ELEPHANT VALLEY KODAIKANAL

How to reach

It is 20 km from Kodaikanal. From Perumalmalai junction (12 km from Kodaikanal), take the road to Palani. After two km, turn left to Ganeshpuram village. Cross Pethupari and follow the hotel’s sign boards for about 8km till you reach the property. Distance from Coimbatore is 181 km, from Madurai 120 km and from Dindigul 98 km.

Things to do

Take a walk though organic farms and fruit and vegetable gardens. Don’t forget your binoculars as the place boasts more than 100 species of winged visitors. Go for horse riding, bamboo rafting or trekking. Get to know about coffee cultivation or climb the mountain looking for dolmens.

Tariff

Depends on size and location of the cottages (near the stream, on a hillock or tree-top or the tent house).

The cost ranges from Rs. 3,300 to Rs. 7,200/- for two adults (extra person Rs. 800/-), Children between 5 and 14years Rs. 400/- each. Breakfast is complimentary.

Lunch and dinner cost Rs. 500/- a person. An a la carte menu is also available.

For enquiries: Call -04542-230399 /92441 03418. 

News gathered from a tourism channel.

ARANYA

KALLAR, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

Getting there

Aranya is on the Thiruvananthapuram-Ponmudi Road, about 44 km from the city.

It is 7 km after Vithura.

It is near to Sundari Madam’s house at Vattakayam Junction.

Things to do

Travel 25 km from Nedumangad to see the heritage Koyikkal Palace, which also has a folklore museum and a numismatic museum.

The entry to Meenmutty Falls is a 10- minute walk. Take a pass and the competent forest guides take you on the 45 minute trek to the pristine waterfalls.

Take a book and lounge in the sit-out to read and watch the changing moods of the day reflected in the hills.

Wade in the river, make paper boats and the cover the child in you.

Dip your tired feet in the river for a free massage and pedicure.

Explore the picturesque Golden valley, beyond the river, which is crisscrossed with streams and weathered rocks. Peppara Dam, (12 km), Aruvikkara Dam, (37 km) where you can feel swarms of fish near an ancient temple and Neyyar Dam (30 km) are other attractions.

Tariff

Rs. 2,750/- per day for the entire house.
Rs. 1,750/- per day for each bedroom.

THE WOODS ARE LOVELY

DUKE’ FOREST LODGE- Nedumangadu, Near Thiruvananthapuram

How to get there:

The resort is 48 km from Thiruvananthapuram on the Ponmudi Road.

Things to do:

Go trekking in the reserve forest adjacent to the property; get a guided tour of a working plantation. Ayurveda treatments at the spa; indulge in rafting, fishing and swimming in the Kallar river. Visit the hill station of Ponmudi less than 18 km away and the Upper Golden Valley waterfalls. The Peppara Wildlife sanctuary and Bonakkad tea estate are also nearby. Arippa-Sankhili is a great place for bird-watching and Chittippara for rock-climbing.

Tariff:

Independent pool villa Rs. 6500/-
Pool side villa Rs. 4500/-
Standard Rooms Rs. 4500/-
Single Occupancy 10% less on tariff.

For reservations: Phone: 0472-2859272/73/74

www.dukesforest.com

The news gathered from a daily news paper.

A ROOM WITH A VIEW

CONTOUR JUNGLE RESORT-KONNI

HOW TO GET THERE

Konni is a 150 km drive from Kochi airport, via Alappuzha, Changanacherry

THINGS TO DO

There are trekking opportunities galore, as also rock climbing.

Kattathipara in Kokathodu, a few km away, has huge rocks and boulders famous for their triple-echo effect.

Visit the picturesque Anakoodu at Konni where wild elephants are tamed/

Visit the ancient forest temples-Achankovil, Aluvankudi and Parakulam.

Trek to the Kumbhavuruthy waterfalls and the Palaruvi waterfalls.

TARIFF

Cottages are available at Rs. 2,500/- plus 15% tax.

For details and reservations, call-0468-22497, 0481-2421214

E mail: sales@contourresorts.com

The details are gathered from a news paper