WILD KERALA: ELEPHANTS TO EMERALD FORESTS
A full-day journey through elephant camps, pristine jungles, and misty mountain peaks
Duration: 8 – 10 hours
Distance from Unwind Hotels: ~45 km
Best Season: October – March
At 06:30 in the morning Begin your day with a light breakfast at our multi-cuisine restaurant. Pack comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and your camera. Our team will have your packed lunch ready for the journey.
Experience 1 :
Morning with the Elephants
7:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Neyyar Dam Elephant Rehabilitation Centre
Travel Time: 1 hour to Neyyar Dam Elephant Rehabilitation Centre
07:30 – 8:30 AM
Elephant Bathing Experience
Wade into the shallow waters of Neyyar River alongside these gentle giants. Help mahouts scrub and bathe the elephants as they playfully spray water. This intimate experience allows you to witness their joyful personalities up close. The morning light creates perfect photo opportunities as mist rises from the river.
08:30 – 9:15 AM
Feeding Session
Learn to prepare elephant food balls made from ragi, jaggery, and coconut. Hand-feed the elephants while your guide shares fascinating insights about their individual personalities, rescue stories, and conservation efforts. Each elephant has a unique history, often rescued from harsh working conditions.
09:15 – 10:00 AM
Educational Walk
Join naturalists for a guided tour of the rehabilitation center. Understand elephant behavior, social structures, and the challenges facing wild elephant populations in Kerala. Learn about the human-elephant conflict and ongoing conservation initiatives.
10:00 – 10:30 AM
Photography & Interaction
Capture candid moments with the elephants in their natural habitat. Stand beside them for photos (without disturbing their routine) and observe their social interactions during their free time.
Experience 2 :
Neyyar Dam Scenic Stop
10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Quick Break (30 minutes)
Just a 5-minute drive from the elephant camp, stop at the picturesque Neyyar Dam. The reservoir, surrounded by lush hills, offers breathtaking views and a refreshing breeze. Take a short walk along the dam wall, enjoy the panoramic mountain vistas, and spot local birdlife including cormorants and kingfishers.
Optional:
Quick pedal boat ride on the reservoir (15-20 minutes, additional cost)
Experience 3 :
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary Trek
12:00 PM – 02:30 PM | Jungle Trek & Wildlife Spotting
Travel Time: 25 minutes through winding forest roads
Watch the landscape transform from open waters to dense tropical forests. Your driver will point out interesting flora and occasional wildlife sightings along the route.
12:00 – 12:15 PM
Entry & safety briefing
Meet your forest guide at the sanctuary entrance. Receive a safety briefing and tips for wildlife spotting. Peppara is home to elephants, sambars, gaurs, lion-tailed macaques, and over 200 bird species.
12:15 – 1:45 PM
Guided jungle trek
Embark on a moderate 3-4 km trail through evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. Your guide will help you identify medicinal plants, exotic butterflies, and bird calls. The trek includes gentle inclines with viewpoints overlooking the forest canopy and Peppara Dam reservoir.
1:45 – 2:30 PM
Picnic lunch by forest stream
Reach a serene forest clearing near a natural stream. Enjoy your packed lunch from Unwind Hotels in this tranquil setting, surrounded by the sounds of flowing water and birdsong. Refill water bottles from the cool stream and relax before the return trek.
Key Highlights:
- Bamboo groves and ancient trees
- Watering holes where wildlife gather
- Observation tower for panoramic forest views
- Chances to spot Malabar giant squirrels and colorful birds like the Great Hornbill
2:45 PM :
Return Trek & Departure
2:45 – 3:30 PM | Easy descent back to the sanctuary entrance, with final wildlife spotting opportunities.
Travel Time: 25 minutes through winding forest roads
Experience 4 :
Golden Hills Ponmudi
Travel Time: 35 minutes from Peppara
If energy permits, add this spectacular hill station to your itinerary:
(Optional Extension)
4:00 - 5:30 PM: Ponmudi Exploration
- Drive through 22 hairpin bends with stunning valley views
- Visit the Golden Valley with its sparkling streams
- Walk through tea plantations and pine forests
- Enjoy the cool mountain air at 1,100 meters elevation
- Stop at viewpoints for sunset photography
Note: This extends your day to 7:00 PM return time
5:30 PM (or 7:00 PM)
Return Journey to Unwind Hotels
Relax during the scenic drive back to Kovalam. Share stories of your elephant encounters and jungle adventures. Arrive refreshed, with time to enjoy our swimming pool or an evening beach walk.
Package Inclusions
- Private AC vehicle with experienced driver
- Elephant camp entry fees and all activities
- Forest guide fees for Peppara trek
- Packed gourmet lunch from Unwind Hotels
- Drinking water and refreshments
- Professional photography assistance (optional)
- All sanctuary permits and documentation
What to Bring
1
Comfortable trekking shoes (closed-toe)
2
Light cotton clothing (earth tones preferred)
3
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
4
Insect repellent
5
Camera with extra batteries
6
Small backpack
7
Change of clothes
(you'll get wet during elephant bathing)
Important Notes
- Difficulty Level: Moderate (suitable for ages 8-65 with reasonable fitness)
- Best Time: Start early to avoid midday heat and maximize wildlife sighting opportunities
- Weather: Mornings can be cool in forest areas; afternoons warm. Carry a light jacket.
- Conservation Ethics: Maintain respectful distance from wildlife, don’t litter, follow guide instructions, and support ethical elephant tourism.
- Booking Tips: Reserve at least 48 hours in advance. Elephant camp has limited daily slots.