Thekkady, KeralaOur Story
Along the eastern border of Kerala lie the fabled Cardamom Hills, a stretch of mountains and valleys that plays host to the Periyar Wildlife Reserve. And within this vast expanse of untamed lush greenery lies the adventure you seek, whatever it may be. We believe in giving you the freedom to choose the kind of adventure you want to try. Our proximity to the reserve allows us to act as your base camp at the edge of the wild. At the reserve itself, you’ll find a variety of activities to take part in. From full-day treks along the border of the reserve and bamboo rafting across the timid waters of a lake for those who seek a bit of thrill for their getaway to short nature walks
and birdwatching tours deep within the forest for those seeking a more relaxed way to explore these lands, rediscover your love for nature at your own pace, all from your gateway into the wild. At Wildernest, we give you wings to choose the type of adventure you want, and this freedom of choice is captured in our logo, featuring the Great Pied Hornbill, the state bird of Kerala. You can find us nestled along the stretch of road that leads to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, where your journey into the natural world begins. So, take flight and explore the untamed beauty of the Periyar, knowing you have a comfortable nest waiting for you at The Wildernest.
Rooms & Living Spaces
Like a nest made of natural materials, The Wildernest is crafted with locally sourced resources like timber from nearby hillside cardamom plantations. Our spacious stone and brick structures are all natural materials and blend perfectly with the wilderness all around us. Our rooms are some of the biggest in Thekkady and we have designed each room so that no two rooms look and feel the same.
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Location & Experiences
Periyar is 925 sq. km of rugged wilderness. The forests are tropical, a mixture of deciduous, semi-evergreen, and evergreen, relieved by patches of grassland. This breathtaking variety is echoed in the fauna too.
You’ll find spectacular herds of wild elephant roaming free, along with astonishingly diverse species of primates, birds, and tropical woodland animals. By the way, there’s a reason why local guides know the wildlife so well. They used to poach it. Until the government convinced them to go straight, that is. So, rest assured, you’re in the hands of experts!
Cuisine & Dining
Our menu at Wildernest Café takes inspiration from nature to offer you cuisine that is both healthy and tasty. Our café offers all-time favourites like dosas, wraps, sandwiches, salads, and a variety of beverages, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. We also encourage you to savour the authentic local cuisine available from the excellent restaurants nearby that we’ll gladly recommend upon request—all just a few minutes’ walk from The Wildernest.
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Our People
When you live away from the bustling city streets and closer to the edge of the wilderness, you begin to believe in the simple pleasures of life like comfortable beds, fresh sheets, and a hearty breakfast. But that’s just the beginning. The real magic? It’s knowing that you’re taken care of like you’re at home despite being a stone’s throw away from the breathtaking beauty of the Periyar.
Our dedicated team is here to ensure your stay is as comfortable and memorable as possible. Need an extra pillow? Want an early breakfast? Need a packed snack for your adventure? Just ask. We're a family here, and we take care of our own.
Want to learn more about the history of the land? Or discover the best local eateries? Our team can help you with that too. And if you're feeling adventurous and want to explore the nearby markets for souvenirs, one of our friendly staff members will gladly accompany you.
So, relax, unwind, and let us take care of the rest. The adventure you seek, whatever kind it may be, awaits in the heart of the Periyar.
learn moreOur Planet, Our Community, Our Responsibility
Staying true to our love for nature, we are very conscious of how we impact the environment. To minimise our carbon footprint, we have installed energy-efficient solar panels for heating water and treat our water using an anaerobic STP, which has a green rating from the Kerala State Pollution Control Board. We hope you'll join us in our efforts to preserve the natural ecology of the Periyar.
Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond our operations. We employ local staff and source our meals locally, delivered fresh in traditional tiffin boxes. We hope you'll join us in our efforts to preserve the natural ecology of the Periyar and leave behind a positive impact on the community and the environment.
Getting Here
By AIR
The nearest airport is Madurai, which is 146 km from The Wildernest. For added convenience, we offer an airport shuttle service at an additional charge.
By ROAD
The nearest airport is Madurai, which is 146 km from The Wildernest. For added convenience, we offer an airport shuttle service at an additional charge.
By RAIL
To reach us by rail, you have two options – Theni (Tamil Nadu) about 60 km away and Kottayam (Kerala) about 114 km away.
And the last mile…
When you get off the Kumily main road and take the short road leading to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, keep an eye out on your left. You’ll be here in a minute if you’re driving, and in 5 if you’re walking. You can’t miss us.
Do reach out to us when you start planning. We can help you figure out the best way to reach us.
Get In Touch With Us
The Wildernest
Lake Road, Thekkady,
Kumily, Kerala 685509
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