Escape to Lush Acres Periyar: India's Untamed Paradise Awaits!

Escape to Lush Acres Periyar: India's Untamed Paradise Awaits!
Escape to Lush Acres Periyar: My Honest-to-God, Jungle-Adventures Review (with Wi-Fi, thank God!)
Okay, so you’re thinking of heading to the Periyar forests? You've stumbled upon Escape to Lush Acres Periyar, and you're wondering if it’s the real deal. Look, I'm a seasoned traveler, seen my share of "untamed paradises" (usually involving lukewarm showers and a healthy dose of mosquitos), and let me tell you, this place is intriguing. I'm going to give you the messy, honest truth, warts and all, because let's be real, travel guides are always rainbows and unicorns, and real life is more of a muddy elephant trail.
Accessibility… and the Elephant in the Room (Mostly Positive!)
First things first: Accessibility. Look, India isn't exactly known for its perfect ramps and elevators, but I was pleasantly surprised. They do say they have Facilities for disabled guests, and the good news is, much of the main area is surprisingly navigable. Not a perfectly smooth ride, mind you – a bit of a bumpy road, but manageable. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, so I can't swear by every inch, but it looked promising. Elevator is a definite plus!
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Hmm, this is where things get a little hazy. I can't definitively say "yes" across the board. The main Restaurant and Bar are generally accessible, but navigating around during peak times with crowds can be a bit tricky. Definitely ask the front desk before you go.
The Internet… Because Let's Be Honest, We Need It!
Alright, people! The Internet situation. Let's face it, in the middle of the jungle, connectivity is a survival skill. And Escape to Lush Acres gets it. Huge thumbs up for Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (hallelujah!) And it’s actually decent. Not lightning-fast, mind you, but hey, you're not meant to be glued to your screen all day, right? Still, having Internet access – wireless and in-room Internet access – LAN when you do need to check emails or post that stunning sunset photo is a lifesaver. I personally was able to Video call with a friend - which, for me, is a big deal.
Things to Do & Ways to (Sort of) Relax
This is where Escape to Lush Acres truly shines. It's all about the experience.
- Swimming Pool: The outdoor Swimming pool [outdoor] is stunning! With a fantastic Pool with a view, it's amazing!
- Spa/Sauna: They've got a proper Spa, with all the trimmings: Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Steamroom,
- Gym/fitness: if you are the fitness type, go for it! They have a Fitness center
- Things to do: Oh boy, where do I even begin? The proximity to the Periyar National Park is the main draw. Jungle safaris (pack your binoculars!), treks, boat rides on the lake… It's all about getting up close and personal with nature.
However, the biggest thing in my case was the chance for Body scrub!
For me, the spa experience was almost heavenly. The massage was great, the environment was tranquil, and the body scrub was amazing. It made the whole trip even better.
I even got the courage to go the Sauna!
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Secure (Mostly)
Okay, let's talk about feeling safe. This is important, especially given the current times.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Breakfast in room: Yup, available.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: They say so.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Seems like it.
They’ve gone the extra mile, which is reassuring.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Fueling Your Adventuring
Food, glorious food!
- Breakfast [buffet]: A decent selection. Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options, something for everyone.
- Restaurants: The Restaurants offer a mix of Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and some Western cuisine in restaurant options.
- Poolside bar: Drinks with a view? Yes, please!
- Room Service [24-hour]: A lifesaver when you're exhausted after a day of hiking.
- Snack bar: Perfect for grabbing a quick bite.
Services & Conveniences: Making Life Easier (and More Luxurious)
These little things make a difference.
- Air conditioning in public area & Air conditioning: Essential for the Indian heat.
- Daily housekeeping: Clean sheets, fresh towels – a luxury.
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Laundry service & Dry cleaning: Because you will get dirty.
- Car park [free of charge and on-site]: A huge bonus.
- Cash withdrawal: Convenient.
- Luggage storage: Handy.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Peace of mind.
- Smoking area: They have one.
For the Kids: Not something of primary importance to me, but here it goes: the kids facilities is a great plus. Family/child friendly and Babysitting service
Available in all rooms (In a nutshell):
A lot of stuff! Air conditioning, Air conditioning Closet, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free].
My Anecdote (The Muddy Elephant Trail Moment)
Okay, I have to tell you about this. I went on a trek, and ended up completely caked in mud. Like, from head to toe. I mean, I looked like a swamp monster. I wandered back to the hotel, totally mortified. But the staff? They just smiled. They got me an extra-long towel, suggested the perfect shower to get it all off of me. They didn't judge my swamp monster appearance. That's the kind of hospitality I value.
The Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect!)
Now, for the hiccups. There were a few, tiny, imperfections.
- The Wi-Fi, as mentioned, isn't super-fast.
- The signage could be a bit clearer.
- The restaurant service, during peak hours, can be a bit slow (but the food is generally worth the wait).
The Verdict: Book It (But Know What You're Getting)
Escape to Lush Acres Periyar is a winner. It's a fantastic base for exploring the Periyar region. It's a place where you can truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature. It's not perfect, nothing is. But it has charm, character, and those all-important creature comforts. If you're looking for a clean, safe, comfortable, and well-located base for your Periyar adventure, I highly recommend it.
So, my advice? Pack your bags, embrace the jungle, and get ready for an unforgettable experience.
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Escape to Lush Acres Periyar - Unforgettable India Awaits!
Tired of the ordinary? Craving an adventure? Book your escape to Escape to Lush Acres Periyar, the ultimate jungle retreat in the heart of the Periyar National Park, India!
Why Choose Escape to Lush Acres?
- Unparalleled Access to Nature: Explore the breathtaking Periyar National Park with ease. Hiking, Safaris, Lake rides & more!
- Relax & Rejuvenate: Indulge in our luxurious spa featuring body scrubs, massages, sauna and steam room.
- Modern Comforts: Enjoy Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and convenient amenities, including complimentary breakfast and 24-hour room service.
- Safe & Clean Environment: We prioritize your well-being with rigorous safety protocols, including anti-viral cleaning products, rooms sanitized between stays, and staff trained in safety protocols.
- Accessible & Welcoming: We strive to offer accessibility for all guests, with elevator and facilities for disabled guests
Book your stay at Escape to Lush Acres Periyar today and Create memories that will last a lifetime! #Periyar #IndiaTravel #JungleAdventure #SpaGetaway #KeralaTourism #TravelIndia #HotelReview #Wildlife #EcoTourism #EscapeToLushAcresPeriyar
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Lush Acres Periyar! Forget your perfectly curated Instagram feeds; this is gonna be a glorious, rambling rollercoaster of sweating, scrambling, and maybe, just maybe, a little bit of zen.
Lush Acres Periyar: A Journey Through My Sanity (and the Spice Rack)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Spice Smelling Frenzy (Oh, the Smell!)
- 6:00 AM (or what felt like it): My alarm shrieked like a banshee. Packing. Always the bane of my pre-trip existence. Did I pack enough "just in case" clothes? Probably. Too much? Definitely. Anyway, I was late for my flight. Typical.
- 9:00 AM: (ish) – Kochi Airport: The air hit me like a warm, spiced hug. Jet lag was already starting to tap its foot, but the promise of adventure kept me giddy. I was ready for my driver to take me to the Lush Acres!!!
- 12:00 PM – Lush Acres Arrival & Check-in: Okay, the property IS gorgeous. The photos don't even begin to do it justice. Lush, yes. Acres, absolutely. Now, the check-in process? A bit of a hot mess. They were clearly running a little behind. The staff are lovely, though, and offered me welcome drinks.
- 1:00 PM – Food! Oh, glorious food! Lunch was… a revelation. The flavours! The spices! My mouth was on fire in the best possible way. Like, legitimately considering applying to be the official food taster.
- 2:30 PM: Relaxation & The Great Nap: This is the part they never show you in glossy travel brochures: the overwhelming heat, the inevitable sweat, the need for a post-lunch nap. I found a hammock under a mango tree, and next thing you know, I was dreaming of curry.
- 4:00 PM – Spice Plantation Tour: This was the highlight of the day. The guide, bless his cotton socks, had a genuine passion for the place. The smell of cardamom and cloves was intoxicating. I may have (definitely did) over-enthusiastically sniffed a pepper plant and sneezed for a solid minute. The guide just chuckled. He knows a tourist when he sees one. Afterwards, I bought so many spices. My suitcase is already overflowing with enough turmeric to paint a small country yellow.
- 7:00 PM – Dinner & The Mosquito Massacre: Dinner was a delicious curry. Then, the mosquitoes. Oh, god, the mosquitoes. I spent the entire meal swatting and muttering under my breath. I need to find some serious insect repellent before tomorrow.
- 9:00 PM - Collapse in exhaustion: I'm pretty sure I fell asleep mid-brushing my teeth.
Day 2: The Tiger Reserve (and My Near-Death Experience with a Leaf)
- 6:00 AM: (Ugh, No!) Woke up feeling simultaneously exhilarated and like a truck had hit me. My mosquito bites are already starting to itch. I need to sort this out.
- 7:00 AM – Jungle Walk (Tiger Reserve): The walk was meant to be 2 hours, but after 30 minutes, I felt like I was starting to hallucinate. This was the moment when my lack of fitness and fear of all things creepy crawly really showed. We saw some amazing views of the valley!
- 9:30 AM – Refueling with some amazing tea and breakfast: This was delicious after my near-death experience with a leaf.
- 10:30 AM: Periyar Lake Boating: The lake itself was stunning. Then, I noticed a crocodile. And another. And another. Then the boat was too crowded, and I spent the rest of the trip in a cold sweat.
- 1:00 PM – Lunch and the Great Regret: Lunch was a buffet. I'm going to be honest, I ate everything in sight. And then I had dessert. (Three times). Regret hits hard.
- 3:00 PM – Relaxation/Spa (Attempted): The massage was divine. I fell asleep. I snored. It was bliss.
- 4:30 PM – Local Village Visit: This was amazing. The locals are so welcoming. I even tried weaving a small basket (disaster). They laughed. It was fun.
- 7:00 PM – Dinner and the Great Mango Tango: Delicious local cuisine.
Day 3: Departure and the Price of Mangoes
- 7:00 AM – A Final Breakfast of Champions: Idli and Sambar to fuel me for the journey home.
- 8:00 AM: The Lush Acres Goodbye: Saying goodbye to this place was bittersweet.
- 9:00 AM: The Great Mango Tango: Before leaving, I noticed some delicious looking mangoes on a fruit cart. They looked incredible, so I decided to splurge and get a few. I handed over the exact change to the cart owner, then realised the mangoes cost me nearly 3 times the average price they should have. Oh well, it was my fault. I'm a tourist. What did I expect?
- 10:00 AM: Transfer to Kochi Airport: On the drive, I felt a weird mix of contentment and sadness at leaving. I'm still trying to decide if I've fallen in love with India.
- 1:00 PM: Flight, and a Promise: I'm on the plane, clutching my bag of spices and battling jet lag. I'm already plotting my return.

Escape to Lush Acres Periyar: Your Burning Questions Answered (and My Ramblings!)
Okay, spill. What *is* Lush Acres Periyar, and why should I care?
What kind of accommodation are we talking about? Glamping palaces or roughing it?
What can I actually DO there? Is it just... sitting?
Food! Tell me about the food! (Is it spicy?)
How do I get there, and is it hard?
Are there any downsides? Anything I should be aware of before I go?
What's the *best* thing about Lush Acres? Give me one memory!
Would you go back? And, more importantly, *should I* go?


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