Periyar Tiger Reserve, Spice Plantations & More: Thekkady Timings & Fees

Entry fees, opening hours, and best times for Trip Planning. Avoid crowds and plan ahead.

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Quick Reference

Attraction Hours Entry Best Time Duration
Periyar Tiger Reserve 06:00-17:00 daily ₹40 (Indians), ₹550 (foreigners) Early morning or late afternoon for wildlife spotting. 4-6 hours
Spice Plantations 09:00-18:00 daily ₹200 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners) Any time of day. 2-3 hours
Elephant Junction 09:00-17:00 daily ₹600 (Indians & Foreigners) Morning or afternoon. 1-2 hours
Kadathanadan Kalari Centre 18:00-20:00 daily ₹200 (Indians), ₹400 (foreigners) Evening. 1-2 hours
Chellarkovil Viewpoint 08:00-18:00 Free Morning or late afternoon for best views. 2-3 hours
Abraham's Spice Garden 09:00-17:00 ₹200 (Indians), ₹400 (foreigners) Anytime during the day 2 hours
Pandikuzhi View Point 06:00-18:00 Free Early morning or late afternoon 1-2 hours

Best Times by Attraction

Periyar Tiger Reserve

Early morning or late afternoon for wildlife spotting.

Spice Plantations

Any time of day.

Elephant Junction

Morning or afternoon.

Kadathanadan Kalari Centre

Evening.

Chellarkovil Viewpoint

Morning or late afternoon for best views.

Abraham's Spice Garden

Anytime during the day

Pandikuzhi View Point

Early morning or late afternoon

Crowd Notes

Periyar Tiger Reserve

Worth it for wildlife enthusiasts; skip if you're not interested in nature or have limited time.

Spice Plantations

Worth it for those interested in culinary arts and agriculture; can be skipped if you're not a foodie.

Elephant Junction

Enjoyable for families with children; consider ethical implications of elephant tourism.

Kadathanadan Kalari Centre

Interesting for those interested in martial arts and Kerala culture; may not appeal to everyone.

Chellarkovil Viewpoint

Worth it for the views; can be skipped if weather is poor.

Abraham's Spice Garden

Good for spice enthusiasts; provides a more personalized experience than larger plantations.

Pandikuzhi View Point

Worth visiting for nature lovers; skip if you have mobility issues due to the terrain.

Practical Tips

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What To Wear

Wear light cotton clothing due to the warm climate. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the area.

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Money

Daily Budget: Budget: ₹1500, Mid: ₹3000, Luxury: ₹5000+

ATMs: ATMs are available in Kumily.

Cash vs Card: Cash is preferred for small transactions. Cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants.

Bargaining: Bargaining is expected in markets and with auto-rickshaw drivers.

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Health

Water: Drink bottled water or filtered water to avoid stomach issues.

Food: Eat at reputable restaurants to minimize the risk of food poisoning.

Common Issues: Carry insect repellent to protect against mosquito bites. Consult a doctor about necessary vaccinations.

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Communication

SIM Cards: Airtel and Vodafone offer good coverage. SIM cards are available at the airport and in Kumily.

WiFi: Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and some restaurants.

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Language & Tipping

Language: English is widely spoken. Learning a few basic Malayalam phrases can be helpful.

Tipping: Restaurant: 5-10%, drivers: ₹50-₹100

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