Tourist Attractions

Here are some of the key attractions that make Periyar Tiger Reserve a must-visit:

• Periyar Lake
  The heart of the reserve, this artificial lake is ideal for bamboo rafting and boat cruises, offering sightings of animals along the banks.

• Thekkady
  A quaint town adjacent to the reserve, Thekkady is the main entry point and a hub for eco-tourism activities, traditional Kerala cuisine, and spice markets.

• Mangala Devi Temple
  Located inside the reserve at an altitude of 1337 meters, this ancient stone temple dedicated to Goddess Mangala Devi is accessible with special permissions and offers panoramic views.

• Kadathanadan Kalari Centre
  Witness traditional martial arts (Kalaripayattu) and cultural performances that give you a glimpse of Kerala’s rich heritage.

• Tribal Heritage Museum
  Learn about the lives, customs, and tools of the indigenous Mannan and Paliyan tribes who have lived in harmony with the forest for generations.

Things to Do

There’s no shortage of enriching experiences at Periyar. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Boat Safari on Periyar Lake
  Early morning or evening cruises offer excellent opportunities to spot elephants, deer, otters, and sometimes even tigers at the water’s edge.

• Guided Jungle Trekking
  Accompanied by tribal guides and forest officials, trek through dense forests and grasslands in search of animal tracks, medicinal plants, and rare birds.

• Bamboo Rafting Adventure
  A full-day program combining trekking and rafting, ideal for nature lovers and photographers.

• Spice Plantation Visits
  Tour aromatic spice gardens producing cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves, with insights into organic farming techniques.

• Jungle Camps & Night Patrols
  Participate in eco-tourism initiatives like forest camping and night patrolling with the local community and forest rangers.

How to Reach

Reaching Periyar Tiger Reserve is convenient from various parts of South India:

• By Air:
  The nearest airport is Madurai (140 km), followed by Cochin International Airport (190 km). From there, taxis and buses are available to Thekkady.

• By Train:
  Kottayam Railway Station (114 km) is the nearest major railhead. Regular taxis and buses connect it to Thekkady.

• By Road:
  Thekkady is well-connected via road from cities like Kochi, Madurai, and Trivandrum. Both government and private buses operate regularly.

Best Time to Visit

Periyar is a year-round destination, but the best time to experience its wildlife and pleasant climate is:

• October to March (Winter):
  Ideal for safaris, trekking, and overall sightseeing. The weather is cool and dry.

• April to June (Summer):
  Great for wildlife viewing as animals frequent water sources, though days can be warm.

• July to September (Monsoon):
  The forest turns lush green. While wildlife viewing is limited, nature photography and boat rides are rewarding.

Why Choose This Tour

• Curated eco-tour experiences with professional naturalists and local guides

• A blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration

• Opportunities for sustainable tourism and community involvement

• Comfortable stays near the reserve with optional jungle camping

• All-inclusive packages with customizable itineraries to suit your interest

Whether you’re looking to spot a tiger in the wild, drift through still waters under thick canopies, or immerse yourself in the rhythms of tribal life and spices, Periyar offers more than a vacation — it offers a journey into nature’s untouched majesty.