Start your day early with a visit to the Meghamalai Tea Estate, surrounded by the Western Ghats. Enjoy the scenic ride through winding roads and get a glimpse of the tea-making process. Move on towards the Suruli Falls, with a beautiful natural pool fit for a relaxing dip. Just adjacent to the falls is the Suruli Velappar Temple, with stunning Dravidian architecture and a sacred well.
Spend a day exploring the natural wonders of Thekkady, starting with the Periyar National Park. Take a peaceful boat ride or trek through the evergreen forests and encounter a variety of flora and fauna, including tigers, elephants, and the rare lion-tailed macaque. Stop over at the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, where martial artists will give you an awe-inspiring display of their skills. In the afternoon, visit the Spice Plantations and witness the process of growing and harvesting Kerala's famous spices.
If you have more time, you can plan an extra day to visit the Vandiperiyar, a charming town that houses the famous pepper exchange, the Ayyanar Kovil, an ancient temple with beautiful stone sculptures, and the Parunthumpara View Point, providing an aerial view of the mountains and fields. You can also opt for a bamboo rafting expedition in the Periyar lake. If you have less time, you can skip the Suruli Falls and the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre. Always check the park timings as they vary during the monsoon season. Ensure adequate hydration and sunscreen for your trips.