5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Kumily in July 2023

1. Day 1: Periyar National Park
   5 minutes (1.2 km) from Downtown Kumily

   Start the day with a boat ride in the Periyar Lake to spot wild animals like elephants, tigers, and gaurs. In the afternoon, take a guided nature walk in the park to learn about the local flora and fauna. End the day with a cultural show at Mudra Cultural Centre showcasing traditional art forms of Kerala.

2. Day 2: Elephant Junction
   15 minutes (4.6 km) from Periyar National Park

   Get up close and personal with elephants at the Elephant Junction. Enjoy an elephant bath and a ride through a spice plantation. In the afternoon, visit the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre to witness Kalaripayattu, a traditional martial art form of Kerala. End the day with a relaxing Ayurvedic massage.

3. Day 3: Mangala Devi Temple and Vandanmedu Spice Plantation
   1 hour 20 minutes (37.9 km) from Elephant Junction

   Begin the day with a visit to Mangala Devi Temple, a 1000-year-old temple located in the dense forests of the Western Ghats. Afterward, visit Vandanmedu Spice Plantation to learn about the spices grown in the region. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali performance at the Mudra Cultural Centre.

4. Day 4: Chellarkovil and Idukki Dam
   1 hour 30 minutes (43.1 km) from Vandanmedu Spice Plantation

   Visit charming village of Chellarkovil and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Later, visit the Idukki Dam, one of the highest arch dams in Asia. Take a boat ride and enjoy the scenic views. In the evening, enjoy a local Kerala cuisine at a nearby restaurant.

5. Day 5: Spice Village and Abraham’s Spice Garden
   20 minutes (8.2 km) from Idukki Dam

   Start the day with a visit to Spice Village, an eco-resort offering a unique opportunity to learn about the spices and herbs used in Kerala cuisine. Later, visit Abraham’s Spice Garden to witness the process of spice cultivation, from planting to harvesting. End the day with some shopping at the Kumily Market.

Recommendations

Don't miss the opportunity to take a bamboo rafting trip down the Periyar River or explore the border town of Thekkady. Consider visiting Munnar, a hill station known for its tea plantations, or Alleppey, a popular backwater destination. For a unique experience, try a homestay with a local family or a trek in the hills.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Periyar National Park (6 hours, INR 500 per person)
• Elephant Junction (4 hours, INR 2300 per person)
• Kadathanadan Kalari Centre (1 hour, INR 400 per person)
• Ayurvedic massage (1 hour, INR 1000 per person)
• Mangala Devi Temple (3 hours, INR 200 per person)
• Vandanmedu Spice Plantation (2 hours, INR 150 per person)
• Kathakali performance (2 hours, INR 300 per person)
• Chellarkovil (2 hours, no cost)
• Idukki Dam (3 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Spice Village (2 hours, INR 500 per person)
• Abraham’s Spice Garden (1 hour, INR 100 per person)
• Kumily Market (2 hours, no cost)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 5,800 per person

Check hotel and flight prices here.