3 Smart Ways to make your trip special in Periyar National Park
Updated: 15-Mar-23 If you are planning a wildlife trip in South India, Periyar National Park is one place you should not miss. Located in Thekkady, this national park is known for its scenic beauty, tranquil lake, and large population of elephants. But here’s the truth - many tourists visit Periyar and still end up having an average experience.
Why? Because they follow the same routine - book a boat safari, click a few photos, and leave.
If you want your trip to feel different and memorable, you need to explore smarter. In this blog, you will discover 3 simple but powerful ways to make your Periyar trip truly special.
Make Your Next Periyar Wildlife Experience the Best One
1. Go Beyond the Periyar Boat Safari
Most tourists in Periyar National Park only go for the famous boat safari on Periyar Lake. Yes, it is indeed beautiful. However, if you do not conduct Boat Safari in Periyar in advance, you might not get a safari slot available at the last moment. If you really want to enjoy the forest, try to add some other activities as well.
This is one of the best experiences in Periyar. It combines soft trekking with rafting in the forest area. You move quietly, which increases your chances of spotting animals like elephants, deer, and even rare birds.
This is a full-day guided trekking experience. It is perfect for adventure lovers. You walk deep into the forest with trained guides. The views are stunning, and the experience feels raw and real.
This is something very few people try. A full day Gavi Safari is a thrilling experience. The Gavi safari takes place in open gypsies. The process begins from 8:00 am and wraps at 5:00 pm. You will get to embrace a lot of scenic beauty throughout the day.
2. Stay Close to Nature, Not Just in a Hotel
Your stay plays a big role in your overall experience. Many tourists book hotels far from the forest and miss the real charm of Periyar National Park. Choose accommodation near Thekkady or close to the park entrance. This helps you reach early morning safaris on time and avoid rush. Eco-lodges are designed to give you a nature-friendly stay. They are peaceful, less crowded, and often surrounded by greenery. You feel more connected to the jungle. Imagine waking up to birds chirping and fresh forest air. This is something a regular hotel in the city cannot offer. These small experiences make your trip special.
3. Plan Your Timing Smartly
Timing is everything when it comes to wildlife trips. A well-planned visit can increase your chances of spotting animals and enjoying the park without crowds. Know the best time to visit Periyar before you choose your dates.
→ October to March: Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing
→ April to May: Better chances of spotting animals near water sources
Additionally, plan your safari timings and other activities strategically, so that the trip does not feel rushed. You must enjoy each and every experience to the fullest.
Suggested 2-Day Itinerary for Periyar
You can choose our Periyar tour packages and get fruitful assistance in planning the entire trip, especially the safari activities. You can request to add plans for exploring the neighbouring places like Spice Plantations, Vandiperiyar, Kumily, Managala Devi temple and so on.
Day 1:
Arrival in Thekkady
Check-in and relax
Evening boat safari
Visit a spice plantation
Day 2:
Early morning bamboo rafting or trekking
Breakfast and local sightseeing
Departure
This short plan helps you cover the best experiences without feeling rushed.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Trip Better
→ Book your activities in advance to avoid last-minute issues
→ Wear neutral-colored clothes to blend with the environment
→ Carry binoculars for better wildlife viewing
→ Follow all forest rules and respect nature
A trip to Periyar National Park can be much more than just a boat ride. With the right planning, better stays, and unique experiences, you can turn a simple trip into something unforgettable. So don’t just visit Periyar - experience it the smart way!
