What to Choose for a 1-Day Periyar Tour: Boat or Walking Safari?
By JAGAT SINGH : [19/Nov/25] A short trip to Periyar National Park always feels exciting. The place is famous for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful forest views. It is comparatively a smaller wildlife reserve. Hence, one can also plan a day trip to Periyar. You can enjoy a boat and walking safari here. A boat ride on the calm lake sounds relaxing. A walking safari feels more adventurous and quieter. So people often start thinking which one will give them a better experience in just one day.
The huge Periyar Lake lies right at the centre, and the forests gently spread around it. Unlike many other parks, the highlight here is not just the forest but also the large, peaceful lake. One of the biggest attractions of Periyar is the chance to enjoy a boat safari. Many national parks in India do not offer this kind of activity. Here, the boat glides across the water while you watch the scenery from a comfortable seat. That makes the experience feel very different from a typical forest safari. Some tourists choose Periyar mainly because of this special option.
Overview of Periyar Walking Safari
The walking safari is a beautiful experience, especially for people who enjoy slow and immersive activities. It is guided by trained forest experts who take small groups along fixed trails. These trails pass through forest paths, grassland areas, and gentle slopes. On foot, everything feels much closer. You hear the forest sounds more clearly. You feel the soft breeze through the trees. You can notice small details that you would miss from a vehicle or boat.
Overview of Periyar Boat Safari
A guided walking safari in the buffer area of the Periyar forest is undoubtedly a thrilling activity. Exploring the various aspects of the forest on foot provided in-depth knowledge of the wild. However, on the other hand, the boat safari is the most popular activity among visitors. It starts from the main boating point near the lake, and the boats follow a fixed route. You sit in a shared boat, usually with life jackets, and the ride moves slowly across the water. The calm pace lets you enjoy the views without any rush.
The general timings for the boat safari are: • 07:30 am - 09:00 am • 09:30 am - 11:00 am • 11:15 am - 12:45 pm • 01:45 pm - 03:15 pm • 03:30 pm - 05:00 pm
These multiple slots make it easy for day visitors to pick a suitable time. Morning and evening rides are usually more popular because the weather stays cool and pleasant. During the boat ride, you get a wide view of the lake and the surrounding forest areas. The quiet water often reflects the sky and trees, creating a peaceful mood. You can see animals moving near the shore, resting by the lake, or walking around the grass patches. And since we are talking about planning, many tourists look for Periyar boat safari tickets in advance to avoid the last-minute rush. This usually becomes important for day trips, especially during weekends or peak season.
Why the Boat Safari Is a Preferred Choice for a 1-Day Tour
The boat safari is often the first choice for a quick trip because it offers wider lake views. When you sit in the boat, you can look around the entire area and catch movements from a distance. Many travellers feel the chances of seeing wildlife around the lake are better from the boat. You might see large animals coming to drink water or birds flying low over the lake. Everything happens at a natural pace, and you don’t disturb the forest. The calm environment makes the whole experience enjoyable even if you don’t spot too many animals.
