Pachakkanam Bungalow........the only private estate bungalow in Periyar Tiger Reserve

Downtown Pachakkanam Estate is the one and only private property in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Periyar tiger reserve is one of the largest wild life parks in South India which is spread over 777 sq km. The reserve is very famous for Elephants, Tigers, Sambar deer, Sloth Bear, Leopards, Wild dogs etc. The famous tourist spot Thekkady comes under this reserve. Pachakkanam by road is 35 kms south of Thekkady and very close ( 6 Kms) to the upcoming eco tourism destination Gavi. Pachakkanam estate is spread across in 600 acres of cardamom plantation and it’s the only private owned estate in the sanctuary.

History.............................This estate is now owned by a planter family from the midlands of Kerala- Kanjirapally called Karimpanal. They bought the estate from an Irish Planter [forgot his name] in 1947, when he left for Ireland. There is an 80 year old bungalow in the estate where this Irish planter and his sister stayed happily for many years. Glad to see that that bungalow is maintained and kept well till date. But I stayed in another bungalow called Periyar Reserve Bungalow which overlooks a stream which separates the estate and the forest.

Safari.............................Baby, the caretaker will be ready with the open air jeep with special search light connected to the jeep battery. Some times they take the main road to Vandiperiyar or drive through the estate for wildlife sighting. You have to be bold to do this safari as you might come across all sorts of animals on road. I have done more than 8/9 safaris and have sighted almost all animals like elephants, bisons, sloth bear, Sambar deer, wild boar etc, unfortunately[ or fortunately] no tigers or wild cats have been sighted till date. But our caretaker has sighted tigers and leopards many times. May be I am unlucky .The place is excellent for walks and you will see only cardamom everywhere and the people there will be very happy to take you around the estate and the cardamom curing store. This place comes under the core zone of the reserve, which means wild animals are found in plenty. This place is also famous for spotting famous Great Pied Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, fly catchers etc.
To stay in this property you have be spend some cash, as they charge around 8000/room for 2 pax on all meal basis. For foreign nationals they charge around 11000/room. Pachakkanam is 20 Kms from Vandiperiyar which is on the famous Kottayam-Kumily Road. As this is a restricted game sanctuary, the forest officials won’t allow any one beyond Vallakkadavu Check post. If you wish to stay at Pachakkanam Bungalow then the caretaker will meet you in Vandiperiyar town and he will clear all the formalities at the check post. Wish to see more photos or to know more about this place?... Drop a mail to .................fenjacob@gmail.com.