Trips never really end https://thekkady.org/elephant-safari/ at check-out counters. They begin dissolving much earlier — in the way conversations slow down, in the silence between plans, in the strange awareness that moments are already becoming memories while they are still happening. So, welcome to “Between Elephant Rides & Packed Suitcases : Our Final Day One Stop At A Time”.

Perhaps that is what travelling truly does. It rearranges the ordinary for a little while, only to remind us later how temporary every beautiful interruption really is. And somewhere between movement and memory, we keep trying to hold a little more than we possibly can.

To know the deets of us taking jeep safari to the off road and to mlamala waterfalls, click on Mud Mist And Mad Jeep Rides : The Day That Mountains Shook Us Awake – Wander, Feast & Thrive

Our Final day one stop at a time : between elephant rides & packed suitcases

Third and final full day began early at 7 AM. My niece and I went for a stroll inside the resort before getting ready for the day. Morning air felt fresh and calm, and the pathways inside the resort looked beautiful with all the greenery around. After returning to the room, we refreshed ourselves and headed towards Tamarind restaurant for complimentary breakfast.

Breakfast spread was almost similar to the previous day. I was excited seeing paneer paratha. Ordered them at the interactive live counter. We thought they will give me only two triangles, but alas, it was four. Along with paratha, we had fruits, juice and few other breakfast items before leaving for the day’s activities. There was bitter gourd juice everyday at breakfast.

After breakfast, we headed to Periyar Tiger Reserve for an elephant safari. Although we had planned to take the ferry ride, tickets were sold out. Instead, we secured tickets for the elephant ride, but skipped the attraction where elephants spray water with their trunks, which I had hoped to experience.

my family went for the elephant ride : our final day one stop at a time

My niece, husband, brother-in-law and co-sister all went for the elephant ride. It costs around 700 rupees per person for a thirty-minute ride. There was also a complete package costing around 1750 rupees which included elephant ride, elephant bath, feeding session and photo opportunities. I decided not to go for the ride.

Maybe I was tired from continuous travelling and exploring, or maybe I was slightly scared. Whatever the reason was, I stayed back and waited for them to return. Still, I got a chance to stand near the elephant, receive blessings from it and click pictures. That moment itself felt special to me. Looking back now while writing this blog, I slightly regret missing the ride. But maybe that gives me one more reason to visit again someday.

Once our unforgettable elephant safari ended, we wandered to the nearby shops, filled with excitement. We couldn’t resist indulging in local treasures like aromatic spices, homemade chocolates, and banana and jackfruit chips. The air was thick with the enticing scent of spices, tempting us to grab extra packets to take home.

After returning to the resort, we rested for a while : between elephant rides & packed suitcases

After returning to the resort, we rested for a while and quickly changed into our swimwear to spend time in the pool. Me and my niece had barely started enjoying the water when it was already time for our next activity — handmade paper making session arranged by the resort. We got out of the pool reluctantly, changed quickly and headed towards the activity area.

The handmade paper making process turned out to be surprisingly simple and fun. Resort had an organic farm inside the property, and we got fresh leaves directly from there for imprinting designs on the paper. First, a mesh and frame were placed inside a tray. Water and paper pulp had to be poured carefully onto the mesh.

After getting rid of the extra water, we pressed the frame to let the paper settle. Then came the really fun part — we got to arrange leaves and petals on the wet paper! Once we covered everything with some cloth and cardboard, we tightened it all up in a presser. When we took it out, the leaf impressions looked awesome on the handmade sheet, and we found out that the papers would dry overnight for pickup the next day.

by the time we finished making paper : our final day one stop at a time

By the time we finished making paper, it was already around 3 PM, and I could feel that lunch hour was slipping away. Fortunately, we were able to grab a vegetarian thali just before the restaurant closed its doors. After all the activities and the walking we had done, that late lunch was not just a meal; it was a warm embrace for our tired bodies, and it tasted absolutely delightful.

We returned to the room, taking a moment to rest and soak in the day’s adventures before heading back to the swimming pool for one last time. As it was our final evening in Thekkady, my niece and I cherished the idea of savoring the pool together, wanting to create a lasting memory before our departure.

Later in the evening, we dressed up for the Kalaripayattu show. The performance was intense from the start, showcasing the performers’ incredible stunts, flexibility, and speed. The fire performances were the highlight, with thrilling acts of jumping through fire rings. It’s an attraction no one should miss while visiting Thekkady.

before we went to the room , we attended a dance concert : between elephant rides and packed suitcases

Before heading to our room, we had the delightful opportunity to attend a dance concert featuring Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi performances. The dancers captivated us with their grace and artistry, especially a Kuchipudi dancer who balanced a pot of water on her head while gracefully incorporating a thamboolam. My husband suggested we sit on the lawn to soak in the atmosphere, allowing us to appreciate the beauty of their performances.

While returning from the show, we stopped again for little shopping and bought fridge magnets as souvenirs. Once back at the resort, reality slowly started settling in. Bags were opened, clothes were folded, snacks were adjusted between suitcases and chargers were searched from random corners of the room. Meanwhile, my husband and brother-in-law went out to buy dinner for all of us.

We enjoyed a lovely dinner together, shared moments playing Taboo, and the air was alive with our laughter over the quirky answers. As the night came to an end, the room, once filled with our joy, now felt quiet and subdued, and the sight of our packed bags by the door was a bittersweet reminder of our upcoming journey back home, evoking feelings of both warmth and longing for the time we spent together.