Periyar Tiger Reserve

General information

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  Ideal Duration:

  Full Day (Boating, Trekking & Cultural Show)
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  Place Type:

  Wildlife Sanctuary, National Park, Eco-Tourism Sit
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  Entry Fees:

  General Entry Fee - Indian Nationals: The base entry fee for Indian adults (aged 11 years and above) to the Periyar National Park is relatively nominal, typically around Rs.45. For children (below 11 years), the fee is lower, approximately Rs.15. This fee grants basic access t...

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  General Entry Fee - Indian Nationals: The base entry fee for Indian adults (aged 11 years and above) to the Periyar National Park is relatively nominal, typically around Rs.45. For children (below 11 years), the fee is lower, approximately Rs.15. This fee grants basic access to the park area, but specific activities like boating or trekking require additional charges. This pricing structure encourages multiple visits and day-long exploration.
  
  General Entry Fee - Foreign Nationals: For international visitors, the entry fee is considerably higher, which is a common practice in many Indian national parks to support conservation efforts. The fee for Foreign Adults is generally around Rs.500, and for Foreign Children, it is about Rs.180. These fees contribute significantly to the park's maintenance, conservation projects, and the eco-development activities involving local communities.
  
  Camera and Vehicle Charges: There are separate fees for carrying equipment into the reserve. For a Still Camera, the charge is usually around Rs.45. A Video Camera incurs a higher fee, typically around Rs.335. Additionally, there is a charge for taking vehicles inside the park gate, which can range from Rs.25 for a two-wheeler to Rs.50 for a Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) and more for heavy vehicles. Binoculars can also be rented at the office for a small fee, often Rs.50 with a refundable security deposit.
  
  Major Activity Fees - Boating on Periyar Lake: The boat safari on Periyar Lake is the most popular activity and has a separate ticket. The current cost is around Rs.255 per person for adults (above 11 years) and Rs.85 for children. Due to high demand, particularly for the early morning slots, it is highly recommended to book these tickets online in advance through the official forest department website to secure a seat.
  
  Specialised Trekking and Camping Program Costs: The advanced eco-tourism programs have their own high-end pr

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  Timing:

  Regular Park Operating Hours: The main entrance of the Periyar National Park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The ticket counter generally begins sales at 6:30 AM. However, visitors engaging in structured eco-tourism activities have specific starting and ending times...

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  Regular Park Operating Hours: The main entrance of the Periyar National Park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The ticket counter generally begins sales at 6:30 AM. However, visitors engaging in structured eco-tourism activities have specific starting and ending times that must be strictly adhered to. Visitors are generally required to exit the main park area by 5:30 PM, though the last boat ride finishes around 5:00 PM.
  
  Boating and Water Safari Timings: The popular boat ride on Periyar Lake is conducted in specific time slots to manage crowds and maximize wildlife sightings.
  
  The slots are typically: 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:15 AM, 1:45 PM, and 3:30 PM. Each session lasts for approximately 90 minutes. The 7:30 AM slot is the most sought-after as wildlife activity is highest early in the morning, increasing the chance of spotting animals like the Gaur and elephants near the water's edge.
  
  Ideal Visit Time for Wildlife Sightings: The best time of day for wildlife sightings is generally considered the early morning slot (like the 7:30 AM boat ride or a morning nature walk) and the late afternoon slot (around 3:30 PM boat ride or afternoon nature walk). During these cooler periods, animals come out to drink water and forage before the mid-day heat or at dusk. The period between December and March (late winter and early summer) is considered the most ideal time of year, as the water level in the lake is lower, forcing animals to stay closer to the remaining water sources for easy observation.
  
  Night Activity Timings: The park also offers a thrilling Jungle Night Patrol program. This guided trekking activity usually starts after dusk, around 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM, or even later slots from 11:00 PM to 3:00 AM. These excursions provide a chance to experience the forest and nocturnal animals under the cover of darkness, accompanied by armed guards and experienced

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  Special Events:

  Periyar Tiger Trail (Eco-Development Initiative): The Periyar Tiger Trail is one of the most remarkable and unique special events/programs run by the Forest Department. This is an adventurous, multi-day trekking and camping program (1 or 2 nights) deep inside the core zone ...

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  Periyar Tiger Trail (Eco-Development Initiative): The Periyar Tiger Trail is one of the most remarkable and unique special events/programs run by the Forest Department. This is an adventurous, multi-day trekking and camping program (1 or 2 nights) deep inside the core zone of the reserve. What makes it special is that the program is led by a team of former poachers who have reformed and are now highly-skilled guides and conservationists. This transformation embodies the park's successful community-based eco-development efforts. The 'event' offers a challenging and immersive experience, providing insights into the jungle's ecosystem and the serious side of conservation, allowing visitors to trek through different forest types and camp in the wilderness with the best chance of spotting wildlife.
  
  Tribal Heritage and Cultural Programs: The Vanasree Auditorium near the park entrance regularly hosts cultural programs showcasing the rich heritage of the indigenous Mannan and Paliyan tribes who live in and around the reserve. These performances, typically scheduled in the evening (e. g. , 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM), include traditional dances and music, offering visitors a glimpse into the local way of life and traditions. This cultural 'event' is a crucial part of the eco-tourism model, helping to sustain tribal livelihoods and preserve their cultural identity by integrating them into the tourism activities.
  
  Mandalam-Makaravilakku Pilgrimage Season: While not strictly a tourist event, the period from mid-November to mid-January marks the Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season for the Sabarimala Temple, which is located within the Periyar Tiger Reserve. This attracts millions of devotees, and the entire area, including the access roads and surrounding towns, experiences a massive influx of people and heightened activity. Tourists should be aware of this period, as it significantly impacts accommodation availability, road traffic, and general crowd levels. However, it also presents a unique opportunity to witness the fervor and scale of one of the world's largest annual pilgrimages.

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  Best Photo Spots:

  Periyar Lake's Submerged Forest Landscape: The primary and most unique photo spot is the Periyar Lake itself. Photographers should focus on the early morning or late afternoon boat safari slots. The best shots capture the haunting beauty of the dead tree stumps, which jut ...

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  Periyar Lake's Submerged Forest Landscape: The primary and most unique photo spot is the Periyar Lake itself. Photographers should focus on the early morning or late afternoon boat safari slots. The best shots capture the haunting beauty of the dead tree stumps, which jut out of the water, especially when enveloped in the morning mist. The combination of the tranquil blue lake, the rugged stumps, and the dense, misty green forest backdrop creates a dramatic and highly atmospheric frame. The best light is generally available during the first and last boat rides of the day.
  
  Wildlife at the Water's Edge (The Iconic Shot): The second best photo opportunity is capturing the wild animals, primarily the Indian Elephants and Gaur (Indian Bison), as they drink, bathe, or forage along the lake banks. The low angle from the boat allows for powerful, natural shots of the animals in their habitat. A telephoto lens is essential for this. The best moments are often the animals silhouetted against the morning light or bathing in the soft glow of the late afternoon sun. The vibrant colors of Sambar deer and the distinct form of the Gaur are also excellent subjects.
  
  The Flora and Micro-Ecosystems on the Nature Walk: For macro and nature photographers, the numerous nature trails (like the Green Walk) offer exceptional opportunities. The moist evergreen and semi-evergreen forests are rich in texture and color. Photographers can focus on the detail of the moss-covered barks, the vibrant-hued fungi, the delicate forms of indigenous orchids, and the intricate webs of insects. Look for the Malabar Giant Squirrel high up in the canopy for a stunning close-up of this endemic species. The trails are also perfect for capturing the diverse birdlife, including various types of Kingfishers and Woodpeckers, often best photographed with a high-speed shutter in the filtered light of the forest canopy.
  
  Viewpoints from Border Hiking Trails: The ridges along the Border Hiking trails, which run along the boundary of the reserve, provide stunning panoramic vistas. The photo spot here is the sweeping view of the forest canopy cascading down the slopes and the distant, dry plains of Tamil Nadu. These elevated points are excellent for landscape photography, especially during the post-monsoon months (October-November) when the hills are intensely green, and for capturing dramatic cloudscapes and the vibrant colours of a jungle sunset.

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