Photography Guide to Thekkady: Best Spots to Capture Wildlife & Nature

Nestled in the lush greenery of Kerala, Thekkady is a paradise for photographers. With its rich biodiversity, serene landscapes, and vibrant wildlife, it offers endless opportunities for capturing breathtaking shots. Whether you’re an amateur or a professional photographer, Thekkady’s scenic beauty and diverse ecosystems provide a perfect backdrop for stunning images. This guide will take you through the best photography spots in Thekkady, along with tips for capturing its essence through your lens.

1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – A Photographer’s Dream

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the heart of Thekkady and an absolute must-visit for wildlife photography enthusiasts. Spread across 925 square kilometers, this sanctuary is home to elephants, tigers, bison, deer, and a variety of bird species. The best way to photograph wildlife here is through a boat safari on Periyar Lake or guided treks through the jungle.

Photography Tips:

• Early morning and late afternoon offer the best lighting for wildlife shots.
• Use a telephoto lens (300mm or more) to capture animals from a safe distance.
• Be patient and maintain silence to avoid disturbing the wildlife.
• Capture reflections of the trees and animals in Periyar Lake for artistic compositions.

2. Periyar Lake – Reflections and Misty Mornings

Periyar Lake, located within the sanctuary, is a mesmerizing spot for landscape photography. The calm waters, misty mornings, and occasional wildlife sightings make it a dreamy location for photographers. If you’re lucky, you may spot herds of elephants or deer near the lake, adding a dramatic effect to your shots.

Photography Tips:

• Try long exposure shots to capture the stillness of the water.
• Use a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the landscape.
• Early morning mist can add an ethereal touch to your photos.
• Capture birds in flight using a fast shutter speed.

3. Mangala Devi Temple – Panoramic Views

Situated at an elevation of 1,337 meters, the Mangala Devi Temple offers panoramic views of the lush Western Ghats. This ancient temple is open to visitors only during the Chithra Pournami festival, making it a rare and exclusive spot for photography. The breathtaking views of mist-covered hills provide an excellent backdrop for landscape photography.

Photography Tips:

• A wide-angle lens works best for capturing the vast landscape.
• Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance the sky’s color.
• Golden hour (sunrise or sunset) provides the best lighting for dramatic shots.

4. Pandikuzhi – A Hidden Gem for Landscape Photography

Pandikuzhi is a lesser-known spot that boasts picturesque waterfalls, lush valleys, and an abundance of greenery. It is perfect for capturing the raw beauty of Thekkady away from the crowds. The vibrant flora and fauna here make for stunning close-up and macro shots.

Photography Tips:

• Use a macro lens to capture intricate details of flowers and insects.
• A tripod is essential for capturing silky smooth waterfalls with slow shutter speeds.
• Experiment with different compositions to showcase the depth of the landscape.

5. Gavi – A Photographer’s Paradise

Gavi, a serene eco-tourism spot, is one of the best places for bird and wildlife photography in Thekkady. It is home to over 260 species of birds, including the Malabar trogon, great Indian hornbill, and paradise flycatcher. The lush green forests, waterfalls, and pristine lakes create a stunning setting for photography.

Photography Tips:

• A telephoto lens is ideal for capturing birds in their natural habitat.
• Use burst mode to capture birds in flight.
• Try different perspectives by shooting from low angles for a unique composition.

6. Chellarkovil Viewpoint – Sunset and Landscape Shots

Chellarkovil Viewpoint offers stunning views of the plains of Tamil Nadu and the cascading waterfalls in the distance. This is one of the best spots in Thekkady for sunset photography. The changing colors of the sky and the lush green landscapes below create a perfect setting for breathtaking photographs.

Photography Tips:

• Use HDR mode to balance exposure between the sky and land.
• Capture the golden hues of the setting sun for a warm, dramatic effect.
• Use leading lines such as trails or rivers to guide the viewer’s eye into the frame.

7. Spice Plantations – Colorful and Textured Shots

The spice plantations of Thekkady offer a unique photography experience with their vibrant green pepper vines, coffee plants, and cardamom fields. These plantations provide great opportunities for capturing patterns, textures, and the daily lives of plantation workers.

Photography Tips:

• Use a macro lens for close-up shots of spices and plants.
• Play with depth of field to make subjects stand out from the background.
• Capture the workers in action to add a human element to your shots.

8. Ramakkalmedu – The Windy Hilltop Viewpoint

Ramakkalmedu is known for its strong winds and panoramic views of the Western Ghats and neighboring Tamil Nadu villages. The large Kuravan and Kurathi statues make for striking focal points in landscape shots.

Photography Tips:

• Use a sturdy tripod as strong winds can cause a camera shake.
• Capture the vastness of the hills and sky using a wide-angle lens.
• Sunset shots from here are particularly spectacular.

Conclusion

Thekkady is a treasure trove of photographic opportunities, from its dense forests and misty lakes to its vibrant spice plantations and panoramic viewpoints. Whether you’re capturing a majestic elephant in Periyar, the stunning sunset at Chellarkovil, or the delicate beauty of a spice plantation, Thekkady never disappoints. With the right equipment, timing, and patience, you can bring home stunning photographs that showcase the incredible beauty of this destination. So, grab your camera and set out to explore and capture the magic of Thekkady!