Peak Season
Thekkady (Periyar) in January
Kerala, India
January at Thekkady: 12-24°C, cool dry spice-plantation weather, elephants at Periyar Lake in the mornings. Boat safaris run every slot — book at the KTDC counter.
Why January scores 5/5
Weather
January at Thekkady: 12-24°C, cool dry spice-plantation weather, elephants at Periyar Lake in the mornings. Boat safaris run every slot — book at the KTDC counter.
Roads & Access
self drive: SUV recommended. road condition: Good road via Kottayam-Kumily route. public transport: KSRTC buses from Kottayam/Kochi. Private operators.. from nearest city: Kottayam 114km (3hr). Madurai 140km (3.5hr). last km difficulty: easy
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 4/5. km: 2. has er: true. ambulance 108: true. nearest hospital: Kumily Government Hospital
Network
JIO: Yes, BSNL: Yes, NOTE: Yes, AIRTEL: Yes. Good in Kumily. No signal inside Periyar reserve.
Kids
Kid-friendly (5/5) — Periyar Lake boat — elephants from safe distance, Spice plantation walks are sensory, Kathakali makeup demo fascinates kids, Bamboo rafting
Elevation
900m — Low altitude, no issues
Who should go
- ✓First-time travelers
- ✓Senior citizens
- ✓Families with children
- ✓Anyone looking for the best time to visit
Who should think twice
- ✗Anyone needing constant connectivity
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Januaryviewing | 5/5 | January at Thekkady: 12-24°C, cool dry spice-plantation weather, elephants at Periyar Lake in the mornings. Boat safaris run every slot — book at the KTDC counter. |
| February | 4/5 | February at Thekkady: 18-28°C, dry Periyar Lake boat safaris and clear spice-plantation walks. Solid wildlife window — elephants visible at waterholes. |
| March | 4/5 | March at Thekkady: 16–30°C, Periyar lake boat safaris still productive at elephants' drinking hours. Spice plantations aromatic in dry air — shoulder to peak, book ahead for weekends. |
| April | 3/5 | April at Thekkady: 20-32C. Periyar lake boat rides still run; wildlife concentrates near water but afternoon showers can cut trekking short. |
| May | 3/5 | May at Thekkady: 18–31°C, dry Periyar with reduced lake level. Elephants still congregate — workable, spice plantations hot by midday. |
| June | 2/5 | — |
| July | 2/5 | — |
| August | 2/5 | — |
| September | 4/5 | September at Thekkady: 18-26°C, Periyar reservoir full and spice plantations lush. Solid wildlife window — boat safaris run, elephant sightings improving. |
| October | 5/5 | October at Thekkady: 15-27°C, Periyar reopens post-monsoon — lake boat safaris run both shifts, elephant herds visible from the water, and spice-plantation trails firm underfoot. |
| November | 5/5 | November at Thekkady: 16–26°C at 900m, Periyar Lake full after the monsoon. Elephant sightings common, spice plantations in harvest mode. |
| December | 5/5 | December at Thekkady: 14–24°C at 900m. Periyar Lake boat safaris at their most reliable — elephants gather at waterholes in the dry month. |
Practical Details
How to reach
Kottayam 114km (3hr). Madurai 140km (3.5hr). Roads: Good road via Kottayam-Kumily route. Self-drive: SUV recommended. Public transport: KSRTC buses from Kottayam/Kochi. Private operators.. Last stretch: easy
Elevation
900m
Difficulty
easy
Budget tier
mid-range
Nearby in Kerala scoring high in January
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