Leave Chennai by private car or hired taxi at 16:30 for the ~9–12 hour drive to Kumily/Periyar depending on route and traffic; travelling in the late afternoon avoids peak city traffic and gets you into the Western Ghats after dark.
Stop at a clean highway restaurant for a hot South Indian meal or biryani — good options are the established highway/restaurants around Dindigul/Palani or a hotel with fresh Kerala-style food; restaurants typically open 19:00–22:00 on trunk routes, but hours vary so stop where facilities look clean.
Arrive in Kumily and check in to your hotel or homestay near Periyar; rest well — you’ll have an early start the next morning for Gavi. Most hotels accept late check-in by prior arrangement.
Have a quick Kerala-style breakfast (idli, appam, vegetable curry) at your Kumily hotel or a nearby café before driving to Gavi; kitchens in local hotels typically open from 06:00–07:30 for early guests.
Arrive Gavi and join a guided nature walk or birdwatching session — mornings (06:00–10:00) are best for wildlife spotting and birdlife; the Forest Department/KFDC runs guided walks and local naturalists offer low-impact treks.
Have lunch at the KFDC cafeteria or a Gavi homestay serving fresh local food — expect simple, home-cooked Kerala meals with rice, sambar, vegetable and fish options; lunch services are generally available 12:00–14:00.
Take an afternoon jeep ride or boat (seasonal) and a short plantation walk to see cardamom, pepper and native flora; many Gavi experiences run in the afternoon between 15:00–17:30 — verify availability with your lodge as bookings fill fast.
Dinner at your Gavi homestay or the forest-stay dining area — meals are typically simple, fresh and focused on Kerala cuisine; the remoteness means dining is usually provided by your accommodation around 19:00–20:00.
If you’re an early riser, do a short sunrise birdwatch or walk (06:00–07:30) around Gavi for a last chance to see wildlife and enjoy the cool forest light; this is especially good for photographers and birders.
Eat a relaxed lunch at a wayside restaurant as you head south-east toward Kanthaloor — choose freshly cooked South Indian dishes and avoid long, heavy meals before the afternoon drive.
Leave Gavi at approximately 17:00 for the drive to Kanthaloor (allow ~3.5–5 hours depending on road conditions and exact Kanthaloor location); evening departure fits your plan and arrives in Kanthaloor after dark.
Check in at your Kanthaloor accommodation and have dinner — many guesthouses and small resorts will prepare Kerala-style meals for late arrivals if alerted in advance.
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your homestay or resort with local produce — many places serve traditional Kerala breakfasts between 07:30–09:30 and can advise on morning activities nearby.
Visit the local Kanthaloor area — explore small temples, paddy fields, spice gardens or a horticultural station and take a short village walk to see daily life; mornings 09:00–12:00 are pleasant and cooler for walks.
Have lunch at your accommodation or a local restaurant with freshly prepared Kerala dishes and seafood options where available; most eateries serve lunch 12:00–15:00.
Book a 60–90 minute Ayurvedic massage or short local excursion (if your lodge offers it) to relax before the long drive home; spa centres typically operate 09:00–18:00 but require pre-booking.
Have an early dinner (light meal recommended) and begin the overnight drive back to Chennai; the road to Chennai takes ~10–14 hours by car depending on exact start point and traffic — plan driver swaps and rest stops.