Four-day Nature Itinerary for Vagamon and Thekaddy in May 2023

  1. Day 1: Pine Forests of Vagamon
    2 hours 30 minutes (60.5 km) from Kochi International Airport

    Start your journey in the picturesque hills of Vagamon, surrounded by rolling meadows, cascading waterfalls, and serene pine forests. Take a relaxing stroll through the pine forests and breathe in the fresh mountain air. You can also enjoy a panoramic view of the town from the nearby viewpoint. If you're feeling adventurous, you can go trekking or paragliding. End your day by watching the sunset over the hills.

  2. Day 2: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
    2 hours 30 minutes (82.4 km) from Vagamon

    Wake up early to explore the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you will see elephants, tigers, leopards, and many other wild animals. You can take a guided boat ride on the Periyar Lake and observe animals in their natural habitat. After the boat ride, go for a nature walk in the sanctuary and learn more about the flora and fauna of the region. You can also visit the nearby spice plantations and learn about the spices grown in the area.

  3. Day 3: Gavi Forest Reserve
    2 hours 30 minutes (92.2 km) from Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

    Head to the Gavi Forest Reserve, a lesser-known gem in the Western Ghats. Here, you can go on a guided trek through the forest, spotting rare bird species and other wildlife. You can also explore the nearby Gavi Lake by boat or kayak and enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the serene surroundings. If you're lucky, you might even spot a herd of wild elephants!

  4. Day 4: Kumily Tea Plantations
    1 hour (35.1 km) from Gavi Forest Reserve

    On your final day, visit the Kumily Tea Plantations, where you can witness the tea-making process and learn about the history of tea production in India. Take a leisurely stroll through the tea gardens and enjoy the scenic beauty of the region. You can also visit the nearby Vandanmedu Spice Plantations and purchase some fresh spices to take back home with you.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Pine Forests of Vagamon (2-3 hours, free entry)
  • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (3-4 hours, INR 450 per person)
  • Gavi Forest Reserve (4-5 hours, INR 1,500 per person)
  • Kumily Tea Plantations (2-3 hours, free entry)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 1,950 per person
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