Hiking And Camping In Zion National Park Utah: An Adventure Travel Guide

BY  Sibashree Aug 24, 2026

Thekkady may not have the best tourist season in 2026 due to the fall in the water level of the Periyar Lake. Still, it remains a classic Kerala experience with its unpredictable and untamed nature and wildlife. My day in Periyar started with an unexpected encounter with a majestic elephant. I was in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, focusing my binoculars to get a glimpse of the wildlife. It was dawn, and the elephant seemed to appear from nowhere, evading the mist. This is how Thekkady catches you off guard. However, it is not just the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve. The Thekkady tourist places also include spice plantations, cultural centers, and some important places of religious and spiritual significance. Furthermore, the Thekkady resorts with private pool promise unmatched comfort for visitors who want a fusion of natural abundance and luxury. These focus on ecotourism and visibly function as extensions of the wild and untamed nature of Thekkady. It is no wonder that Thekkady had 757017 domestic visitors and 79736 foreign visitors in 2025. This data is from the Kerala Tourist Visits Statistics – 2025. Do you also want an immersive journey into Thekkady? I will talk about the tourist places, location, transport options, and a tentative itinerary. Where Is Thekkady? Thekkady is in the Idukki district of Kerala and close to the Tamil Nadu Border. Located in the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats, Thekkady is at the edge of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Kumily, around 4 km away, is the nearest town, and most visitors choose to find accommodation in this town. Furthermore, with an elevation ranging between 700 and 1800 meters, Thekkady enjoys easy road connectivity to more famous tourism destinations such as Munnar, Kochi, Madurai, and Kottayam. Also, it is located at a distance of around 204 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital. How To Reach Thekkady? The nearest airport to Thekkady is Madurai, which is located at a distance of around 136 KM. Also, the nearest railway station is Kottayam, and the distance is around 110 KM. From both places, you have to reach Thekkady by road. Madurai To Thekkady From the airport, you can book a private taxi to reach Thekkady within 3.5 to 4 hours. The charges will be around ₹3500-₹7500. You can also board the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses from the M.G.R. Bus Stand to Kumily, which is just 5 minutes away from Thekkady. The travel time in these buses is around 3 hours and 20 minutes, and the ticket price is ₹154. Moreover, you can check the redBus platform for more such bus options. From Kottayam To Thekkady You can book a private car or taxi from Kottayam to Thekkady. The charges will be around ₹2600 to ₹4000. From Kottayam, you can also board KSRTC buses running from Ernakulam or Fort Kochi to Thekkady. The journey takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes, and the ticket price will be between ₹150 and ₹300. Moreover, along with Kottayam and Madurai, many urban areas in Kerala, such as Kochi, have excellent road connectivity with Thekkady. What Are The Thekkady Tourist Places? The Thekkady tourist places are eclectic, offering a mix of wildlife, spiritual, and off-beat trekking experiences. Moreover, there are cultural places and tea factories. So, here, I have presented them in different categories. Nature And Wildlife Attractions While the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is at the epicenter of the wildlife experience in Thekkady, you can also visit the Elephant Junction. Here are more Thekkady tourist places for nature and wildlife exploration. 1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary And Tiger Reserve In 2022, Periyar Tiger Reserve won the title of the best-managed tiger reserve among the 54 reserves in the country. This is a community-based ecotourism project. Also, it is home to Bengal Tigers, Indian Elephants, leopards, gaur, barking deer, mouse deer, and many other mammals. The sanctuary remains open from 6 AM to 7 PM. The entry fee to the national park is ₹45 for Indian adults and ₹15 for Indian children. For foreigners, the charges are ₹500 (adults) and ₹180 (children), respectively. 2. Elephant Junction Elephant Junction is the place to get up-close and personal with elephants in Thekkady. I am never in for the rides or the logging activities, as I know how these can literally ruin the lives of the adorable creatures. However, I enjoyed feeding them and watching them when they were taking a bath in the nearby stream. The safari park remains open from 8 AM to 6 PM, and the packages start from ₹700. 3. Chellarkovil At a height of around 1200 meters above sea level, with a beautiful landscape and waterfall, it is an important ecotourism hub. Due to the ecotourism project here, you will come across many huts, medicinal plants, and pathways. Moreover, from the God’s Own Balcony of the Chellarkovil Watchtower, you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the neighboring Theni and Kamabam. 4. Vandiperiyar At a distance of around 18 km from Thekkady, Vandiperiyar is a scenic hill and spice town in the Idukki district of Kerala. The beautiful Periyar River forms the lush landscape here, and it is also home to the Government Agriculture Farm and Flower Garden. This farm and flower garden feature a rich collection of roses, orchids, and anthuriums. Moreover, it has tea, coffee, and pepper plantations in abundance. Also Check: Natural Wonder: Top 11 Best Landscape Places In The World. Thekkady Tourist Places Offering Religious And Spiritual Experience The religious or spiritual vibe of Thekkady is not limited to designated temples. You will find the hidden and the most significant gems in a plantation town or at the top of a hill. 1. Ramakalmedu There is one famous saying about Ramakalmedu. It is the place where “the wind never stops.” However, around 40 km away from Thekkady, this mountain peak gets its name from the mythological legend of Lord Rama setting his foot on this rock. Also, once you reach the summit, you will find the Kuravan and Kurathy statues, the biggest in Kerala and inspired by local legends. It is a peaceful area, offering sweeping views of the Cumbum and Bodi villages on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats. 2. Kurisumala Kurisumala, the tallest peak in Thekkady, means the “Mountain of the Cross.” This is a pilgrimage for Christians, who climb uphill with a cross. At the top, there is a peaceful monastery. Also, on the eastern side of this Kurisumala, stands Muruganmala. It has a Murugan temple, constructed by cutting a rock. 3. Mangala Devi Temple I reached the Mangala Devi Temple after a trek of around 11 km through the forest. Kannaki, the protagonist of the Tamil epic Silapathikaram, is the presiding deity in this 100-year-old temple. After facing betrayal at this place, she transformed into a divine figure and blessed all the locals here. Thus, she became famous as Mangala Devi, or the deity who brings blessings. Unfortunately, the temple was closed when I visited it, and it only opens during the annual Chithrapournami festival. 4. Peermede Peermede, around 44 km away from Thekkady, is a plantation town. However, I visited it after knowing it was named after a Sufi Saint, Peer Mohammed. The town still has the mausoleum of the saint and the summer palace of the Royal Family of Travancore. After visiting these historical and spiritual places, you can also explore the rubber, cardamom, and tea plantations here. Also, for some more adventure, you can trek to Kuttikanam or Thrissanku Hills. How Many Days Are Enough To Visit Thekkady Tourist Places? Plan Your Itinerary Three to four days are enough to visit Thekkady tourist places. Here is an itinerary you can follow for a comfortable, rush-free experience. DaysFocusLocationsDay 1Wildlife and Town•Periyar Tiger Reserve  •Elephant Junction ChellarkovilDay 2PlantationsVandiperiyar RamakalmeduDay 3Peaks and HeritageKurisumala and Muruganmala Peermede So, when are you planning a trip to Thekkady? Remember that October to March is the best time to visit this hill town. Read Also: What Are The Best Family Vacation Spots In The World? Here Are Our Favorites What Are The Things To Do In Unawatuna With Family? Ultimate Guide to Your Next Family Vacation in Israel

BY  Sibashree Jan 22, 2025

The land of the Grand Canyon! The Grand Canyon State! Ask anyone about what is Arizona known for, or search #Arizona on Instagram. With 26.1m posts on Instagram, you will find the Saguaro National Park, Grand Canyon, and desert landscape ruling the scenario.  However, if you are done with #desertdreaming in Arizona, it’s time to check out how the desert delights are making their presence felt on your plate.  #arizonafood is doing well on socials, and I get to see a lot of steaks, honey garlic shrimp, fried chicken, street tacos, and BBQ. This vividness in Arizona food, of course, comes from the most eclectic Mexican, Native American, and Sonoran desert influences.  Again, Arizona is known for its farm-to-table cuisine. Places like Scottsdale and Flagstaff are celebrating this food mantra of Arizona to the fullest, and last November, we had Chef Tamara Stanger coming back to Shift in Flagstaff, Arizona. ShiftAddress: 107 North San Francisco St, #2, Flagstaff, AZ 86001Contact Number: (928) 440-5135 So, this is the best time to visit Shift and other celebrated eating points in Arizona to indulge in the ultimate desert delight. This Tour and Travel blog is a humble food tour and a guide on what Arizona is known for food. What is Arizona Known For Food | History Of Arizona Cuisine If we want to decode what Arizona is known for food, we must learn its history. Food in Arizona has three major influences: Native American, Spanish, and Mexican. Of course, modern evolution is there in making Arizona food what it is today. Tucson in Arizona is the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the USA. It earned the designation in 2015. This shows how the state of Arizona fuses the history of at least 4000 years with the most innovative or new takes.   "One thing visitors will notice is that this deep food heritage is not frozen in the past, but is very much alive. Not only can they sample outstanding versions of traditional dishes of the region, but in our many chef-driven restaurants they can also taste new takes on old favorites and creative new dishes using heritage ingredients.” Jonathan Mabry, Executive Director, Tucson City of Gastronomy Organization 1. Native American Influence On Arizona Food https://www.instagram.com/p/C340jn5reSW/ Native American people like Hopi, Navajo, and Apache brought the use of corn, squash, and beans. They even introduced using desert plants and their various parts in their cuisine. For example, the fruits of prickly pear cactus were widely loved and even those were used as cooking pads.  Again, flour for bread came from grinding mesquite pods. Moreover, saguaro cactus fruits were used in making wines and syrups.  Further, today, when you have Navajo tacos, you must know that the origin goes back to many years. The Native American tribes made these fried breads for survival during the reservation days.  With the passage of time, these fried breads have emerged as the cultural symbol of the state.  Hope's Frybread is a happening place for having Navajo Taco in Arizona. It is located at 144 S Mesa Dr E Ste E Mesa, and you can contact them at (480) 465-2666.  The Stand, on N Alma School Road, Scottsdale, is another great place for having Navajo tacos. Call them at (480) 519-1108 before your visit. 2. The Mexican Influence On Arizona Food Today, everyone swoons over Sonoran Hot Dog. This one and many other Sonoran Desert delicacies came to Arizona and grew in popularity with the Mexican fusion.  The use of carne seca and a lot of cheese, the signature of Mexican topping, changed the cuisine of Arizona for the better.   3. Spanish Influence On Arizona Food Spanish influence became prominent in Arizona Food via the Mexico route. In other words, when Spanish people came to Mexico in the early 20th century, they brought a lot of layering techniques.  Further, they introduced the use of citrus fruits and wheat in food. What is Arizona Known For Food | Famous Dishes You Must Try  Arizona food comes with quintessential Southwestern influences! So, the flavors are bold, and a touch of spice gives that extra zing.  Again, when the peppers and spices add that heat, the desert elements like cactus pads balance the dishes with their neutral taste.  Nevertheless, these are some of the must-try dishes if you want to know what is Arizona known for food. 1. Sonoran Hot Dog https://www.instagram.com/p/ClWlwH0N9sF/ Best Place To Have: Jack in the Box Address: 1194 E Florence Blvd Casa Grande Contact Number: (520) 836-0304 If Chicago has deep-dish pizza, Arizona has Sonoran hot dogs. The dish's origin goes back to the 1940s, and the twist lies in the use of bolillo (a roll with a split top) instead of a bun.  The filling of pinto beans in the blanket of bacon tastes out of the world with jalapenos, mayo, tomatoes and onions. The ultimate desert delight, it is!  2. Chimichanga https://www.instagram.com/p/CnkAGonpYH_/ Best Place To Have: Rito's Mexican Food - Mesa Address: 1033 N Dobson Rd Ste 101 Mesa Contact Number: (480) 264-0966 A burrito, when deep fried, becomes chimichanga. Here, the wrap of golden brown tortilla comes with a filling of beans, meat, and cheese.  The toppings of these delicacies have sour cream, cheese sauce, and guacamole. Can you imagine the delicacies, just melting in your mouth? 3. Prickly Pear Delicacies Prickly pear delicacies encompass many beverages, desserts, and mains in Arizona. Using prickly pear fruits in the dishes adds a subtle flavor and taste. Further, the bright pink color of the fruits makes the dish look more tantalizing.  The fruits, thanks to their “sweet-tart flavor,” are also popular in ice cream, jellies, and candies. Even wines and tonics get flavors from these fruits.  4. Cheese Crisp Best Place To Have: Ghost Ranch: Modern Southwest Cuisine Address: 1006 E Warner Rd Ste 102-103 Tempe Contact Number: (480) 474-4328 Do you love quesadilla? You will love cheese crisp, its open-faced form even more. The roasted and crisp tortilla in this dish tastes heavenly with layers of cheese. If you want it a little spicy, you can always ask to add some green chilies.  Cheese crips are cut into slices before serving. They are like a simpler form of pizza.  5. Pie Best Place To Have: Pie Snob Chandler Address: 250 S Arizona Ave Ste 4 Chandler Contact Number: (480) 855-1019 If you want to try desserts from the desert, you must try the classic pie. It has seasonal fruits and has a distinct Spanish influence.  Other desserts you can have in Arizona are sopapillas (with honey) and chocolate chili cakes.  6. Green Chili Stew A lot of roasted green chilies and chunks of pork simmered in it! That’s green chili for you. This is another prominent example of how Mexican influence is massive on the food of Arizona.  You can have green chili stew with tortilla or bread on a winter day and feel the warmth. It’s a comfort food and you can have it better at any Arizona home than restaurants.  7. Steak And BBQ Best Place To Have: Maddie Jo’s BBQ Address: 5388 E Skyline Dr, San Tan Valley Contact Number: (480) 625-1131 When it comes to southern or southwestern BBQ, we all know that the rub makes all the difference. Paprika, garlic and onion powder, chili powder, brown sugar, and a hot of herbs infuse the right flavors and taste into the steaks and BBQs.  The steakhouses and BBQ joints in Arizona await with all these smoky delicacies if you are ready to taste the best of Arizona.  Trying The Best Of Farm-To-Table Cuisine In Arizona | Living What Is Arizona Known For Arizona has a reputation for its farm-to-table culture. This state enjoys year-round production of fresh veggies and fruits. There are dedicated farmers’ markets and restaurants to celebrate the farm-to-table food culture of Arizona.  Some popular farm-to-fresh restaurants in Arizona are: RestaurantAddressContact NumberFarm Provisions148 N Montezuma St Prescott(928) 776-3001Farm & Craft4302 N Scottsdale Rd Scottsdale(480) 568-8980Arcadia Farms Cafe7025 E 1st Ave Scottsdale(480) 941-5665 Overall, the farm-to-table concept makes the food experience in Arizona truly unique!  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. 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BY  Sibashree Apr 13, 2026

It is very difficult to find a travel blog that offers practical information when every other blog looks very generic or polished.  This is where the My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog makes its way.  Established by Kellie Kearney, this Irish-based platform mixes parenting stories, family travel ideas, and daily living tips in a way that feels honest and helpful. So why does the My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog connect strongly with modern parents and families? What Is My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog?  My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog by Kellie Kearney is an Irish online space that focuses on home life.  It offers a mix of vacation ideas for families, honest parenting stories, lifestyle tips, and real family adventures.  The site is known for combining tips with personal storytelling, giving followers material they can really relate to.  Unlike sites that focus on a perfect look, My Little Babog shows the real side of raising a family, including the messy parts. Kellie Kearney: The Creator Behind My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog is a strong connection point for readers because of its creator, Kellie Kearney.  Kellie’s experiences as a mother provide unique insight into the content of the blog, giving readers a personal connection with her writing. It is honest.  Also, followers relate to Kellie’s stories because they’re based on reality rather than some contrived “how to”. Moreover, Kellie has a down-to-earth style that allows her to provide practical help and advice.  Because of this, the My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog is considered a reliable resource for caregivers seeking relevant material. What Will You Find on the My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog? One of the great features of the My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog is the wide range of topics it covers.  Because the blog doesn’t have a narrow focus, it’s an excellent source for parents looking for inspiration for a variety of topics.  If you’re planning a family vacation, trying to create a simpler home life, or seeking parenting tips, you’ll find it on the My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog. Here is a summary of the area of coverage from this blog: 1. Family Travel Guides My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog offers travel guides, tips, and ideas for families.  These are not your fancy holiday ads.  Instead, Kellie shares tips for parents traveling with kids, including suggestions for kid-friendly spots and travel shortcuts that make the journey easier. 2. Parenting Stories My Little Babog is full of parenting stories, where Kellie talks about the successes and struggles of family life.  You can even read about parenting fails and experiences. So, you don’t feel alone when something, as a parent, does not go the way you have wanted.  Moreover, the parenting content here is down-to-earth. So, you find the content here more accessible than on other parenting websites.  3. Lifestyle Tips My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog is versatile. So, along with travel and childcare, you will also find different lifestyle topics.  These include home management, daily habits, food recipes, and family-focused ideas.  So, you will get ideas about simple meals and your family’s schedule. Overall, it is a wealth of helpful data for busy families.  4. Family Activities Looking for ways to spend time together? My Little Babog features a set of activity ideas that families can participate in.  From trips to weekend outings, these ideas help readers make lasting memories with their kids.  This section is particularly helpful for parents wanting to keep kids busy without overcomplicating their time. 5. Destination Inspiration Are you looking for new ways to share your life with your children? My Little Babog has a list of fun things to do with families. These ideas can be used for trips or weekend activities that create experiences for families to build lasting memories together. This is great for parents because it keeps their kids busy while not complicating the activity with what's on everyone's calendar. 6. Product And Routine Recommendations Another area where the My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog excels is its practical advice on daily living.  Kellie shares parenting "hacks," gear reviews, and everyday habit tips that help families run smoothly.  These recommendations are based on Kellie’s experience, ensuring they are realistic and applicable. Who Needs To Read My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog? This site is for parents, caregivers, and everyone who needs a more intimate and down-to-earth view of family dynamics.  You can be a parent planning a holiday and seeking parenting advice, or someone trying to  handle your daily tasks. The My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog provides inspiration and useful tips tailored to your situation. Key Audience Parents organizing family trips: Provides travel advice and holiday ideas. Mothers seeking child-rearing content: Features candid stories and parenting guidance. Families looking for lifestyle concepts: Delivers content on habits, cooking, and group activities. Readers who value sincerity over curated influencer posts: The site’s style and real-world stories make it easy to connect with. Parents needing activity ideas: Lists suggestions for family outings and special events. Why, As A Parent, I Love My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog? Sincerity is the main reason behind My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog becoming so popular.  The way Kellie discusses the topics, it feels like you are having a chat with your friend. It never feels like a lecture.  So, you find it as a support system in your parenting journey.  Her travel guidance isn't about high-end trips. Rather, it’s about realistic, kid-friendly excursions that are actually achievable. Also, the site’s focus on lifestyle topics provides more utility to a reader's daily existence.  Whether it is advice on coordinating home schedules or fun activities for groups, My Little Babog is the go-to tool throughout the year. Why Is My Babog Different From Other Blogs? The uniqueness of the My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog comes from its balance.  While many family sites focus on a niche, like travel or parenting, My Little Babog expertly combines all these facets.  This transforms the blog into a hub for families wanting inspiration for all parts of life without being overwhelmed by excessive information. Additionally, the My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog is notable for its personal narrative style.  Many family sites show a sanitized influencer-style version of family life and travel.  By contrast, Kellie’s site feels like a friend sharing wisdom based on her actual experiences. How The Blog Started  My Little Babog did not start as a business.  Kellie Kearney has said she set it up during her maternity leave in 2014, originally as an outlet separate from her personal Facebook page.  It was a platform to post photos of her kids and write things down without cluttering up her friends' feeds.   She has been open that she never expected it to grow into what it has become.   That origin shows in the tone.  The blog reads like someone journaling through the chaos of early parenthood rather than someone building a content calendar from day one.  That  unpolished starting point is a big part of why the site still feels personal more than a decade later, even as the family and the audience have both grown considerably since.  Awards And Where To Find It Today  The blog's reputation is not just anecdotal.   My Little Babog has won Best Parenting Blog at Ireland's Maternity & Infant Awards, and Kellie has been included in round-ups of Ireland's top parenting and family blogs over the years.  It is a recognition that reflects a genuinely long track record rather than a recent viral moment.   The site is based at mylittlebabog.com, and Kellie posts under the handle @mylittlebabog on both Instagram and Facebook, where day-to-day family updates tend to appear before they are written up as full blog posts.   For readers who want a lower-commitment way to sample her voice before diving into the full archive, following the Instagram account first is probably the easiest entry point.  It carries the same honesty in a shorter, more frequent format than the blog's longer posts.  Final Thoughts The My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog is helpful for parents seeking content that reflects their daily realities.  You can find parenting stories, travel ideas, and lifestyle guidance on Kellie’s platform. It has something for everyone.  Moreover, the genuineness, practical tips, and approachable style make it a prominent voice in the market of parenting and travel blogs. Read Also: Creating Travel Memory Collages: How To Transform Your Adventures Into Lasting Visual Stories How to Plan the Perfect Balance of Adventure and Relaxation Why Solo Adventures Can Be Life-Changing