Alleppey and Wayanad.
Comfortable routes. Thoughtful timing.
Tour Operators in Thekkady
Searching for tour operators in Thekkady? GR Tours & Travels plans simple, comfortable Thekkady trips with a clear quote before you confirm.
If you are comparing the best tour operators in Thekkady or the best tours and travels in Thekkady, we suggest asking each company about vehicles, drivers, prices and what is included. We are happy to answer all of this on a call or WhatsApp.
Our Thekkady tours and travels service covers sightseeing, stays and transfers. As cab operators in Thekkady routes, our drivers know the Kumily hill roads and plan your timing around boat rides and park slots, so you never feel rushed.
A little planning goes a long way
Thekkady Trip at a Glance
- Destination
- Thekkady, a spice and forest hill town beside the Periyar Tiger Reserve, Idukki district, Kerala
- Starting points
- Madurai and Tamil Nadu, with Cochin pickup options
- Distance
- Roughly 140 km from Madurai (3.5 to 4 hours). About 180 km from Cochin (around 4.5 hours)
- Recommended trip
- 2 days. A long one-day trip is possible for fit travellers
- Best time to visit
- October to March is the most comfortable. Early morning and evening are best for wildlife
- Tour type
- Nature and wildlife trip, family holiday, honeymoon, spice garden tour
- Suitable for
- Families, couples, nature lovers and friend groups
Get to know your destination
About Thekkady
Spice country
The hills around Thekkady and Kumily grow cardamom, pepper and cinnamon. A guided spice garden walk shows how these spices are grown, and it is a favourite stop for families.
Close to Madurai
Thekkady is one of the nearest Kerala hill areas to Madurai, so a comfortable two-day trip is easy to plan. The drive through the Theni hills is scenic and a great start to the holiday.
Thekkady works as a stand-alone nature trip or as part of a longer Kerala circuit with Munnar and Alleppey. Boat ride slots are limited, so we plan your timing around a confirmed slot.
Slow days. Memorable journeys.
Suggested Thekkady Itinerary
Sample plan. We can change it to suit your dates and group.
2-Day Plan from Madurai
- Day 1Leave Madurai in the morning and drive to Thekkady. Visit a spice garden, then enjoy the Kumily market and an evening cultural show.
- Day 2Take an early Periyar Lake boat ride, then return to Madurai.
3-Day Plan from Madurai
- Day 1Drive to Thekkady and visit a spice plantation.
- Day 2Boat ride on Periyar Lake, then a guided nature walk or bamboo rafting if available.
- Day 3Leisure time in Kumily, then return.
Thekkady and Munnar Option
Combine both for a 4-day holiday across spice forests and tea hills.
Kerala Circuit Option
Add Alleppey for a houseboat stay and make it a 5 to 6 day Kerala holiday.
Make a little time for each stop
Places Covered in Thekkady Tour Packages
Periyar Lake Boat Ride
A calm cruise in Periyar Tiger Reserve, with chances to spot wildlife along the shore.
Periyar Tiger Reserve Nature Walks
Guided forest programmes, subject to forest department rules and availability.
Bamboo Rafting
A quiet, guided activity on the lake, when offered.
Spice Plantation Tours
Guided walks through cardamom, pepper and cinnamon estates.
Kumily Spice Market
A town market for spices, tea, coffee and homemade chocolates.
Cultural Show
An evening Kerala art performance in Kumily.
Mangala Devi Temple
A hill temple on the Kerala and Tamil Nadu border, open to visitors only on special festival days.
The right vehicle for your group
Recommended Vehicles for Thekkady
| Group Size | Vehicle | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 2 to 4 |  Sedan | Couples and small families |
| 4 to 7 |  Innova Hycross | Families who want extra comfort on hill roads |
| 9 to 12 |  Tempo Traveller | Family and friend groups |
| 12 | Groups who want premium comfort and more space | |
| 20+ |  Mini Bus or Coach | Large family and community groups |
Every vehicle comes with an experienced driver. No self drive.
A clear quote for your exact trip
Thekkady Tour Package Pricing
We give a clear quote for your exact trip. The price depends on:
Share your dates and group size, and we will reply with a clear price.
- Trip length
- A 2-day trip costs less than a 3-day trip with extra activities.
- Group size and vehicle
- A bigger vehicle costs more but shares the cost across more people.
- Hotel category
- Stay type and location change the price.
- Boat ride and activities
- Boat tickets, forest walks and park entry are usually booked and paid separately.
- Season
- Peak holiday weeks can affect price and availability.
Care, from your first call
Why Travel with GR Tours & Travels
Since 2011
Many years of trusted service.
115,000+ happy customers
Families and groups who trust us.
Experienced hill-road drivers
Careful and calm on winding roads.
Clean, well-kept vehicles
Cleaned before every trip.
Clear prices
No hidden charges.
Flexible plans
We change the trip to suit you.
Friendly support
Help before and during your journey.
Good to know before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many days do I need for a Thekkady trip?
Two days is a comfortable plan from Madurai, with time for a spice garden and the boat ride. Three days lets you add a nature walk or extra relaxing time.
2. Who are the best tour operators in Thekkady?
Many travellers choose GR Tours & Travels for clear prices and friendly support. We suggest you compare options and ask questions before you decide.
3. Who are the best tour operators in Kerala?
Customers often search for this. We suggest asking about vehicles, drivers, prices and support before you choose, and we are happy to answer all of it.
4. Do you provide cab operators in Thekkady services?
Yes. You can hire a car, Tempo Traveller or Force Urbania van with a driver for Thekkady sightseeing or transfers.
5. Do you offer Thekkady tours and travels for families?
Yes. We plan relaxed family trips with comfortable vehicles, child-friendly stops and time for senior citizens.
6. Do I need to book the Periyar Lake boat ride in advance?
Boat ride slots are limited, especially on weekends and holidays, so booking early is wise. We help you plan your day around a suitable slot.
7. Can I combine Thekkady with Munnar or Alleppey?
Yes. Thekkady and Munnar make a great 4-day trip, and adding Alleppey makes a full Kerala holiday.
8. Which vehicle is best for my group?
A sedan for couples, an Innova Hycross for families, and a Tempo Traveller or Force Urbania for larger groups.
9. Do you offer self-drive cars?
No. All our vehicles come with an experienced, licensed driver.
10. What is the best time to visit Thekkady?
October to March is the most comfortable. Early morning and evening are the best times for wildlife.
11. How do I book?
Call us, message us on WhatsApp or send an enquiry. Share your dates, pickup point and group size, and we will send a clear quote.
Let’s make your next journey happen
Ready to Plan Your Thekkady Tour?
Call or WhatsApp GR Tours & Travels for a clear quote and a plan made around you.