The Periyar Tiger Reserve spreads across about 925 sq km of the Cardamom Hills on the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border. Its entrance is at Thekkady, about 4 km from the spice-market town of Kumily, and at its heart lies Periyar Lake, a winding reservoir whose drowned tree stumps and grassy banks draw elephants, gaur and sambar down to drink.
Most visitors come for a boat cruise on the lake, but the reserve is also a pioneer of community eco-tourism in India, with guided walks, treks and rafting run with local people, many of them from forest-dwelling communities.
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History
In 1895 the British built the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river to send water east to the Madurai region, creating the lake of about 31 sq km. In 1934 the Maharaja of Travancore declared the forests around it a private game reserve, the Nellikkampatty reserve, to halt the spread of plantations. It became a wildlife sanctuary in 1950, joined Project Tiger as the Periyar Tiger Reserve in 1978, and its core area of about 350 sq km was declared a national park in 1982.
Wildlife and forests
Periyar is best known for Asian elephants, which are regularly seen along the lake shore, along with gaur (Indian bison), sambar, wild boar and Nilgiri langur. Tigers live here – about 40 were counted across the reserve in 2017 – but in this dense forest a sighting is very rare, so go for the landscape and the birds rather than a tiger.
About 266 bird species have been recorded, including the Malabar grey hornbill, Nilgiri wood pigeon and other Western Ghats endemics. The forests range from tall evergreen to moist deciduous, with grasslands on the higher slopes, and some 140 species of orchids have been recorded.
Boat cruise on Periyar Lake
The lake cruise, about one and a half hours long, is the classic Periyar experience. At the time of writing there are five departures a day, at about 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:15 AM, 1:45 PM and 3:30 PM. Tickets are sold online through the official Periyar Tiger Reserve and KTDC booking sites, and limited seats may be available at the counter. Report at the boat landing at least 30 minutes before departure.
The first boat of the morning usually offers the most wildlife and the softest light. Services can be cancelled in bad weather, and schedules change, so confirm before you go.
Eco-tourism programmes
The Forest Department runs a range of guided programmes, including nature walks, bamboo rafting on the lake, jungle treks, border hiking and night patrols. Group sizes are small, places are limited and age and fitness rules apply. Programmes, timings and fees change and are sometimes suspended, so check the official Periyar Tiger Reserve website and book in advance.
Tips
- Book early: morning boats and treks fill up quickly in the season and on holidays.
- Wear muted colours: greens and browns rather than bright colours on walks and treks.
- Leech socks: useful for treks in and just after the monsoon.
- Binoculars: make a big difference for birds and distant elephants.
- Plan the day: spice garden visits, the Kumily market and a cultural show in the evening fill the rest of your time.
Visiting from Pondicherry
Thekkady is about 437 km from Pondicherry, around 9 to 10 hours by road via Trichy, Madurai and the Kumily ghat. Our Kerala tour: Munnar, Thekkady and Alleppey includes a night or two at Thekkady. Boat cruises and eco-tourism programmes are optional and paid separately, and we can guide you on how to book them. Continue to Eravikulam National Park in Munnar for the Nilgiri tahr. More ideas on our wildlife and nature page.
Official information: Periyar Tiger Reserve
Frequently asked questions
What are the Periyar boating timings?
At the time of writing, there are five boat trips a day at about 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:15 AM, 1:45 PM and 3:30 PM, each about 1.5 hours. Check the official booking sites before you go.
Can you see tigers in Periyar Tiger Reserve?
Tigers live in the reserve, but sightings are very rare because the forest is dense. Elephants, gaur, sambar and birds are much more commonly seen.
How do I book the Thekkady boat ride?
Book online through the official Periyar Tiger Reserve or KTDC boating websites, and arrive at the boat landing 30 minutes before departure.
How far is Thekkady from Pondicherry?
About 437 km by road, roughly 9 to 10 hours by car via Trichy and Madurai.