Breakfast
will be served at the hotel.
Proceed for Thekkady - drive through tea estates, spice gardens and
wild forests. Arrive Thekkady after a memorable drive of approx. 4
hours. Check in at hotel.
The river Periyar is the longest river in Kerala. This is the only
perennial river in South India with clean water. The river occupies an
important place in the history of Kerala. In the Sangam age Tamil epics
such as Chilapathikaram,
'Akananuru', 'Purananuru' etc. much has been said about this mighty
river, formerly known as the 'Choorni Nadi' or 'Thamraparni Nadi'
(Sukasandesam -stanza 66). A land route existed in the Sangam age from
Mussuris (present-day Kodungalloor) to Madurai, which passed near the
banks of the river Periyar. The capital of the old Chera Empire
presumably existed on the banks of the river Periyar. It is believed
that there was a flood in the 4th century AD that severely damaged the
areas along the Periyar and the people living there had to
escape
to safer locations, abandoning their homes and livelihood. The flood of
AD 1341 resulted in the closing of Kodungalloor port and the opening of
a new port at Kochi. The huge landslide that began in the high ranges as
a result of the heavy downpours sent massive flows of mud and sand which
created an Island at the 'Azhimugham' of the Periyar which is now known
as the Vyppin Islands.
In the evening visit Kumily market to buy the best spices available.
Overnight at Thekkady.
