Uncover the Secrets of Olive Periyar, Thekkady's Hidden Gem!
Uncover the Secrets of Olive Periyar: My Thekkady Adventure (Messy, Honest, and Totally Worth It!)
Okay, buckle up, folks. This isn't your glossy travel brochure review. This is my experience at Olive Periyar, Thekkady's supposed ‘hidden gem.’ And let me tell you, it was a journey. A slightly chaotic, occasionally frustrating, but ultimately glorious journey.
Metadata First, Because Apparently That's Important (and I Don't Want to Get Kicked to the Digital Curb):
- Keywords: Olive Periyar, Thekkady, Kerala, Hotel Review, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Accessibility, Family Friendly, Adventure, Travel Blog, India, Periyar National Park
- Meta Description: My brutally honest review of Olive Periyar in Thekkady, Kerala. Find out about accessibility, food, facilities, and my overall experience. It’s not always pretty, but it’s real! Prepare for some rambles… and maybe a little love.
Arrival & Initial Impressions: The Good, the Okay, and the OMG-Did-I-Pack-Enough-Sunscreen?
So, we (me and my perpetually-stressed-but-loving partner, Sarah) rolled into Thekkady after a hair-raising (literally!) taxi ride. The drive itself was part of the adventure, winding through spice plantations… enough to make you appreciate the work of a good driver, I can't stress it enough. The hotel, nestled amidst lush greenery, immediately charmed us. (Rating: 8/10 for the initial ‘wow’ factor.)
Accessibility:
Now, I have to be honest – I didn't check the accessibility details properly beforehand, which was a mistake. While they do have an elevator, and a few facilities for disabled guests, it wasn’t perfect. The paths weren't always smooth, and some of the common areas felt a little… challenging. And, on a side note, although it has the amenities and is listed for facilities for disabled guests, I didn't see a concrete wheelchair accessible room listed specifically. (Rating: 6/10 - Room for significant improvement!)
Rooms & Amenities: Comfort Meets… Confusion
Our room was, well, a room. Air conditioning? Check. Free Wi-Fi? Double-check! It was nice to have Internet access – wireless in the room. Blackout curtains? Saved my life from the merciless Indian sun. But honestly, the mirror was a bit wonky, which threw me off every time – I can't stand a distorted reflection. And, there were a few times the hot water took ages to kick in. They all had bathrobes – nice. But the slippers were a bit too small. (Rating: 7/10 - Good bones, needs a little TLC.)
The Spa & Relaxation: A Serene Oasis…with a Twist
The spa, oh my god, the spa! Sarah and I booked a couple's massage, and it was sublime. The massage itself was heavenly. The staff were incredibly friendly and professional. After, we had access to the sauna, and steamroom, which was a bonus! (Rating: 10/10 for the massage experience!)
The pool with a view was also pretty special. I spent far too much time lounging there (and getting a sunburn despite my best efforts). I also tried a body scrub and body wrap, which were good, but nothing particularly outstanding. I was hoping to relax, and I did, mostly…
Poolside bar: The poolside bar served up some delicious cocktails, definitely helped me relax into vacation mode.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: A Culinary Adventure… and Possible Bellyache
The restaurant situation was, let's say, varied. The Asian breakfast, and Western breakfast were both decent. the breakfast takeaway service was nice for the early trip. I loved the coffee/tea selection, too. The buffet was extensive: A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, I mean, you could eat until your stomach exploded.
The downside? Well, let's just say I may or may not have had a slight incident involving a particularly potent curry and a restless night. And, I am fairly certain I needed some Pepto Bismol at for the ride. I tried the room service [24-hour], which was convenient after a long day. (Rating: Varied – 7/10, with a sub-rating of 5/10 for the culinary consequences.)
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Relatively Safe
Daily disinfection in common areas was a relief, and the hand sanitizer stations were everywhere. It was a little reassuring. I didn’t need the doctor/nurse on call, or first aid kit, which was good. They also had anti-viral cleaning products, which gave a general sense of cleanliness. (Rating: 9/10 – Feeling safe and reassured)
Things to Do & Getting Around: Adventures Await… and Taxis are Expensive
The hotel was great for letting us just chill, but it's also close to the Periyar National Park. Exploring the jungle was an unforgettable experience so definitely go.
The taxi service was available, but… expensive. While they offered car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site], the airport transfer was costly. (Rating: 8/10 - Beautiful location, but plan your transport budget carefully.)
Services & Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Odd
The concierge desk was helpful. Daily housekeeping was a blessing. Finding an on-site event hosting venue could be useful for you. I used the laundry service, but it was a little pricey. I did appreciate the elevator and there was an availability of facilities for disabled guests. (Rating: 7/10 - Efficient, but not always exceptional.)
For the Kids:
They had babysitting service, and I saw a few families around, so it seems to be family/child friendly. (Rating: Not applicable to me, but I saw other families content.)
The Quirks and Imperfections: It's What Makes It Memorable
- The elevator, as mentioned, was a bit temperamental.
- The Wi-Fi – while technically free – could occasionally lose you to the void of the internet.
- The soundproof rooms didn't always seem to work, as I could hear the party in the room next door.
- The breakfast in room was good, and breakfast takeaway service was awesome when we were in a hurry.
- The bottle of water was a lifesaver, but I wish they left more.
Final Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Yes. Absolutely, I would. Despite the minor hiccups and the occasional stomach rumbling, Olive Periyar holds a special place in my memory. It’s not perfect, it's not flawless, but it’s real. It has charm, it has beauty, and it has the potential to create some truly unforgettable memories.
So, if you're looking for a polished, perfect hotel experience, maybe look elsewhere. But if you're seeking adventure, a touch of chaos, and a genuinely lovely stay, Olive Periyar is worth a shot. Just pack some Pepto-Bismol, keep your expectations realistic, and embrace the imperfections. You might just fall in love with the place - just like I did (eventually).
(Overall Rating: 8/10 – Because no trip is ever truly perfect, and that's part of the fun!)
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Thekkady Tango: A Messy, Emotional Romp Through Olive Periyar
Okay, so I'm finally getting around to writing this, mostly because the mosquito bites are finally fading. Thekkady. Olive Periyar. India. Sounds exotic, right? Well, it is exotic. And also, at times, utterly chaotic. Here's the lowdown, folks. Prepare for a wild ride because my meticulous planning went right out the window somewhere between the airport and a rogue monkey trying to steal my banana.
Day 1: Arrival, Confusion, and that Damned Spice Farm
- Morning (aka the pre-sunrise hustle): Landed in Kochi. Good start, relatively smooth flight (aside from the guy next to me who was convinced the plane was going down…every five minutes). The airport felt like a sauna, which, I suppose, is a good warm-up for the heat to come.
- Transportation Terror (aka the Drive of Doom): Pre-booked a car service, thank god. Driving in Kerala is… an experience. Let's just say, the horn is the main instrument. Roads are a suggestion, lane markings are purely decorative. The driver, bless his heart, seemed to have a sixth sense for avoiding cyclists and rogue cows. The three-hour drive to Thekkady felt more like a demolition derby. I may have aged a decade.
- Afternoon: Checking in, then chaos at the Spice Farm: Olive Periyar. Pretty place. The room was nice enough, slightly damp (apparently, the humidity is a persistent feature). I dropped my bags and immediately needed… something. COFFEE. And a stiff drink.
- First mistake: The Spice Farm. Oh, the Spice Farm. I'd heard it was touristy, but this was a whole other level. Guided tour, lots of aggressively friendly sales pitches, the smell of cloves and cinnamon punched me in the face. I felt like a lab rat. My guide, bless him, kept telling me what "this will cure". I just wanted to look at the spices. I learned far too much about the supposed medicinal properties of ginger (which I'm pretty sure they said could cure everything). I left feeling like I'd been force-fed a spice-infused sales pitch and clutching a small, overpriced jar of cardamom, wondering if it'd actually turn me immortal.
- Quirky Observation: The sheer number of "selfie spots" at the spice farm was truly remarkable. Everywhere you looked, someone was attempting to photograph themselves with a pepper plant. It made me wonder if the main attraction was actually Instagram validation.
- Emotional Reaction: I was overwhelmed by the sales pressure. I felt like a walking dollar sign. And the smell of the spices? It was good for like 2 minutes. Then it was just… a lot.
- Evening: Dinner and the Early Bedtime (aka the inevitable tiredness): Ended the evening with a simple dinner at the hotel (chicken curry, fantastic). Crashed early. The humidity had claimed me. Jet lag was making me see little fuzzy spots.
Day 2: The Periyar Tiger Reserve: Bears, Monkeys, and a Boat Trip (Possibly my favorite day)
- Morning: Waking up to the Jungle. Amazing: The forest around was so lush and green and beautiful. Even the humidity couldn't dampen my mood. The thought of seeing tigers was exhilarating.
- Periyar Tiger Reserve (Boat Trip): This was the highlight, full stop. The boat trip on the Periyar Lake was breathtaking. This didn't feel like the spice farm at all. The boat cut through the calm water, the air was crisp, and monkeys swung through the trees along the shore. No Tigers, but who cares? The whole atmosphere of being on this water was amazing.
- Anecdote: Saw a family of elephants, absolutely massive, drinking at the water's edge. My entire existence felt at peace watching them.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated joy. It's hard to describe. To look at these animals in their natural habitat, it's a moment of pure, unfiltered bliss. It was, for lack of a better word, magical.
- Quirky Observation: The boat driver had a collection of local wildlife facts that he probably reeled out a million times. I wouldn't be surprised if by the end of the trip, he even understood the animals' language.
- The Other side: After the boat trip, we went for a hike back behind the reserve.
- Imperfection: I got bitten by something. We were warned about the risks.
- Afternoon: Lunch and a Realization: I had lunch at the hotel after a very successful morning, but my mood was broken when I got something.
- Evening: The Fireflies: After an early dinner, I decided to go for a walk around the hotel. It's always the simplest things. I decided to take a stroll through the jungle, and the thing you can't quite prepare yourself for. I wish I could remember. It got messy.
Day 3: Thekkady Town, Unplanned Adventures, and a Moment of Serenity (Then Back to the Chaos)
- Morning: Thekkady Town: Decided to brave Thekkady town. Chaos. Pure, unadulterated chaos. Rickshaws vying for space with scooters, the air thick with dust and the sounds of honking.
- Imperfection: Went to a shop, got ripped off. Lesson learned: haggle like your life depends on it (which, in this case, it kind of did, financially).
- Afternoon: The Elephant Ride Debate and the Tea Shop:
- Rant: I had a dilemma. Should I go on an elephant ride? I'd done some research, and ethical concerns made me feel terrible. So, I skipped it..
- Serene Tea: Instead, wandered into a tiny tea shop. The owner, was old, had tea hands. I'm telling you. I sat, drinking the tea, and watching the chaos go by. A perfect balance to the rest of the day.
- Evening: Dinner and… more food?: I found a local restaurant, and had some great food.
- Emotional Reaction: This day was a rollercoaster. I had moments of pure joy, and moments of abject consumerism. It was exhausting, but in a good way. I was starting to settle in.
Day 4: Departure (and the Drive of Doom, Part II)
- Morning: The Final Breakfast: Enjoyed one last breakfast. The staff at the hotel had become very friendly. A feeling of genuine sadness.
- Transportation Hell (again): The drive back to Kochi airport was, if anything, worse. Maybe because I knew what to expect. Perhaps the driver was in a particularly competitive mood. I spent most of the journey clinging for dear life to my seat.
- Imperfection: The car broke down on the side of the road. Luckily the driver had experience.
- Afternoon: Goodbye to India: At the airport, I bought a bunch of spices.
Conclusion:
Thekkady was a whirlwind. One moment I was breathing in the intoxicating beauty of the Periyar Lake, the next I was being harassed to buy something. It was a constant barrage of new sensations, smells, sights, and sounds. Exhausting? Absolutely. But would I do it again? In a heartbeat. Even if I had to endure the spice farm, the over enthusiastic salesmen, and the drive of doom. Because hidden within the chaos was a beauty I'll never forget. And I'm pretty sure I'll be tasting the flavours, memories and spices for the rest of my life.
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Uncover the Secrets of Olive Periyar: Thekkady's Hidden Gem! (Or, You Know, *My* Take)
Okay, spill it. Is Olive Periyar *really* as amazing as everyone says?
Alright, alright, settle down, you eager beavers! "Amazing," huh? Well, that depends. Depends on your definition of "amazing." If "amazing" means "a place where I almost got eaten by a rogue elephant (kidding…mostly)," then YES. If "amazing" means "flawless luxury with robot butlers," then NO. Olive Periyar… it's an experience. And like any experience, it comes with its share of quirks and… well, let's just say *memorable* moments.
The truth is, it's *pretty damn good*. Nestled away in Thekkady, far from the usual tourist clamor, it lets you breathe. You’re surrounded by lush greenery, the scent of spices… heaven. I swear, I could *feel* my stress melting away, right up until the point I saw that aforementioned elephant (not really rogue, but… he was *close*).
It’s like a rustic, charming old house that someone’s actually lived in, with all the little imperfections that make it truly lovable. Maybe a leaky roof, a slightly erratic shower, a staff member who *maybe* forgot to book your jeep safari (yes, that happened to me!). But the view? The food? The overall energy? Absolutely worth it. Just be prepared for a little adventure.
What's the "vibe" like? Is it romantic? Family-friendly? Backpackery?
Okay, picture this: You're chilling on a veranda, maybe sipping a chai (if you're lucky, because sometimes the tea service is a little… slow), and the mists are rolling in over the hills. It’s *definitely* got a romantic vibe, perfect for a getaway with your sweetheart. I saw a proposal there, actually. (I was so busy trying not to stare at them, the poor couple, that I nearly tripped over a rogue sandal.)
But. And this is a big BUT. It's also family-friendly. I saw kids running around, laughing, and generally making a delightful racket. So, not necessarily *quiet* romance. If you need absolute silence, maybe reconsider. Backpackers? Hmm, not really. It's more… upscale rustic, shall we say? Comfortable, clean, but not shedding-your-gear-and-sleeping-in-a-hammock kind of place. Think "luxury with a touch of wilderness."
The vibe? Overall, it’s relaxed. Unpretentious. A place where you can actually unwind and reconnect with yourself, or your partner, or… well, whatever (or whomever) you’re with. Unless, of course, the elephant decides to pay you a visit… then, all bets are off on the relaxing. Consider that a pro tip.
The food! Tell me about the FOOD! (Because I'm *always* thinking about food...)
Oh, the food. Okay, deep breaths. The food is… *incredible*. Truly. Keralan cuisine at its finest, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. They're not messing around with bland tourist food here. Forget that stuff.
Imagine: fragrant curries, fluffy appams, freshly caught fish, and spices that explode in your mouth. The breakfast buffet? Lord have mercy. I may have *accidentally* eaten my weight in idli. And the dinner? Forget about it. They have this fish… oh, the fish! It was grilled, perfectly seasoned, and I swear, I think I moaned with every bite.
Now, a small confession: I’m a vegetarian, generally, but I *did* sample a little of the fish, and I've never forgiven myself. It's that good. But the vegetarian options were also amazing; so don't feel like you are missing out. Prepare to loosen your belt. And maybe bring some antacids, just in case. (I’m not a doctor, but trust me on this one.) Prepare to gain weight, but feel good about it.
What activities are there? Is there anything to *do* besides eat and…chill?
Okay, so, yes, you *can* spend your entire vacation eating and chilling. And honestly, I wouldn't blame you! But there's also plenty to do. And this is where my (ahem) "organised travel" skills were put to the test.
There are nature walks, spice plantation tours (highly recommended, you'll learn *so much* about where your food comes from), jeep safaris (see elephant comment above), boating on the Periyar Lake (beautiful, but watch out for the… well, you get the idea), and… well, relaxing. Did I mention relaxing? Because it's a big part of the program.
Plan ahead! Book those activities in advance, especially if you're travelling during peak season. (And ask the staff to double-check your bookings. Just saying.) I learned that the hard way. Luckily, the nature walk wound up being amazing anyway, and I got to see (a safe distance from!) a herd of wild elephants (different to my almost-ate-me acquaintance.)
And again, breathe. Enjoy the moment. Don’t forget to pack good walking shoes. Your butt will thank you.
The Rooms? What are they like?!
The rooms… hmmm. They are nice. Actually, more than nice. They're comfortable, spacious, and often have a balcony with a killer view. This is the "luxury" part of "luxury with a touch of wilderness."
I stayed at what was called "Cottage View," and, well, let's just say I spent a lot of time on that balcony. The rooms are well-appointed, with all the usual amenities – not a robot butler, but a very friendly "room service" type, who brought me tea every morning. (See, they redeem themselves!)
They're not minimalist chic. Think cozy, with lots of wood and local touches. The beds are comfy, the bathrooms are clean (a *major* win), and the air conditioning works! (Important! Being in the jungle can get surprisingly hot.) Be sure to close your windows at night. Trust me. Those monkeys are sneaky, and they love to steal oranges. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Are there *any* downsides to staying at Olive Periyar? Be honest!
Okay, okay, I'm not going to sugarcoat it completely. Nothing is perfect.
The service, while generally friendly, can be a *little* slow at times. OrdersStay Mapped
