Located in Idukki, the drive to Thekkady itself is enchanting as the road winds through tranquil countryside, rich plantations & thick jungles. It is open throughout the year , but the best season is from September to March. The sanctuary is centered around the large artificial lake formed by a dam across the Periyar river.

The main attraction is a boat trip over this man-made lake of Thekkady. The forest department would also arrange elephant rides and trekking inside the sanctuary. One can see deers, monkeys, tigers, herds of elephants and other exotic flora and fauna here. For the more adventurous, trekking into the jungle would be an exciting thing to do.

Some of the main attractions of Thekkady are Plantation Tours which cover cardamom, pepper, coffee and tea plantations, tea factories, tribal settlements and the surrounding hill regions, Elephant rides, Trekking and boat cruises on the Periyar Lake.