Best value for money and a extremely kind family make of Sumilayan Jungle View Homestay a great choice if you ever travel in the area of Kumily. Our room was simple but clean and very good value for Rs. 600 a night. The family was very kind to help us organize our day at the Wildlife Sanctuary and guide us through their garden. Their Keralan breakfast is absolutely delicious - don't miss it!

We spent three nights at Jungle View as a base for exploring Periyar and Kumily. It is tucked away at the very end of a long winding residential road that ends at the border with Tamil Nadu, and the jungle beyond. We had a room upstairs with a comfortable terrace overlooking the amazing jungle garden. Our host Rama was wonderful, taking time to talk with us, teaching about the local wildlife and way of life, and arranging trips and bookings for us, including a wonderful trek and bamboo rafting day in the wildlife reserve. He can also arrange rickshaws if you don't fancy the walk in to town, and drivers or travel tickets for your onward journey.

Breakfast was basic but fine, and served on the terrace surrounded by the morning sounds of the jungle - you just had to watch out for hungry monkeys keen to make off with the leftovers!

Waking up to the sound of the jungle was a real treat and while the room itself was basic we were very comfortable there. Rama and his wife have a really lovely homestay in a great location.

This homestay was one of the highlights of our trip to Kerala. We both wished we had changed our plans to stay longer. We were only here two nights. There are a number of things that make this stop special; its location- it backs onto the jungle, it is very peaceful, and there is a proliferation of wildlife that you can watch from the balcony of the rooms. The room - was very clean and very large and had a nice shower with hot water. The owner - he was terrific, very friendly and helpful. We arrived very tired and late after the long drive and he arranged food to be brought to the room which we tasty and much welcomed. We can not recommend this place enough, it is a must stay if you are going to Periyar.

With so many places to choose from in Kumily it was very hard to know where best to stay. However we were very pleased with our decision. Jungle View is based on the outskirts of the town, with all the rooms looking out on to the Periyar Forrest. We stayed on the first floor. In the mornings whilst eating our breakfast on the verandah we would watch a variety of wildlife (Monkeys, cows, quirrels, birds) come and go.

The homestay has been converted from a small farm, and the owner will take you on a 10 min stroll around his land so that you can see the wildlife. Get up earlier enough, when the animals are out looking for food and you will see loads.

The rooms were clean and functional although a little basic, and the linen/towels could have been a bit cleaner. However they were very spacious, and everything worked as it should do. The owner is very helpful, will do his best to answer any questions you may have, and is very happy to spend time explaining about all the wildlife. At 700rs (nb off season) a night or cheaper if on the ground floor Jungle View offers excellent value, and with the wildlife on your doorstep it has something a little bit different to offer.