Tree Top: Excellent facilities at down to earth prices

Perched on a hillock within the silent area of the Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary is Treetop, an idyllic retreat that offers an unparalleled opportunity to savour the magical sensation of the evergreen rainforests that straddles Kerala. Situated 2,800 feet above MSL, the climate is pleasantly cool throughout the year and the unpolluted mountain air truly invigorating and the experience sublime.

The stimulating aroma of spices, the flight of a flock of wild geese in perfect formation, the mating call of a bull elephant, the endless humming of the crickets, the honey-dewed wild flowering trees, the frolicking of baboons and the twinkling of the fireflies at night, are a few of the smells, sights and sounds that are mesmerising.

The well spaced and neatly laid out gabled cottages and rooms with tile roofs and un-plastered granite-stone exteriors are reminiscent of the colonial bungalows and blend into the landscaped hinterland harmoniously. It is indeed a retreat with a difference in that it offers excellent facilities at down-to-earth prices with uncompromising quality and superb service. Treetop also has an independent bungalow with a self contained kitchen, living area and bedrooms that can accommodate four families comfortably.

Each cottage has its own private sit-out from where on a lucky evening or early morn you get to see wild fowls, flying squirrels, primates, sambars or wild boars just a few feet away. The interiors are roomy and comfortably well appointed with cable TV and direct-dial telephone. The gourmet restaurant is stylishly laid out and spacious. Apart from traditional Kerala cuisine, it also offers the most delectable fare from around the world. There is also a separate kitchen from which 100 per cent vegetarian cuisines including authentic Jain food are served.

Some of the facilities here include a multi-cuisine restaurant, hot/cold water, 24 hour international direct dial, fax, valet parking, room service, tour/travel desk, baby sitting on request, CNN, Star TV, BBC, Channel Music, bank, safe deposit, 24 hour money changer, 25 hour laundry, internet access, library, boating on Lake Periyar, forest trekking, spice plantation tour, open air area for private party's, all major credit cards accepted and ayurveda massage on request.