Best Time to Visit Thekkady With Family

A jewel in the crown of Kerala–the land of Kathakali and Kalaripayattu–tourists make it a point to visit Thekkady to discover the most pristine and idyllic spots tucked away in the lap of nature. Truly blessed by abundant natural beauty, this tourist destination boasts of a beautiful wildlife reserve, pristine slopes, verdant tea and coffee gardens, and religious temples. A must-visit place in Kerala, Thekkady is famous for its fascinating Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary which is the home of a tiger reserve as well as vast reserves of flora and fauna. If you love to visit animals in their natural habitat, then you must take a day’s tour to the sanctuary, deemed as one of the best attractions in Thekkady. Apart from the different species of birds, Thekkady is also home to playful elephants and spice plantations. Enjoy boating while basking in the calmness of the tranquil waters of the Periyar Lake or the Tiger reserves of Thekkady located near the Periyar National Reserves. Pullumedu in Thekkady offers spectacular views of the Western Ghats and a superb view of the Sabarimala Temple. The latter is a landmark of Kerala tourism and the most pious place of worship dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. You can also revisit the rich heritage and the glorious tribal culture in the Tribal Heritage Museum that houses exhibits and displays portraying the lifestyle and occupations, displaying the tools and musical instruments of the tribal population.

It is because of this multi-cultural blend of modernism and history that Kerala tourism has greatly flourished over the last few decades. Located in the Idukki District of Kerala, this place experiences extreme climatic conditions in summers and monsoons. Whether it is an adventure sport or leisurely strolling through the cardamom plantations in Vandanmedu–the largest auction centre for cardamom in the world–you are bound to marvel at what Thekkady offers you. Most travellers recommend planning a trip to Thekkady in winters as this will allow you to enjoy the peaceful sights and sounds without having to deal with heat waves that are typical during summers. However, the winter season between November to February is the best time to visit Thekkady and entices nature enthusiasts and explorers with its vibrant cultural heritage.

The weather changes with the season and thus, it is essential to know the climate while choosing the best time to visit Thekkady.

Climate

Kerala has a moderate tropical climate throughout the year with abundant rainfall and greenery all around. The weather in Kerala is mainly classified into three seasons–summers, monsoons and winters. Summer, from February to May, is all about scorching heat and humidity with an average temperature of 36 degree Celsius.

The southwest monsoons, also known as the Edavappaathi, begin in May and June and continue till the middle of October or the beginning of November. Kerala is the first state in the country where monsoon hits each year, due to its geographic location on the windward side of the Western Ghats. These months see a fair share of torrential rainfall, almost 85% of the entire rainfall in the state. The other monsoon commencing around October, called the northeast monsoons or retreating monsoons, bring with it thunderstorms with rains and stay till December. Also called Thulavarsham, during these months, the weather in Kerala is sultry and extremely humid. With average temperatures hovering around 35 degree Celsius.

Winter begins as soon as Thulavarsham ends bringing a significant dip in averages temperatures to 10 degree Celsius. November to February is the peak tourist season which also witnesses minimal rainfall in the entire year.

Given the fact that Thekkady sees a pleasant climate most of the year, it definitely makes the list for an all-year-round destination. To help you plan your holiday better, here is a season-wise break-up of the weather of Thekkady:

Winter Season Between October-February:

Visit Thekkady in the winters, and you won’t be disappointed. The winter season in Thekkady begins in October and lasts till February. Hardly chilly, the temperatures lower down to an average of 15 degree Celsius making it the perfect time for a vacation to Thekkady. Sunny, mild and pleasant weather with the occasional rainfall and very little humidity are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor adventure activities. During this time, Thekkady offers a whole lot of fun-filled activities like canoeing, elephant riding, bamboo rafting in the Periyar Reserve, and watching migratory birds. These activities are considered to be the best adventure offerings from Kerala tourism. Taking the safari at Periyar National Park makes it the best way to see the landscapes and spot the wildlife- like elephants and wild boars- at the park. Choose an elephant ride or take a jeep safari to make the most of this day. You can also take a boat ride at the Periyar lake to understand the true meaning of tranquillity.

It is also the best time to visit Thekkady to take a cruise of the backwaters, one of the prominent attractions in Kerala tourism. A great time to go for wildlife safaris and admire the natural beauty of Thekkady, major tourist destinations such as Vandanmed, Abraham’s Spice Garden, Vandiperiyar, Murikkady, and Kadathanadan Kalari Center also see the crowd of vibrant tourists hanging out in these places. These tourist destinations are responsible for a massive boost in Kerala tourism. Spend a sunny day among the abundant flora and fauna and winding streams in Pandikuzhi, a quiet landscape cradled between Chellarkovil and Tamil Nadu. You wouldn’t want to miss flamboyant events like Vishu, Onam and Murugan Koil festival that can put you in a festive frenzy, the likes of which may have never experienced before. With so much to do and so much to see, winters are the most popular time of the year that lures honeymooners to this beautiful place. However, don't forget to pack your rainproof jacket as this period also happens to be the wettest month for retreating monsoons and chances are high that you might encounter abrupt showers. Since the evenings in Thekkady can get chilly and cold, it is advised that you carry light woollens clothing. Also, Book Your Flights And Hotels In Advance To Avoid Last Minute Hassles.

Summer Season Between March - May:

The months of March, April and May, with high temperatures are considered the hottest and driest summer months in Thekaddy. Temperatures can rise to 36 degrees Celsius during these months. It starts getting hot and humid from the beginning of March and remains so until May, which marks the onset of the monsoons. Avoid direct sunlight, wear sunscreen and stay hydrated to beat the odds of a heat stroke during these muggy months. If you are ready to bear the stifling heat and high humidity, you will be lucky to secure great deals on flights and hotels at this time since it is the off-season for Kerala tourism. Not a favourable time for travelling around Thekkady for outdoor activities and sightseeing during the day, the evenings, however, are soothing and pleasant. Stroll about during twilight along the hilly plantations and feel the gentle breeze on your face.

Travelling to the exuberant Thekkady in summers and touring the area can be tiring but if you are a wildlife lover, this time is well suited for spotting wild animals that flock around Periyar Lake and other water bodies in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Sip on some refreshing coconut water and pay a visit to the famous Mangala Devi Temple that draws huge groups of pilgrims to Thekkady during summer–especially May. You can also visit the idyllic getaway, Kumily, that is just four kilometres from Thekkady and well-hidden from the bustling city. Famous for contoured hilly slopes full of spice and tea plantations, Kumily paints a picturesque image with the rich green tranquil countryside, making it a must visit place in Thekkady.

Monsoon Season Between June- September:

Understanding how the Kerala monsoon works may help you plan your trip accordingly. Because of its unique location, Mother Nature bestows two monsoons upon Kerala. God’s Own Country looks divine and beautiful during monsoon and so does the rain-washed Thekkady with freshness and greenery brimming all around. With the temperature dropping slightly to 20 degree Celsius, Thekkady welcomes heavy rainfall in July and August, and the torrential rains and landslides hinder all outdoor activities such as trekking and sightseeing. Because of safety concerns, monsoons are not the best time to visit Thekkady. On the other hand, the forests and the stunning scenic landscapes in Periyar are worth watching during this time of the year. Travelling during monsoon season can still be enjoyable.

If you count yourself as a rain and nature lover, monsoon also promises spectacular views of the hills and the Periyar lake and is the best time for you to visit Thekkady. Visit Murikkady, the spice capital of Thekkady and pamper yourself by shopping for world-class quality of coffee and tea and variety of spices such as cardamom, ginger, clove and turmeric. To explore Thekkady more closely, delve into its cultural roots and make sure you stop by the unique martial art village of Kalaripayattu.

Watch the beautiful and traditional form of self-defence from the galleries at Kadathanadan Kalari in Thekkady. Enjoy the cloak of greenery of monsoons and the shimmering waterfalls at Chellarkovil village whose striking natural beauty combined with the quietness and seclusion mesmerises visitors. Make your trip adventurous by travelling to the beautiful gorges of Peermede to view the gorgeous Peeru Hills. If you want to avoid crowded places and get good bargains on resorts in Thekkady and airfares, then the monsoon season from June to September is the best time to unleash the budget explorer in you! Right from trekking to adventurous spots like Ramakkalmedu to a fun family boating expedition in Periyar Lake or catching hold of sunset in the spellbinding viewpoints in Pandikuzhi and Chellarkovil, you can never get enough of the breathtaking views of Thekkady.

Thekkady is a year-round destination with consistently warm temperatures and lots of sunshine, with all the seasons bringing out a different perspective of the place. However, the best time to visit Thekkady remains the winter season.