Thekkady

Thekkady is a fantastic destination for families, especially if you’re keen on wildlife and nature. With its lush greenery, diverse wildlife, and serene atmosphere, you’re in for a treat! Here’s a fun and family-friendly 2-day itinerary for your trip to Thekkady:

Day 1: Exploring Nature and Wildlife

Morning:

• Breakfast at Your Hotel: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel. Look for local delicacies like appam and stew or idli and sambar to fuel up for the day!
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Head to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary early in the morning. You can take a guided nature walk or a boat ride on Periyar Lake. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, deer, and a variety of birds! The boat ride is especially fun for kids, and you might even spot some wildlife along the shores.

Lunch:

• Lunch at a Local Restaurant: After your wildlife adventure, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Try some Kerala-style fish curry or vegetarian thali for a taste of the region.

Afternoon:

• Spice Plantation Tour: Post-lunch, embark on a guided tour of a spice plantation. This is not only educational but also a sensory delight! Kids will love learning about different spices and how they grow. Many plantations offer interactive experiences, like tasting fresh spices and even trying your hand at some activities.

Evening:

• Kalaripayattu Show: In the evening, consider attending a Kalaripayattu martial arts show. It’s a traditional form of martial arts from Kerala, and the performances are thrilling and engaging for the whole family.

Dinner:

• Dinner at Your Hotel or a Local Eatery: Wind down with a relaxing dinner. You can try some local seafood or a comforting dosa.

Day 2: Adventure and Relaxation

Morning:

• Breakfast at Your Hotel: Enjoy another delightful breakfast to kickstart your day.
• Elephant Ride or Interaction: Start your day with an elephant ride or visit an elephant camp where you can interact with these gentle giants. Many places offer opportunities to feed and bathe the elephants, which is a memorable experience for kids!

Lunch:

• Picnic Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch or grab some snacks from a local shop and head to a scenic spot in the sanctuary or a nearby park. Enjoy your meal surrounded by nature!

Afternoon:

• Nature Walk or Bamboo Rafting: After lunch, you can either take a nature walk through the forest trails or opt for bamboo rafting on the Periyar River. The rafting experience is peaceful and offers a unique perspective of the surrounding wildlife.

Evening:

• Shopping for Souvenirs: Head to the local market for some souvenir shopping. Look for spices, handmade crafts, and local textiles. It’s a great way to support local artisans and bring a piece of Thekkady back home!

Dinner:

• Dinner at a Local Restaurant: For your last evening, treat yourselves to a nice dinner at a local restaurant. You might want to try some traditional Kerala biryani or a comforting bowl of sambar rice.

Tips:

• Stay Hydrated: Thekkady can be warm, so keep water handy, especially during outdoor activities.
• Sunscreen and Hats: Don’t forget sunscreen and hats for the family, especially during the day.
• Camera Ready: Keep your camera or smartphone ready to capture all the beautiful moments and wildlife sightings!

I hope this itinerary helps you have a fantastic time in Thekkady! Enjoy the wildlife, the lush landscapes, and the quality family time! 🐘🌿