Wildlife

PeriyarTravel guide

Kerala’s Jungle Lake Safari

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, KeralaUpdated 14 September 2026

Set around a picturesque artificial lake in the Western Ghats, Periyar offers boat safaris to spot elephants, sambar deer, and exotic birds.

Take a guided boat cruise on Periyar Lake for wildlife viewing, or try bamboo rafting and border hiking with forest departments. The spice plantations nearby add aromatic charm to the visit.

Top things to do in Periyar

1
Boat cruise on Periyar Lake
The classic way to see elephants, gaur and water birds at the water's edge; the first trip of the day is best.
2
Bamboo rafting
A full-day forest department programme combining a forest trek and rafting, led by local guides; places are limited.
3
Guided nature walk
Two- to three-hour walks inside the reserve with trained local trackers.
4
Spice plantation tour
Cardamom, pepper and other spice gardens around Kumily, often with a walk-through and a small shop.
5
Kathakali or Kalaripayattu show
Evening performances of Kerala's classical dance-drama and martial art in Thekkady town.

Before you go

Book forest department activities like bamboo rafting and treks ahead: they run in fixed slots and fill up.
Wear dull colours, and use leech socks on treks, especially after rain.
Kumily town, on the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border, has the ATMs, shops and buses.
Plastic is restricted inside the reserve; carry a refillable bottle.

Where to stay

Kumily / Thekkady town: Most hotels, homestays and restaurants, within reach of the park gate.
Inside the reserve: A few government-run lodges for an early start; book well ahead.
Plantation homestays outside Kumily: Quieter stays among spice gardens; you'll need transport.

What to eat in Periyar

Meen Curry (Fish Curry)
Non-veg
Kerala-style fish curry with tamarind, coconut milk, and local spices like kokum and curry leaves.
Ask for freshwater fish like karimeen; best at homestays or wayside eateries near Periyar.
Puttu and Kadala Curry
Veg
Steamed rice cake layered with coconut, served with spicy black chickpea curry.
Traditional breakfast; eaten by hand, often at morning food stalls or tea shops.
Appam with Stew
Veg or non-veg
Lacy, fermented rice pancake paired with coconut milk-based vegetable or meat stew.
Opt for vegetable stew for veg version; commonly served at family-run restaurants for brunch.
Kerala Parotta with Beef Curry
Non-veg
Flaky layered flatbread served with rich, slow-cooked spiced beef curry.
Best enjoyed hot and torn by hand; popular at evening eateries near wildlife entry points.
Banana Chips (Upperi)
Veg
Thin slices of raw banana deep-fried in coconut oil and lightly salted.
Crispy snack; buy fresh packs from local vendors near sanctuary gates or tea shops.
Palada Payasam
Veg
Sweet rice pudding made with milk, sugar, and thin rice flakes, flavored with cardamom.
Served warm or chilled; typical dessert after meals at homestays or festival spreads.

Written by AI. If you have allergies or eat strictly veg, check with the cook.

Health & safety in Periyar

Emergency (police, fire, medical)112 Ambulance (most states)108

Nearest general hospitals

Community health centre, VandiperiyarAbout 8 km awayDirections ↗
Community Health Centre VandenmeduAbout 11 km awayDirections ↗
Government Hospital, GudalurAbout 12 km awayDirections ↗

All hospitals near Periyar on Google Maps ↗

Hospitals from OpenStreetMap contributors; distances are straight-line. Save your stay's address offline, and in an emergency call 112 first.

Published by Team Spotplans. Written with AI from public travel sources, not submitted by a creator. Check opening times and prices before you go. Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we'll fix it.

Plan a trip to Periyar

When to go

Best Sep–Mar

September to March for pleasant weather and higher wildlife sightings near water sources.

What it costs

₹2,200–3,800 per person for 2 nights

₹2,200–3,800 per person for 2 nights (eco-lodge, meals, boat safari). Excludes flights or long-distance travel.

How to get there

Nearest airport: Madurai (~140 km) or Cochin International (~190 km). Nearest rail: Kottayam (~110 km). Regular buses and taxis run from Kochi, Madurai, and Thiruvananthapuram.

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