Planning to explore Thekkady and the Periyar Tiger Reserve, this weekend? Then, skip staying at this tourist hotspot and find a place in the surrounding Kumily {Thekkady is one small part of this area} instead. While visitors tend to focus on Thekkady on their trip, you can take in the endless cardamom plantations and many verdant sights of Kumily. Budget hotels and homestays are the norm here. You may, however, spend most of your budget on getting around {if you don’t have your own vehicle} and for food.