KTDC Aranya Nivas Thekkady

The boat trip felt hardly any different from ordinary boating. There wasn't a good view from the room, either. Also, you can't travel anywhere after 5 pm, and that leaves you eating at the hotel restaurant. The staff seemed quite inexperienced: the chapati was like eating a papad, the biryani was very oily, service took a long time, and even bottled water cost more. The price and quality don't match, and the food was below average. The Ayurvedic spa was disappointing for the price too. They didn't have a gown for changing before the treatment, and the woman working there didn't communicate well. Online listings show AC, but there isn't AC except in some suite rooms.

Being right near the Thekkady Boating boat yard saves time. If you stay farther away, getting there means roughly 1-2 hours of travel and a group bus ride that costs extra. At Aranya Nivas, booking a room guarantees a boating seat, but you have to tell them when you check in. You can sometimes see Black Langur or other animals from the window, depending on your room. Just note that you're not allowed to leave the hotel grounds after 5:30 PM, even to go to the boat yard, so there's not much to do then except rest. A good experience.

You need to be back in your room before 5:30 pm. The resort is in a beautiful spot within the Periyar Tiger Reserve, surrounded by nature. The rooms are simple but clean, and breakfast and buffet dinner are basic. They also have Ayurvedic massage at the spa on the property.

The hotel is inside the forest reserve, with the lake only a two-minute walk away. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Our cab was cancelled at the last minute, but the hotel manager arranged another one on short notice. I'd recommend this for anyone wanting to stay close to nature.