Periyar Tiger Reserve near Thekkady

Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary (also called Periyar Tiger Reserve) is a fine example of good management of forests. The sanctuary, which was a game reserve, merged with the Forest Department in 1966. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978 under the Project Tiger scheme. In 1982 the core area of the reserve (350 sq. km.) was notified as National Park. The entire Park covers hills and verdant forests extending over an area of 777 sq. km. It will be no exaggeration to say that this Park is one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in India. Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will experience wilderness and abundant wildlife first hand. The uniqueness of this sanctuary is the Periyar lake, an artificial lake, which was created by damming the Periyar River a century ago.

The open grasslands are home to a magnificent variety of animals - the elephant, the bison, Gaur, Sambar deer, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri langur, Bonnet macaque, Lion-tailed macaque leopards, Jungle cats, Wild dogs and most importantly the tiger. An estimated 40 tigers inhabit the Reserve. Other animals are bears, Porcupine, Jackal, Indian Giant Squirrel, Malabar flying squirrel, Wild boar, small Indian Civet, Mongoose and the Pangolins. The tiger is the main predator in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Periyar Tiger Reserve is also rich in bird life. Birds such as Malabar Hornbills, Grey heron, Jungle fowl and Jungle Mynah are some among the 266 species of birds which are residents of this forest range.

Mayapot Bungalow – near Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady)

The only reason to be here is to be truly yourself, away from the world of "maya" in a home called Mayapot….the mystical point……..This home is literally built on a rock and takes in the strengths of nature to be its foundation. The unique feature of Mayapott is that it is re-created entirely out of chiseled rock from the region. Not a single rock has been removed from its original position. There are rock protrusions in every room and the en suite bathrooms are all open-to-sky.

This home is literally built on a rock and takes in the strengths of nature to be its foundation. The unique feature of Mayapott is that it is re-created entirely out of chiseled rock from the region. Not a single rock has been removed from its original position. There are rock protrusions in every room and the en suite bathrooms are all open-to-sky.

This unique plantation hideout features two fully furnished bedrooms and one villa suite room, a two bed private spa, dining area on a covered bridge, common fire-place and a reading room and 100 acres of lush green cardamom plantation where privacy will be the password for nature lovers to relax, rejuvenate and refresh and for honey manners to get lost in their own world of dreams, romance and playful mischief. Attached bathrooms have a natural ambience too. All the rooms have view of the plantation and the mesmerizing stream, music of birds, aroma of cardamom, wild flowers and the list goes on…

The only reason to be here is to be truly yourself, away from the world of "maya" in a home called Mayapott….the mystical point……..

Context of Mayapot

Set amidst 100 acres of cardamom plantation, Mayapott is built around a huge rock, which was used as a resting point for hunters. Legend has it that the bonfire around which they rested was a safe refuge from the herd of wild elephants that raged the area.

The house rests in the “chekuthanmala” (devils rock) valley with views from the house facing the hills all around.

The rainforest canopy, the floor of which houses the cardamom plantation, provides the serene setting for Mayapott.

A stream flows under the bridge that connects the two portions of the house, which is quite an delightful sight during the rains. The area also houses the huge pond that has been used as a storage tank for irrigating the plantation.

Unique nature of Mayapot

Built entirely out of chiseled rock from the region, the structure is unique in the fact that little cement is used to bond the building rocks together (no cause for concern since there is strong skeleton that holds up the structure). Each rock was painstakingly templated on to the other and the structure took more than 2 full years to be completed.

The wood (‘mullu venga’) that is used around the house is of a special variety and can with stand wet weather for years together.

Cuisine

• Traditional Kerala food along with Indian & continental food is served at homely atmosphere. The food ingredients are sourced from the local village market so as to serve fresh and reduce carbon foot print as you travel. Our Guests are most welcome to experiment their own recipes or make surprises for their loved ones. Let it be a simple appetizing salad or a yummy sinful dessert!
  
  
• Barbeques can be organized on request with tailor made menu.
  
  
• A special candle lit dinner is another attraction or must not miss in your wish list while you are at Mayapott

Extra / person on MAP – Euro 40/-/- Children above 6 years of age is considered as extra person .