Location: the Lake Palace as well as Periyar are well connected to other locations of country. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (200 km) and Madurai airport (140 km), which are well accessible from Periyar via road. Kottayam (117 km) is the nearest rail station which is just 2-3 hours drive from Periyar.

About: Thekkady - an eco-tourism paradise: The name Thekkady is synonymous with wildlife and forests. It is the central point of the tourism zone of the Periyar Tiger Reserve which is one of the best-managed tiger reserves in India. This is the only tiger reserve where one can watch animals at close quarters from a boat. The normal sightings are elephant, bison, sambar deer, barking deer, wild boar and a variety of birds. If you are lucky enough, you may see tiger, leopard, bear, wild dog etc while on trekking. If you love wildlife and adventure, welcome to this wildlife haven. Thekkady can offer you all these, and more. The rich flora and fauna here is a treat for your senses. This is an ideal location for wildlife tourism and eco-tourism. The inviting lush greenery and the tranquil waters of the Periyar Lake would be a relaxing affair.

Lake Palace - be part of a royal legacy: Lake Palace, a former summer palace of the King of Travancore, is situated on an island in the middle of the Periyar Lake - 20 minutes by boat from the mainland. Located inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve, this is where the British Viceroys and Governor-Generals used to take time off from the world to listen to the call of the wild. This lakeside jungle resort with 6 rooms and antique interiors within the Periyar Tiger Reserve is ideal for guests to watch elephant herds playing by the lakeside or take a trek across the jungle in the trail of the majestic tiger. Life couldn’t get any more royal than this.
 

Accommodation:

Kumily: This plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady, situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, is an important centre for shopping and spice trade.

Mangala Devi Temple: This ancient temple is situated hidden in the dense woods on top of a peak, at around 1337 m above sea level. The temple, believed to be more than 2,000 years old, is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. The peak commands a panoramic view of the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats and some hill villages of Tamil Nadu. Permission to visit the area can be obtained from the Wildlife Warden.

Tribal Museum, Kumily: This museum depicts the culture and lifestyle of the tribals inhabiting the region. The museum was set up and is being managed by the members of the local tribal community.

Periyar Tiger Interpretation Centre, Thekkady: This interpretation centre provides valuable and detailed information about the Periyar Tiger Reserve. This is a treasure house for wildlife tourists and eco-tourists.

Facility:

• Ayurveda therapies

• Dining Room

• Car hire

• Laundry

• Doctor-on-call

• Currency exchange

Activity:

Wildlife boat cruises on the Periyar Lake: Boating on the Periyar Lake enables visitors to have a close look at the wildlife that inhabits the surrounding forests. Groups of elephant, wild boar, bison and sambar can be seen moving along the banks skirting the forest. And water birds, perched on tree stumps with their wings spread present a delightful sight while boating.

Nature walk and Green walk: This is a 3-hour daytime trekking in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Bamboo rafting: A full-day rafting and trekking programme managed by the local tribal community.

Border hiking: A full-day trekking programme to the borders of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Elephant rides: Elephant rides inside the wildlife sanctuary.

Jungle Patrol: A 3-hour night-time trekking programme inside the wildlife sanctuary.

Windy walk: A predominantly open area, full-day trekking programme inside the sanctuary through grasslands and shola forests.

Cloud’s walk: A full-day trekking through the borders of the forest and plantations which offer panoramic views of the landscape.

Range scan: Trekking through inter-state forest boundary predominantly mountainous with higher probability of viewing wildlife.

How to get there:

By Road: Nearest bus terminal: Kumily, about 4 km.

By Train: Nearest railway stations: Kottayam, about 114 km.

By Flight:Nearest airport: Madurai, about 140.

Tariff:

Tariff (in Rupees)
Modified American Plan (Upto September 2011 )

Extra person: The room tariff component will be 20% of room tariff . Food will be charged at actual
Children: Age 6 to 12 years. 10% of room tariff. Food will be charged at 50% of the actuals
Adult: Persons above 12 years will be charged at full rate.