Picture this. You wake up to the sound of pitter-patter raindrops outside. And when you open the curtains and step out, you see the vast expanse of blue waters of the Idukki reservoir. Around you, is a lush green forest; birds singing and crickets chirping. Peace reigns here. And this is what you get when you check into the Lake View Nest, a couple of cottages maintained by the Idukki Forest Development Agency, near Vellappara.
A part of the Idukki Eco Tourism project, these newly opened cottages are all ready to welcome visitors. If you are on a lookout for that quiet place to stay and enjoy the beauty of Idukki, this is the perfect place. The proximity to the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, the two dams of Cheruthoni and Idukki adds to the charm of the place.
Your stay
The artistically decorated cottages blend perfectly with the surroundings. They are built on pillars so that the visitors can enjoy the stunning view. You have to walk up a flight of stairs to reach the room. The welcoming sight of the blue waters and the hills beyond will put you at ease instantaneously. The lounge chairs are inviting – and when you settle into one, you will forget all your worries.
The rooms are well appointed and the staff are cordial and friendly. If you strike up a conversation they will easily tell you the history of the dams and how they were built. Notable again, the arch dam here is one of the biggest in the country.
The property is beautifully and aesthetically done up. A python slithering midst the fallen leaves here, a bear there – and it blends with the surroundings.
What to do?
You can go sight seeing- Idukki arch dam and the Cheruthoni dam is a must. The Idukki Eco Tourism office runs a special service in the reservoir. Chat-up your boat driver and he will tell you the story behind the boat you are in-'Kolumban', named after the tribal leader who was instrumental in building the dam.
How to get there?
When you drive to Idukki on the Cheruthoni - Thodupuzha route, you will reach Vellappara. A small deviation from the main road here will take you to the entrance of the Idukki Eco-Tourism project's boat landing venue. The cottages are just a little distance away.
For bookings contact: 8547603184 , 9496821481
Read more : Travel | Places in Idukki | Beyond Kerala