Things to Do in Murikkady, Thekkady — A Traveler’s Guide

Introduction

Murikkady is a quiet hill-village in the spice-rich highlands around Thekkady (Kumily) in Idukki district, Kerala. Fringed by cardamom and pepper plantations and set against the Western Ghats, Murikkady is an appealing base for travelers who want a less crowded, more immersive spice-country experience while still being close to the popular Periyar/Thekkady attractions.

Why Visit Murikkady?

Murikkady offers a blend of rural charm, spice plantation landscapes, and easy access to wildlife and adventure activities at nearby Thekkady. It is ideal for visitors interested in nature walks, spice tours, birdwatching, village life and low-impact adventure.

Best Time to Visit

• October to March: Cooler, drier weather — best for trekking, wildlife sightings and outdoor activities.
• April to May: Warm and pleasant; good for sightseeing if you prefer fewer crowds.
• June to September (monsoon): Lush green landscapes and dramatic waterfalls, but frequent rain can disrupt some activities. If you enjoy the monsoon ambience, this can be a memorable time to go.

Top Things to Do in and Around Murikkady

1. Explore Spice Plantations

A visit to Murikkady is synonymous with spice gardens. Guided plantation walks and small-farm tours are the most popular activities.

• Plantation walk: Walk among cardamom, pepper, clove, nutmeg and cinnamon plants; learn how spices are grown, harvested and processed.
• Meet small growers: Interact with local farmers to learn traditional cultivation and post-harvest techniques.
• Spice-tasting: Fresh ground spices, fragrant teas and locally produced oils or powders are often offered during visits.

2. Birdwatching & Wildlife Photography

The humid hills and edge habitats around Murikkady attract many bird species and small mammals.

• Early morning walks are best for spotting bulbuls, sunbirds, woodpeckers and other endemic or migratory birds.
• Carry binoculars and a telephoto lens if you wish to photograph shy wildlife.

3. Periyar/Thekkady Wildlife Experiences (Nearby)

Murikkady is a short drive from Thekkady’s Periyar Tiger Reserve area, where multiple wildlife activities are available.

• Periyar boat cruise: A serene boat ride on the Periyar Lake is the most popular way to observe herds of elephants, sambar deer and other animals coming to the water.
• Bamboo rafting: A quieter, closer-to-nature rafting option that takes you into less visited parts of the sanctuary (seasonal and permitted zones only).
• Guided jeep safaris and nature walks: Local naturalists and licensed guides offer informative excursions inside buffer zones and permitted forest trails.

4. Trekking and Hill Walks

Gentle treks through plantations or steeper trails into the Western Ghats are available, with varied difficulty to suit casual walkers or more experienced hikers.

• Ask local guides about suggested routes — they can tailor duration and difficulty to your fitness level.
• Try early-morning or late-afternoon walks for the best light and cooler temperatures.

5. Village Walks & Cultural Immersion

Spend time in Murikkady’s villages to experience everyday life in spice-country Kerala.

• Village walk: Visit small markets, family farms and plantations, observe processing of spices, and learn about traditional livelihoods.
• Home-stays: Many families host travelers, offering home-cooked meals and conversations about local culture and farming practices.
• Cooking classes: Learn to cook Keralan dishes with spices you’ve just seen growing on the farm.

6. Cycling and Mountain Biking

Quiet backroads and rolling plantation tracks make Murikkady suitable for cycling. E-bike options may be available in nearby towns.

7. Visit Nearby Viewpoints and Waterfalls

The terrain around Murikkady offers scenic viewpoints and streams. Depending on the season you may find tumbling waterfalls and panoramic hill vistas — perfect for photography and relaxation.

8. Local Markets & Spice Shopping

Purchase freshly dried spices, essential oils, homemade spice blends and other local produce directly from growers or village shops.

9. Cultural Shows & Performances (Thekkady/Kumily)

For evening entertainment, head to Thekkady or Kumily for traditional performances like Kathakali or Kalaripayattu demonstrations, and local folk shows arranged for visitors.

10. Wellness & Ayurveda

Several resorts and homestays in the region offer Ayurvedic massage and simple wellness treatments. The tranquil hill setting adds to the restorative experience.

Sample Itineraries

One-Day Itinerary

• Morning: Short plantation walk and spice tour in Murikkady.
• Late morning: Drive to Periyar/Periyar Lake for a boat cruise.
• Afternoon: Lunch in Kumily followed by a visit to a spice market.
• Evening: Cultural show or village walk back in Murikkady; dinner at a homestay.

Two-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, village/homestay check-in, plantation tour and spice-tasting, sunset viewpoint.
• Day 2: Early morning birdwatching/walk, Periyar boat cruise or bamboo rafting, afternoon cultural program or short trek.

Three-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Settle in, gentle walk through plantations, evening village immersion.
• Day 2: Full day at Periyar — boat cruise, bamboo rafting and guided nature trails.
• Day 3: Longer trek into nearby hills or cycling route, visit to waterfall/viewpoint, local cooking class before departure.

Practical Information

Getting There

• By air: The nearest major airports are Kochi (Cochin) and Madurai. From there you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Thekkady/Kumily region and onward to Murikkady.
• By rail: Major railheads serving the region include Kottayam and Madurai; road transfer is required to reach the hills.
• By road: Well-connected state highways link Murikkady with Thekkady/Kumily and other towns. Taxis and local buses serve the route; self-driving is an enjoyable option if you’re comfortable on hilly roads.

Accommodation

• Options range from family-run homestays and guesthouses to mid-range resorts and plantation bungalows. Staying in a local homestay enhances cultural interaction and supports the local economy.

Tips & Responsible Travel Guidelines

• Hire licensed guides: For plantation tours, treks and access to forest areas, use experienced local guides for safety and context.
• Respect wildlife: Maintain distance, avoid feeding animals and follow sanctuary rules during Periyar visits.
• Support local businesses: Buy spices and handicrafts directly from growers and artisans.
• Minimize waste: Carry a reusable water bottle, avoid single-use plastics and take all trash back with you.
• Noise and light: Keep noise low in village areas and near wildlife zones, and avoid bright lights at night.

Packing Checklist

• Comfortable walking shoes and light trekking gear
• Rain jacket or poncho during monsoon months
• Binoculars and camera with a telephoto lens for bird and wildlife spotting
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Insect repellent
• Reusable water bottle and small first-aid kit

Safety Considerations

• Carry identification and emergency contact numbers.
• Follow local health advice; some remote homestays may have limited medical access.
• Be cautious while driving or walking on wet, narrow hill roads, especially in the monsoon.

Final Thoughts

Murikkady is an excellent destination for travelers who want to combine the sensory delights of Kerala’s spice country with wildlife experiences and relaxed village living. Whether you’re tasting fresh spices on a plantation walk, watching birds at dawn, or drifting quietly on the Periyar Lake, Murikkady and its surroundings offer gentle, meaningful experiences that connect you with nature and local culture.

Recommended action

Plan your visit during the cooler months for the best mix of outdoor activities and wildlife viewing, book a homestay or a guided plantation tour in advance, and leave space in your itinerary for unplanned village discoveries — those are often the most memorable.