Periyar National Park Kerala: Things To See And Do

Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (PNP) is a protected area shared among Idukki, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta districts of Kerala, India. The park is home to a wealth of rare, endemic, and endangered flora and fauna. It is also the ultimate reservoir of many rich tribal settlements. The best season to visit PNP is between September and May.

Thekkady to Gavi jungle jeep safari

An off road jeep ride through the picturesque landscape is a must-do here. The ride takes you through hills and valleys, botanical gardens, cardamom plantations, sprawling grasslands, and waterfalls. The drive is a photographer’s dream.

Book your tickets online at Periyar Tourism Promotions, Thekkady, Kerala, India, +91 94479 02359

Trekking in the wild

PNP organises guided day-treks, night-treks, and day-long treks through trails traversing diverse habitats including deciduous forests, grasslands, and tribal community areas. The treks are interactive programmes offering outstanding opportunities to watch birds, butterflies, mammals in night-mode, and other wildlife. The short treks are usually 4 to 5km long, lasting for close to 3 hours while the day-long treks last from dawn to dusk. All treks are conducted by a tribal guide and accompanied by armed forest guards.

Book you tickets online at Periyar Tiger Conservation Foundation, Thekkady, Kerala, +91 85476 03066

Bamboo rafting

PNP conducts bamboo rafting accompanied by range hiking through some of the intact portions of the Reserve, traversing a varied mosaic of habitats. The 3 to 4 hour long rafting offers you panoramic views of mist-clad hills topped by animal sightings. Elephants, gaurs, and sambhars are usually easily spotted. The hike covers about 10km and is accompanied by armed forest guards.

Book you tickets online at Periyar Tiger Conservation Foundation, Thekkady, Kerala, +91 85476 03066

Guar herd, a common sight from across Periyar lake

Experience Kerala’s traditional art forms

A visit to Kerala is incomplete without experiencing her unique martial art form – Kalaripayattu and authentic classical dance drama – Kathakali. Interactive sessions are organised during evenings when you can lose yourself in the spectacle and discover a whole new realm of traditional art. Kadathanadan Kalari & Navarasa Kathakali (KKNK) and Mudra Cultural Centre are the two prominent centres where regular performances are conducted.

Book your tickets online at KKNK, Kumily, Kerala, +91 99617 40868

Periyar Tiger Trail

Tiger trail is an adventurous trekking and camping programme conducted by a team of rehabilitated poachers and tree fellers of the park. These hardy individuals with their intimate knowledge of the forest terrain take you deep into the wilderness enhancing the chances of encountering tigers. The treks are usually 20 to 35 kms depending upon the package and route chosen.

Book you tickets online at Periyar Tiger Trail, Kumily, Kerala, +91 95269 23124

Elephant rides

Keralites have a strong relationship with elephants and these gentle, majestic creatures have been captured and tamed for more than 4,000 years. With the aim of providing better living conditions for these magnificent beings, the tourism authority conducts elephant safaris. Seated on top of an elephant, you are taken on a ride around the spice plantation offering good views. You also get the opportunity of learning how these beautiful beings are taken care of by their mahouts.

Book your tickets online at Periyar Tourism Promotions, Thekkady, Kerala, India, +91 94479 02359

Other things to See and Do in PNP

Visit Tribal Heritage Museum inside the Mannam settlement, Connemara Tea Factory to learn tea-making process, the ancient Mangala Devi temple complex, view the valley from picturesque view-points like Ottakathalamedu, Parunthumppara, Mullaperiyar dam and Chellarkovil waterfalls, drive through Vandiperiyar town filled with the aroma of spices, or take the off-road drive to Sathram.