9.597777.1730Thekkady, Kerala

WILDLIFE

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - Boating and Wildlife in Thekkady

Explore this famous sanctuary in Thekkady with its unique boat safari on Periyar Lake, offering chances to see wild elephants, deer, gaur, and diverse birdlife.

Thekkady, KeralaHalf day (3-4 hours)6:00 AM – 6:00 PM₹55No Photography

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Best Season:The ideal time to visit is from September to March when the weather is cool and pleasant. The post-monsoon period leaves the forest lush and green. The summer months of April and May can be hot, but they are also a good time for wildlife sightings as animals frequently visit the lake to cool off and drink water. The monsoon season, from June to August, experiences heavy rainfall which might disrupt boat safaris and other activities.

Duration:Half day (3-4 hours)

Entry (Indian):₹55

Entry (Foreign):₹545

Photography:Not Allowed

Parking:Not Available

Why Visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary?

Discover what makes this destination truly special

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Thekkady, is one of South India's most significant protected areas, centered around a large artificial lake created by the Mullaperiyar Dam. The experience here is unique because the primary mode of wildlife viewing is by boat. Visitors take a 90-minute boat safari on Periyar Lake, which winds through the submerged tree stumps and forested hillsides of the Western Ghats. From the boat, you have a good chance of spotting herds of wild elephants, sambar deer, gaur (Indian bison), and wild boars that come to the water's edge to drink.

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

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BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

December-January, weekends, and public holidays due to pleasant weather and holiday season. April-May also sees high family crowds during school vacations.

Moderate

September-November and February-March on weekdays.

Low Season

June-August during the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall.

Entry Fees & Timings

Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

Indian Visitors

₹55

Per person

Foreign Visitors

₹545

Per person

Opening Hours

6:00 AM — 6:00 PM

The sanctuary is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Community-based eco-tourism activities have specific timings. The main boat safari operates in fixed slots: 07:30, 09:30, 11:15, 13:45, and 15:30. Each trip lasts for about 90 minutes. Visitors should reach the boat landing point at least 30 minutes prior to departure.

Sanctuary Entry Fee: Indian Adults ₹55, Children (5-12 years) ₹20. Foreign Nationals: Adults ₹545, Children ₹185. Boating charges are separate and cost approximately ₹385 per person for all seats. It is highly recommended to book boat tickets online via the official website to avoid long queues and ensure availability.

Location & Directions

Find your way to this destination with ease

Address

Periyar Tiger Reserve, Idukki, Thekkady, Kerala 685536

Coordinates

9.5977, 77.1730

Nearest City

Thekkady

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How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By Air

Cochin International Airport (COK) is the nearest airport, located about 155 km away (a 4-5 hour drive). Madurai Airport (IXM) in Tamil Nadu is another option, ...

By Train

The nearest major railway station is Kottayam (KTYM), about 110 km away. From Kottayam, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Thekkady, which takes around 3-4 ho...

By Road

Thekkady is easily accessible by road from major cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. National Highway 183 connects Thekkady to other towns. Regular state-run and p...

Local Transport

Within Thekkady and the adjacent town of Kumily, auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available. Many hotels and spice gardens are accessible on foot. Jeeps can...

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

The sanctuary's origins trace back to 1895 with the construction of the Mullaperiyar Dam, which created the central lake. In 1934, the Maharaja of Travancore, Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, declared the forests around the lake as the Nellikkampatty Game Sanctuary to protect the wildlife from...

Significance

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is significant for its unique water-based safari experience, which makes wildlife viewing accessible to a wide audience. It is a crucial habitat for the Indian elephant and the Bengal tiger, forming a vital part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sanct...

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