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Official Thekkady Activities Guide & Directory

Things to Do in Thekkady

“from gentle giants and ancient martial arts to misty hills and spice-scented trails 🐘”

Thekkady (Kumily), perched high in Kerala's Cardamom Hills beside the renowned Periyar National Park, is one of South India's most exhilarating travel destinations. Whether you are seeking gentle elephant interactions, pulse-racing martial arts, enchanting cultural drama, scenic lake boating, or sparkling evening shows, Elephant Camp offers the finest handpicked experiences for families, nature lovers, and explorers.

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Live Activities Catalog

All Experiences & Admissions

click any activity to view photos, full details & schedules ✦
🐘
Chapter One

Elephant Programs

Explore Chapter →
01 Elephant Ride in Thekkady Kerala 🖼 3 photos
Must do experience in Thekkady

Elephant Ride

A majestic ride through lush plantations that feel like a wild forest escape.

Note minimum 2 ticket required for riding

  • ⏱ 10- 15 min
  • 🕐 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • 📍 Elephant Camp
Admission ₹700
Per
Person |||||||||
✎ feel like a forest, without the wild!
✦
02 Elephant Only Shower in Thekkady Kerala 🖼 3 photos
Interactive

Elephant Only Shower

Experience the thrill of 10–15 refreshing showers from a friendly elephant's trunk.

  • ⏱ 10–15 times shower
  • 🕐 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • 📍 Elephant Camp
Admission ₹1,000
Per
Person |||||||||
✎ you WILL get soaked — bring a smile!
✦
03 Shower + Ride Combo in Thekkady Kerala 🖼 5 photos
Best Value

Shower + Ride Combo

The ultimate elephant experience — a plantation ride plus refreshing showers.

  • ⏱ 10 - 15 min ride & 10 -15 times shower
  • 🕐 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • 📍 Elephant Camp
Admission ₹1,500
Per
Person |||||||||
✎ our guests' favourite — saves you ₹200!
🎭
Chapter Two

Cultural Programs

Explore Chapter →
06 Cultural Fusion Show in Thekkady Kerala 🖼 7 photos
Fusion Show

Cultural Fusion Show

A spectacular fusion of Kerala's finest classical and folk art forms.

  • ⏱ 1 hour
  • 🕐 7:15 – 8:15 PM
  • 📍 Thekkady Fusion Theatre
Admission ₹500
Per
Person |||||||||
✎ five art forms, one magical evening!
✦
05 Kalaripayattu in Thekkady Kerala 🖼 6 photos
Martial Arts

Kalaripayattu

Witness the mother of all martial arts — an ancient Kerala combat tradition.

  • ⏱ 1 hour
  • 🕐 6:00 – 7:00 PM
  • 📍 Thekkady Kalari Centre
Admission ₹300
Per
Person |||||||||
✎ the mother of all martial arts!
✦
04 Kathakali Drama in Thekkady Kerala 🖼 2 photos
Classical Dance

Kathakali Drama

A mesmerizing classical dance-drama with elaborate costumes and ancient storytelling.

  • ⏱ 1 hour
  • 🕐 5:00 – 6:00 PM
  • 📍 Thekkady Kathakali Theatre
Admission ₹300
Per
Person |||||||||
✎ arrive early — watch the makeup magic!
✨
Chapter Three

Entertainment

Explore Chapter →
07 Magic & Mentalism in Thekkady Kerala
Entertainment

Magic & Mentalism

An hour of jaw-dropping magic and mind-reading that will leave the whole family wondering.

  • ⏱ 1 hour
  • 🕐 4:00–5:00 PM & 7:30–8:30 PM
  • 📍 Thekkady Magic Theatre
Admission ₹300
Per
Person |||||||||
✎ two shows daily — pick your wonder!
✦
08 Musical Fountain in Thekkady Kerala
Entertainment

Musical Fountain

A choreographed symphony of dancing water jets, colored lights and melody under the night sky.

  • ⏱ 30 minutes
  • 🕐 7:00–7:30 PM & 8:00–8:30 PM
  • 📍 Elephant Camp
Admission ₹200
Per
Person |||||||||
✎ water that dances under the stars ✨
✦
09 12D Cinema in Thekkady Kerala
Entertainment

12D Cinema

An exciting 15-minute cinematic adventure featuring immersive 12D physical effects with motion seats, wind, and mist.

  • ⏱ 15 mins
  • 🕐 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM (Frequent Shows)
  • 📍 Entertainment Zone
Admission ₹200
Per
Person |||||||||
✎ 12D motion & sensory effects · 15 min show
✦
10 Dashing Cars in Thekkady Kerala
Entertainment

Dashing Cars

Take the wheel for classic electric bumping car fun — spin, steer, and playfully bump with friends and family.

  • ⏱ 10 mins
  • 🕐 Daily · 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • 📍 Entertainment Arena
Admission ₹200
Per
Person |||||||||
✎ classic electric bumper car fun for everyone!
Timings Board · Daily Schedule

A Perfect Day Here

morning with gentle giants, evenings full of wonder ✦
Time Experience Rate
🐘 Elephant Programs · Daily
7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Elephant Ride 10–15 min through plantations · flexible slots ₹700 per person
7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Elephant Shower 10–15 showers in the pool · flexible slots ₹1,000 per person
7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Shower + Ride Combo the full elephant experience · most popular ₹1,500 per person
🎭 Cultural Shows · Every Evening
5:00 – 6:00 PM Kathakali Drama classical dance-drama · AC theater ₹300 per person
6:00 – 7:00 PM Kalaripayattu the mother of martial arts · arena show ₹300 per person
7:00 – 8:00 PM Cultural Fusion Show Kathakali veshams · Theyyam · Mohiniyattam · Bharatanatyam ₹500 per person
🎩 Entertainment · Shows & Attractions
10:00 AM – 7:30 PM 12D Cinema 5D motion & sensory effects · 20 min shows ₹200 per person
9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Dashing Cars classic electric bumper cars arena ₹200 per person
4:00 – 5:00 PM Magic & Mentalism show I — afternoon wonder hour ₹300 per person
7:00 – 7:30 PM Musical Fountain show I — water, light & melody ₹200 per person
7:30 – 8:30 PM Magic & Mentalism show II — the evening headliner ₹300 per person
8:00 – 8:30 PM Musical Fountain show II — the starlit finale ₹200 per person
✦ umbrellas on standby, smiles & wonder always included ✦
Curated Tourism Guide

Top 7 Must-Do Activities in Thekkady

the definitive checklist for every traveler visiting Kumily
🐘

1. Elephant Safari & Pool Shower

Ride atop a gentle Asian elephant along fragrant cardamom plantation paths, guided by generational mahouts. Then stand under refreshing water streams as the elephant gives you a joy-filled pool shower. An iconic signature experience in Thekkady.

Elephant Camp · Daily 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
⚔️

2. Kalaripayattu Martial Arts

Witness the world's oldest martial art live inside a traditional Kalari arena. Marvel at high flying leaps, sword-and-shield combat, wooden staff duels, and fiery acrobatics practiced with disciplined precision.

Daily 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🎭

3. Classical Kathakali Drama

Kerala’s 300-year-old dance-drama comes alive with elaborate facial makeup, billowing skirts, and expressive eye movements depicting ancient epics. Arrive early to watch the fascinating natural face painting ritual.

Daily 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
🚤

4. Periyar Lake Wildlife Boat Safari

Cruise along the scenic waters of Periyar Lake with submerged tree trunks piercing the surface. Spot wild elephant herds, Indian gaurs (bison), sambar deer, and rare birds feeding along the tranquil sanctuary shores.

Periyar Tiger Reserve · 5 Daily Departures
🎶

5. Musical Laser Fountain & 12D Cinema

Cap off your day in Thekkady with an electrifying show where water jets dance rhythmically to stirring Indian and world music under multicolored laser illuminations, followed by an immersive sensory 12D motion theater experience.

Elephant Camp · Evening Shows Daily
🌿

6. Spice Plantation Guided Walks

Immerse your senses in green cardamom, black pepper vines, cinnamon trees, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, and ginger. Learn ancient healing secrets and traditional cultivation from local planters.

Kumily Hill Slopes · Morning & Afternoon
🚗

7. Dashing Cars & Family Fun Arena

Experience electric bumper car action with colorful steerable cars, music, and protective rubber bumpers. Safe, energetic thrills for children and parents alike right on the camp grounds.

Elephant Camp · Daily 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Plan Your Hours

The Perfect 1-Day Thekkady Itinerary

how to experience the best of Thekkady from sunrise to starry night
Morning: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Elephants & Spice Gardens

Begin early at Elephant Camp with a refreshing plantation Elephant Ride and pool shower before the afternoon heat. Afterwards, stroll through an adjoining organic spice plantation to breathe in pure mountain cardamom and cloves.

☀️ Afternoon: 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Periyar Lake Boat Cruise

Enjoy traditional Kerala cuisine at a local Kumily restaurant, then head to the Periyar Tiger Reserve for a 90-minute lake boat safari to observe wildlife herds gathering on the water's edge.

🌙 Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Cultural Arts & Evening Shows

Immerse yourself in classical Kathakali drama (5 PM) and high-voltage Kalaripayattu martial arts (6 PM). Finish the night cheering at the spectacular Musical Laser Fountain show and delicious dinner.

Best Time to Visit Thekkady for Outdoor Activities

Peak Season (October to March): Pleasant, crisp climate with temperatures hovering between 15°C and 25°C. This is the prime time for all elephant interactions, cultural theatre shows, and trekking in the forest reserves.

Summer (April to May): Mild warm days (reaching 28°C–32°C). Animal sightings at Periyar Lake peak during summer as animals congregate along water reservoirs.

Monsoon (June to September): Nature explodes into lush green hues. Waterfalls surge with energy and the spice plantations give off intoxicating aromas. Rain gear is recommended.

Traveler Knowledgebase

Frequently Asked Questions

everything you need to know before visiting Thekkady

The top things to do in Thekkady include experiencing an elephant ride and splashing pool shower at Elephant Camp, watching live Kathakali dance-drama and ancient Kalaripayattu martial arts shows, boating on Periyar Lake inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve, touring aromatic spice plantations, enjoying the evening Musical Laser Fountain and 12D cinema, and taking jeep safaris to scenic viewpoints like Chellarkovil and Gavi.

At Elephant Camp in Thekkady, an elephant ride through lush plantation trails costs ₹700 per person. An interactive elephant only shower in the dedicated pool costs ₹1,000 per person, and the popular Shower + Ride Combo is ₹1,500 per person. Changing facilities and lockers are provided.

Evening cultural and entertainment shows in Thekkady run daily: Kathakali classical dance-drama is from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Kalaripayattu martial arts demonstration is from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and Cultural Fusion Show runs from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The Musical Laser Fountain, 12D Cinema, and Magic & Mentalism run with multiple evening slots.

1 to 2 days is the ideal duration to explore Thekkady. In a single day, you can do an elephant ride and shower, visit a spice plantation, take a Periyar Lake boat cruise, and attend evening Kathakali and martial arts shows. A two-day itinerary allows for bamboo rafting or a day trip to Gavi.

You can book tickets by visiting the Elephant Camp reception desk on Anavachal Road, Thekkady, or by calling +91 99617 06143 or +91 94470 19726. Advance booking is recommended during peak tourist season (October to March).

Thekkady is enjoyable throughout the year. October to March is the peak season with cool, pleasant temperatures (15°C to 25°C). The monsoon season (June to September) offers lush greenery and waterfalls, while the summer months (March to May) are excellent for spotting wildlife by the lake shores.

Ready to Plan Your Day in Thekkady?

Speak directly with our sanctuary reception desk on Anavachal Road. Call to check availability, confirm show timings, and book your slots.

✆ Call +91 99617 06143 📍 Directions & Location →