Where can tourists buy wine, beer and liquor in Thekkady
The new liquor policy in Kerala has caused a lot of confusion for the tourists. The non-availability of liquor in tourist destinations like Thekkady has raised concerns from tour operators. Read this article to learn where tourists can buy wine, beer and other liquor when they visit Thekkady.
Tourists coming to Thekkady have a lot of questions about the availability of beer, wine and liquor. Due to the liquor policy of Kerala Government, tourists find it difficult to find liquor shops in any part of Kerala, including Thekkady. The options for liquor are limited here.Options for tourists in Thekkady
1. Go for a 5-star hotel which has a Bar. Unfortunately, The Elephant Court, the only 5-star hotel in Thekkady, doesn't have a Bar attached to it. They don't even have a Beer & Wine parlour.
2. Go to a Beer & Wine Parlour attached to premium hotels in Thekkady (or in Kumily, which is a near by town). Kumily is just 4 km away from Thekkady and is easily accessible by bus, taxi or private cars.
3. Buy liquor from Beverage Corporation's outlets. But be aware that such outlets are very crowded and usually there will be a long queue. You will have to stand in the queue patiently with all kinds of people who may not be disciplined and well mannered.Liquor shops in Thekkady for tourists
If you are visiting Thekkady and can't live without liquor, here are the choices:
1. Woodnote Resort Thekkady
Woodnote resort is very near to Periyar Tiger Reserve and boat landing. The Elephant Junction is less than 20 minutes walk from the Woodnote Resort. Also, the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Periyar Boat Landing are less than 5 minutes drive from here.
See the location map of the Beer parlour in Woodnote resort:
2. KTDC's Aranya Nivas inside Periyar Tiger Reserve: 
They have a beer and wine parlour. However, this hotel is located within the Periyar Tiger Reserve and it is not easily accessible. You have to enter the wildlife sanctuary by paying the access fee during the day time. The gate will be closed at 5:30 pm and you cannot enter the hotel after that. Also, the beer and wine parlour is located inside the hotel and is primarily meant for the guests in the hotel.
Find location of Aranya Nivas in Google maps.
3. Beer & Wine Parlour at Hotel Kumily Gate:
This hotel is located right behind the bus stand in Kumily, which is easily accessible. It's a pretty big hotel with a Beer & Wine Parlour attached to it. However, due to its location next to the bus stand, there is a big crowd at the beer counter in the hotel. If you are looking for a more premium Beer & Wine parlour, see the next option at Hotel Holiday Vista.
You can find location of Kumily Gate here.
4. Beer & Wine parlour at Holiday Vista in Kumily near Thekkady: 
This hotel is closer to Thekkady and is along the Kumily - Kottayam highway. This hotel is more of a premium type and you won't find a lot of crowds here.
Find location of Holiday Vista here.
5. Beverage Corporation's liquor shop in Kumily - Kottayam road: 
It is about 200 metres from Kumily town and about 4 km from Thekkady town. From Kumily town, take the KK road towards Kottayam and go about 0.5 km and you will find this crowded Bevco liquor shop on the left. A big crowd and a long queue is a common scene here. Tourists are recommended to avoid this place unless they don't have any other option. This shop is open from 10 am to 9 pm. All liquor shops in Kerala are closed on the first day of every month, which is considered as 'salary day'.
