Boating in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – Generally Known As Boating in Thekkady

Thekkady boating is among the must-do activities to visit at the Periyar Tiger Reserve. At Periyar, tourists get to start boating around the picturesque Periyar Lake and other forested areas. The Periyar boating activity views the area within the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and as such, it is a good way to view the fauna of the region, which includes elephants, various bird species, and other animals. Boat rides are offered in different lengths and types, that is day and night.

What Type of Boat is Used in Periyar National Park? 

Steel body motorised boats are generally used.  All the boats have lower and upper floors.  Seats are being allotted on a first come first basis.  

What is Periyar Boating? 

In most of the wildlife sanctuaries, the authorities  provide an open jeep or van which go inside the forest to see and experience wildlife. But Periyar and nearby forest is encircled by a lake.  There is no other option to go inside the forest except a boat safari.  

How and Where to Buy Tickets?

You can buy online and offline tickets. Periyar Tiger Reserve (Forest) authorities and Kerala tourism department conduct wildlife boat safari in Periyar wildlife sanctuary.  Out of total seat capacity of 180 seats in each boat, 50% seat booking are available through online and remaining tickets can be bought from the ticket counter located at boat landing, from where the boat safari starts. Log on to the link below for booking an online ticket.

https://www.periyartigerreserve.org/Program/60b3aabd4ae36f35bd1f168f?name=Boating

Once an online booking is confirmed and paid, tourists will get an email confirmation.  You should keep this ticket and show it at the Anavachal counter to board the bus.  Forest department boat ticket is inclusive of an entry fee and bus fee.  Avail the mini bus service and reach the boat landing place. Bypass the queue and go directly to the boarding place.

How to Buy an Offline Ticket or Go to a Boat Landing Place?

Boat landing or boat boarding place is located inside the sanctuary which is 4kms from Anavachal parking. All the tourists, irrespective of having an online booking or to buy an offline ticket, first need to come to Anavachal parking.  This is the place from where you need to buy an entry ticket and bus ticket to go inside the sanctuary. The only means to go inside the sanctuary is by the mini bus provided by the forest department. 

Offline tickets are available to buy 1.5hrs before each boat starts.  If you want to buy an offline ticket, first come to the Anavachal Parking, buy an entry ticket and bus ticket, get into the next available bus to go to the boat landing place.  At the boat landing place there are separate ticket counters for Tourism department boating and Tiger reserve boating. You can buy an offline ticket and board the boat.   

Which Boating is the Best?

The route and scenic spot are the same. Always forest department boating is the best as you get an instant confirmation, ticket is inclusive of entry and bus charges.  Whereas you will get a confirmation of KTDC boating ticket hrs prior starting time.  

What is the Boat Safari Timing?

Boat safari of the both operators are the same.  Below is the time schedule, reporting time etc.

What is the Ticket Price?

What is the Child Policy:

Children aged from 5 to 11 yrs are treated as children and need a ticket. Children below 5yrs do not need a ticket.

How to Plan Your Thekkady Boating?

For the best experience, choose an early morning schedule.  There are more chances to see wild elephants and other animals.  But this does not mean that other boating schedules are not good..  It is being said due to more chances of seeing wild animals.  But there are many occasions when people have spotted wild life during mid-day also.  

What is the Alternative If You Could Not Get the Safari Tickets? 

In case you could not get a boating ticket or you do not want to go for a crowded boat safari, you can still experience Periyar forest.  The forest department conducts short hikes, guided walking, nature walk etc.  We have mentioned these details separately.  Either you choose to go with any activity conducted by the forest department or you can visit a boat landing place, which is a scenic place for photography. 

Do I Need to Buy a Separate Entrance Fee for Each Activity?

No, one entry fee is valid for the whole day irrespective of you booked two or three activities.

What You Can Expect to See During Boating at Periyar Lake:

1. Majestic Elephants: Keep your eyes peeled for majestic groups of elephants gracefully making their way to the water’s approach. Watching them drink, bathe, or play in the water is a truly unforgettable sight.

2. Sambar Deer: The shores of the lake are visited by sambar deer, often seen browsing peacefully or cautiously approaching the water. Their alert presence adds a touch of wilderness to the peaceful surroundings.

3. Gaur (Indian Bison): Spotting a group of gaurs grazing in the grasslands near the lake is a thrilling experience. These massive, powerful creatures are a testament to the park’s rich biodiversity.

4. Wild Boars: Wild boars can be seen seeking along the banks, adding to the rich tapestry of wildlife in the area.

5. Birdwatching Paradise: Periyar Lake is a haven for bird enthusiasts. Common sightings include colorful kingfishers, graceful egrets, darters drying their wings, herons gracefully wading, and majestic Indian eagles soaring high.

6. Playful Otters: Watch out for smooth Indian otters playing in the water. Their playful antics are a delightful sight for visitors.

7. Beyond Wildlife: Surrounded by dense forests and mist-clad hills, the attractive beauty of Periyar Lake is as attractive as its wildlife. The peacefulness of the lake, coupled with the occasional calls of the wild, creates a delightful ambiance that nature lovers will cherish.

Safety Guidelines and Crew During Boating:

1. Life jackets are provided to all passengers before embarking on the boat.
2. Emergency lifebuoys are available on all boats for added safety.
3. All boats are regularly checked for safety equipment and proper functioning.
4. Passengers are required to follow the safety instructions provided by the crew.
5. The boat is operated by an experienced boat driver.
6. Boat assistants (lascars) are present to help with boarding and ensure safety.
7. A lifeguard is on each boat to monitor safety throughout the journey.
8. The boat manager (boat shrink) oversees operations to maintain a safe and enjoyable experience for all passengers.

Do’s and Don’ts:

Do’s:

1. Always wear the provided life jacket throughout the ride.
2. Stay seated for the duration of the boat ride to avoid accidents.
3. Keep your belongings secure and avoid leaning over the edge of the boat.
4. Follow the safety instructions given by the crew members.
5. Keep noise levels low to avoid disturbing wildlife.
6. Maintain a safe distance from animals, especially when observing them from the boat.
7. Take photos quietly without sudden movements or flashes that could startle animals.
8. Be mindful of the environment and preserve the natural surroundings.
9. Observe the rules set by the Periyar Tiger Reserve authorities for a safe and enjoyable boating experience.

Don’ts:

• Do not stand or move around in the boat during the ride.
• Do not engage in loud talking or unnecessary noise-making that could disturb animals.
• Avoid throwing any waste or litter into the water or the surrounding forest.
• Do not feed or interact with the animals you may see during the boat ride.
• Do not disturb the natural habitat by making abrupt movements or actions.
• Avoid using flash photography when taking pictures of wildlife.
• Do not attempt to board the boat if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Rules:

• Park entry and bus charges are extra.
• The starting location for boating is the Boat Landing area, Thekkady.
• Life jackets are mandatory for all tourists.
• No standing during the boat ride.
• Visitors must report at the ticket counter in Anavachal Parking 1 hour before the boat ride and at Boat Landing 30 minutes before departure.
• The Boat Landing area is approximately 4 km from Anavachal Parking.
• Vehicles must be parked at Anavachal Parking, and visitors should use the Periyar Tiger Reserve buses.