How To Reach Bamboo Rafting
The Ultimate Eco-Adventure: Bamboo Rafting in Thekkady is a unique and eco-friendly program offered by the Kerala Forest Department within the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Unlike traditional motorized boating, this activity allows participants to glide silently across the waters of Periyar Lake on rafts m ade entirely of bamboo. This silence is crucial as it minimizes the disturbance to the wildlife, significantly increasing the chances of spotting animals along the shoreline. The program is designed for those who seek a deep, immersive connection with the wilderness. It combines a guided forest trek with several hours of rafting, making it a comprehensive day-long adventure in the heart of the jungle. A Symphony of Silence: The experience of sitting on a bamboo raft and being paddled through the tranquil waters is unparalleled. As you move through the lake, you can see the partially submerged tree stumps that are iconic to Periyar. The reflection of the lush green hills on the still water creates a mirror-like effect that is incredibly soothing. Because there is no engine noise, you can hear the calls of the Malabar Grey Hornbill and the rustling of the Nilgiri Langurs in the canopy. It is a meditative journey that highlights the pristine beauty of the Western Ghats in its most raw form. The Trekking Component: A typical Bamboo Rafting session starts with a 4 to 5-kilometer trek through the dense deciduous forests of the reserve. Accompanied by trained tribal guides, trekkers learn to identify animal tracks, rare plants, and bird calls. This land-based exploration provides a different perspective of the ecosystem before transitioning to the water. The guides share fascinating stories about the forest and its inhabitants, including the tigers and elephants that call this reserve home. The combination of trekking and rafting ensures that visitors get a 360-degree view of the biodiversity found in Thekkady. Sustainability in Action: This program is a flagship of community-based eco-tourism in Kerala. The guides are often members of the local tribal communities who have an ancestral knowledge of the forest. By participating in Bamboo Rafting, tourists directly contribute to the conservation efforts and the livelihoods of these forest-dependent people. The rafts are built using traditional techniques and sustainable materials, ensuring a minimal carbon footprint. It is an activity that educates and inspires, proving that tourism can be a force for good in protecting fragile environments. For many, this is the most memorable and meaningful part of their Kerala holiday.
How to Reach
By Air: To reach the Bamboo Rafting starting point at Thekkady, you should fly into Madurai (140 KMS) or Cochin (150 KMS). These are the closest international airports with regular flight schedules. From the airport, you can take a pre-paid taxi or a private cab to reach Thekkady. The journey takes about 4 to 5 hours through the beautiful hilly terrain of Kerala. Since the rafting program starts very early in the morning (8 AM), it is highly recommended to arrive in Thekkady at least a day in advance. This ensures you are well-rested and ready for the day-long adventure in the tiger reserve.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Kottayam, which is about 110 KMS away from the Bamboo Rafting site. Kottayam is a major station and is well-linked to all big cities in India. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a KSRTC bus to Thekkady, which takes about 3 to 4 hours. The drive is very scenic and takes you through the heart of the spice and rubber country. Another option is the Madurai railway station, about 140 KMS away, which is convenient for travelers coming from the eastern or northern parts of India. Taxis are easily available outside both stations for a direct trip to your hotel.
By Road: Thekkady is exceptionally well-connected by road to all major towns in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. You can take a state-run KSRTC bus or a private luxury bus from cities like Kochi, Munnar, Trivandrum, and Bangalore. The Bamboo Rafting program starts at the boat landing within the Periyar Tiger Reserve, which is just 4. 5 KMS from the main town of Kumily. The roads are in good condition and offer a beautiful drive through the mountains. If you are driving your own car, there is ample parking near the entry gate of the reserve. It’s a very straightforward and pleasant road journey for all travelers.
By Local Transport: From your hotel in Kumily or Thekkady, the easiest way to reach the boat landing for Bamboo Rafting is by taking an auto-rickshaw or a taxi. It is a short 15-minute ride to the forest entry gate. From the gate, you may need to take the forest department's internal shuttle bus to reach the boat landing area. Many people also choose to walk the 4 KMS stretch if they are staying close to the park entrance, as the path is surrounded by nature and is very pleasant in the early morning. Local transport is very reliable and is geared towards the needs of tourists. It’s a stress-free start to your big adventure day.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Kottayam, which is about 110 KMS away from the Bamboo Rafting site. Kottayam is a major station and is well-linked to all big cities in India. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a KSRTC bus to Thekkady, which takes about 3 to 4 hours. The drive is very scenic and takes you through the heart of the spice and rubber country. Another option is the Madurai railway station, about 140 KMS away, which is convenient for travelers coming from the eastern or northern parts of India. Taxis are easily available outside both stations for a direct trip to your hotel.
By Road: Thekkady is exceptionally well-connected by road to all major towns in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. You can take a state-run KSRTC bus or a private luxury bus from cities like Kochi, Munnar, Trivandrum, and Bangalore. The Bamboo Rafting program starts at the boat landing within the Periyar Tiger Reserve, which is just 4. 5 KMS from the main town of Kumily. The roads are in good condition and offer a beautiful drive through the mountains. If you are driving your own car, there is ample parking near the entry gate of the reserve. It’s a very straightforward and pleasant road journey for all travelers.
By Local Transport: From your hotel in Kumily or Thekkady, the easiest way to reach the boat landing for Bamboo Rafting is by taking an auto-rickshaw or a taxi. It is a short 15-minute ride to the forest entry gate. From the gate, you may need to take the forest department's internal shuttle bus to reach the boat landing area. Many people also choose to walk the 4 KMS stretch if they are staying close to the park entrance, as the path is surrounded by nature and is very pleasant in the early morning. Local transport is very reliable and is geared towards the needs of tourists. It’s a stress-free start to your big adventure day.
Information about New and Updated Locations(891+) of Kerala Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Note:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Abraham's Spice Garden
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Anakkara
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Aruvikuzhi View Point
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bamboo Rafting
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Calvary Mount
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Cheeyappara Waterfall
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chellarcovil View Point
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chellarkovil
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chellarkovil Viewpoint
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Deepa World Spice Garden
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere