DRThiruvananthapuram: Do you love bird watching? Are you curious as to how it feels when you are up close with a wild animal? Then, Thekkady is just the place.
Considered as the main point of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, it is home to elephants, wild boars, bison, leopards and bears besides a variety of birds. The reserve also hosts the Periyar Lake, making it an ideal spot for eco-friendly tourism.
About 20 minutes by boat from the shore lies a small island in the heart of the lake – Lake Palace, believed to have once been the summer palace of the King of Travancore. Today, the grand property functions as a premium heritage jungle lodge. “The royal legacy of the property located in the jungle is a great attraction for our guests. The activities at Lake Palace are unique because it has direct access to all ecotourism related activities. Tickets for boating are assured for guests who confirm their stay,” says G S Rajmohan, Marketing Manager, KTDC.
The jungle resort houses six magnificent rooms decked with antique interiors. The multi-cuisine menu is another great attraction at the royal stay. Guests need to reach Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary before 5 pm.
Attractions
- Wildlife boat cruise on Periyar Lake
- Nature walk and Green walk: A 3-hour trek through 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 outside the wildlife sanctuary
- Cloud’s Walk: A full-day trek offering panoramic views of the landscape
- Plantation tours: Covers visits to spice, coffee and tea plantations, tea factories, tribal settlements etc.
- Visit to tea factories
- Shopping at Kumily for spices and minor forest produce
