Thekkady’s Aromatic Wilds: A Sanctuary of Spice and Nature

If Kerala is ‘God’s own country’, Thekkady is the Pinterest board where she has saved all of her favourite things — lush forests, spices, and wildlife. Nestled within the Idukki district of Kerala, a Thekkady nature escape is all you need for a holiday that’s bubbling with aromas and thrill.

Whether you want to enjoy Kerala spice tours or go on an Instagrammable Thekkady boat safari, there’s something here for every globetrotter.

Indulge in a Unique Sensorial Experience

Imagine that you’re walking through the famous Thekkady spice plantations and the air is thick with earthy fragrances of pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon. Sounds divine, doesn’t it?

Well, welcome to nature’s perfumery, better known as the Thekkady spice plantations. A walk through these lush gardens is not just a simple stroll; it’s a crash course in India’s rich heritage and history.

Luckily, Thekkady still keeps that legacy alive by continuing the cultivation of some of the finest spices in the country. These Kerala spice tours let your taste buds go on a world tour without leaving the state.

The only peaceful way to end a day of exploring the spice plantations is by unwinding in a luxurious private property. Book Thekkady nature retreat, Panchavadi by ELIVAAS, one of the best luxury stays in Thekkady that blends comfort with nature.

This accommodation houses 3 guests and sprawls over a 10-acre forest estate. Here’s everything you can expect on your arrival: a comfy bedroom with a king-sized bed, an earthy swimming pool, a fenced natural pond, a garden with stone paths, a common restaurant, and a dedicated 5-star hospitality team to take care of you.

Discover the Wild Side of Thekkady

Do you harbour a traveller’s bug for some adventure? Rejoice because you’re in for a surprise when in Thekkady.

Enter the iconic Periyar wildlife sanctuary, which will feel like you’ve just stepped into the sets of Jon Favreau’s The Jungle Book. While this sanctuary is one of India’s most popular tiger reserves, you may also spot other wildlife species such as elephants, lion-tailed macaques, sambar deer, leopards and Indian bison.

The Periyar Lake in this area takes your trip to the next level, as you hop onto a quick Thekkady boat safari in it. After experiencing nature’s glory up front, consider relaxing in a distinct stay like one of the eco-resorts Thekkady.

Our bet is on the Panchavadi by ELIVAAS to take your breath away with its sweeping views of the surroundings and an overall wholesome vibe. This 6-BHK private property is packed with teak and cardamom trees, fruit orchards, whilst fruits like avocado, rose apple, rambutan, and cashew grow all around the area.

Also, this is amongst the best Thekkady resorts for booking as it is senior citizen-friendly. Designed to house 16 guests, the property features a shared swimming pool, a lush garden with waterfalls around, a natural pond, a rustic restaurant, and a hospitality team for a memorable stay in the small town.

Don’t Miss Out on the Adventurous Activities

Love those good kinds of goosebumps? If you just nodded, bookmark these Thekkady adventure activities on your trip.

• Bamboo Rafting: This is almost like paddleboarding, but the board is made out of giant bamboo stalks tied together.

• Jungle Treks: Thekkady is filled with dense forests all around, such as Gavi Forest and Periyar Tiger Reserve. Going on guided treks through these lush green forests makes you learn more about the region’s flora and fauna.

Blurring the lines between adventure sports and eco-tourism, these activities bring you closer to nature and thrill.

Experience a Stay that Blends Nature with Comfort

Thekkady is not just about flashy resorts that are dripping with opulence. Instead, it’s more about living in harmony with nature.

If you resonate with this vibe, booking one of the eco-resorts Thekkady should be a non-negotiable for you. Don’t have any such Thekkady resorts for booking on your radar yet? The Panchavadi by ELIVAAS is where you need to be.

Tucked away in the verdant forests of Attapallam, this luxe property can accommodate three guests. It features a tree house that is surrounded by tall trees and opens up to panoramic views of the forest.

Located in an expansive 10-acre land, this property is where nature collides with comfort. From a garden and a stunning natural pool to an inviting in-house restaurant and a warm hospitality team — this is where you and your guests can truly become one with nature!

Unwind with Ayurvedic Treatments

Burnouts, creative blocks, or fatigue — no matter your concern, treatments at the Ayurvedic retreats Thekkady may be the cure. Here, wellness is not just about treatments; it’s a full-blown ritual that involves the use of local spices and medicinal plants, which are a big part of Ayurveda.

From having an invigorating stone massage infused with essential oils to simply meditating in the forest, the spot encourages you to prioritise yourself. Follow up one of these Ayurvedic treatments with a quiet stroll in ELIVAAS’ private property for the ultimate downtime recipe.

Savour the Taste of South India

The food here is packed with a flavour punch. It is bold, fiery, and packed with coconut, courtesy of the Thekkady spice plantations.

The concept of farm-to-table is not a marketing gimmick here but exists in reality. Most of the restaurants across the town source their ingredients from the spice plantations and organic farms.

If you’re a vegetarian, some of the must-try delicacies for you are the avial, appam and stew, thoran, puttu and kadala curry, and sambar. For non-vegetarians, unmissable dishes include fish cooked in banana leaves, chicken curry, and porotta with korma.

Also, end your meal with famous desserts such as the unniyappam (banana fritters) or payasam.

Dive Into the Rich Cultural Heritage

Beyond the world of spices and wildlife, the culture of Thekkady is what makes its magic come together. We recommend experiencing a live performance of Kalaripayattu, the hypnotic ancient martial art of Kerala.

You may also enjoy a performance of the iconic Kathakali dance that features elaborate costumes, painted faces, and dramatic storytelling. A trip to Thekkady may also give you a chance to connect with the indigenous tribal communities whose existence goes way back. 

Chance encounters, workshops, and conversations can make you learn a lot more about their craft, culture, art, and rituals.

Takeaway

There are multiple layers to a Thekkady nature escape, which makes it worth it. The small town is packed with spices, wildlife, culture, and nature, each element with a story to tell.

Whether you’re a nature nerd, a wellness junkie, an adventure seeker, or just someone who wants a break from the city chaos, Thekkady delivers. Whatever the agenda of your travel, there’s one element that can take it up a notch: Thekkady luxury villas.

If you’ve just started to plan Thekkady wild escape with your loved ones, fret not, because we did the legwork for you. Check out ELIVAAS to explore Thekkady packages and find the right stay now!