Edapalayam Watch Tower — Attraction in Kerala

We saw a LEOPARD 🐆 AT 2:30 AM at 10 metres from us on foot 🔥😍

Words cannot describe how beautiful this place is 💚 This is one of the rarest opportunities to stay inside a reserve forest in India with exclusivity, as there are only the two of you accompanied by 3 forest guards. There is an elephant trench surrounding the watch tower which makes it safe from wild elephants and other wildlife 🐘 The lights run on solar panels making it self sustaining and run by green energy 💚

We checked-in at around 2:30 PM and spent the afternoon spotting the various birds near the watch tower that included Malabar Parakeets, Hill Mynas, Common Hawk Cuckoo, Asian Fairy Bluebird, Malabar Grey Hornbills, Wooly Necked Stork, White Bellied Treepie to name a few. We witnessed a fully grown wild boar right next to the trench shortly afterwards. We were also lucky to witness two Sloth Bears crossing behind the watch tower, spotted by a guard.

We were offered Tea and biscuits around 4 PM and joined an armed forest guard for a walk in the nearby jungle area. We spotted a family of wild boars, plenty of Indian Guar, with a calf feeding from its mother, a lot of Sambar deer and a few birds.

By the time we returned the watch tower was covered by Sambar deer feeding at ease. But they quickly dispersed as we approached.

Later in the evening as it got dark we were served lemon tea and we witnessed 3 porcupines near the cooking area. After this we spent some time observing the Sambar deer and Guar that were grazing happily in the open area in front of the watch tower with torch lights. We were served dinner at around 8, after which we retired to our room atop the tower.

In the night around 2:30 AM we were woken up by the continuous calls from the Sambar deer. This experience was so thrilling 🤩 The guards quickly informed us of the presence of a leopard behind the tower. It was a male leopard and it was at a distance of 10 metres from us, just outside the trench. What an exciting experience this was 🔥 The leopard walked past us into the wilderness. Although there were further calls that night we couldn't spot any other predator.

Morning views from the balcony are amazing 😍 Early in the morning we went for a short trek with armed guards to a nearby viewpoint. We spotted tiger pugmarks, possibly a few days old, on the way. The view of periyar lake from the top was mesmerizing.

Shortly after we returned we were served an amazing Kerala style breakfast and it was time to checkout and say goodbye, even though we didnt want to leave this place 💚 On the way back, from the boat we spotted a Great Indian Hornbill fly by 😍

We booked our tickets online on the official Periyar Tiger Reserve website. We did hear rats on the roof, but guards informed us to keep all the food away from the room to avoid them. The toilet was western and very clean. Electricity stopped working late in the night after we slept. Food was amazing 😍

Equip yourself with a powerful torch and good quality binoculars and you shall find...

Edapalayam Watch Tower Log House Stay, Periyar Tiger Reserve

Staying at the Edapalayam Watch Tower Log House inside Periyar Tiger Reserve is a truly unique and immersive experience for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Nestled deep within the heart of the reserve, this eco-friendly accommodation offers an unparalleled opportunity to be surrounded by the untouched beauty of the Western Ghats, with a direct connection to the wildlife and the serene forest environment.Originally constructed in 1975 and reconstructed and strengthened later two times.Now open for tourists stay for two guests.

The log house, built in a rustic style, provides basic but comfortable amenities, ensuring that guests can enjoy a simple yet authentic forest stay. The watchtower offers breathtaking panoramic views of the lush landscapes, allowing you to witness the forest come to life at dawn and dusk. It's not uncommon to hear the distant calls of birds, the rustling of leaves, and even the occasional roar of wildlife, making it a thrilling experience for anyone hoping to encounter the natural world up close.

One of the highlights of staying at Edapalayam is the wildlife sightings. Since it is located within the tiger reserve, visitors have the chance to spot animals like elephants, sambar deer, wild boars, and even tigers, if they’re lucky. The proximity to nature gives guests a rare opportunity to observe animals in their natural habitat from the comfort of the watchtower. Nighttime can be especially magical, with the sounds of the jungle providing a symphony of nocturnal life.

Moreover, the stay is complemented by the presence of experienced forest guides who offer insights into the flora and fauna of the region. Their knowledge enhances the experience, making it both educational and adventurous. While the accommodation may be basic, the emphasis on sustainable tourism ensures that the forest remains undisturbed by human activity, adhering to the eco-tourism principles of Periyar.

For those seeking an adventurous, off-the-grid experience that reconnects them with nature, the Edapalayam Watch Tower Log House offers exactly that. However, it’s important to note that this stay may not be for everyone—those looking for luxury amenities or modern comforts may find it challenging. But for those who relish the idea of being in the wild, surrounded by the wonders of the jungle, this stay is an unforgettable escape...

It was a really really very good experience. We visited in February 2025. We were welcomed by 2 guides, Abraham Chekkan chettan and Krishnankutty chettan, well experienced and very friendly guides. We went by boat and alighted at KTDC Lake palace and started to trek. Trekking was a good experience. Even though it was the start of summer, we didn't feel much heat as we were walking through the forest. Finally after 45mins-1 hr trek, we reached our accommodation by around 4:30. Soon we were served with hot tea and snacks. There are deep trenches all around to keep the wild animals away. There was good cool breeze. The accomodation is actually in the first floor. The ground floor is actually an open space, with temporary roof and laterns. This place was a heaven afterwards. We sat there and around 5 pm onwards, Indian Gaurs started to come out in the ground in front of the watch tower, followed by deer, porcupines, red mangoose and later at midnight by elephant herd. It was really really a great experience. The place was very cool. In morning we woke up with the sound of various birds. We had a excellent food all throughout the stay. We are very much grateful to Forest dept, Govt of Kerala, PTR authorities and also to the wildlife officials of PTR who took great care of us and great salute to their knowledge and experience. Will visit...