Ktdc Lake Palace Thekkady

The Lake Palace is a charming resort, located as it is in the Western Ghats and near to the centre of the manmade lake that was created by the flooding of the valley surrounding the Periyar river when constructing the nearby Mullaperiar Dam. Built in 1927 it really was a small summer palace, originally for the King of Travancore and later given over for the use of the British Governors of the area. An unusual feature of this lake being the trunks of teak trees, which were left ***** the banks of the old river and now protrude from the water, making ideal perches for resting birds such as egrets and kingfishers that feed off the lake. Set in the heart of a very large wildlife reserve that is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, bison deer and monkeys. Plus a host of other species that I will not name here. While sitting peacefully in the garden of the Lake Palace is quite normal to see families of various animals grazing on the land between jungle and water and also sometimes see, as we did, a family of elephants swim across from one bank to the opposite side, before going on their way. We also saw deer make a similar journey, but in a different part of the landscape. One item that I do recommend that you bring with you to this place, is a good pair of binoculars. Tigers are of course rather elusive but it is not uncommon to hear one roar and elephants trumpet at night. There were reports of an early morning kill of a bison by a tiger that had happened recently within sight of the hotel, also there are the remains of a bison skeleton, the skull with horns being plainly visible that was killed and eaten within the past year or so. If you are adventurous there are jungle walks that can be arrange as well as complementary daily boat rides where there is another chance of seeing more wildlife. As to the hotel itself, well, access is only by boat from the sister KTDC Aranya Nivas hotel which is located at the last point in the wildlife sanctuary that can be reached by road. Aranya Nivas is also a useful pit stop that can be returned to at times during your stay because, firstly there is no wi-fi at the Lake Palace and also because you would need to be taken either there or to the park gates to take part in any of the guided walks or have an ayurvenda massage. The hotel only has six rooms and although is rating is 3* the old traditional style of them is charming and the rooms are large and comfortable, with spacious outdoor terraces that have 4 easy chairs and 2 tables that you can relax on at your leisure.. The restaurant too is a joy, the food is plentiful and varied and the management do their best to cater to every guest’s tastes. The service is both very good and very friendly. We really enjoyed our calm and relaxed stay at this quite unique hotel.

A wonderful stay in beautiful colonial style rooms which are clean and comfortable. The setting is superb. After the tour boats had gone home for the day we saw a family of wild elephants grazing with their babies. The food was also perfect, showcasing the cuisine of Kerala. The guys on the boats were very helpful in pointing out the wildlife. We would recommend a special trip to see the lake palace.

We had a wonderful family vacation at Lake Palace Thekkady. One of a kind experience. Excellence ambiance, great hospitality and delicious food. Staff was very polite and gentle. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip. It was really worth it! Superb

Its a peaceful place to stay with nature all around and has only 6 rooms. Located in the middle of the lake and you are able to leave the rooms between 7.30 am (First boat of the day) and last boat to get back to the room is at 3.30 pm from the main land. During the day, boat leaves the room couple of times. There are no activities at this island. All activities are at the main land. Food is great, stay includes 3 meals a day. Most of the time lunch will be missed, if we go to the main land for any activities, it's hard to come back for lunch. We are from Tamil Nadu, we requested south Indian Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian food. It tasted like home cooked meal. The place is maintained by the Government. For a property maintained by Govt, they have excellent service. No Internet or phone service. Check in has to be before 3 pm, last boat to the hotel leaves at 3.30 pm. It's a quiet place for a relaxed vacation. Most of the activities KTDC offers and other activities available in the area are restricted by the timings of the first and last boat to the "Lake Palace". The park area closes for guests at 5 pm and guests staying within the park has nothing to do past 5 pm, other than staying in the hotel. If we want to enjoy this place, plan activities within the park based on boat timings. There is also another accommodation within the park called "Aranya Nivas", where activities can extend till 5 pm. We were able to see wild animals and lots of birds during our 2 day stay. Staff were extremely helpful and the park is clean and maintained very well.

located inside the periyar lake on an island, its a beautiful located property by ktdc. the process of booking and then reaching is super smooth. you get excellent service throughout. the rooms were beautiful, huge and very comfortable. no mobile network or wifi except bsnl. surrounded by nature and wildlife this place is perfect for digital detox, relaxing, talking with people instead of being on your mobile. definitely would recommend

This is one of a place where you can experience Palace stay, Jungle Stay No wifi stay and No disturbance stay. This place is surrounded by water( lake) hence no approach by outsiders to disturb your privacy. Room was very cool with only fan and no AC . Felt like AC was on when Kerala temp was 42+ . Nice view from room. We saw Elephants and bison from our room and also during our breakfast next day. No need to go on boat trip to see animals as it is seen in the property itself. We saw deers as well as group of monkeys in the evening. Nice photo opportunity. Food was ok. Kerala style. Non veg dishes chicken 65. , fish curry were tasty. Morning breakfast poori was good, dosa was not that great. Staff was very good, humble and service was superb. Aranya Nivas KTDC hotel near boat jetty staff was very welcoming. They help you to board the boat to lake palace. Cons: Cobwebs in ceiling and other areas are noticeable. Day time some flies were which irritates your eyes. Seasonal they say. All in all a good stay