Kerala is nicknamed as ‘God’s Own Country’ and nowhere does that ring truer than in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady. Thekkady is also called Periyar and the very name brings to mind images of lush green hillsides, herds of wandering elephants and of course, the majestic Periyar Lake. This national park is counted among India’s best wildlife sanctuaries and is said to be one of the oldest tiger reserves in the country. Besides the Asian Elephant and Bengal Tiger, it is also home to the endangered and elusive White Tiger along with Indian Bison, leopards, deers, etc. Various species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects and plants also inhabit this sanctuary. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing by various means like boat cruises and jungle safaris or go on adventure treks on the many trails in the surrounding forests. Eco-tourism in the form of jungle camps, eco-lodge accommodations inside a bamboo thicket, forest cottages, etc. are also popular here. To learn more, take a look at our guide to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady.
Things to do / Highlights
Go on a boat cruise
One of the best ways to take in the natural beauty of this wildlife sanctuary is through a boat cruise on the magnificent Periyar Lake. The park conducts about five boating trips a day, at different time intervals. You can spot animals in the wild or sitting on the edge of the lake, all from the comfort and safety of a huge boat. Watch herds of elephants, birds fly over your heads, spot crocodiles basking in the sun or deer grazing in the wild. If you are lucky, you might even spot a tiger or two!
Go trekking
Another amazing way to enjoy nature’s bounty here is to go an adventure trek through the many forest and hill trails in the park. Take your pick from a range of trekking experiences like Nature Walk, Green Walk, Border Hiking or Jungle Scout programme. You could even go for The Periyar Tiger Trail in search of the shy tigers of Periyar Tiger Reserve. Each of these treks offers a unique opportunity to observe birds, animals, plants and insects of the park at a close range in a variety of natural habitats in the company of trained guides.
See the wildlife from a bamboo raft
For the adventurous visitor, the park offers an unusual way to experience the sights and sounds of the wild - on a bamboo raft! Hop aboard a raft made from bamboo logs and row on Periyar Lake on this amazing half-day or full-day trip. Get up and close with the wildlife of the lake as well those by the side of the lake. Some trips also involve trekking along memorable forest trails.
Travellers tips
Time your visit
In the summer months of March-May, it gets very hot during the day time but there are more chances of spotting animals at the lake. The monsoon months of June-August are cooler and best to enjoy the scenic beauty of Periyar as the lake is full and surrounding areas are carpeted with lush greenery. The winter months present cooler weather and chances of spotting wildlife basking in the sun by the lake are more.
Dress for the weather
If you are visiting in the winter months, it is advisable to dress in layers and carry extra jackets. Even though it may not be too cold on land, the wind chill while on a boat cruise on the lake is significantly high. Carry rainproof jackets or ponchos if visiting in the monsoon season and hats and caps if visiting in the summer.
How to get there
Combination of public and private transport
Direct public transportation to the park is hard to come by and a combination of public and private transport is the best way to reach the park if you do not plan to drive. Kottayam Railway Station is the nearest railhead to the park and is about 110 km (68 miles) away. From the train station, you can hire a private taxi to reach the park.
The town closest to the park is Kumily and is just four kilometres away (2.5 miles). It is well-connected to many other cities like Kottayam and Ernakulam in Kerala and Madurai in Tamil Nadu by public bus services. You can take a public KSRTC bus to Kumily and hire a taxi to take you to the park from there.
Private car
Driving your own car or a rental car is the most convenient way to reach the park. Driving directions to Kumily and from there to the park are easily available.
Parking information
Paid parking is easily available outside the park for both cars and two-wheelers.
How to book tickets
Admission tickets to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary can be purchased from the website, onsite at the entrance of the park or via tour operators on third-party websites. Admission prices vary for adults, children and senior citizens as well as for Indian and foreign nationals.
Charges for boat cruises, bamboo raft safaris, jungle safari, guided treks, camping and eco-lodge stays are additional. Tickets for boat cruises and other activities can be purchased separately from a ticket booking venue inside the park.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Information
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: Kumily, Thekkady, Kerala 685536, India
Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)
Cost: 0.46 USD (Indian nationals); 6.34 USD (Foreign nationals)
Department of tourism: Kerala Tourism
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Duration: 1 to 2 hours
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