“Drifting meadow of the air, Where bloom the daisied banks and violets, And in whose fenny labyrinth The bittern booms and heron wades; Spirit of the lake and seas and rivers, Bear only perfumes and the scent Of healing herbs to just men's fields!’’
Thekkady can be described with these poetic lines.
Thekkady which houses the famous Periyar Sanctury and Tiger Reserve lies 60 kms from Idukki, 190 kms from Cochin, 114 kms away from Kottayam and130 kms from Madurai. The best time to visit this natural wonderland is September to May. Thekkady is the abode of diverse plants, animals and avifauna and is the richest natural Reserve. Staying amidst nature, cruising in the Periyar Lake and watching the elephants and buffaloes bathing in the lake, spying a tiger, viewing the birds at play from the tree-top forest houses and exploring untamed nature is one of the unmatched and rare experiences of life. The echoes of the wild sounds of nature and the aroma of the spice cultivations mark the ambience of Thekkady. Sojourn into this natural Eden and forget the stress and anxiety of your mundane life for some days. Bond with the blissful nature and rejuvenate yourself by staying at Thekkady for some days.
Where to stay at Thekkady-
Taj Garden Retreat Hotel- The Taj Garden Retreat in Thekkady is set atop a hill that stands at an altitude of 2,700 feet above sea level and is located in the outlying areas of the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve. The hotel offers panoramic views of the hill and the forest and the hotel boasts of coffee plants, spice plantations and a wide range of exotic flowers in its verdant garden. This Taj property has 32 thatched roofed spacious villas that are centrally air-conditioned and are constructed on stilts. This hotel offers amenities like swimming pool, avurvedic massage room, a multi-cuisine restaurant named Periyar Room, a bar named Hornbill and so on. The idyllic ambience, luxurious accommodation combined with superior amenities and services grant this hotel of Thekkady a four star status.
Cardamom Country Resort- Cardamom Country Resort is encircled by the woods of the Kumily Hills and lies in the proximity of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, the pepper plantations and tea estates. The cottages are positioned at an elevation of 75 feet from the ground and the private balconies offer panoramic vista of the Kumily Hills and the surrounding wooded vegetation. This 4 star Resort has 29 rooms and 1 luxurious suite. You can dine continental dishes or Kerala delicacies and Indian dishes at the resort’s own multi-cuisine restaurant known as 'Eelamala'. This beautiful resort makes your stay at Thekkady quite enjoyable with commendable service and amenities.
Spice Village Hotel- This Spice Village Hotel lies next to the famed Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and is situated 3kms away from Thekkady. The small mansions with thatched roofs of thick elephant grass of this hotel is scattered in the sprawling area of the Spice plantations and hence the hotel is called Spice Village Hotel. The Spice village hotel comprises of 52 well-furnished huts including 5 suites that are laid in Keralite architectural style. You can dine at the 3 dining areas which offer multi cuisines (Indian and international).
Aranya Niwas Hotel- Aranya Niwas stands at the bank of the Periyar Lake in Thekkady and is built in old colonial architectural style. This 3 star hotel provides comfortable stay with the modern amenities and good hospitality. From the balcony of this hotel you can view the wild animals within their natural habitat. If you are seeking adventure then you would love the elephant rides and nature trais, wildlife safaries and boat rides organized by the Aranya Niwas Hotel.
