A 4-day Family Friendly Itinerary for Thekkady in August 2023

1. Day 1: Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary
   5 minutes (1.2 km) from Thekkady
   Morning: Start your day by exploring the beautiful Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. Take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake to spot elephants, tigers, and other wildlife species.
   Afternoon: Visit the Mangala Devi Temple, located inside the Periyar National Park. The temple is dedicated to goddess Mangala and offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills.
   Evening: Head to the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre to witness a traditional martial arts performance. Learn about Kalaripayattu, an ancient martial art form that originated in Kerala.
2. Day 2: Spice Plantations and Elephant Rides
   20 minutes (8.7 km) from Thekkady
   Morning: Visit the Abraham's Spice Garden and learn about the various spices grown in the region. Take a guided tour of the plantation and taste some fresh spices.
   Afternoon: Enjoy an elephant ride at the Elephant Junction. You can also feed and bathe the elephants.
   Evening: Head to the Green Park Ayurvedic and Spices Plantation to learn about Ayurveda, an ancient Indian healing system. Enjoy a relaxing Ayurvedic massage and learn about various herbs and spices used in Ayurvedic treatments.
3. Day 3: Gavi Forest and Trekking
   2 hours (50 km) from Thekkady
   Morning: Embark on a scenic drive to Gavi Forest, located on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. Enjoy a trek through the dense forest and spot various bird species.
   Afternoon: Visit the Sabarimala Viewpoint to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
   Evening: Spend the evening at the Gavi Lake, where you can go boating and watch the sunset.
4. Day 4: Hill Station and Tea Plantations
   1 hour 20 minutes (41 km) from Thekkady
   Morning: Visit the hill station of Vagamon, known for its beautiful meadows, pine forests, and waterfalls. Take a nature walk through the Vagamon Pine Forest.
   Afternoon: Visit the Pattumalay Tea Estate and learn about the process of tea production. Take a guided tour of the plantation and taste some fresh tea.
   Evening: Head to the Thangal Para, a sacred site for Muslims, and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding hills.

Recommendations

If you have extra time in Thekkady, consider visiting the Chellarkovil Waterfalls, located about 17 km from the town. You can also take a jeep safari to explore the nearby forests and spot wildlife. For a side trip, consider visiting the backwaters of Alleppey, located about 150 km from Thekkady. You can also explore the nearby towns of Kumily and Vandiperiyar for local shopping and cuisine. To maximize your fun, try to participate in local festivals and cultural events, such as Onam and Vishu. Don't forget to try the local delicacies, such as appam, puttu, and fish curry.

Find hotels and flights in Thekkady at https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.