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The central feature of Periyar Tiger Reserve, this artificial lake is famous for its scenic boat safaris offering opportunities to spot elephants and other wildlife.
Discover what makes this destination truly special
Periyar Lake is an artificial reservoir at the heart of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Created by the Mullaperiyar Dam in 1895, the lake is the primary water source for the region's wildlife, making it a focal point for animal sightings. The main visitor activity here is the boat safari, operated by the Kerala Forest Department and KTDC. These boat journeys last about 90 minutes and provide a unique perspective of the forest.
Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience
December-January, long weekends, and during festivals like Onam and Christmas. School holiday period from April-May also sees high footfall.
September-November and February-March, particularly on weekdays.
Monsoon season from June to August due to heavy rains.
Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours
Indian Visitors
₹45
Per person
Foreign Visitors
₹500
Per person
Opening Hours
6:00 AM — 6:00 PM
These are the timings for the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Boat Safari Timings are fixed: 07:30, 09:30, 11:15, 13:45, and 15:30. Each trip lasts for approximately 90 minutes. It's recommended to arrive at the boating point at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time.
The fees listed are for entry into the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Indian Adults: ₹45, Children: ₹15. Foreign Adults: ₹500, Children: ₹180. The boat safari ticket is separate and costs around ₹225 per person for the main boat. Online booking is strongly advised for boating.
Find your way to this destination with ease
Address
Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady, Idukki District, Kerala 685536
Coordinates
9.5407, 77.1999
Nearest City
Thekkady
Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently
Madurai Airport (IXM) in Tamil Nadu is the nearest, located about 140 km away (3-4 hours by road). Cochin International Airport (COK) in Kerala is about 190 km ...
The nearest major railway station is Kottayam (KTYM), approximately 114 km away. Taxis and buses are readily available from the station to Thekkady.
Thekkady (Kumily) is well-connected by a network of state and national highways. Regular bus services are available from cities like Kottayam, Kochi, Trivandrum...
Within Thekkady and Kumily, auto-rickshaws and taxis are the primary modes of transport to get to the entrance of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Private vehicles ha...
Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination
The lake is not a natural formation but an artificial one created in 1895 with the completion of the Mullaperiyar Dam. The dam was constructed under the supervision of British engineer John Pennycuick to divert water from the west-flowing Periyar river to the arid regions of Tamil Nadu. The construc...
Periyar Lake's primary significance lies in its role as a critical habitat within the Periyar Tiger Reserve. It acts as a permanent water source, attracting a high concentration of wildlife to its shores, which makes it one of South India's most popular wildlife sighting locations. The boat cruises ...
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