Day 1: Theni’s Foothills, Falls & Faith
Morning Theni Outskirts Kumbakkarai Falls & Chinna Suruli Falls Start with a refreshing visit to the Kodaikanal foothill gem, Kumbakkarai Falls. Afterwards, visit Chinna Suruli Falls (Cloudland Falls) fed by the Meghamalai range.
Lunch Periyakulam / Theni Traditional Tamil Cuisine Enjoy a hearty Tamil-style lunch in Periyakulam.
Afternoon Theni / Veerapandi Veerapandi Gowmariamman Temple Visit this ancient and famous 14th-century temple for a spiritual and architectural experience.
Evening Kuchanur Kuchanur Saneeswara Bhagavan Temple Visit the unique, self-manifested Shani Temple.
Day 2: Cumbum Valley, Scenic Drive & Thekkady Arrival
Morning Cumbum Valley Suruli Falls & Grape Gardens Drive to the majestic, two-tiered Suruli Falls. Enjoy the serene atmosphere, visit the nearby Kailasanathar Cave Temple, and tour the famous Cumbum Valley Grape Farms.
Travel Theni to Thekkady Drive to Thekkady / Check-in Complete the 2-hour drive to Thekkady (Kumily). Check into your accommodation and freshen up.
Afternoon Thekkady Spice Plantation Tour Take a guided walk through a local spice garden (like Abraham’s Spice Garden) to learn about the cultivation of cardamom, pepper, and vanilla.
Evening Thekkady Town Cultural Show Witness a traditional Kathakali (classical dance drama) or Kalaripayattu (Kerala martial arts) performance.
Day 3: Periyar Wildlife Immersion
Early Morning Periyar Tiger Reserve Periyar Boat Safari Book the 7:30 AM slot for the iconic 2-hour boat ride on Periyar Lake. This is the best chance to spot wildlife (Elephants, Bison, Sambar Deer) at the water’s edge.
Late Morning Periyar Tiger Reserve Nature Walk / Trekking Engage in one of the Forest Department’s eco-tourism activities, such as a 2-3 hour Nature Walk or Green Walk guided trek into the surrounding forest area.
Lunch Kumily Kerala Cuisine Enjoy authentic Kerala food in Kumily.
Afternoon Thekkady Viewpoint Chellarkovil or Ramakkalmedu Drive to a scenic viewpoint like Chellarkovil (to see the cascading falls and Tamil Nadu plains) or Ramakkalmedu for the impressive hilltop views and windmills.
Evening Thekkady Shopping & Relaxation Spend time browsing the Kumily market for local handicrafts, tea, and aromatic spices.
Day 4: Heritage, Dams & Departure
Morning Thekkady / Tamil Nadu Border Mullaperiyar Dam View (Optional) & Elephant Junction Visit the Elephant Junction for interaction (feeding/bathing). Later, drive to a permitted location for a view of the historic Mullaperiyar Dam.
Travel Thekkady to Theni Return Drive (Approx. 2 hours) Check out and drive back towards Theni.
Afternoon Andipatti Vaigai Dam Make a final major stop at the impressive Vaigai Dam and the beautifully landscaped Little Brindavan Garden before proceeding to your final departure point.