Periyar Lake Thekkady
Serene Periyar Lake in Thekkady offers breathtaking boat safaris through lush forests, spotting elephants and diverse wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best wildlife sightings
Periyar Lake Thekkady
Best Time
Best wildlife sightings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Serene Periyar Lake in Thekkady offers breathtaking boat safaris through lush forests, spotting elephants and diverse wildlife.
"A must-do for nature lovers, offering a unique blend of adventure and serenity on tranquil waters."
🎟️ Book Boat Tickets Online
Secure your spot on the Periyar Lake boat ride by booking in advance online to avoid disappointment.
🔭 Bring Binoculars & Zoom Lens
Enhance your wildlife viewing experience with binoculars and a good zoom camera.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Periyar Lake Boat Safari
Periyar Tiger Reserve
Cruise serene waters for wildlife sightings like elephants, deer, and birds. A must-do for nature lovers!
Lake Palace
Island in Periyar Lake
Historic summer palace of the King of Travancore, offering a glimpse into royal retreats amidst nature.
Periyar Tiger Reserve
Thekkady
Explore lush forests and misty hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with diverse flora and fauna.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Boat Ride Early
Pack for Wildlife Spotting
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Boat Tickets Online
Secure your spot on the Periyar Lake boat ride by booking in advance online to avoid disappointment.
🔭 Bring Binoculars & Zoom Lens
Enhance your wildlife viewing experience with binoculars and a good zoom camera.
🚌 Use the Forest Bus
The forest bus takes you from the parking area to the lake. Keep your ticket for the return journey.
🚶 Explore Surrounding Areas
If boat tickets are unavailable, enjoy trekking or walking around the lake's scenic surroundings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Boat Tickets Online
Secure your spot on the Periyar Lake boat ride by booking in advance online to avoid disappointment.
🔭 Bring Binoculars & Zoom Lens
Enhance your wildlife viewing experience with binoculars and a good zoom camera.
🚌 Use the Forest Bus
The forest bus takes you from the parking area to the lake. Keep your ticket for the return journey.
🚶 Explore Surrounding Areas
If boat tickets are unavailable, enjoy trekking or walking around the lake's scenic surroundings.
📸 Capture Misty Mornings
Morning boat rides offer stunning views with mist-covered hills and tranquil waters.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking beauty of Periyar Lake and the thrilling opportunity to spot wildlife like elephants and deer during the boat safari. The serene atmosphere and lush surroundings are consistently praised, making it a must-visit for nature lovers. However, some find the boat tickets hard to get due to high demand, and wish for more frequent sightings of rarer animals.
"Only way to go here by periyar foundation bus, which cost 60/-.
Bus will drop you at the lake.
Spend some time there and come back with any bus any time before closing with same ticket.
Boating cost is 225/per person which ticket can be buy at the lake."
ATUL ANAND
"We visited around 11:00 am. First buy a entry ticket at the parking area then wait for the forest bus to pick up and then the journey starts.
Once you reach the forest you have to buy boating tickets for ride, if u don't want to ride then you can also visit surrounded areas of the lake by other ways like trekking or walking.
We reached late and by the time there was no boat for the ride and the next ride was after one hour so it was not worth the ride. So we take pictures at the entry point of the lake and nearby surrounding areas."
Jay Shah
"This lake is inside the national park .
The ticket price is 250 each for boat in this park and lake visit.
The bus will take you from tickets counter to the park and then the ticket for boat ride.
There is cafeteria and complex too.
It’s an 1.5 hour boat ride and the way is too beautiful.
If you are lucky then you will watch birds and animals there drinking water at the bank of the lake.
Also camping and staying available there .
We had morning batch boat and the views are too good ."
Akanksha Mantri
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Periyar Lake is located within the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Thekkady. You can reach Thekkady by road from major cities like Kochi and Madurai. From Thekkady town, you'll need to take a forest bus to reach the lake entrance.
Yes, there is paid parking available at the entrance to the Periyar Tiger Reserve. From there, you can take a forest bus to the boat safari starting point.
Many travelers opt for a bus or taxi to reach Thekkady. If you're driving your own vehicle, the roads are scenic, but be prepared for winding ghat roads.
No, private vehicles are not allowed beyond a certain point. You will need to park your car and take the designated forest bus to the lake.
The bus ride from the ticket counter to the lake takes approximately half an hour, offering glimpses of the forest.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The boat ride ticket price is around INR 225 per person for a 1.5-hour safari. It's advisable to check the official website for the most current pricing and booking details.
Tickets for the boat ride can be purchased at the lake itself, but they are in high demand. For guaranteed entry, it's best to book online in advance through the official Periyar Tiger Reserve website.
Boat timings typically start from 7:30 AM and run in slots throughout the day until around 3:30 PM. The last ride usually departs around 3:30 PM, so arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the last slot.
Yes, online booking for Periyar boat rides is available and highly recommended due to high demand. Visit the official Periyar Tiger Reserve website for booking.
The boat safari on Periyar Lake typically lasts for about one and a half hours, offering ample time for wildlife viewing.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You have a good chance of spotting elephants, deer, wild gaur, and various bird species along the lake's banks. Tigers are rarely seen but possible.
Wear comfortable, light-colored clothing suitable for a tropical climate. A hat and sunglasses are also recommended for sun protection.
Yes, you can explore the surrounding areas by trekking or walking. Camping and overnight stays are also available within the reserve.
Periyar Lake and the surrounding reserve are generally safe for solo travelers, especially during organized boat rides and within designated areas.
Early morning and late afternoon are generally considered the best times for wildlife sightings as animals are more active during these cooler periods.
📸 📸 Photography
The boat ride itself offers excellent opportunities to photograph wildlife along the banks and the scenic lake landscape. The Lake Palace is also a picturesque spot.
A camera with a good zoom lens is highly recommended for capturing wildlife from the boat. A wide-angle lens can be useful for landscape shots.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be mindful of your surroundings and avoid disturbing the wildlife. Flash photography might be restricted in certain areas.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks and wildlife reserves to avoid disturbing the animals. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for photography, though morning boat rides are popular for wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The relatively short duration of the boat ride (1.5 hours) is ideal for keeping younger attention spans engaged. Consider booking morning slots for potentially more active wildlife. Pack snacks and drinks, as options within the reserve can be limited. The forest bus ride to the lake is also an adventure in itself for kids. Ensure children are supervised at all times, especially near the water's edge.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
+1 Bring your best zoom lenses and binoculars to get close-up views of elephants, deer, and a plethora of bird species. Beyond the boat ride, explore the diverse flora and fauna of the Periyar Tiger Reserve through guided treks and nature walks. The reserve's commitment to conservation means you're experiencing a truly wild and untamed environment.
🧘♀️ Peace Seekers
The misty mornings and the vast, untouched landscape contribute to a deeply peaceful atmosphere. Arriving early or opting for an afternoon slot might offer a less crowded, more contemplative experience. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Periyar Lake Boat Safari Experience
+1 The 1.5-hour ride is an excellent opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. Keep your eyes peeled for herds of elephants bathing or drinking at the water's edge, graceful deer, and a diverse array of birdlife. While sightings are not guaranteed, the sheer beauty of the landscape and the peacefulness of the lake make the experience worthwhile even without abundant wildlife encounters. The safari is conducted by government-operated ferries, and due to high demand, booking tickets in advance, preferably online, is strongly advised to secure your preferred slot.
Remember to bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens to make the most of your wildlife viewing and photography opportunities. The early morning slots are often the most rewarding for animal sightings, as they are most active during the cooler parts of the day.
Exploring the Periyar Tiger Reserve
Beyond the popular boat safari, the reserve offers various eco-tourism activities designed to immerse visitors in nature while promoting conservation. These include guided trekking through the forests, bamboo rafting, and nature walks, each providing a different way to experience the ecosystem. For the adventurous, overnight camping facilities are available, allowing for a more profound connection with the wilderness. These experiences are often led by trained guides who share their knowledge of the local flora and fauna, enhancing the educational aspect of the visit.
When planning your visit, consider the weather. The post-monsoon season (October to February) offers pleasant temperatures and lush greenery, while the summer months can be hot. The reserve is committed to sustainable tourism, so respecting the environment and following park rules is crucial for preserving this natural treasure.
The Historic Lake Palace
Its serene location, surrounded by the lush greenery of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, makes it a historically significant and visually captivating landmark. While the palace itself is not typically open for public tours, its presence adds to the allure of the Periyar Lake experience. Visitors often catch glimpses of the palace from their boats during the safari, appreciating its colonial architecture against the backdrop of the natural landscape.
The journey to the palace, even if just by boat, offers a unique perspective on the historical significance of the area and its past inhabitants' connection with nature. 
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