Aranya Nivas ( KTDC)

Excellent Stay

Saurabh Thukral

Aranya Nivas is situated in Periyar Tiger Reserve and it is with the idea to spend a night in the jungle we(I and my wife) reserved a Premium room in the Hotel. I had intended to purchase boat tickets for boating in Periyar lake and this Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) had the best location beside the ticket counter(just 200 metres) .. this was an added incentive to look for accomodation here. The Hotel despite being run by KTDC which gives one an impression of a typical Govt. run Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) was quite unlike it. Very well maintained and good service. We had arrived from Munnar and had checked in the Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) for one night. The Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) reception greeted us very well and the checkin was in a jiffy once I produced the copy of Makemytrip voucher. We had been alloted a premium room that was beside the swimming pool and offered a very good view. The room was very spacious and well maintained. There was wooden flooring and nice wooden furniture. The bed sheets were clean. There was TV in room that carried many channels. The bathroom was clean with good fittings and toiletries offered complimentary. The room does not have AC but considering climate of the place it is not necessary. The Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) has a restaurant and a recreation room with carrom,TT table,snooker table. As the Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) closes after 6 pm as it is in the wildlife sanctuary, one can spend his/her time playing in recreation room. The Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) also has a big lounge with WiFi enabled. As the dinner was pricey - Rs. 350 per head buffet, we decided to skip it. We had the chance to sample the breakfast as it was inclusive and regretted skipping the dinner the night before - the food was very delicious and had variety. We were late to breakfast as we had gobe for boating in morning, the restaurant staff made efforts to serve us all the breakfast items. The swimming pool is available in fixed timings and clean. All in all an excellent one night experience in the jungle.

Good Stay

Samarjit Mazumdar

We stayed in Aranya Niwas for a day during our August vacation to Kerala. Being a KTDC property, the resort is decent with superb location. While the rooms are average (clean and fair sized), but its the location that sets this property apart. This is the only Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) located inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve (apart from KTDC Lake palace, Thekkady), and that comes with its share of pros and cons. Pros - First-hand experience of the jungle and immediate proximity to boat landing and jungle tourism office. Cons - Restricted access: Entry and exit to and from the reserve are time bound and hence you can't go out or enter the Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) after 6 PM. Consider this factor if you plan the evening for outdoor activities. Now the factor that really made our stay here a memorable one - Not often do you find a Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) with staff who are willing to go out of their way to satisfy their clients and that is exactly what we experienced here. A day before our arrival, we received a call from Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) enquiring about our plans to take the boat ride so that they can book that on our behalf. We booked a car for our departure to Kumarokom and we agreed to the rate they asked for. Hotel travel desk took extra proactive effort to check with another agency and gave us a better rate. And on our departure day, we went for a jungle trek from 2 - 4 PM. Even though we were supposed to vacate our room by 12 noon, we were not only allowed to keep it till 2 PM, they also provided us a room to freshen up when we returned from the trek, and all these with a smiling face without any extra charge. Kudos!!

Awesome place to stay

Soudipto Mukherjee

The Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) is located within the sanctuary and its the major advantage of staying there. The check-in process was bit slow as lot of guests arrived in the same time. There is no problem to get the ticket for the boating in the Periyar Lake as it's issued/ arranged by the Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) itself. For the off time activities, people can enjoy in the swimming pool. A wide variety of buffet menu can make the guest satisfied. People can roam surrounding the Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) premises during the late evening and we were lucky enough to see a group of elephant enjoying in taking bath in the lake around 10 PM. Among the negative part. I found communication problem with the Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) staff. Our stay was more than a night and the staff could not explain well why the gate pass was required if I would go outside the sanctuary and the validity of the pass. Plus, I was extremely eager on the Bamboo Rafting and I expected that the Hotel would organize the trip. But they could not deliver more than providing a contact number. I found Mr. Shreeju extremely effective and fully informative among the Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) crew. Overall experience of the Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) and Thekkady stay was very good. Surely, I will recommend others for this Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) and expect to return to this property in future.

Good Stay

Rajiv Karthik

The Location is awesome and right in the forest area. You need a pass to enter the reserve which you can take before you enter and on subsequent days the front desk organizes the daily pass. Rooms are clean and spacious and even had a refrigerator. Service is also good as they respond to your calls quickly and with a smile. Regarding the food as you cannot go out after 5pm, we were forced to eat at the restaurant where only buffet was available at 500/ head. Food was decent- no complaints though a little pricey. Breakfast was included and was again good. The other good thing is that the boating area is right outside the Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) entrance and the front desk with arrange the tickets for you with a little bit of advance notice ( 2-3 which saves a lot of headache of standing in line etc Swimming pool was well maintained and clean

Decent hotel

Suresh Babu

Aranya Nivas is located inside Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, hence location wise one can have the feel of the jungle. But you are not allowed to walk/travel out of the campus after 5. 30 pm which restricts your stay inside the room. However, the Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) organises cultural events in the evening to make the guests engaged. The other advantage of staying is that the Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) reception will book for your boat ride in periyar lake and elephant ride in the city as per your request so that you can have hassle free rides avoiding long queue. Rooms are good, clean and spacious. We stayed in premium room in ground floor which was very spacious and provided with a verandah. They have a pool and a spa, both are maintained well. Food was average. Overall it was a decent stay compared to other resorts in the thekkady.

Excellent Stay

Thirumurthy

We enjoyed our stay in this Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) and it is really memorable one. The Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) is located within the Tiger Reserve amidst of bird and animal sounds and we enjoyed this picturesque location. The Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) staffs were very cordial and friendly, arranged for the boating in Periyar Lake and the Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) staff guided us until the boat. Although the building is quite old and managed by KTDC, it is well maintained with all required modern amenities with good room service, friendly staffs, bar facilities and nice food. The Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) is very idle for natural lovers and would like to visit again.

Awesome experience & fun in hotel Aranya nivas

V Mohan .

The Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) is in extremely awesome location within the nature. We are lucky to see wild goat, deer, boar in the night next to the Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) fence also in morning had a great walk in the woods with nice nature sound. The rooms (Premium room) was very spacious and very clean. Will give 5 out of 5 for the room. You can't have room service after 10 pm. Coming to the restaurant we are expecting some Kerala spicy food but we are not able to find such dishes. All the dishes are so bland need some improvement in that. The swimming pool is neatly maintained. They will also arrange Boat ride in thekkady for us on request.

Excellent Stay

JAMES OOLUT

Facility was world class. We just completed a European trip covering from London to Rome, 10 countries. This facility was comparable to the best in Europe, even better. The rooms are almost 3 times the size of most European and US Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) rooms and not telling, better than all Aranya Nivas ( KTDC)s I have stayed in the USA. I am US resident for 40 years. People were very professional and courteous. Food was substantially better than European Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) foods and substantially cheaper we could get a full meal. Complementary break fast was excellent about a dozen items to choose from.

Very nice place for family

Jenin Job

Aranya Nivas is a very nice place for family travelers. This is the third time I am going there with my family. It is inside the reserve forest and very near to Boat landing. Hotel will arrange all the bookings for boating, trekking etc. Very tasty food. (I have booked for two meals scheme (dinner and breakfast). I am suggesting this to all. Otherwise food is little costly. Staff are very friendly and willing to help the guests. There is no need of AC rooms in the season time. (Deluxe rooms are not AC - it was not clear in the MMT site).

Amazing property in the middle of the jungle

Tarun Kumar

Aranya Nivas is one of only 3 properties inside the sanctuary and is located near the boat landing. If you are visiting thekkady, you should stay inside the sanctuary at least for a day. Just taking a short walk outside the property early in the morning you can spot a lot of birds and animals. The rooms are clean and well lit. The staff is also quite helpful. Since they have their own boat for the boat ride, you can get tickets even one day in advance if you are staying here. They also have a pool which is well maintained.

Excellent location and nice stay

Manjunath Pai

It is located right inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve and you are guaranteed a boating ticket without the hassles of standing in queue. One has to check-in to the Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) by 5pm and one cannot walk out of the premises after 5:30pm ( instruction by forest department). Food quality is not that great for the vegetarians. They also have beer/wine bar which is a good option. The rooms facilities are good and staff are very courteous. They do arrange variety of programs (trekking, Jeep safari etc. On request.

Breakfast was sufficient

Kannan Sivaswamy

Quick check-in. Called up Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) in advance for boat tickets and we were asked to report before 1. 30pm for filling up forms. Booked a Premium room and wow, the room was quite big (around 300 sq. Ft). Could easily accommodate my family. Bath and fittings were top notch. Swimming pool was clean, but could not use as weather was cold. Staff was courteous and unlike any other government employee. Breakfast was sufficient, tasty and service was good. Made very good Dosa / Pancakes.

Excellent Stay

Dennis Carvalho

Location is very good. Very calm and serene ambiance with the beuatiful Periyar lake just some distance away.

Good location. Inside forest.

Abdul Kalam M M

Its a nice Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) located in the woods. But my visit was at the peak of monsoon and hence animal sighting was not much possible. If some one wish to refresh themselves and live in the lap of nature,breathing mother earth's fresh air, surely this is the best place.

Nice stay & excellent property

Saravana Prakash Kalyanam

Excellent property considering that it is located inside the Periyar reserve forest. You need to get inside the Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) before 5 pm and will not be able to walk out of the Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) after 5. 30 pm as advised by forest department. They have different room options and rooms facing the lake are better. Food quality and buffet spread is good and service quality is also excellent.

The hotel is located on the banks of the lake

Cijent George

Property is classic located inside Periyar wildlife sanctuary spacious rooms very close to boating area please note there is entry exit restrictions after 5. 30 the Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) is located on the banks of the lake with in the reserve forest area

Excellent

Bejoy S

Excellent stay. The view from the Hotel is the only thing that is disappointed. There is no balconies and outside views are not enjoyable from the room. But overall a good spot for spending holidays. Food and services are good. Only premise in the wildlife sanctuary to stay.

excellent location.

Rajesh Ghosh

Swimming pool was under maintenance, didn't know about it.

Good Stay

Arul Vijaykumar

Nice Aranya Nivas ( KTDC). Nice location (only Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) inside the forest) and very spacious rooms, good food and courteous staff. Swimming pool could've been deeper and bigger for a Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) of such stature. Will recommend to anyone who does not mind paying a price for quality.

Fantastic experience & delicious food

Sundeep Vijayaraghavan

Located inside the park, has it's own advantages like being around even after the 5. 30pm. Thats when we were treated to pack of wolves hunting Sambar Deer and Wild Boars on the other side of the lake. The front office were excellent. Arranged all tickets and guided us on the travel to other locations. Down side is the Monkey menace. The management should have grills put on the windows so that it can be left open. Food is simple but delicious.

Value for money

Preethy

Value for money, got a good deal in makemytrip and it was completely worth it. Location is very good. Service is average. Food is excellent. Overall good place to stay. Ask for first floor rooms for better view.

About the hotel

Subasish Mukherjee

The Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) is located inside the forest with good ambience but food is too costly. There is nothing to see in the Pariyar boating. We would recommend not to visit the spice garden on the way to Pariyar.

Excellent Stay

Kolappan

The Aranya Nivas ( KTDC) is located inside the tiger reserve and well maintained. A good stay.

Pleasant, memorable ...

SIDDALINGESH PATIL

It was a great memorable experience. Excellent hospitality. The staff made our stay very comfortable. Location was added benefit in terms of boat ride and nature walk. Spotted Elephant, Wild boars, Sambar deer, Nilgiri langurs, White herons, Snake birds, Cormorants, Giant Malabar Squirrel. Food may need some improvement.

ARANYA NIVAS-JEWEL IN THE Crown of Thekkady

Vineet Gupta

The place "Aranya Nivas" is True to the experience .. It is in the heart of the woods. The staff, food, place and enjoyment had been a amazing. The whole family enjoyed the stay. THE kids played in the pool and had so many activities to do in this place.

Nice location

Sujith Babu Kommineni

Nice location. But one problem is its inside the tiger reserve, and the entry to the tiger reserve is closed at 6pm, So you have to plan your day so that you come back by 6. Room service, staff are good and well behaved. Food is very good and at decent price.

Excellent location

Venkatesa

It was excellent location only challenge is you have to return to room by 5:00 pm, but you can enjoy the place, they have swimming pool inside the resort and also a small play area, beware of lot of monkeys

Recommended for quiet loving travellers

OIndrilla Mukherjee

Great location. If you love quiet, place to be. Note that the reserve forest closes by 5. 30pm. So there is no option for entertainment in the evening. Dinner buffet and breakfast quite good. The room I stayed had lots of lizards, which is not expected from a resort of this standard and price. However, MMP did help in resolving the issue effectively. They have options for all sort of safari . But prices are quite steep

Location of the hotel

Anish

Well located Aranya Nivas ( KTDC), adequate parking available. Room was large with adequate space for extra bed. Clean and well kept, efficient room service. Restaurant can do better, some of the staff seem to be trainees.

Classy hotel for a getaway in wilderness

Roopa Wilson

Excellent Aranya Nivas ( KTDC), staff are exceptionally dedicated, as the entry to the forest reserve closes at 5. 00 pm you will not have any other option for dinner other than the Aranya Nivas ( KTDC)'s restaurant, food is good but priced at the higher side. Good to take a bit of chips etc for your late night bites otherwise gonna take a hit on your restaurant bill.