Boat safaris, spice hills and jungle walks in Thekkady.
By the Itinerary Diary Travel Desk · Updated 13 July 2026
Quick answer
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady is famous for its lake boat safari, where herds of elephants and other wildlife gather at the water. Set among spice hills, it offers guided jungle walks and bamboo rafting. Visit in the drier months for best sightings. See our Kerala guide.
The boat safari
The signature Periyar experience is a boat cruise on the lake, where wildlife gathers along the shore.
What you'll see
Elephants, deer, wild boar, plentiful birdlife and, if lucky, other mammals around the reservoir.
Activities
Guided nature walks, bamboo rafting and spice-plantation tours add to the boat safari.
Best time
The drier months bring animals to the water and improve sightings; monsoon is lush but wetter.
Frequently asked questions
Its lake boat safari in Thekkady, where elephants and other wildlife gather at the water's edge among spice-covered hills.
Yes — Periyar is well known for elephant sightings, especially on the lake boat safari in the drier months.
The drier months are best, as wildlife gathers near the water and sightings improve; the monsoon is lush but wetter.
A lake boat safari, guided jungle walks, bamboo rafting and spice-plantation tours in and around Thekkady.
In Thekkady, in Kerala's spice hills, a popular addition to a Kerala backwaters-and-hills itinerary.
Yes — we include Thekkady and the Periyar boat safari in tailored Kerala itineraries on an enquiry basis.
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