DRThiruvananthapuram: Located by the side of the placid lake Periyar in the forests of Thekkady is Kerala Tourism Development Corporation’s (KTDC) Aranya Nivas, one of the best jungle resorts in Kerala. According to G S Rajmohan, Marketing Manager, KTDC, it is truly an authentic jungle lodge.
‘‘After the renovation works held recently, Aranya Nivas, which was launched by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, has become an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts and eco-tourists. It is located deep inside the jungle,’’ he said.
Boating on the Periyar enables visitors to take a close look at the wildlife that inhabits the surrounding forests. Herds of elephants, wild boars, bison and sambar can be seen moving along the banks skirting the forest. Water birds, perched on tree stumps with their wings spread, present a delightful sight while boating. As a hub of adventure activities, tourists have much to choose from.
It can be a three-hour-long daytime trek or night-time jungle safari through Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary; full-day activities such as bamboo rafting managed by the local tribal community; trekking to the borders of the sanctuary, elephant rides and trekking inside the sanctuary through grasslands and shola forests or trekking through the inter-state forest boundary, which is predominantly mountainous, with a higher probability of viewing wildlife.
Thekkady won the World’s Top Emerging Destination award at the inaugural Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) CEO Challenge 2015.
