Periyar House, Thekkady(Periyar)

I saw decent reviews for KTDC Periyar House and booked it through MakeMyTrip. I was not sure how the place would be because firstly it was a property managed by KTDC (govt. owned) and it was my first visit to Thekkady. But the property turned out to be too good. The first thing that I noticed was there are only 3 properties inside the wildlife sanctuary; all run by KTDC and Periyar House is one of them. The rate for the 3 properties increase depending on the proximity to the jungle - so Periyar House was like the entry point, and the other two relatively more inside the jungle. Another thing which I observed was the space in the reception area, lounge and the aisles - there was good space and lot of air flowing. The check-in process was smooth and the staff were very good. Rooms were neat and clean and spacious. There was nothing which bothered us. The food was good and we had complimentary breakfast as a part of the booking and the spread was good. The only drawback would be that since the hotel is inside the sanctuary, and the sanctuary entrance closes by 6 pm, you have to be inside the hotel by that time. You cannot venture out after 6 pm. For us it was not an issue as we could spend good time enjoying the jungle and feeling the nature close. I would definitely recommend this hotel for people who would like to have a quiet stay inside the jungle, at an affordable cost not compromising on quality.

Best Experience: The location, location and location

Worst Experience: None

Average.Ambience of KTDC Priyar house was good but locationwise it is isolated from tourist attractions and sight seeings of thekkady esp traditional dances ,martial arts performances,elephant rides and visit to spice plantations.Adventure is missing, so is wildlife , barring monkeys.

Best Experience: Spice plantation visit and purchase of spices from Lourdes Mkt.

Worst Experience: I landed at the gate of periyar WLS at 2230 PM and since the gate closes at 6 pM evening so the forest dept guard didnot let me in and i had to fend for my family at my own, with two kids and stay overnight at a Home stay which is well near gate and mkt and cheaper too with spacious rooms.