Planning a trip to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary? You're in for a treat!

This wildlife sanctuary, also known as Periyar National Park, in Kerala's Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts, offers some of the best wildlife experiences in India. Here, you can encounter elusive tigers, large herds of elephants, and a wide variety of other wild creatures.

But before you pack your bags, read this guide. Here, we'll dive into all the details you need to make the most out of your visit.

Safari Timings at Periyar National Park

The first step in planning your Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary safari is getting the timings right. 

The park is open every single day, all year round. You can enter the park from 6:00 AM until 7:00 PM. If you're hoping to spot wild animals, try to visit during the early mornings or late afternoons. Animals are often more active during these cooler parts of the day.

Boat Safari Timings

The boat ride on Periyar Lake is the most popular way to explore the sanctuary.

The lake is accessible from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily for activities. There are five specific boating slots available each day: 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM, 11:15 AM to 12:45 PM, 1:45 PM to 3:15 PM, and 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM.

If you're keen on birdwatching, opt for morning slots. But go for afternoon slots, especially the 1:45 PM one, if you wish to spot wildlife. That's when elephants, wild boars, and other fauna come down to the Periyar lake to drink water. It’s no wonder that the boat trip is the heart of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary safari experience for travellers. 

Jeep Safari Options and Timings

Jeep safari adventures offer a thrilling, deeper dive into the forest land.

Full-day Gavi Jungle jeep safaris often start early, around 6:00 AM, and can last until 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM. They cover a significant distance, with a large portion inside the jungle.

There is also a shorter Gavi Jungle jeep safari option that starts around 5:30 AM and runs for 7 to 8 hours. Though short, it still offers an immersive jungle drive.

Jungle Border safaris at Sathram are even shorter, ideally of 3 to 4 hours. They are available anytime from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM. 

Spotting wild animals on a Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary safari by jeep depends on a bit of luck, though.

Eco-Tourism Trek Timings

Periyar offers many guided treks, allowing you to discover nature up close.

• Nature Walk: This walk is 2.5 hours long, covering 4 to 5 km. It is excellent for spotting birds, butterflies, and impressive wildlife. Time slots are 7:00 AM, 7:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 2:00 PM, and 2:30 PM.  

• Green Walk: This 3-hour walk also covers 4 to 5 km. It offers excellent opportunities to observe birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Timings are similar: 7:00 AM, 7:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 2:00 PM, and 2:30 PM.

   

• Jungle Scout: For a thrilling experience, you can try this guided night trek. It starts at 7:00 PM and ends at 4:00 AM. You get a chance to explore the woods at night, accompanied by armed guards.

   

• Periyar Tiger Reserve: This is a multi-day trekking and camping program, which usually starts around 9:00 AM.  

   

• Bamboo Rafting: The bamboo rafting experience runs from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but you need to book in advance. It's a unique way to locate the park's hidden corners that most tourists never see.

   

Each of these adds something unique to your Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary safari experience.

Just a heads up: The Periyar National Park follows strict timings by law, so don't expect any flexibility if you're running late. The security at the entry points is pretty firm about closing times, so plan accordingly.

Cost/Price and Entry Fee: What You’ll Pay

To make the most of your trip to Periyar National Park, it's super helpful to understand the costs involved beforehand.

Park Entry Fee

To enter Periyar National Park, Indian adults pay ₹45, while Indian children (under 11 years old) are charged ₹15. For foreign adult visitors, the entrance fee is ₹500. As far as children are concerned, their ticket price is ₹180.

Boat Safari Costs

The cost for the boat safari can vary. It is always wise to check the latest prices directly on the Periyar Tiger Reserve website or through authorised booking agents to avoid any surprises.

According to recent updates for 2024-25, the Periyar Boat Safari costs ₹470 per seat for Indian nationals. For foreign nationals, the cost is ₹1130 per seat.

Other Activity Costs:

• Nature walks: ₹100-300 per person, depending on the route
• Bamboo rafting: ₹1,200-1,500 per person (this is where the high cost kicks in, but it's totally worth it)
• Jeep safari (when available): ₹1,800-2,500 per jeep

Note: If you're planning to take pictures (and who isn't?), there is a camera fee of ₹25 for still cameras and ₹150 for video cameras.

Another thing is that, if you're travelling as a group, consider package deals. Many services offer combo packages that can help you save money in the long run. A typical family trip might cost around ₹2,000 to ₹4,000, depending on which activities you choose.

What You’ll Discover in Periyar National Park

The real value of visiting Periyar National Park lies in the experience. This isn’t just a trip, but a front-row seat to nature’s drama.

You'll find everything from gentle elephant herds bathing in the lake to the occasional sambar deer, wild pig, or Malabar giant squirrel rustling through the woods.

It doesn't end there. The park also boasts a rich botanical garden of sorts, with over 1,900 species of flora. Bamboo groves, orchid clusters, and spice plantations give the forest a textured beauty that is impossible to capture in pictures alone.

Tips to Maximise Your Value and Experience

Here are some insider tips that will help you get the most bang for your buck:

1. Book in Advance

Periyar is a popular destination among tourists. It is highly advisable to book safari tickets and accommodation well in advance, especially during peak tourist season, i.e., October to February.

This helps secure desired spots and prevents disappointment, as you can access your preferred activities and lodging. So, just a little effort and planning can go a long way in significantly increasing the overall value and enjoyment of your trip.

2. Plan Smartly to Cut Unnecessary Costs

Before you even pack your bags, do a quick accounting of what you’re willing to spend.

Periyar offers various ticket options depending on what you want to see and do. Whether you're opting for a simple forest entry or combining it with a guided trek, an estimate of your expenses ahead of time can really help. You don’t want to lose out on a great activity just because you didn’t budget for it!

3. Skip the Fancy Ride, Rent a Local Car

You don’t need to hire a luxury vehicle to get there.

Local car rentals or shared transport options from Thekkady are usually sufficient and way more budget-friendly. Plus, you’ll get more chances to chat with locals, ask for hidden gems nearby, and maybe even learn about eco-friendly projects in the area.

4. Support Local Guides and Businesses

Instead of just selling you a service, many local guides share rich stories about the sanctuary’s ecology, history, tribal culture, and countless other things. Their insight adds real benefit to your trip. 

Moreover, buying from small, family-owned shops and eateries also helps responsible tourism thrive in the region.

Ready to Explore the Wonders of Periyar National Park?

Visiting Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary isn't just about the money you spend. Rather, it's an investment in creating memories and supporting conservation efforts. 

The park's project to protect this incredible ecosystem depends on tourism revenue, so your visit actually helps benefit the animals and local communities.

No matter if you're exploring solo, with a partner, or on a family adventure, Periyar has something special for everyone. Its blend of accessible wildlife viewing, reasonable costs, and diverse activities truly makes it one of India's most visitor-friendly national parks.

Just remember to respect the park's rules, listen to your guide's instructions, and you'll be amazed by the incredible nature that awaits you.