Start your day with an adventurous ride over the Periyar Lake where you can spot exotic birds and animals in their natural habitat. The 4-hour ride on the bamboo raft will excite the nature lover in you. Witness the beauty of the forest as the sun rays shine through the thick canopy of trees. A trained guide shall accompany you, and breakfast is offered.
After the rafting, take a tour of an aromatic spice plantation where you can learn about the cultivation processes of vanilla, pepper, and other aromatic spices. Walkthrough the pleasant greenery while enjoying the cool breeze and aromas of different varieties of spices. The tour will also educate you about various medicinal plants found in the forest and spice gardens.
A wholesome lunch awaits you at The Spice Village, a beautiful resort amidst lush greenery. The restaurant serves lip-smacking traditional Kerala dishes made with freshly cultivated organic ingredients. Enjoy the serene ambiance while you relish the delicious flavours of Thekkady on your plate.
Visit the Elephant Junction and interact with the gentle giants of the forest. Embark on an exciting half-hour elephant ride along with an experienced mahout. You can also take a bath with these gigantic animals, feed them or watch them play in the pond. This is a must-do activity for all animal lovers.
A unique trekking experience though the wildlife sanctuary awaits you to end your day. Crew of four will take you on a 4 hours hike to explore the deep woods, grasslands & wildlife of the sanctuary. Patrol through the jungle at the golden hour before sunset, maintain silence, listen to the nature's secrets and enjoy the rush of adrenaline as you spot various animal species of Thekkady, like Nilgiri Langurs, Giant Squirrels and more. Carry your binoculars for the best experience.
If you have more time, you can visit the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre to witness traditional martial arts or visit the Mangala Devi Temple for its historical significance. If you have less time, you can skip the Spice Plantation Tour or Border Hiking and Jungle Patrol activities. Make sure to carry adequate water, hats, sunglasses and comfortable shoes for all the activities. Lastly, don't forget to carry an insect repellent for a trouble-free exploration.