Must doKathakali evening in Fort Kochi
Watch the performers put on their make-up, then see Kerala's classical dance-drama up close.
WhereThekkady, Idukki district
From MunnarAbout 3 hours by road
Boat rideAbout 1.5 hours
DeparturesFive a day, 7:30 am to 3:30 pm
Best monthsOctober to March
ParentsEasy, a few steps to the jetty
Check before you go: Boat timings and booking rules are set by the forest department and can change by season or after heavy rain. Check the official Periyar Tiger Reserve timings before you go; on our trips we confirm them for you.
Periyar Lake sits inside Periyar Tiger Reserve at Thekkady, Kerala, and is best seen on a 1.5-hour boat ride. Boats run five times a day, from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm; the first trip is best for wildlife. Go between October and March, and book online early, as seats fill fast.
Periyar Tiger Reserve from the water
The lake was formed by a dam more than a century ago, and dead tree stumps still rise from the water. From the boat you may see elephants, gaur (Indian bison), deer, otters and many water birds. Tigers live in the reserve but are very rarely seen from the lake.
Is it okay for parents?
EasyStepsA few to the boat jetty
WalkingShort
Thekkady boating: timings and tips
| Trip | Time |
|---|---|
| 1 | 7:30 to 9:00 am |
| 2 | 9:30 to 11:00 am |
| 3 | 11:15 am to 12:45 pm |
| 4 | 1:45 to 3:15 pm |
| 5 | 3:30 to 5:00 pm |
- Booking: online only through the official Periyar Tiger Reserve or KTDC booking sites. Seats sell out in season.
- Report: at the boat landing 30 minutes before departure, earlier if you take the shuttle from Anavachal parking.
- Bring: binoculars, a light jacket for the morning, and patience.
- Timings: can change with the season, so confirm the day before.
More to do in Thekkady
- Spice plantation walk: pepper, cardamom and cloves growing around town.
- Bamboo rafting: a longer guided forest trip run inside the reserve for small groups.
- Nature walk: guided morning walks with forest staff.
Veg and Jain food
Vegetarian food is available in Thekkady town.
Experiences nearby
Do more with locals
Must do
Nature & slowTea estate morning in Munnar
Walk the tea slopes in the cool morning, see how the leaf is processed, then taste it fresh.
AdventureCycling through the tea estates
Ride quiet estate roads through the tea hills, with stops for the views.
Food & peopleSpice plantation walk in Thekkady
See pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves growing, with a farmer who knows every plant.
AdventureJungle walk in Periyar
A guided walk in the Periyar forest, looking for birds, giant squirrels and signs of elephants.
Nature & slowVillage canoe ride on the backwaters
Slip into the narrow canals a houseboat cannot reach, past homes, paddy and toddy shops.
Food & peopleHome-cooked sadya lunch
A traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, with a family in a backwater village.
FAQ
Thekkady Boating: your questions
Which Periyar boat ride time is best?
The first one, at 7:30 am. Animals are more active, and the light and weather are better.
Will I see tigers on the Periyar Lake boat ride?
Unlikely. Elephants, gaur, deer and birds are common sightings; tigers are very rarely seen from the lake.
How do I get tickets for Thekkady boating?
Book online on the official Periyar Tiger Reserve or KTDC booking site; seats sell out in season. We book it on our trips, subject to availability.
Is the Periyar boat ride good for elderly parents?
Yes. It is a seated ride with only a few steps to board.
How many days do I need in Thekkady?
One night is enough for the boat ride, a spice walk and a relaxed evening in town.
Something else on your mind? Ask on WhatsApp