The Quick Answer

Explore the best scenic getaways and top day trips from Thekkady. From historic forts to beautiful waterfalls and nature parks within driving distance.

Discover the absolute best day trips near Thekkady. Our hand-picked list of 12 destinations features scenic drives, heritage spots, and natural wonders within easy traveling distance from the city. Complete with travel distance, estimated drive times, and direct map links, planning your next weekend escape has never been simpler.

The 12 Best Day Trips in Thekkady

Periyar National Park
1

🚗 Periyar National Park

4.3

A highly-recommended day trip destination from Thekkady, located approximately 19 km away. It takes about 28min to reach by car or road. Highly rated with 4.3★ by travelers.

Neer Veezhcha Water Falls
2

🚗 Neer Veezhcha Water Falls

4.5

A highly-recommended day trip destination from Thekkady, located approximately 35 km away. It takes about 1hr 15min to reach by car or road. Highly rated with 4.5★ by travelers.

Thangalpara
3

🚗 Thangalpara

4.5

A highly-recommended day trip destination from Thekkady, located approximately 41 km away. It takes about 1hr 38min to reach by car or road. Highly rated with 4.5★ by travelers.

Kurangani Hills Trekking
4

🚗 Kurangani Hills Trekking

4.5

A highly-recommended day trip destination from Thekkady, located approximately 93 km away. It takes about 2hr 16min to reach by car or road. Highly rated with 4.5★ by travelers.

Thommankuthu Waterfalls
5

🚗 Thommankuthu Waterfalls

4.3

A highly-recommended day trip destination from Thekkady, located approximately 93 km away. It takes about 2hr 47min to reach by car or road. Highly rated with 4.3★ by travelers.

Kattikkayam Waterfalls
6

🚗 Kattikkayam Waterfalls

4.6

A highly-recommended day trip destination from Thekkady, located approximately 95 km away. It takes about 2hr 46min to reach by car or road. Highly rated with 4.6★ by travelers.

Nayamakad Waterfall
7

🚗 Nayamakad Waterfall

4.3

A highly-recommended day trip destination from Thekkady, located approximately 98 km away. It takes about 3hr 14min to reach by car or road. Highly rated with 4.3★ by travelers.

Thoovanam Waterfalls
8

🚗 Thoovanam Waterfalls

4.6

A highly-recommended day trip destination from Thekkady, located approximately 134 km away. It takes about 4hr 27min to reach by car or road. Highly rated with 4.6★ by travelers.

Kumbhavurutty Falls
9

🚗 Kumbhavurutty Falls

4.4

A highly-recommended day trip destination from Thekkady, located approximately 152 km away. It takes about 4hr 49min to reach by car or road. Highly rated with 4.4★ by travelers.

Jatayu Earth's Center
10

🚗 Jatayu Earth's Center

4.4

A highly-recommended day trip destination from Thekkady, located approximately 153 km away. It takes about 3hr 53min to reach by car or road. Highly rated with 4.4★ by travelers.

Fairy Falls
11

🚗 Fairy Falls

4.0

A highly-recommended day trip destination from Thekkady, located approximately 156 km away. It takes about 4hr 0min to reach by car or road. Highly rated with 4★ by travelers.

Dhoni Waterfalls
12

🚗 Dhoni Waterfalls

4.1

A highly-recommended day trip destination from Thekkady, located approximately 303 km away. It takes about 5hr 51min to reach by car or road. Highly rated with 4.1★ by travelers.

Explore More in Thekkady

Discover hotels, restaurants, attractions and local favorites in our complete Thekkady travel guide.

View Full Thekkady Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions About Day Trips in Thekkady

What are the best day trips in Thekkady?

Based on local recommendations and verified traveler reviews, the top day trips in Thekkady include Periyar National Park, Neer Veezhcha Water Falls, Thangalpara, and more. Our complete list features 12 hand-picked day trips that have been curated by locals and frequent visitors to Thekkady.

How were these day trips selected?

Our recommendations are curated by local contributors and travel enthusiasts who know Thekkady intimately. We focus on authentic experiences that travelers actually love, combining crowd favorites with hidden gems that only locals know about. Each place is verified for quality and accessibility.

When is the best time to visit Thekkady?

The best time to visit Thekkady is October to Feburary. Pleasant and cool weather (15-30°C) ideal for wildlife spotting, trekking, and exploring plantations. This timing ensures pleasant weather for exploring the day trips on our list.

What is the budget for visiting Thekkady?

A typical daily budget for Thekkady ranges from ₹1,500 to ₹ 5,000 per person, covering accommodation, food, transport, and activities. Budget travelers can manage on the lower end, while those seeking premium experiences should budget toward the higher end.

How do I get around Thekkady?

Getting around Thekkady is convenient using Auto-rickshaws, taxis, local buses . Most of the day trips on our list are accessible via these transport options. We recommend using the Google Maps links provided to navigate to each location easily.

How do I reach Thekkady?

By Air: Madurai International Airport (IXM)
By Train: Kottayam Railway Station

How many days should I spend in Thekkady?

We recommend spending 2-3 Days in Thekkady to fully experience the city's highlights, including the day trips on this list. This gives you enough time to explore without feeling rushed, while also leaving room for spontaneous discoveries.

Can I visit all 12 day trips in one trip?

It depends on your schedule and itinerary! We recommend picking your top 3-5 favorites and planning your visit around those. Use the Google Maps links provided to plan an efficient route. If you have more time, you can certainly explore more from the list.

Are these day trips suitable for families/solo travelers?

Yes! The day trips on our list cater to various types of travelers including families, couples, solo travelers, and groups. Each location is accessible and welcoming to all visitors. Check individual Google Maps reviews for specific accessibility information.