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Aranya Niwas

5 (55 reviews) 1247 Views Hotel & Spa Thekkady, Kerala

Aranya Niwas Reviews

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Raja H
Very nice place to stay with family in Thekady. Excellent rooms & lots of space for kids to play around, food was decent. they have free car parking also. Munnar is also very close from Thekkady. Excellent climate
vinni
Beautiful property with lush green landscape.The restaurant and reception staff were incredible and knowledgeble. We really enjoyed the food there. They have a nice swimming pool which is very neat and clean.
Renjith S
It was just for a weekend long drive,but it turned out to be a great weekend cos of Aranya nivas .The hotel gives you real feeling of a jungle lodge and few animals comes around at the premises at dark.We saw sambar deers and porcupine at the late hours ??the room was clean and the food was so elegant and mild .The restaurant ambience was superb and feel to stay long there??the best part is the pool ??me n my son had great time in the pool ,he almost learned swimming ??the employees were so friendly and helpful ,the security personal (sorry for the name) used to call us when ever there is an animal has spotted ??thanx to Manager Binoy and his team for making our stay at Thekkady such a stupendous event??
phil
This was my kind of hotel. Small, friendly, good food, clean simple rooms and friendly staff. It is the only hotel inside the Periyar reserve. You need to walk down a large number of steps to reach the boat cruise area, we were exhausted on the way back. The hotel had a porcupine and flying fox n the grounds at night. Keep your doors and windows closed otherwise the monkeys will get in! Enjoy!
takethedogtoo
Very clean, efficient, comfortable and well run accomodations. Every member of staff was attentive and professional. We took the night trek, the morning boat tour and the half day nature walk. Staying at aranya nivas meant this was very easy to arrange. It was just a few minutes walk to the boat dock and to the start of the nature walk(2.5 hour). (Staff arranged a forest jeep to get us to the park entrance where the night tour starts from(3 hour)). The tribal guides were excellent and their trained eye, expertise and experience allowed us to appreciate even more, the true awesomeness of the park and it's inhabitants. Onsite restaurant has good food and also (like our bedroom) it has huge windows from which you can watch the langur. I love it here and hope to be back someday soon
Mahesh Nair
The property is really nice and the scenic beauty is awesome. The property is located within the forest premises. The pollution levels are really less and it's a wonderful experience to have a pleasant stay with family during a vacation time.
Sajan Thomas
Nissi tours and travels provides best and excellent service i have ever got staffs are very friendly nature so kind nissi tours and travels will not compromise their service quality they will provide good and excellent service
Sherry
We stayed in Aranya Nivas for two days. It is located right in middle of Periyar Toger Reserve. We had booked a suite. It has a very very big living room and equally big bedroom with AC in both rooms. Rooms were pretty nice. We liked it very much. Bathroom was big and clean. Food quality is good. Breakfast spread was decent. Restaurant people need better customer training and how to serve food. Front office staff was good and courteous. Hotel has indoor game facilities which is located in a nearby block which is in poor condition. One advantage is that you can walk to boating area till 5:30 pm which is not available to people coming from outside. You can spot herd of deers on the other side of water in evening. There are lot of monkeys around the place so be careful. We also spotted family of Nilgiri Langurs outside the hotel. In short it is nice place to stay if you are someone who loves to live close to nature.
Laxmi Puppala
Amazing experience staying here in the middle of jungle with no hustle bustle.... Quiet once its 6 PM..Room is very neat and clean.. Bathroom is premium..... Ensure that windows are not left open.. there are lots of monkeys. Boat ride point is walkable from this resort. Food is just okay but pricy !! Breakfast was good. Wonderful morning walk through the woods . there are cycles at the security gate.. whcih can be taken for going on a ride in the woods !! There is a recreational club here. Swimming pool is also maintained neatly !!
Binu Kumar
We visited along with the family in may 2019..about the resort. The location is fabulous. It can't get better than this..you we the boating tickets at resort itself and no need to stand in queue. Theres a need to get back in the resort befor 5 pm post which the entry will not be available.. this is the forest rule..not the resort. Pool is very good and well maintained. The rooms don't have ac..and it can get suffocating since you have to keep the windows closed during day time as monkeys are a nuisance here . Rest all places are nearby .. Overall wondefull stay...
Moumita B
First: the location: inside the forest overlooking the Periyar River. Boat tours and eco treks of the forest are conducted from around this place. The sambar deer and langurs, giant squirrels and birds come here and of course so do the ubiquitous monkeys. Our room was very spacious and had a large veranda. Food was good. The dining room had excellent views. They also arranged a jeep to take us to the checkpost for the night trek. The only snag is that because it is inside the jungle check post, there is no entry after 5 pm or maximum 6 pm
Magesh S
Booked my stay a week before my visit through online. It is only resort which is within the Periyar Tiger reserve forest. It has a amazing view and a very important aspect the boat ride is confirmed if you stay in this resort. The boat ride is for 1 hour and 30 mins. First ride starts at 7.30AM and the last ride is at 3.30 PM. Rooms are pretty clean and well maintained. It has good restaurant and a bar. Food is very good. Service is very good and you will not believe that it is a government run resort. Private vehicles are not allowed after 6.00 PM Good place to stay.
Arun Abraham
Had a very pleasant stay for 2 days inside Periyar Tiger reserve. Stayed in KTDC Aranya Nivas. KTDC properties are blessed with their locations. This is one of the best property, located inside the forest area. Ideal for people who prefers trekking, Off road trips, boating, Elephant Safari etc. Rooms are very spacious. Has forest facing Swimming pool, Beer Parlour, Good Restaurant which offers decent food. Staffs are very helpful. Right from my Booking till my check out, they had served me well. I really appreciate the efforts of Staffs who made my trip a memorable one. Thank you
Jen B Australia
Within the beautiful Periyar Tiger sanctuary, this hotel, built in the 1950s has maintained and restored the lovely large rooms, parquetry, inlaid wood doors, solid walls with exposed stone. New bathrooms and light fittings. We were surprised when monkeys jumped in the car on arrival. It was lovely to watch them swinging through the trees while we ate breakfast; the dining room looks out on the forest and lake. Our room was very clean. Staff were friendly and helpful. There was a good large swimming pool which we used several times. The food was good and well priced. We took a boat trip and then an afternoon hike and the a nighttime walk. We saw elephants, bison, deer, wild pigs, giant hornbills, beautiful giant trees - we had good guides all organised by the forest department and well priced compared with other places We loved this hotel and would recommend it to other travellers.
jennin m
It was an immemorable stay in aranya nivas. by seeing the scenic beauty Of nature. It is best suitable for family tourist. Also there is a boat ride through the lake in which we can wild elephant , tigers , peacock , deers ext
renukaash
There are only 3 properties inside the periyar and all are ktdc properties. You cannot get a true feel of the wildlife unless you stay in ktdc. They arrange for the boat ride and night treks without any hassle. We booked 2 rooms here both premium, one facing jungle and one near reception facing the pool. Both were awesome. Early at 5AM we saw star filled sky which is a very rare sight in cities. Also a few sambhars,a wild boar and a porcupine visited the property, which was a feast for the eyes. The staff also showed us videos of Elephant and cobra visiting the property. The boat ride in the Periyar was really great. We got upper deck front seats which provided an amazing view. We could see a few birds, deers, Bison from far. The staff were very nice. Don't think twice before visiting this property.
Vinay
The place was excellent for a family vacation. Surrounded by beautiful trees and a calm atmosphere. Swings and swimming pools for children to play, even a small childrens park near Periyar house. Rooms were good for the price. Services were excellent and all the staff were very welcoming and friendly. Food was good but not excellent. Separate bar is available. This is one of the 3 hotels inside the Periyar wildlife sanctuary. The other two are Lake palace (the best, but too expensive) and Periyar House (not recommended in terms food and general quality). Now outside vehicle's are not allowed inside the sanctuary making this place all the more special. People staying outside will have to take a bus at fixed timings to enter and exit the sanctuary. People staying inside can take their vehicles along with them. From out room we had a view into the sanctuary and could see elephant's across the river. Other wildlife like different types of monkeys and Giant Malabar squirrels were a common sight. Entry and exit after 1730hrs is not allowed due to the wildlife so dinner has to be from the hotel.
Sujata B
Stayed in aranya nivas with two children. My first time in a jungle visit. I was little sceptical before staying there as it's inside the core area of the jungle. But it was very luxurious with all the amenities. The swimming pool was added advantage. It was like swimming in a jungle with birds and monkeys. Yes beware of monkeys. At night Porcupine and deer coming in the resort, children were so excited. Lots of activities for children other than watching TV or playing games in mobile. Loved it. Wish to go back once again. Tariffs is quite high. But completely worth it.
Shakeel Ahmad K
Perfect getaway with family and friends from city's routine mechanised life living in middle of jungles with plenty of birds, animals flora and fauna which will rejuvenate you. Boat ride in lake Petiyar was excellent opportunity to watch birds, wild boar, Deer, Indian Bison. Porcupine Langur Macaque etc Guided Elephant Rides, Jeep Safari and Walk around trails are available. Recreation facilities, Live kathakali dance shows. Ayurvedic Oil Message Treatments Restaurant serving most cuisines and Beer Bar. Rooms are neat and clean with prompt service
BSreeraj
It was a great stay at this place. The staff was very helpful. They arrange for the boating tickets. If you wake up early you can see some wild life activity. Cycling and few other activities adds to the fun.
Sucheta
It's situated infront of periyar river.River safari gate is just infornt of that property. Most amazing experience is seeing mokey using swiming pool !!! Pros - Location,Restaurant Food,Clean Bathrooms Cons- Be aware of mokey !!
bbhaidkar
I had been there in May 2018. Basically I wanted to stay at forest area. And therefore Aranya Niwas is good option. Here one can experience wild life in the hotel premises also. Lots of Langurs and Jient Squirrels are nearby. If you are lucky enough, you can experience the wildlife nearby the compound of Aranya Niwas. Luxury hotel of KTDC in forest area, one cannot believe from outside. We preferred suite, large for 2 persons. The another advantage of the stay is the KTDC itself arrange boat tickets for ride. No more ques to buy the tickets. Only one has to pay for it on counter in advance. We had seen lot of species of birds and animals in lake ride. Memorable stay we had.
tusharkamdar
This place to visit for natural lovers ..cool and calm and just near the forest and best things after 5.30 p.m we have to give our time to the nature of God and not to the artificial life.... Pl stay At least 2 to 3 days to enjoy the life which was given us by God..to know our self and our family.. Stay here ...
sarjujm
Best location to stay, one of the best experience, very nice staff including service to security, well maintained, location is having advantage All aspects it’s on the top Staff is very supporting and customer friendly
sumant
What a place and what a hotel. The hotel is situated in just middle of the tiger reserve. The rooms are excellent and very well maintained. The food in the restaurant was excellent specially the buffet dinner and break fast. The surrounding ambiance of the hotel was thrilling and superbly enjoyable. the hotel staffs are very well behaved and helpful. Overall a great experience and want to come again.
santoshsgh
to good location near the lake..amzing site between the forest ...covered by long trees ...lot of monkeys moving around and traveler advised to be alert from them ..remember you can not go out side from resorts after 5 pm due to wild life reserved century law
jasminder
I would strongly recommend people to stay inside the periyar tiger reserve.this reserve has three hotels periyar house ,,aranya niwas, and lake view. We stayed at aranya niwas.the room we stayed in was a deluxe room with all modern facilities.the window opened towards jungle from where we can see monkeys on trees.in the night when you move out in the premises of hotel,it's awesome experience of staying in a forest.After five pm we cannot go out of reserve ,,if you have to return after five you will have take permission from hotel manager and in evening when you return they send their jeep to take you safely back to hotel.we returned back to hotel at seven pm on hotel jeep.in the way we saw Sambhar deer and porcupines in the jungle. Book your stay with breakfast and dinner if possible .the restaurant inside the aranya niwas is very good but bit expensive. They have a nice swimming pool to enjoy.overall one enjoy s very much at aranya niwas.plz like my comment if you find it useful.
Debsundar
Traveled with my 4 years kid and stayed for a day. The food served by the restaurant was very tasty, the hotel staff was very courteous and helpful. They will arrange for the next day morning boat ride tickets as well which was very useful as you need not have to stand in long queues especially during tourist seasons. The night guard was very friendly and if you want to see some wild animals in the night he can give you buzz, we manage to see flying squirrel and porcupine - there are 2 of them who comes to eat bread severed by the Night Guard. They have a very appealing swimming pool and a nice beer bar, however I havent used them.
albee
We stayed at this Hotel for one night on 11/5/18 as part of Kerala Explorer Tour With Mercury Holidays. The Hotel is situated approximately 5-10 minutes from the Main Park Gates. Once the " Curfew" kicks in at 5:30 pm and all the Tourists have left a chance to see the local wildlife. The Hotel is about 50m from the Boat staging area so a nice short walk for our early Morning boat ride. Our Room Was clean and well appointed. The Showroom had been renovated and the Shower was to die for nice and hot with lots of pressure. True what previous reviews have said about keeping windows closed a group of Macaque Monkeys thought it fun to charge along the tin roof directly outside our window! The Dining hall was clean and spacious with a good selection of Northern Indian and Keralan foods. Didn't bother to look to see if there was a " European" Choice. I mean why would we. Park ranger called us out to see a Porcupine beside the Hotel when Dark and During the night I was woken by an Elephant call close by. The Beer Parlour was clean and well stocked with the Young Bartender serving up lots of complimentary snacks. A great pity we only stayed for one night as I would have liked to take up some of the offers for Walks with the Rangers during the day but sadly time did not allow. Like a lot of the reviews it is hit and miss on the Boat cruise what Animals you will see. We were extremely lucky to see a Jaguar (The Rangers all said the first big cat they had seen in 7 Months), Elephants, Sambar, Wild Buffalo. and Otters. Overall a lovely Hotel and a fantastic experience.
Mihir C
I have visited in the month of April. Hotel service is best. Food quality inside the forest is awesome. Nice place to relax. We have spent 3 days with nature and really love to visit again. Hotel is just 50 metres away from Periyar lake.
PuneetSharma
Location is one of the best one as it's located right inside the tiger reserve . Full marks to upkeep n maintenance being a Government run hotel. Rooms are although not much spacious but enough for small family. Best part is restuarant which serves best dishes be it North Indian or south indian. Swimming pool at hotel is nicely maintained along with kids pool. Beer n wine are available at hotel and are reasonably priced. As you are staying in KTDC owned property you definitely get tickets for boat ride in lake adjoining lake to watch wildlife. We saw a porcupine at resort in night. Bison , stags otters and elephants were seen during boat ride but tiger remained elusive.
Dr A A Malgaonkar
We stayed in a premium room from 21-23 March 2018. The room is spacious with a separate enclosed sitting area and excellent bathrooms and a nice swimming pool. The staff is very courteous and they make arrangements for Periyar Lake Boat Ride tickets. The food at the restaurant is very good and the breakfast spread is also good. You may see animals near the resort at night and the staff calls you to see them if you are interested. Overall a good jungle experience.
Clive E
This hotel is in a nature reserve. It is colonial in style with large comfortable rooms. While there we were able to take an early morning boat trip up the river to as dawn was breaking to view the wild life. It was beautiful with many types of bird and also seeing elephants going down to the waters edge. Part of a tour by mercury travel and their agent in India Jayasree travel
Pratiksha T
I visited to periyar tiger reserve so I went there for food...Orchid restaurant offering very tasty food ..lime soda I never saw before with sugar syrup and soda in separate bottles....wow experience for me...this was my second visit to Kerala in same year right after two months from my first visit....Great scenic beauty.....I have no photos captured for the place but much recommended....
Stuart S
Colonial style hotel set within the confines of Thekkady National Park, the hotel has a great ambience, have a chat to Mr Babu the security guard who, will after dinner show you where porcupines come to feed, also there is a possibility of elephants visiting during the night. A very tranquil and peaceful spot.
Jogindersingh
about 2 kms inside the jungle, but that is a plus point becuase that is why people go to thekkady. though there are some restrictions on entry in evening. very near to the boat service. restaurant was very good.
Sidkumar
This hotel is right on the lake bed and inside the reserve. If you are going to thekkady, if you have the budget then stay at lake palace else Ananya Niwas is the best option. The rooms are spacious and well equipped and bathrooms are superbly done. We booked premier rooms and it did not disappoint us. The food is excellent and staff really helpful. You can book the boat ride from the hotel and just walk towards the boat on 500 Mtrs. If you want to relax during the day, just go by the lake and enjoy the view of the reserve.
ARVIND A
Visited in last fortnight of December 17.Beautifully managed KTDC-Aranya Niwas, spic n span room with great wooden flooring.Staff was courteous and helpful, food at the restaurant was amazing and KTDCs Manager Mr Abhi was omnipresent rendering all info & assistance. It was beyond any five star and of course the lake front location was just Wow!!
krishnakumar l
First off i shall appolize for writing a review after 5 years of my stay.Yes i stayed here on Jan 2013.What made me to write this review is it still stands in my heart for years(recently i remembered it by some way) First about check in. their check in time is 12.00 noon ,but I had arrived there by 8.00am itself. they gave me a alternative room (my booking was for suite room )Even the base category room was so comfort with perfect view.(no extra charges made) Now food. all the 3 meals were extra ordinary super Jus AWESOME. My booking was for 2 nights(no advance paid)but unfortunately I had to leave there by 1 night itself for my personal reasons ,thankfully no xtra charges were made for cancellations. This was my first KTDC stay after this i made me to stay in their various properties.
Gokulrajan
It was an amazing experience to stay in the Periyar national park as the only option for me was to choose the official host the ktdc. The service was good ranging from the security to the pool boy.I felt the dinner buffet spread was better than the breakfast.The boating was nice even though the sightings were only elephant and deer. All the best to the team .
ashleysusan
I was already familiar with the place and we stayed for one night and we had a unique experience in the wilderness , in the night we saw a porcupine in a close range also the buffet spread was wonderful with traditional and continental delicacies.Better choose the 3.30 boating as it will give you the sightings of the wild dog,monitor lizard,bison and deer.Better make the reservation directly as it will offer you the best rates.
tony
what a brilliant location for a hotel in the middle of a wildlife sanctuary Monkees surround the hotel A lake within 5 minutes walk of the hotel Roooms are magnificent large and well equipped - shower area is massive Buffet meals -lunch and dinner having a good choice of food but breakfast was lacking in choice a wonderful experience -and I say this even when we experienced the tailend of the recent cyclone and saw what monsoon rain was like in India. Experiencing a boat journey on the lake in torrential rain was still a tremendous experience close to the local town
Sree
I was pleasantly surprised to stay in the KTDC Aranya Nivas. I though it will be just average or above average as its being maintained by a government run KTDC. The place was wonderful just on the beautiful periyar lake. You get a feel that you are right in the forest with all the comforts of a star hotel. The reception staff are very courteous and very efficient. They checked us in fast and smooth. The rooms are very well maintained. Another pleasant surprise is along with the breakfast the dinner at night is also complimentary. You can just walk to the periyar lake and take a boat ride. We took an evening boat ride and it is so nice to watch the bison,elephants, deer and beautiful birds. Of course we couldn't see tiger. They have panchakarma treatment and i felt it is below average. They arranged cultural programme in the night which is very good. The only disappointment was that we booked only for a day and night. But it is worth staying for 2-3 days to explore the forest, go trekking etc. You cant expect a better place to relax right in the middle of forest.
Arun C
The resort is within the Periyar reserve. You have to get into the reserve before 5PM IST and you need to pay a nominal fee (per person) at the entrance of the reserve. The resort is well maintained. Rooms are old but kept really neat & tidy. I had taken a premium room and there was lot of space for my kid to run around. Staff is courteous and will help with any questions you have. WIFI is decent (If you feel the need to connect to the outside world). The restaurant at the resort is good. Has good ambience and service was great. They have lot of items on the menu. he boat landing is very near to the resort. The staff at the resort will get you the tickets. You just have to pay them & mention the time. In morning, you can walk outside the resort. It is a good experience. The resort can arrange trips for you. If you are interested, you can choose that.
Steve S
we stayed 3 days here , great place to stay we loved it . wildlife all around did the night safari which was fantastic, but must do full day safari and we see 3 elephants with a baby at 5 metres away , these safaris are both walking , you get so amazingly close to the animals , but you must go dressed correctly, not in high heels or white or bright clothes as you will not see anything. the day safaris is walking 3 to 4 hours up in the hills so be prepared,but it is great thing to do.
REJADVISE
It's a great place to stay if you just want to hear the wilderness. The resort is within the Periyar tiger reserve. Do have a reservation prior to arrival and have to reach here before 1700hrs as the gates close post it. Also the best thing about the resort is that the Periyar boating starts from here and if you stay here, you get assured tickets for the boat ride. Of course you need to pay. ): The rooms are old but well maintained, there is a poll too which is a great add-on. The place is great to stay as you get to walk around in the evening and if you are lucky can spot elephants at night. Service is very formal but pretty good as compared to other Govt properties.. nice food too.
M Poulose M
Excellent Food, Excellent Ambience, Excellent Service. Really "Gods own Country" What more can I say? All arrangements were perfectly detailed. There was always a smile to greet us from all the staff. We really had no problems, and could not even think of one complaint. Thank you Abi Chandran and Team.
Deepaklal
Excellent arrangements. We had planned this six months in advance and the Resort management went out of their way to keep us comfortable , be it the rooms, food , recreation etc , From a Government run Resort , the ambiance and assistance is well appreciated
shiveee
I had been to this place with my family for lunch. The hotel ambiance and location amidst forest is too good. As we had already reserved another hotel, we could not stay here. But we really felt bad that we missed this place to stay. The amenities and services are also good.
Jerin Kulanda
Good Place to stay with family...enjoy the whole days which was a mind refreshment for me and my wife...The rooms are neat and perfect arrangements.. Food was excellent and the resort supporters was so friendly and they given a brief introduction of the place and the this resort..Thanks to all employees and the Govt of Kerala.
Vishuma
We were a family of seven including a one year old kid traveling by own suv. Had booked three rooms for two nights. Most lavishly spacious premium luxury rooms with all facilities of a four star hotel. In house restaurant with delicious food served, both veg and non-veg. By the side of the picturesque Periyar Lake, forming the reservoir for the famous Mullaperiyar Dam. The hotel staff arranged our boating in the lake. Good swimming pools though the water looked a bit unhealthy. Very courteous staff. Ample parking inside the forest property. This was my revisit to the property after a gap of more than 27 years. Looked much better now. Very well maintained.
Radhika V
Service, food, environment and responsible employees including the pet Jimmy. Worth to spend. Whole family enjoyed very much. It is inside the forest area.. so we can enjoy the nature. Really an amazing experience...
GopinathanRao
Great location in the midst of the forest reserve, near the boating facility Stayed 2 nights in the premium room - Spacious & clean, has spare bed, renovated bathroom Polite, helpful staff Reasonably priced restaurant
SPMukherjee
Such a well maintained Hotel by a State Govt organisation is unthinkable. Spick & span with very strong wi-fi. Room was so spacious that it can easily accommodate three persons. Bathroom fittings are most modern and house keeping is of high standard. Staff is courteous and helpful. Food was well prepared and very much to the taste. Location of the Hotel within the forest area is well thought of. It is also a MUST VISIT property in Kerala.
Shamrez Z
The property is very well maintained and staff is extremely helpful and courteous. Apart from the monkey menace, the place has a calm air about it. A perfect place to be close to nature - you can spot variety of birds within the perimeter itself. The rooms are pretty huge (my 2-yr old had more than enough place to run around) with classic furnishing. Food is pretty good compared to other options in and around Kumily. The place was just perfect for us. Only suggestions to KTDC will be to include more activities and to improve infra for existing actives like table tennis.
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