Jungle Palace Homestay Thekkady

Welcome to Jungle Palace Homestay Thekkady.

Jungle Palace Homestay Thekkady is one of the most prestigious regions on the high ranges of the Western Ghats. One of the Worlds most fascinating natural wild life sanctuaries, the Periyar Tiger Reserve is noted for its geomorphology, diverse wildlife and beautiful landscape. The sanctuary, declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978 under the Project Tiger Scheme, attracts travelers from all over the World. This is the only sanctuary in India where the wild elephant can be observed and photographed at close quarters. Kerala has 12 wildlife sanctuaries and 2 National parks of all, the Periyar Tiger Reserve in one of the 18 hot spots of bio-diversity in the World. We offers variety of Trekking Packages, jungle camp, bamboo rafting, adventure trekking & tent camping.

Jungle Palace Homestay Thekkady very close to the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala. This Homestay, the cozy little home of Rajesh is a welcome homestay for those wanting to explore the mysteries of the tropical rain forests and the animal kingdom. Set in the heart of Thekkady, it is a convenient and affordable option, while offering the very best of hospitality.

Facilities:
Rooms: 6 double rooms with attached bathrooms
Car parking,
24 hrs hot and cold water
Private Balcony
Laundry Service.

Rates for Double bed per night (inclusive of breakfast):
Season [October to May]: Rs. 2200 
Off Season [June to September]: Rs. 1600 
Extra Person: Rs. 100 per bed

             We would love to plan a Happy Trip for you

Please call us on +919820976655/+919821232094 or email us at contact@simplyoffbeat.com

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary:
Set amidst the mountains of the Western Ghats at the border of Tamil Nadu, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 777 sq km out of which 360 sq km forms the core area. The park is one of the most renowned and famous sanctuaries in entire south India and can also be termed as the pride of Kerala. The history of the park states that as early as in 1895, a dam by the name of the Mullaperiyar was constructed across the Periyar River giving birth to the Periyar Lake. In 1934, the Maharaja of Travancore appointed S.C.H. Robinson as the first game warden and it was his recommendation that converted the area around the lake into a sanctuary by the name of Nellikkampetty sanctuary. In the year 1966, the sanctuary was consolidated with the forest department and the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was created. The sanctuary was finally declared a Tiger Reserve in the year 1978, a few years after Project Tiger was actually initiated. Also, in 1991, the park was brought under the Project Elephant. This lake today covers an area of 26 sq km and is a major source of water for the resident animals and birds. Moreover, the beauty of the lake is also soothing for visitors. The park was earlier also known by the name of Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary Flora – Around three fourth of the sanctuary area is covered with evergreen and semi evergreen rain forests while a part of the remaining area is covered by damp leaves forest Eukalyptus plantation and grassland. The rest of the area is covered by Periyar River and Pamba River. The floral attractions of the park are approximately 2000 species of flowering plants, 171 grass species and 143 species of orchids. The tall trees of the forest rise upto a height of 130 to 140 feet!

Flora – Around three fourth of the sanctuary area is covered with evergreen and semi evergreen rain forests while a part of the remaining area is covered by damp leaves forest Eukalyptus plantation and grassland. The rest of the area is covered by Periyar River and Pamba River. The floral attractions of the park are approximately 2000 species of flowering plants, 171 grass species and 143 species of orchids. The tall trees of the forest rise upto a height of 130 to 140 feet.

Animals – Approximately 62 species of animals await to welcome visitors on their trip to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The most ferocious of these, undoubtedly is the Tiger. Many tourists visit Periyar just in order to get a glimpse of the Tiger, that according to estimates number between 35-40. However, there is still a larger number of tourists who come here because of the Indian Elephants. The huge mammal is found in pretty large number in Periyar Sanctuary – around 1000. Other animals that manage to make their presence felt quiet decently amidst these two are Leopards, Otters, Nilgiri Langurs, Common Langurs, Bonnet Macaques, Lion Tailed Macaque, Malabar Squirrel, Wild Boar, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Nilgiri Tahr, Dhole, porcupines, Gaur and Sloth Bears.

Reptiles & Amphibians – The reptile population of the park is also commendable with around 45 species found. Out of these, a majority (30) of them are snakes. The rest of them comprise of 2 turtle species and 13 lizard species. Frequent sighting of King Cobras and Python, two extremely poisonous snakes is also an attraction for the visitors to the park.

Birds – The birds of the park include around 180 species. Prominent among these are Darters, Cormorants, Kingfishers, the great Malabar Hornbill and racket-tailed Drongoes. Tourists interested in spotting a large number of birds need to carry along their binoculars.

Community based Eco-Tourism:
People oriented and park centered community based eco-tourism is the hallmark of Periyar Tiger Reserve. These programs are conducted by local people responsible for the surveillance of the vulnerable parts of the reserve. By taking tourists along, they are involved in the conservation of the forests of Periyar and some valuable revenue is generated for community welfare. People who once made a living by illegal operations in the forests have since become forest protectors and earn their livelihood through these programs. Hence, as a visitor, when you join them in any of these programs, you are directly contributing towards forest conservation and community welfare. Make sure to visit the beautiful Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Nature Walk: 
Different nature trails traversing diverse habitats form the trekking routes, generally 4 to 5 km. in length. This is an interpretive programme offering excellent opportunity to watch birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The trails often pass through evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grasslands. The programme is offered between 7.00 am. and 10.30 am. and between 2.00 pm. and 3.00 pm. and lasts for about 3 hours. A maximum of 5 persons can go for trekking at a time along each nature trail, accompanied by a trained tribal guide. The Nature walk is the right programme to feel nature, hear her whispers and smell her flowers.

Bamboo Rafting: 
This is a dawn to dusk range hiking and rafting programme through some of the richest forest tracts of Periyar Tiger Reserve. Starting at 8 am from the boat landing, a mosaic of habitats will be traversed before the party gets into rafts made of bamboos. The forests are rich in bird life and arboreal animals like giant squirrel and Nilgiri languor. The rafting is for about three hours and one gets a panoramic view of forest-clad hills reflected on the lake. Animals like elephant, gaur and sambar are sighted keeping close to the edges of the lake. The team hitchhikes back to the boat landing by about 5 pm. An armed guard and 4 guides will accompany a maximum of 10 tourists. Tea, snacks and packed lunch will be served during the journey.

The Periyar Tiger Trail – Adventure trekking and camping: 
The programme is unique in being conducted by a team of poachers who turned protectors of the forests. The team members are hardy and dependable with an intimate knowledge of the forest terrain. The programmes are 1 night/2 days and 2 nights/3 days. The first day’s trek starts at 9 am and ends by noon in the second or third day. The team consists of a maximum of 5 visitors, 5 guides and 2 forest officials. Normally 20 to 35 kms. of trekking distance will be covered, depending on the route chosen.

Here, one may chance to encounter much indigenous wildlife like Nilgiri langur, giant squirrel, elephant and who knows, even the tiger! The trek route passes through hills and valleys with a variety of tropical plants and wide-open spaces. Enroute vegetarian meals will be prepared and served and country tents will be pitched for holing up in the night. Trekking groups are accompanied by armed forest guards with good communication equipments, and geared to face any emergency situation. Remember to listen to unusual and strange adventure stories of the former poachers, now your guides and protectors of the forests.

Elephant Ride: 
This ride would be through countryside villages with stop over at intermediary places. The duration can be stretched to any length of time as per actual requirement of the tourist. At a time only two tourists can take the ride while the others in a group could trek along and change over accordingly. Experienced elephant Master will guide & accompany the tourists during the ride. Riding an elephant takes you back to the royal era, when only the Kings use to ride on these majestic creatures. Elephant Safaris are equipped with a howdah, a large seat on which they and the visitors sit. More of all an elephant safari tour in the tropical wildlife sanctuaries of India gets you up, close and personal with these majestic animals.

All the above programmes are conducted with prior entry permission from Kerala State Forest Department at Periyar Tiger Reserve and in co-ordination with the trained Guides & Forest Guards.

Preconditions for joining any of the programs: Visitors who are physically fit and aged between 15 – 65 are advised to take the tiger trail. Visitors should be serious nature lovers willing to sacrifice some of the luxuries and comforts of a hotel.