This was my first visit to my Jungle Retetrat in 2021. You've read it right 'My Jungle retreat'. A few things never change over time not just wine but also Jungle Retreat. It's quaint yet there's something new every single time I am here. Just got back yesterday, but seems like light years have passed. The food is probably just about that level before you start chewing up your fingers rather than licking it.

With regards to Anil Uncle and Anju Aunty they're the best hosts one can every dream about. Passionate about the Wild and always game for a story irrespective of it being a Common Tiger butterfly or a Royal Bengal Tiger itself.

This is a perfect place for a wild hide and seek with wildlife. Don't be disappointed it's not necessary that only if you see the Tiger it has seen you. It was well aware of your presence before your mind could trace it presence in your vicinity.

Chuck your phones, laptops and televisions aside and get used to chirps, calls and the a variety of endemic and non endemic flora and fauna around you. I can assure you once thing that the breeze here is much more cooling than a 1 Ton Air Conditioner.

Wholly worth the money and Jungle Retetrat wayanad is indeed a healthy addiction.

During diwali we planned our 15th visit to our second home Jungle Retreat Wayanad. As usual we reached at 1 and stayed in JC3 which gives a spectacular view of the farm and the forest. After a delicious lunch we were up in the watch tower overlooking the waterhole. I really love spending time in the watch tower as I can hear so many different sounds of nature. This time we were gifted by close-mouthed call of tiger multiple times. During evening drive we saw a huge elephant cropping the grass. This summed up our Day 1. The next day after breakfast we went to trek with Anil uncle. Every time you trek with him, you learn something new. Its an unforgettable experience! We crossed several watering holes, streams present around the farm. Finally we reached a water body behind the abandoned house. There we saw pugmarks of the female tigress. Uncle told that she must have laid down in the water. The massive size of the paw was very evident. All of a sudden, a growl came from behind us that reverberated across the forest. My heart skipped a beat. We all huddled in a group and then we heard another growl. In no time we retreated our steps back to our cottage. We had refreshing lime juice. After dinner Anil uncle came and said that he could smell elephants nearby. We then went with Uncle to the watch tower from where we saw the elephants. I hit the sack later in the night very happy and satisfied. Next morning from our sundeck we could see the same herd happily grazing. We then went for bird watching with Manu uncle and saw many different kinds of birds that were brilliant to see and photograph.
Then the time came to return back. With a heavy heart we bid goodbye to Anil uncle, Manu uncle, Kumar uncle, T.Anil uncle and left. We can’t wait to return back ASAP.

Visited the property after reading lots of positive reviews on trip advisor , on recent Wayanad tour. Went there after spending 3 nights at vythiri village resort. While traveling to the destination, sighted elephant on thirunelly road. On arrival Manu and Kumar came to receive and welcomed us. We were family of 3 , my wife, daughter and me. As per request we were given last jungle cottage from where view of jungle from sit out is fabulous.Manu told us recent sightings . Had a good Kerala style lunch. In afternoon there were monkey and barking dear call just in front on road side part of jungle moving towards left, but no sightings. In night a heard of elephants came to the waterhole and enjoying whole night. Manu took us for night drive where also we sighted elephants. In night at 4 am I woke up with a tiger roar. Even other guests heard it. Came out but it was very dark. Went to morning jlr safari at nagarhole which was not so productive. Had booked 3 jlr safaris but did only 2 as it is not well organised as in other tiger reserves or kabini. Drivers just roam here and there with out waiting at probable places.Elephants can be sighted on Mysore Road also. It’s better to avoid nanachi gate safaris.It was better to stay in jungle retreat for true jungle feel. One of the evening Anil went to lock upper rooms and heard groul hence he came to take all the guests and manu was in front. Just behind the last cottage as he flashed light there was huge tigress sitting just outside electric fence which had gap big enough for the majestic animal to charge. Manu didn’t took risk and ask everyone to move down. It was a thrilling experience which we will not get in safari or any jungle resort.
There are 2 watch towers. One is just overlooking the water hole and new one is in jungle where chances of sightings are more. We sighted elephant from new watch tower. Went for a jungle walk with Manu where we saw fresh pug marks of tiger and as on elephant was standing ahead had to turn back.Did 3 night drive but sighted only elephants.Overall a true adventurous experience. Food was fabulous made by a young cook. All Manu, Anil, Kumar were hospitable right from first to last day. Stayed for 3 nights and 4 days. Even while booking Anju madam took care about booking & by asking about food preferences on the day of arrival.
Thirunelli temple is just 4-5 kms. My daughter sharvari didn’t wanted to come back while checking out.
Will surely return back to this unique property amidst jungle.