Periyar Lake
Periyar Lake is not a natural lake but a large, serene, and artificial reservoir that lies at the heart of the Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. Created in 1895 by the construction of the famed Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River, this beautiful body of water spans an impressive ar ea of about 26 square kilometers. The most striking feature of the lake is the sight of the submerged, skeletal remains of tree trunks that rise eerily from the water, remnants of the forest that was inundated when the dam was built. This unique landscape, combined with the tranquil waters and the surrounding dense, evergreen forests, creates a picturesque setting unlike any other. The lake acts as a perennial watering hole for the sanctuary's diverse fauna, making it the focal point for wildlife spotting, especially during the dry season when animals venture to the water's edge. The main attraction is the boat cruise, which offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to see wild elephants bathing, herds of Gaur (Indian Bison), Sambar deer, and various species of birds and reptiles. The lake cruise is a tranquil yet exciting experience, allowing nature lovers to soak in the raw beauty of the Western Ghats ecosystem. The early morning and late afternoon boat rides are particularly recommended for the best animal sightings and photography opportunities. The biodiversity supported by this artificial habitat has transformed it into one of the world's most vital wildlife reserves, celebrated for its population of Bengal Tigers and Nilgiri Tahr in the surrounding high ranges. The creation of the lake dramatically changed the local ecology, leading to the flourishing of both aquatic and terrestrial life, solidifying its status as the prime ecological destination in Thekkady.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
Half-Day (3 to 4 hours)Place Type:
Wildlife, Nature, Sightseeing, AdventureEntry Fees:
Periyar Tiger Reserve Entry Fee Structure: The sanctuary operates a multi-tiered entry fee system that varies for Indian citizens and foreign nationals, a common practice in protected areas across India. The basic entry fee for Indian adults is relatively nominal, typically...Periyar Tiger Reserve Entry Fee Structure: The sanctuary operates a multi-tiered entry fee system that varies for Indian citizens and foreign nationals, a common practice in protected areas across India. The basic entry fee for Indian adults is relatively nominal, typically around 45 Indian Rupees (INR) or more, while the fee for foreign nationals is significantly higher, reflecting different tourism standards and conservation funding models, usually in the range of 450 to 500 INR. There are also separate, reduced fees for children and students, emphasising educational access.
Boating Ticket Charges and Options: The cost for the main activity, the boat ride on Periyar Lake, is separate from the park entry fee. The tickets for the popular Periyar Lake boat cruise generally cost around 250 to 300 INR per person. There are different types of boat services, including one run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) and another by the Forest Department. The tickets are highly sought after, especially for the early morning slots, and must often be booked well in advance or secured early on the day of the visit. Additional special activities, such as Bamboo Rafting, The Tiger Trail, or Border Hiking, have their own substantially higher, all-inclusive fees, which cover guide charges, entry to restricted areas, and sometimes meals.Timing:
Regular Boating and Park Timings: Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve generally opens its gates early in the morning and closes them in the late afternoon. The most crucial timings are for the boat cruises, which are scheduled at specific intervals throughout the day. ...Regular Boating and Park Timings: Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve generally opens its gates early in the morning and closes them in the late afternoon. The most crucial timings are for the boat cruises, which are scheduled at specific intervals throughout the day. Typical boating slots are around 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM. The early morning slots are universally regarded as the prime time, both for better climate and superior wildlife viewing chances, which means tickets for the first two slots sell out the fastest. The ticketing office usually opens very early, sometimes as early as 6:00 AM, and tourists queue up long before then.
Ideal Wildlife Visit Time: The ideal time to visit is undoubtedly the earliest slot, the 7:30 AM cruise. During this hour, the lake is often covered in a gentle mist, the light is soft for photography, and the cool temperatures encourage animals like elephants and Gaur to come down to the water's edge for their morning drink. The late afternoon slot, around 3:30 PM, is the second-best option as the animals return for a final drink before nightfall. The midday slots are less productive for wildlife sighting due to the heat, which forces animals into the deeper shade of the forest.Special Events:
The Chitra Pournami Festival (April/May): While there are no major commercial festivals at the lake itself, the area surrounding the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary comes alive during the Chitra Pournami festival, which usually falls in April or May. This festival is primarily c...The Chitra Pournami Festival (April/May): While there are no major commercial festivals at the lake itself, the area surrounding the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary comes alive during the Chitra Pournami festival, which usually falls in April or May. This festival is primarily celebrated at the Mangala Devi Temple, an ancient, non-functional temple located on the border between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, deep inside the sanctuary area. The temple is only open to the public once a year on this special day. Thousands of devotees undertake a challenging trek to the temple to offer prayers. This one-day event is an incredible blend of religious fervor, a challenging hike through the deep forest, and a rare glimpse into a historical site, making it a powerful and unique local spectacle.Best Photo Spots:
The Submerged Tree Trunks: The single most iconic photographic feature is the sight of the dead, grey tree trunks rising out of the water. This view, best captured during the early morning mist or the golden light of the late afternoon, symbolises the unique ecosystem of Pe...The Submerged Tree Trunks: The single most iconic photographic feature is the sight of the dead, grey tree trunks rising out of the water. This view, best captured during the early morning mist or the golden light of the late afternoon, symbolises the unique ecosystem of Periyar. The contrast between the skeletal wood and the vibrant green forest on the banks makes for a dramatic and compelling landscape photograph. Photographers should aim to use the reflections in the calm waters for added effect.
Wildlife at the Water's Edge: The boat cruise itself is a dynamic photo opportunity. The sight of a herd of wild elephants bathing or drinking, or a large Gaur staring from the dense thicket, provides fantastic wildlife photography subjects. A zoom lens is essential. The best spots are often found at the small, grassy bays or peninsulas where animals frequently gather. Patience is key, as the best images are often captured during brief moments of action or perfect stillness.
The Mullaperiyar Dam Viewpoint: A separate, elevated viewpoint overlooking the dam and the reservoir offers a panoramic perspective. This spot is perfect for wide-angle landscape shots, capturing the vastness of the lake, the surrounding Cardamom Hills, and the distant dam structure. The vibrant greens of the forest canopy against the blue of the sky and water are stunningly captured from this high vantage point, especially just after the monsoon when the air is clear.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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1.
The Signature Boat Cruise: This is the foremost activity, scheduled at various times in the morning and afternoon. The morning cruise, particularly the earliest one, is highly recommended as wildlife sighting chances are at their peak when animals come to drink after sunrise. Tourists board large, double-deck motorboats and glide slowly over the tranquil water. The experience is meditative, with the silence broken only by the boat's gentle movement and the sounds of the jungle. Guides on board point out various species, ensuring no major sighting is missed. The sunken tree stumps create a unique backdrop, making the lake itself a captivating spectacle. 2.
Thrilling Bamboo Rafting and Trekking: For the adventurous soul, the Forest Department organises full-day or half-day programs that combine trekking and rafti...
Information
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Why Famous:
The Boating Safari Experience: Periyar Lake is world-famous primarily for its unique wildlife viewing experience, which takes place on a motorboat. Unlike traditional land-based safaris, the lake cruise offers an entirely different perspective. This allows visitor...
The Boating Safari Experience: Periyar Lake is world-famous primarily for its unique wildlife viewing experience, which takes place on a motorboat. Unlike traditional land-based safaris, the lake cruise offers an entirely different perspective. This allows visitors to spot herds of elephants, Gaur, and Sambar deer as they come to the water's edge to drink, bathe, or graze. The experience is often described as peaceful yet exhilarating, especially when an entire herd of wild elephants emerges from the dense jungle.
Home to the Mullaperiyar Dam: The lake's existence is a direct result of the historic Mullaperiyar Dam, which is a significant architectural and political landmark. Its construction in the late 19th Century drastically altered the landscape, turning a valley into a massive lake, which then fostered the incredible biodiversity seen today. The combination of an engineering marvel and a thriving natural sanctuary is a key element of its fame, drawing both history buffs and environmentalists. The submerged trees, which are the ghostly remains of the drowned forest, add a dramatic and unforgettable visual element that has become an iconic symbol of the park and a subject of countless photographs and documentaries. -
Architecture:
Architectural Significance of the Dam: The architecture of Periyar Lake is intrinsically defined by the magnificent Mullaperiyar Dam, a 19th-century gravity dam constructed between 1887 and 1895 by the British engineer Colonel John Pennycuick. The dam, built using locally s...Architectural Significance of the Dam: The architecture of Periyar Lake is intrinsically defined by the magnificent Mullaperiyar Dam, a 19th-century gravity dam constructed between 1887 and 1895 by the British engineer Colonel John Pennycuick. The dam, built using locally sourced stone and a mixture of limestone and surkhi mortar, stands as a testament to colonial-era engineering ingenuity, especially considering the remote and challenging terrain of the Western Ghats. Its construction led to the creation of the massive reservoir, which is the lake itself. The dam's primary purpose was water diversion for irrigation, but its secondary, and arguably more famous, function became the creation of this wildlife-rich lake.
Boating Area and Observation Decks: The boating area architecture is more modern and functional, designed to facilitate tourism within the protected sanctuary. The jetty and boathouse structures are typically constructed from local materials, blending with the natural surroundings. They feature simple, elevated observation decks, providing visitors with safe and clear vantage points over the water before and after the boat ride. The boat house itself is a simple, practical structure accommodating booking counters and waiting areas. Dimensionally, the structures are modest, focusing on utility and minimal environmental impact, contrasting with the vast dimensions of the 26 square kilometer lake they service. The overall architectural idea is one of controlled access and minimal intrusion into the wilderness environment. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest major airport to Thekkady is Madurai International Airport (IXM) in Tamil Nadu, located approximately 150 KMS away. A slightly more distant but better-connected option within Kerala is Cochin International Airport (COK), situated about 190 KMS from Thekk... -
Near Tourist Places:
1.
Murikkady: (5 KMS) - Famous for vast Cardamom and spice plantations. 2.
Chellarkovil: (15 KMS) - A scenic village with a waterfall and viewpoint overlooking Tamil Nadu. 3.
Vandiperiyar: (18 KMS) - Known for tea factories and Tea plantations. 4.
Pandikuzhi: (5 KMS) - A beautiful photographic spot with a gorge and stream. 5.
Periyar Lake View Point: (5 KMS) - An elevated spot offering a general view of the lake and dam. 6.
Pattumala: (25 KMS) - Home to the beautiful Pattumala Matha Church and lush tea gardens. 7.
Mangala Devi Temple: (13 KMS) - An ancient temple deep inside the forest, accessible only on Chitra Pournami. 8.
Pullumedu: (35 KMS) - A hilltop offering a stunning view of the Periyar area. (Requires special permission). 9.
Anakkara: (13 KMS) - Famous for its spice plantations and tribal settlements. 10.
Gavi: (40 KMS) - An eco-tourism spot offering deep forest experiences and wildlife trekking.
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety Considerations: Visitors should always adhere strictly to the rules of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, particularly regarding safety during wildlife viewing. Never alight from the boat or wander off designated paths during treks. It is advisable to carry insect ...
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