In the morning, you will leave the coastal plain for the hills ( 200 kms, 05 hours drive). The drive is punctuated with views of rubber, tea and spice plantations. On arrival at Thekkady and completion of check in formalities you will be taken on a guided tour of a spice plantation. The tour will give you an insight into the growing, harvesting and processing of various spices grown in the area. In the evening, you will witness a Kalaripayattu demonstration at a theatre nearby. Overnight at the hotel in Thekkady.
Thekkady is situated on the periphery of the Periyar National Park, one of India’s largest and a must visit for wildlife enthusiasts. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 777 Sq. Kms, around an artificial lake. Also, a tiger reserve, the sanctuary is a veritable treasure trove of tropical flora and fauna and home to numerous endangered wildlife species. The 120 years old ‘Surkhi’ dam, Mullaperiyar Dam, built across Periyar (river) that flows through the sanctuary is another major tourist attraction.