The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation’s packages (two nights, three days) to woo children during summer vacation have proved a big hit.
“The ‘Spending the Vacation with KTDC’ packages, priced at ₹3,333 and ₹4,999, are aimed at the school holiday crowd. They were much in demand this season, despite the election fever.
Families came in large numbers to unwind and to escape the heat in cities,” says G.S. Rajmohan, marketing manager, Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC). The offers that began on April 1 will be on till May end. The properties chosen for the purpose are in picturesque locales. Apart from leisure, they are a minefield of information for children and parents, he adds. Two of the properties — Periyar House and Aranya Nivas — are within the Periyar Tiger Reserve at Thekkady. “Guests can enjoy wildlife and get a glimpse of living amid the jungle. Apart from boating, we arrange trekking too,” Mr. Rajmohan said.
While monkeys hang around in trees at Periyar House, guests should not be surprised if they encounter deer, wild boar, different types of rare birds, frogs, and even porcupines at close quarters. Porcupines do come calling at night at Aranya Nivas located next door. The staff feed them with leftovers of vegetables. Each staffer, from security guards to managers, has their own stories of encounters with elephants and snakes.
With wildlife
During boating, guests will get a chance to see herds of oxen, elephants, deer, various types of butterflies, and wild boar. They can also opt to reside at Lake Palace where members of the royal family of erstwhile Travancore still prefer to stay while on vacation.
“Our aim is not to provide a casino-model living and too much of entertainment to guests at our properties. Instead, they have ample avenues to unwind amid calm and natural settings,” Mr. Rajmohan says.
Tariff slashed
Under the twin packages, tariff at the KTDC’s three properties has been slashed to ₹3,333 for the two-night, three-day package. The rate is inclusive of buffet breakfast. Two children up to Class VIII, accompanied by their parents, can avail the package that is on offer at Periyar House at Thekkady, Kumarakom Gateway (Suvasam) at Thanneermukkom, and Hotel Chaitram in Thiruvananthapuram.
Yet another children-specific package at four of its premium properties is available with similar conditions, and the tariff is ₹4,999, official sources said.
