Thekkady is the place where you can immerse yourself in Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. Beyond its scenic beauty and wildlife, Thekkady offers a chance to witness traditional performing arts like Kathakali and Kalaripayattu up close—and trust me, it’s an unforgettable experience! Here is the complete guide to plan your cultural evening in Thekkady.
What to Explore in Thekkady
There is so much to explore in Thekkady like traditional performances to elephant rides, the vibe of Thekkady was festive and full of adventure.
Explore the Market
The market area had a lovely local feel, and you can enjoy just walking around and soaking it all in.
Elephant Ride in Thekkady – A Must-Try Adventure
One of the highlights is the elephant ride. Priced at ₹500 per person, it’s something that should be on your list if you’re in Thekkady. but a heads-up: two people are needed per elephant. Apart from riding, there are also options to feed and bathe the elephants (these have additional charges).
Thekkady Kalari Centre
After the elephant ride, head to Thekkady Kalari Centre. The show here begins at 6:00 PM, so its highly recommend reaching early and grabbing your seat without missing the beginning. The performance was jaw-dropping. you will see the martial arts fighters showcasing their strength, discipline, and agility. The experience is thrilling.
A Mesmerizing Evening with Kathakali
Post the martial arts show, the Kathakali performance start from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Seeing it live was surreal.
Let me explain a bit about Kathakali. The name comes from two words—Katha, meaning story, and Kali, meaning play or performance. It’s one of India’s eight classical dance forms and narrates stories from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata using expressive dance, hand gestures, and facial expressions.
The storytelling there is so vivid and beautiful you cant even realize how quickly an entire hour passed. The performers’ expressions, their eyes, hand movements,and body language—all spoke volumes without any dialogue.
Honestly, Thekkady felt like the cultural capital of Kerala. Every moment—from the elephant ride to the Kalari and Kathakali performances—was worth it. So if you’re visiting Thekkady, do not miss these two cultural events. Plan your schedule around them if needed. Even if you skip everything else, make sure to watch the shows at Thekkady Kalari Centre. They will elevate your entire
trip and leave you with memories you’ll carry forever.
