Aranya Nivas - KTDC, Thekkady,Idukki ,Kerala, India

Aranya Nivas - an authentic jungle lodge Aranya Nivas by the side of the placid Periyar Lake in Thekkady, Kerala, India is a veritable destination for wildlife enthusiasts and eco-tourists. Located inside the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, this is an authentic jungle lodge. This was opened by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. Thekkady 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. 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. Accommodation in Aranya Nivas : Well furnished rooms with all facilities. The 30 rooms are classified into 3 categories. Suite(1), Premium (9) & Deluxe (20)

Facilities & Services at Aranya Nivas, Thekkady Only KTDC properties in Thekkady have this unique advantage.The visitors can enjoy their stay at Aranya Nivas by enjoying every moment through the various activities at the hotel to experience the wildlife around . The activities arranged are Attractions at Aranya Nivas, Thekkady 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 the 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. Tribal Museum, Kumily: This museum depicts the culture and lifestyle of the tribals inhabiting the region. Periyar Tiger Interpretation Centre, Thekkady: This interpretation centre provides valuable and detailed information about the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Activities at Aranya Nivas, Thekkady 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 offers panoramic views of the landscape. Range scan: Trekking through inter-state forest boundary predominantly mountainous with higher probability of viewing wildlife. Outside the property Bullock cart discovery: A 3-hour ride in a bullock cart outside the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Plantation tours: This tour covers visits to spice, coffee and tea plantations, tea factories, tribal settlements etc.