Travel after parenthood isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the family-friendly experiences we can share. For many Indian parents, finding a balance between adventure and safety is the top priority. When searching for an offbeat, cultural, and safe adventure for my 2-year-old, Thekkady in “God’s Own Country” was the obvious choice. If you are looking for the best places to visit in Kerala with toddlers, this spice-scented hill station should be at the top of your list.
How to Reach Thekkady: A Scenic Road Trip
We opted for a road trip from Bangalore to Thekkady via Madurai. Driving allows for flexible breaks, which is essential when traveling with a toddler.
- By Air: The nearest international airport is Madurai (IXM), followed by Cochin (COK) and Trivandrum (TRV).
- Pro Tip: If you fly into Madurai or Kochi, the drive to Thekkady offers stunning views of the Western Ghats.
Where to Stay & Commute
While there are many hotels in Thekkady, we chose an estate stay just outside the main town. This allowed us to enjoy nature while staying close enough for activities. We used our own car, but hiring a taxi or a jeep in Thekkady is very easy via your hotel.
Note: Scooters are fun for grown-ups without kids!
Top 5 Things to Do in Thekkady with Kids
Elephant Junction Thekkady: A Family Milestone
The first time my toddler sat on an elephant was right here. It was a beautiful family ride where all of us sat together on one of these gentle giants. If you’re worried about the load on the elephant, don’t be! We confirmed with the local tourist office that compared to an elephant’s size, we are like the weight of a fly. It is perfectly safe, and seeing my daughter’s excitement made this one of our best memories from Thekkady.
Adventurous Jeep Safari
This is a must-do. We explored the outskirts of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in a rugged jeep. Holding my 2-year-old tight while she took in the wild sights was an incredible experience. It’s easily one of the best things to do in Thekkady for families.
Authentic Kathakali Show
Introduce your children to Indian heritage early. Kathakali is a mesmerizing traditional dance drama. While a toddler might not follow the complex stories, the vibrant costumes and expressive face paint are visually captivating for kids.
Note: You can either ask your hotel to reserve tickets for you or you can book by yourself at the Kadathanadan centre for both Kathakali and Kalari.
Kalaripayattu Performance
Witnessing the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu is a high-energy experience. The rhythmic movements and agility of the performers are enough to keep even a restless toddler glued to their seat.
Spice Plantation Tours
Thekkady is world-famous for its spices. Taking a walk through plantations is both educational and sensory. Kids love touching the leaves and smelling fresh cinnamon, cardamom, and pepper right off the vine. If you inform your hotel front desk or jeep drivers they can arrange for one such tour near your stay.
Shopping in Thekkady: Spices and Souvenirs
No trip to Kerala is complete without a bit of shopping in Kumily.
- Spices: Head to the local markets for fresh cardamom, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
- Handicrafts: Look for Rosewood carvings and traditional Kerala sarees.
- Banana chips: Show your kids how banana chips are actually made in Thekkady.
Tea & Coffee: Pick up locally grown varieties that are much fresher than anything you’ll find in the city.
Awesome Places Near Thekkady for Families
Kid-friendly day trips
- Periyar Lake: Take a boat ride to spot wild elephants and boars at the water’s edge.
- Chellarkovil Viewpoint: For stunning views of the plains of Tamil Nadu and cascading waterfalls.
- Gavi: A short drive away, this eco-tourism spot is perfect for families who want to go deeper into the forest.
Extend your Thekkady family vacation
- Vagamon: Meadows and hills like Thekkady – pick one!
- Munnar: Elephants, safaris and camping thrills.
- Kodaikanal: Cool hill station with lakes, views and pine forests (You can check out my Kodaikanal blog).
- Kookal: Quiet spots near Kodaikanal for offbeat fun (You can check out my Kookal blog).
- Madurai: Meenakshi temple (3 hours away) for temple magic.
A 3-4 day family trip to Thekkady for toddlers and kids gives them exposure to wildlife wonders, cultural shows, nature play and family bonding.
