4-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Thekadi in July 2023

1. Day 1: Periyar National Park
   5 minutes (0.7 miles) from the hotel

   Morning: Take a guided tour of the park and enjoy the scenic beauty as well as the wildlife. Afternoon: Take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake and spot some elephants and other wildlife. Evening: Head to the Kalaripayattu Center to watch a traditional martial arts performance.

2. Day 2: Elephant Junction
   30 minutes (15.4 miles) from Periyar National Park

   Morning: Interact with elephants and learn about their daily routine at Elephant Junction. Afternoon: Visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history and production of tea. Evening: Take a stroll in the Spice Garden and learn about the various spices grown in the region.

3. Day 3: Mangala Devi Temple
   30 minutes (13.9 miles) from Elephant Junction

   Morning: Trek to the Mangala Devi Temple and enjoy the scenic views of the forest. Afternoon: Visit the Tribal Heritage Museum to learn about the local tribes and their traditions. Evening: Enjoy a relaxing massage at the Ayurvedic Healing Village.

4. Day 4: Chellarkovil
   40 minutes (19.7 miles) from Mangala Devi Temple

   Morning: Take a scenic drive to Chellarkovil and enjoy the stunning views of the waterfalls. Afternoon: Visit the Vagamon Meadows and enjoy the scenic beauty. Evening: Enjoy a delicious meal at the Cloud 9 Restaurant.

Recommendations

If you have time, consider taking a side trip to the nearby town of Kumily to visit the Spice Market. Also, if you are interested in adventure activities, you can try bamboo rafting or rock climbing at the Adventure Park.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Periyar National Park (4 hours, INR 400)
• Elephant Junction (3 hours, INR 600)
• Tea Museum (1 hour, INR 100)
• Spice Garden (1 hour, INR 200)
• Mangala Devi Temple (5 hours, INR 300)
• Tribal Heritage Museum (1 hour, INR 50)
• Ayurvedic Healing Village (2 hours, INR 1000)
• Chellarkovil (4 hours, INR 500)
• Vagamon Meadows (1 hour, INR 50)
• Cloud 9 Restaurant (1 hour, INR 800)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 3200