Munnar to Thekkady Trip in Kerala Tour Packages – Complete 2025 Travel Guide
Munnar to Thekkady trip in Kerala tour packages is one of the most scenic and enriching routes that travellers love. This beautiful 130 km stretch blends Munnar’s misty mountains with Thekkady’s deep forests, wildlife, and culture making it a must-include segment in almost every Kerala itinerary. The drive takes around four hours, and along the way you’ll pass spice gardens, cardamom plantations, waterfalls, and endless greenery.
With new upgrades in 2024–2025, many Kerala trip packages now highlight the Munnar–Thekkady route as a core experience because of improved eco-tourism facilities, better roads, and enhanced activities.
To help you plan the perfect trip, here’s a complete guide with the latest updates.
Why Munnar to Thekkady Is a Key Part of Kerala Tour Packages
This route is popular not only for its scenic beauty but also for the contrast in experiences:
- Munnar → tea gardens, cool climate, viewpoints
- Thekkady → wildlife, culture, spice plantations, adventure
This combination is ideal for:
- Family Kerala tour packages
- Honeymoon and couple packages
- Adventure and nature packages
- Wildlife photography tours
- Budget Kerala holiday packages
If visitors have already read our earlier travel blogs like “Why You Should Tour Kerala During Monsoon”, or “Thekkady to Alleppey Travel Guide,” they will see how naturally this Munnar–Thekkady stretch fits into a complete Kerala journey.
Thekkady – Kerala’s Wildlife Capital
Once you leave Munnar’s tea gardens behind, Thekkady welcomes you with thick forests, cool winds, and the rich smell of spices. This region is world famous for:
- Elephants
- Tigers
- Bison
- Leopards
- Sambar deer
- Rare birds
The heart of Thekkady is the Periyar National Park, one of India’s best-protected wildlife reserves.
Periyar Lake Boating – A Must-Experience in Kerala Tour Packages
Periyar Lake was formed in 1895 after the Mullaperiyar Dam construction. Today, boating here is one of Thekkady’s signature experiences.
Boating Highlights
- Morning & evening sessions
- Online ticket booking available
- Offline counters at the gate
- Best wildlife sightings from the boat
- Magical views during sunrise & sunset
Most Kerala tour packages include this activity because it offers the highest chance of spotting elephants, bison, and birdlife.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – What to Expect
The sanctuary has evergreen forests, bamboo groves, spice-lined paths, and tribal settlements. Visitors can choose between soft adventure or more immersive experiences.
Eco-Tourism Activities (Updated for 2025)
1. Nature / Green Walk
Short guided walks through refreshing forest routes.
2. Tiger Trail
A guided trekking and camping program led by former poachers turned forest protectors.
3. Bamboo Rafting
A peaceful, photogenic float across the Periyar waters.
4. Jungle Patrol
A rare opportunity for night exploration with trained guards.
5. Gavi Eco-Tour (2025 Updates)
Gavi is a nature lover’s paradise known for lion-tailed macaques, waterfalls, and pristine forest.
New updates include:
- Digital ticketing
- Improved safety rules
- Enhanced eco-friendly facilities
These activities can be easily added in customized Kerala tour packages depending on your interest.
Cultural Experiences in Thekkady – Evening Must-Dos
Evenings in Thekkady are lively with cultural performances and shows.
Popular Options:
- Kadathanadan Kalari Centre – Authentic Kalaripayattu martial arts
- Kathakali Stage Show – Colourful dance storytelling
- Elephant Junction – Ethical elephant care experience (updated guidelines in 2024–2025)
- Tribal Dance Show & Musical Fountain
All these activities have separate entrance fees and can be added to custom itineraries.
Accommodation in Thekkady – Updated Picks for 2025
Thekkady offers a great variety of eco-resorts, jungle lodges, and luxury hotels. Some of the best options include:
- Green Woods
- Hills & Hues
- Elephant Court
- Forest Canopy
- Poetree Sarovar Portico
- Cinnamon Thekkady
- Wild Avenue
- Amaana Plantation
Several of these properties upgraded rooms, dining areas, and eco-friendly systems in 2025 — giving travellers a more comfortable experience.
Adventure & Trekking Options in Thekkady
Adventure lovers will enjoy Thekkady’s trekking routes:
- Western Ghats Summit Trek – Panoramic views
- Mullaperiyar Dam Trek – Easy and scenic
- Periyar Forest Guided Trek
- Shola Forest Nature Trails
- Tribal Village Walks for cultural understanding
These treks suit beginners to moderate-level hikers, making them perfect additions to Kerala tour packages.
2025 Travel Updates – Important for Tourists
✔ Better Roads
The Munnar–Thekkady highway has been resurfaced, reducing travel time.
✔ Digital Ticketing
Boating, bamboo rafting, and eco-tourism activities now support online reservations.
✔ Eco-Friendly Tourism
Kerala Tourism has launched new conservation guidelines to protect wildlife and forest cover.
✔ Increased Demand
Munnar–Thekkady remains one of the most booked routes in 2025 Kerala tour packages.
For travellers reading our other blogs like “Kerala Street Food Delights,” “Fort Kochi Travel Guide,” and “Paradise Holidays Wins Kerala Brand Leadership Awards,” this route forms a natural continuation of their Kerala journey planning.
Conclusion
A Munnar to Thekkady trip in Kerala tour packages is an unforgettable experience that blends nature, wildlife, culture, adventure, and scenic landscapes. With new 2025 updates, smoother travel routes, and enhanced eco-tourism programs, this journey is now better than ever. Whether you are a honeymoon couple, a family, or a solo explorer, Thekkady promises some of the most memorable moments of your Kerala holiday.