Periyar National Park — Attraction in Kerala

Good hike through dense forest!

Bamboo rafting is one of the many activities that are conducted in Periyar Tiger Reserve.

You can book full day bamboo rafting for 2,400/person. Bus and entrance ticket can be bought Bus stand. Bus will drop you at boat landing, the starting point of bamboo rafting.

If you plan to opt for full day bamboo rafting, you can avoid nature and green walk. I highly recommend booking the tickets in advance as they have very limited slots.

Bamboo rafting is a full day activity from 8 am to 5 pm. This includes approximately four and a half hours hike (9 kms), one and a half hours break and three hours bamboo rafting. This complete activity is conducted in dense forest and children below 12 years are not allowed to participate. You are accompanied by forest guides and a gunman. The gun is to make loud sound and frighten the animals if they attack you.

Pro tip – Travel light, wear full length pants and sturdy shoes, apply sunscreen lotion and carry first aid. If there’s rain forecast, carry light weight raincoat. Avoid bright colored clothes. Prefer black, brown and green colored clothes that will easily blend in the surrounding

We reached Thekkady boat landing at 7:45 am. On arrival we had to sign a declaration and were given knee length khaki socks to safeguard ourselves from leeches. The guide sprinkled tobacco powder on the shoes and socks. Tobacco acts as leech repellent. Forest department provides a sling bag, water bottle, breakfast and lunch.

Pro tip – The provided breakfast and lunch may not be enough. Carry a 200 ml juice cartoon, fruits and sandwiches. The container provided by forest department is very heavy. If possible, carry empty lightweight plastic reusable tiffin boxes and transfer the provided lunch and breakfast into your boxes. We were provided Stuffed Potato Paratha and Tropicana 200 ml juice for breakfast, buttermilk and rice for lunch.

We started the hike at Thekkady boat landing by crossing the lake. Our group composed of seven people, a couple from Belgium, a couple from England, a gentleman from Netherlands, my wife and I. After almost one and half hours of walking through the forest, we stopped to have light breakfast. On the way we saw a couple of bison and elephant skulls. We continued walking for almost an hour and reached the rafting location. On the way we saw lot of black monkeys, langoors and wild squirrels. We picked up the safety jackets from the tiger trail camping location. The rafting route is very scenic and right through the forest. After rafting for almost three hours we came back to the tiger trail camping location to have lunch. During rafting we spotted a wild boar and sambhar. After our lunch we started our return journey. The group was very disappointed because we had not spotted elephants and bisons.

Pro tip – Don’t expect to spot a tiger or leopard. The tourist guide in his twenty-two years of forest service has spotted a tiger only ten times. Never during bamboo rafting.

On our way back, when we reached the breakfast point, we saw a huge herd of bisons. Almost fifty bisons were grazing peacefully at five hundred meters. What an incredible sight! As soon as we resumed walking our tourist guide alerted us. A mongoose was blocking our way. May be there was a snake nearby! We continued walking for almost five hundred meters and saw something that everyone was dying to see. A group of five elephants. A kiddo and four adult elephants. What a magnificent sight! They were just three hundred meters away from us! Soon, it started raining and we had to hurry. It was turning dark and suddenly the return journey had become very exciting. We followed the same path and reached boat landing at 5 pm.

Why opt for Full day Bamboo rafting – More chance of spotting wild life. Unique experience of walking and rafting in the forest.

Level of difficulty – Easy

Avoid if...

The Periyar Tiger Reserve, also known as Periyar National Park, is a renowned destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers in Kerala, India. Nestled in the lush Western Ghats, the reserve offers a unique opportunity to experience diverse flora and fauna in their natural habitat. The reserve is home to a wide array of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, gaur (Indian bison), leopards, sambar deer, and various primates. It also features ecosystems such as evergreen and deciduous forests, as well as grasslands, making it a biodiversity hotspot.

A central attraction is Periyar Lake, an artificial lake within the reserve that offers serene boat rides. These rides often provide glimpses of wildlife, including elephants and birds along the shoreline, making it a popular activity for visitors. Trekking trails wind through the park, offering a chance to explore the wilderness and connect with nature. Cultural experiences in the surrounding areas, such as spice plantations and traditional Kathakali performances, add to the charm of visiting the region.

Visitors to the park often enjoy activities like morning walks, which offer a tranquil and refreshing experience amidst the greenery. Staying within the park, such as at the Periyar inspection bungalow or Periyar House, provides an immersive experience, with wildlife sightings often possible right outside the accommodations. Some programs, like the Periyar Tiger Trail and other guided treks and rafting activities, provide deeper insight into the park's ecology and wildlife, but prior booking is essential through the official website.

Despite its many attractions, the park faces challenges such as crowding during peak seasons, especially at the boating area. Online booking for activities like boat rides is highly recommended to secure a spot and avoid long queues. The boating experience itself lasts 90 minutes and takes visitors through scenic surroundings. While wildlife sightings such as deer, bison, and elephants are common, spotting tigers is rare and dependent on luck.

Travelers often opt for bus safaris, such as the one to Gavi, which takes visitors deep into the jungle. These safaris can also be booked online and typically include refreshments and breakfast at a forest restaurant. Walking through the forest reserve to reach the riverside is another popular activity, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of Thekkady at their own pace.

While the reserve offers a memorable experience, some areas for improvement include better crowd management, enhanced facilities, and addressing concerns such as preferential treatment at certain sites. Visitors are encouraged to adopt responsible tourism practices by supporting local businesses, staying in eco-friendly accommodations, and respecting the park’s wildlife.

The best time to visit the Periyar Tiger Reserve is between October and May, when the weather is pleasant. Regardless of the activities chosen, visitors are advised to enjoy the park with an open mind, appreciating its serene beauty and diverse wildlife without overly high expectations of spotting elusive animals like tigers...

Our visit to Periyar National Park was a mixed bag, but overall, it turned into a memorable and relaxing experience. Although we faced an initial hiccup with our tour guide, who didn’t assist with the ticketing process, our hotel helped arrange a private buggy. This turned out to be a fantastic solution, as the buggy ride was smooth and enjoyable.

Highlights:

Private Buggy Ride: The buggy drivers were excellent, stopping frequently to point out animals and making the journey to the boats both educational and relaxing. Gliding through the park in this way allowed us to appreciate the scenery and wildlife without rushing. Afternoon Boat Trip: We opted for a one-hour boat ride, which was a peaceful way to enjoy the park. While we weren’t expecting to see tigers (as sightings are extremely rare), we spotted some beautiful birds and other small animals, which added to the charm of being out in nature. The weather was pleasant, and the boat guide was friendly and helpful, enhancing the experience. Magical Elephant Sighting: On our buggy ride back, we were lucky enough to spot a wild elephant – a truly magical and unforgettable moment that was the highlight of our visit. Tips for Visitors:

Book Tickets in Advance: During holiday seasons, tickets can sell out quickly. It’s extremely important to book your park and boat tickets ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles. We ended up having to pay extra for a private buggy because tickets were unavailable, even though the actual park tickets themselves are reasonably priced. Manage Expectations: If you’re hoping to see tigers or a wide variety of wildlife, this may not be the best park for you. Wildlife sightings can be rare and are never guaranteed, as this is a natural habitat. For more guaranteed animal encounters, consider visiting a wildlife reserve. Cost and Value: While the overall experience was lovely, the added cost for the private buggy made it slightly expensive. However, given the limited activities in Thekkady, it’s still a worthwhile way to spend your time if you’re in the area. Periyar National Park offers a serene and nature-filled escape, perfect for those who appreciate relaxing outdoor activities. It’s not about chasing big wildlife sightings but rather enjoying the peaceful environment and the occasional surprise encounter...