Periyar

Gourmet Feasts

There are no specialty restaurants in Periyar and you'd probably be limited to the few hotels that are located near the park. Cheap South Indian food is available at the small coffee stalls near Kumily. For a rather better fare, book a table at the Falling Leaf Restaurant in Shalimar Hotel - South Indian food is served on traditional banana leaves and it also offers great Italian pizza and pasta. The buffet spread at Aranya Nivas is rather lavish and well worth the money. Also try the Periyar Room at Taj Garden Retreat, which is a multi-cuisine restaurant and recommended for a romantic dinner. The cuisine is Periyar, like its South Indian counterparts is laden in fresh spices and is often an interesting combination of vegetables, meats and seafood, cooked in coconut milk. For breakfast, you must try a bit of omelette garnished with fresh crushed peppercorns! Periyar's Spice Village conjures up an exciting menu that includes Chinese, continental and organic vegetable dishes. For quick snacks, you could also try the Coffee Inn & Snack Bar.