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The Periyar Wildlife sanctuary is located in the Periyar Forests of Thekkady very close to the spice plantations. The sanctuary is one of the finest in the country and was declared as a Tiger Reserve in 1978 to protect and conserve the Tiger. The sanctuary is home to more than 40 tigers and 800 elephants. Apart from this there are other species of terrestrial, aquatic and arboreal animals, rare species of birds and plants. The Periyar Lake in the midst of the sanctuary is the main attraction for the tourists. There are facilities for boating in the lake. A boat ride is the best way to view wildlife. Other wildlife enthusiasts also undertake nature treks, wildlife safaris and walks through the spice gardens. There are a number of hotels and resorts in and around Thekkady where the guests can stay and enjoy the flora and fauna of the place.

Spice village hotel Thekkady is a popular haunt for the tourists. It is one of the finest hotels of the CGH group of hotels located in the picturesque land of Thekkady in the neighborhood of the sanctuary. The hotel comprises of 52 independent cottages that are built in the traditional tribal style of architecture. The original inhabitants of these hills were the Mannans and Oorali tribes who even to date, carry out their age-old practices of herding and bee-keeping. They live in tree houses or huts with thatched roofs made of elephant grass and bamboo. The cottages in Spice Village are re-created in the traditional design. The rooms are spacious and luxurious with wooden chairs and beds, terracotta floorings and whitewashed walls. The bathrooms are a sharp contrast to the rustic ones. They have running water coming from solar panels. Guests can relax in the luxurious bathtubs after a tough jungle trek. Each cottage has a garden and allows stunning views of the nearby plantations. The Ayurveda facility at the hotel is comprehensive. More and more guests are opting for specialist Ayurveda packages and yoga classes during their stay at Spice Village. Apart from these, the hotel also has facilities of swimming pool, woodhouse bar and recreation center, doctor-on-call and cultural center which has music and dance programs for the guests in the evenings. One is sure to get carried away in the luxury of Spice Village hotel, Thekkady.