Aiden's Abode

Kayaking on the Periyar River was the best part for us. We also liked the clubhouse pool table and hearing stories from aunty and uncle, who were really hospitable hosts. We stayed two nights with my wife and had a lovely time. The river and birds woke us in the morning, and crickets and fireflies made the nights feel peaceful. Just keep in mind this isn't the place for someone who needs constant service or lots of comforts. The treehouse had the basics and a bit more than I expected, and the host was amazing.

The road to the property is in very poor condition, and the parking area is cramped even though parking is available. If you're staying here, it's better to bring food before you arrive. Ordering from Tree House adds Rs 150 for delivery. We also had no water one morning because of a motor problem. They had no alternative, and fixing it took three hours, which completely disrupted our day. We were told at booking there were lots of indoor activities, but on the day we stayed, the activity room was closed and we couldn't use it. Keep a record of any price bargaining during booking, and be clear about checkout timing, since the room needs to be rented on the same day. There are some good points: the rooms and grounds are clean, breakfast is included in the tariff, WiFi is available, and the clubhouse has a public kitchen. The room up at tree level is comfortable, with a great view over the Periyar River, mountains, tea plantations and forest. Still, my experience was absolutely bad.

My wife and I spent three nights here, and it was a fantastic experience. The caretaker and team gave good service.

The property is much as it appears in the pictures, and the food was alright. You can order from a nearby restaurant, but delivery costs an extra 150 rs. Getting there was a nightmare. The road is very narrow and steep, with a cliff on one side, and there isn't really the parking space they claim to have. Driving around in the dark could be difficult, and after 6 pm you can feel almost stuck there until dawn. At night you're alone, without security or a caretaker. There's a caretaker during the day who can help, and he is a well-mannered guy, though I'm not sure about nighttime.