Book at dawn
The first boat slot (07:30) has the calmest water and best chance of sightings. Book the previous evening.
Wildlife · Boating · Nature trails
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
4 km from the hotel
Overview
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is Kerala's flagship tiger reserve — 777 sq. km of evergreen forest wrapped around a scenic mountain lake, with sightings of elephants, wild boar, sambar deer, gaur and, if you are lucky, the elusive tiger.
The sanctuary is the reason most people come to Thekkady. What sets it apart from most Indian reserves is how you explore it — most notably from the water. Boats depart from the jetty near the entrance and cruise across the artificial Periyar lake, formed by the Mullaperiyar dam in 1895. The boat rides are the easiest way to see wildlife from a comfortable distance without disturbing them.
Beyond boating, the Kerala Forest Department runs a well-regarded set of guided programmes — nature walks, jungle scouts, border hiking, bamboo rafting and full-day tiger trails — each led by trained trackers from local tribal communities. Booking is usually done a day in advance from the sanctuary office in Thekkady, and slots fill up quickly during peak season (December to March).
The sanctuary is open year-round, though the drier winter months are considered the most productive for wildlife sightings. The monsoon (June to September) transforms the forest into a rich green, but boat and trekking programmes may be restricted.
Plan this tripTraveller tips
Practical notes for the visit.
Carry essentials
Binoculars, camera with zoom lens, a light jacket, water and a hat — the boats can get chilly early morning.
No plastic
The reserve is a plastic-free zone. Plastic bottles and single-use packaging are confiscated at the entrance.
Guided walks
For a closer forest experience, join a guided nature walk with a Forest Department tracker.
Things to do
Ways to spend your day.
Our travel desk arranges these on prior request — availability depends on the season and Forest Department programmes.
- 01Boat safari on Periyar Lake
- 02Nature walk & jungle scout
- 03Border hiking programme
- 04Bamboo rafting
- 05Night patrol (limited slots)
- 06Elephant interaction (ethical)
Plan with our team
Turn a good trip into a great one.
Our travel desk helps with permits, transport, guides and timings — arranged on prior request.