Hotels Thekkady

Hotel Ambadi is Kerala’s first themed heritage resort. Located just 15 minutes from the world-famous Periyar Tiger Reserve, this resort is elegantly done up and absolutely breathtaking in its architecture. Its founder personally handpicked most of the furniture and furnishings. The wooden verandahs, balconies and cottages are brilliant.

Luxurious 46 rooms spread across the property offer the best of the world’s facilities. They are designed to suit all levels of travellers. The cottages resemble a typical Kerala village. You can even find a thulasi thara and a nallukettu.

The resort, established in 1982, was one of the first finest establishments in the area. It was designed by the famous British-born architect Laurie Baker. The name Ambadi was chosen by noted film maker G. Aravindan and the resort’s emblem was designed by Kerala’s famous artist Namboothiri.The restaurant – Aditi – is cozy and easily accessible from the road, too. The food is fabulous and the staff is warm and friendly.

As far as experiencing a proper Kerala Ayurvedic massage goes, you can rest assured. The hotel is owned by Bipha Drug Laboratories, which was started in 1929. It was founded by an Ayurvedic doctor, Pappy Vaidyan. Don’t just stop with Ayurvedic massages, you can also get oils, special powders and medicines from them. They are one of the foremost ayurvedic dealers and manufacturers in the country today. Bipha also operates a houseboat service in Kumarakom.

Visit the Tribal Heritage Museum to learn about the lifestyle of the Mannan tribal people of the region. You can take a look at their living areas, artifacts, costumes, weapons and furniture inside one of their settlements. Gavi is 40km from Kumily, and is a great spot for bird-watching, trekking, outdoor camping and boating.

Chellarkovil is only 15km from Kumily. You can see Kambam and Theni in Tamil Nadu, from here. Ramakkalmedu, 28km from Thekkady, is another place for beautiful views. The Mangaladevi Temple inside the Periyarthe temple is open only on the full moon day/night (Chitra Pournami) during April/ May. This 1,000-year-old temple is dedicated to Kannaki. The 12-km-walk up to the temple itself a trek in itself.

For the young at heart, try bamboo rafting, trekking, jungle safaris, night trips to the reserve, jeep safaris and border hiking. The hotel reception will take care of your travel and trip requirements. The hotel officials will eagerly arrange houseboat tours, trips across Kerala and vacation packages. The nearby reserve is full of activity – you can spot elephants, Nilgiri Tahr, antelope, deer, Nilgiri Langur and many birds.

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