Welcome to Thekkady, a beautiful destination known for its wildlife and spice plantations. After checking into your hotel, start your morning with a visit to Periyar Tiger Reserve. Embark on a thrilling boat ride on Periyar Lake, where you might spot various wildlife species in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, explore the spice plantations and learn about the aromatic spices grown in the region. In the evening, enjoy a cultural show featuring traditional dance and music performances.
Cultural Show: Ticket - INR 200 per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Rose Garden - A cozy breakfast spot located near Periyar Tiger Reserve, offering a variety of delicious breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Spice Village Restaurant - Enjoy a delightful lunch at this restaurant, situated amidst the spice plantations. They serve authentic Kerala cuisine with a modern twist. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Bamboo Cafe - Located in the heart of Thekkady, this restaurant offers a range of delectable dinner options, including both Indian and continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Monday October 9: Nature and Adventure
Start your day with a visit to the Green Park Ayurvedic & Spices Plantation. Take a guided tour to learn about Ayurvedic herbs and treatments. Next, head to the Elephant Junction for an unforgettable experience. Interact with elephants, go for an elephant ride, and even bathe them. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Periyar National Park by going on a jungle trek. Enjoy the scenic trails and keep an eye out for wildlife. Round off your day with a bamboo rafting experience on Periyar Lake, surrounded by lush greenery.
Green Park Ayurvedic & Spices Plantation: Tour - INR 600 per person, 2-3 hours
Periyar National Park: Jungle Trek - INR 300 per person, 2-3 hours
Bamboo Rafting: INR 500 per person, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Coffee Day located near Green Park Ayurvedic & Spices Plantation. Enjoy a variety of freshly brewed coffee and delicious breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, try Thekkady Restaurant situated near Elephant Junction. Indulge in the authentic Kerala cuisine along with a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For dinner, visit Spice Village Restaurant which is located near Periyar National Park. Experience the flavors of Kerala with their traditional specialties and aromatic spices. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Tuesday October 10: Cultural Immersion
On your last day in Thekkady, dive deeper into the local culture and traditions. Start your morning with a visit to the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, where you can witness a live demonstration of Kerala's martial art form, Kalaripayattu. Next, explore the Mangala Devi Temple, nestled amidst the dense forests of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Enjoy the serene surroundings and soak in the spiritual ambiance. In the afternoon, take a leisurely nature walk through the spice gardens, guided by experts who will enlighten you about the various spices and their uses. End your day with a shopping spree at the local markets, where you can buy authentic spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Kadathanadan Kalari Centre: Show - INR 250 per person, 1-2 hours
Mangala Devi Temple: Free Entry, 1-2 hours
Spice Gardens: Nature Walk - INR 200 per person, 1-2 hours
Local Markets: Shopping - Cost varies, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at Grandma's Kitchen, a charming restaurant known for its traditional Kerala cuisine. Indulge in mouthwatering appam and stew, and enjoy a hot cup of filter coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Spice Village Restaurant, located in the heart of Thekkady. This restaurant offers a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, with a special emphasis on using local spices and ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Bamboo Café, a quaint restaurant known for its delightful ambiance and mouthwatering continental and seafood specialties. Don't miss their signature dish, the bamboo biryani. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience in Thekkady, consider visiting the Tribal Heritage Museum. It offers insights into the indigenous tribes of Kerala and showcases their traditions, artifacts, and customs. Another hidden gem is the Chellarkovil Viewpoint, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the cascading waterfalls. It's a great spot for a family picnic or a peaceful retreat. Don't forget to try the traditional Kerala cuisine, especially the mouthwatering appam and stew, at local restaurants like Grandma's Café and Spice Garden Restaurant.