Hotels Thekkady

Hill stations have always mesmerised tourists. Whether it’s a snow-clad mountain or a wild forest-covered peak, each hill station has its own charm. Kerala’s land forms vary from coastal regions and lowland paddy fields to mountains and mangroves. And it’s the state’s forests and resorts near and around that shine during the peak season. Thekkady is a famous hill station in Kerala. Its rolling hills, prominent tiger reserve, abundance of lakes and rivers, and its ever-hospitable hotel industry beckons each and every visitor to India.

The Western Ghats cover a major portion of central and north-central parts of the state. They are teeming with rich wildlife. And the hotels and homestays that have come up here offer a variety of packages – from jungle safaris and jeep rides to trekking and mountain climbing. For the less adventurous there are also nature walks, adventure rides, cycling and boating in Thekkady.

Thekkady’s main attraction is that everyone – tourist, student, adventure-lover and travelling groups – have something to look out for. The homely atmosphere in the resorts, hotels and eco-lodges is just charming. The homestays provide the best of facilities and take care of all your needs. Each of them has something unique which would make you return to this beauty in the wilderness.

The Thekkady Lake presents much of the entertainment in the city. The forests surrounding it have many trekking trails and mountain routes to venture out into. Guides and locals come with you right into the heart of the forests, and take you through brooks and streams and let you in on the secrets of the jungles.

There are many places to visit, too. From caves and hills to museums, tea factories and old British bungalows, you’re bound to enjoy every minute of your stay here. Hotels and homestays will book tickets, rent cars and take care of all your travel requirements.

Kerala had been looking forward to the resuming of boat services on the Thekkady Lake much since the boat tragedy about three months ago. On Friday, amid security measures and eager expectations, two boats carried tourists, officials and others across the lake.

Three boats owned by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) – Jalaraja, Jalatharangini and Jalamohini – and also two boats of the Forest Department – Vanajotsna and Periyar – are open to public now. The number of seats in the boats have been considerably reduced to adhere to safety norms.

And think of all the safety measures that are available now: life jackets, life buoys, fire bucket, fire-resting machines and hand-box. And before the boat journey, tourists are given important guidelines and information. Also interesting is the appointment of a life-guard each for every 25 passengers. They’ve received training in rescue operation.

The forest department’s double-deckers, ‘Vanajyotsna’ and ‘Periyar’, offer an upper deck view of the lake as well as animals, if spotted. Tourists can now enjoy lazy afternoons on the lake. Tourism-related activities, too, will receive an impetus with the boat service now back on track!