Winter at Springdale Heritage: Thekkady Activities to Enjoy this Holiday Season
December 11, 2025
Winter in Kerala’s high ranges brings a shift that is both gentle and refreshing. At Springdale Heritage in Vandiperiyar, we see this change unfold every day as the landscape transforms around us. From December to February, the air grows cool, mornings turn misty, and the familiar scent of pepper and cardamom drifts across the hills. For travelers arriving in this season, it often feels like stepping into a slower, softer version of Kerala’s Idukki district — a perfect time for exploring winter activities across Thekkady and its surroundings.
Munnar Mornings Wrapped in Mist
Vandiperiyar sits in a part of Idukki that often goes unnoticed beside nearby Thekkady. Yet winter reveals its charm in ways that surprise many visitors. From our estate, the first light of day usually appears through a thin veil of fog, settling gently over plantations and rooftops. By the time the sun rises, the hills look washed in silver, and the cool breeze carries a mix of spice and earthy forest notes.
Many guests searching for a quiet resort in Thekkady end up choosing stays in Vandiperiyar for this very reason: the landscape here feels more open and the mornings unfold without rush.
For anyone who enjoys quiet mornings, winter offers a natural invitation to wake early, step outside, and simply watch the landscape change in real time. Guests planning activities in Thekkady during the colder months are delighted to discover that some of the most memorable experiences begin right outside their verandah.
Gavi: A Winter Escape into the Wild
One of the most remarkable winter experiences near Vandiperiyar is a trip to Gavi, located about an hour’s drive from Springdale Heritage. During these cooler months, Gavi’s forest seems even more alive, becoming dense, bright, and filled with the calls of birds stirred by the morning light.
Boat rides here are especially memorable when the lake is still covered in fog. Treks feel easier in the mild weather, and the forest pathways echo with rustling leaves, distant animal calls, and the occasional glimpse of deer moving between the trees. Winter adds a clarity to Gavi’s scenery that regular visitors always comment on — making it a favourite choice for those seeking refreshing winter activities in the Kerala hills.
Thekkady’s Misty Waterways and Winter Wildlife
A journey toward Thekkady brings you to Periyar Lake, another winter highlight. Early-morning boat rides glide through quiet waters, and as the mist lifts, visitors sometimes spot elephants grazing near the banks. Birdwatchers find this season particularly rewarding, with many species becoming more active in the cooler climate.
The forest trails around Periyar also feel more inviting during winter. The softer sunlight brings out the colors and details of the landscape, making it an excellent time for photography, light trekking, and exploring the sanctuary at an unhurried pace. Many of these experiences naturally feature among the most recommended activities in Thekkady for holiday travelers.
Plantation Trails Around Vandiperiyar
Surrounding Springdale Heritage are vast plantations of cardamom, pepper, and tea — and winter enhances their aroma noticeably. A simple walk through these estates reveals deeper greens, richer scents, and a sense of calm that visitors often describe as a highlight of their stay.
Local tea stalls tucked along the roadside become natural stopovers. A steaming glass of chai or freshly brewed coffee feels especially comforting when paired with the cool air and misty hill views.
A Season That Encourages Wellness
Winter in Vandiperiyar naturally complements traditional Ayurvedic routines, particularly those focused on warmth, rest, and rejuvenation. Guests at Springdale often pair their outdoor explorations with Ayurvedic massages or steam therapies available at nearby wellness centers. The cool climate makes these treatments feel especially restorative after a long walk or a day of sightseeing.
Even those not seeking structured wellness experiences find that winter here encourages slower travel — time to read, reflect, or simply sit outdoors and enjoy the passing fog.
Evenings That Settle Softly Over the Hills
As dusk approaches, the mist returns to Vandiperiyar, drifting across the hills and gradually wrapping the town in a soft haze. At Springdale Heritage, evenings often begin with guests gathering around warm meals featuring local winter favorites — pepper-rich curries, tapioca with spicy accompaniments, fried plantains, and dishes infused with freshly ground cardamom.
These meals reflect the region’s seasonal rhythm: hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cool nights.
Winter in Vandiperiyar: A Season of Simple Pleasures
Winter in Vandiperiyar is not defined by dramatic scenery or grand events. Instead, its beauty lies in its subtle details — mist that lingers over plantations, the aroma of spices on cold air, quiet lakes wrapped in fog, and roads that seem to stretch endlessly through green hills.
From the vantage point of Springdale Heritage, we see visitors encounter this simplicity every winter. They slow down. They explore. They rediscover how peaceful the high ranges of Idukki can feel in the cool months.
For anyone planning a winter getaway to Thekkady, Gavi, or Vandiperiyar, this season offers something truly memorable: the rare chance to experience Kerala’s hills at their most reflective and unhurried.
