Situated in Thekkady district in the state of Kerala, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is an exemplary reservoir of nature’s abundance. This sanctuary is one of the most secured areas in the country for tigers and elephants. Nestled amidst the Western Ghats, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is studded with extraordinary valleys and sultry dense forests. With its diverse reserve of flora and fauna, this sanctuary offers tourists a perfect getaway destination from their hectic daily routines. Tourists can either get onboard a safari to explore the national park, trek through the forests and discover some breathtaking waterfalls in the vicinity, or visit some of the sacred shrines that grace the area around the sanctuary. Let us dive in and explore some of these exciting things to do in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Tourists can find some invigorating ways and means to explore the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. One of these thrilling modes of Safari includes boarding a boat to cruise through the waters of Periyar River. The boat cruise is the preferred choice as it offers tourists with a splendid view of the surrounding greenery and some of the wildlife that grace the region. It is truly pleasing watching some of the deer feasting on river water at the banks as you pass by. If you are lucky, you might even spot an elephant family on their trail through the forests. Early morning is the best time to get atop these boat cruises as there are better chances of spotting wildlife. Tourists can also rent a ride of their own to explore the waters. These cruises last for about 30 minutes and are available all through the day.

Jeep Safaris are an apt way to get up close and personal with the magnificent creatures that dwell within the confines of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Travelers who explore in groups and individually would find intriguing prospects in this mode of touring. Photographers are presented with a perfect opportunity to get full-sized pictures of fierce animals such as the tiger. Tourists can peacefully traverse through the safari routes while these tigers gracefully spend time along the flanks of the roadways and in the grasslands. Visitors can either take up these jeep safaris during the day or during the night. The day safaris are available throughout the day, right through the wee hours, with the last safari going out at 3 PM. The night safaris begin at 11 PM and come to an end around 3 AM.

The sheer thought of being escorted through the sanctuary on the back of a mighty elephant is gripping. These elephants help tourists venture trails that otherwise seemed tough to traverse on those jeep safaris. Families that visit the sanctuary along with children usually prefer this mode of safari. Not only do the elephants offer great view of the jungle from atop their backs, but also keep tourists safe from some of the fierce predators that throng this region. Tigers generally fear elephants and avoid having a confrontation with these colossal giants. Elephant safaris are offered starting from the early hours of the day. These safaris last for around 30 minutes, with the final elephant safari proceeding at around 5 PM. Tourists can pick and choose a time best suited to their liking to explore the sanctuary.

Bamboo rafting is a part of a hiking program that involves travelling through some of the most resplendent forest areas of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Tourists are allowed to raft through the waters of Periyar River for about three hours, basking in nature’s soothing glory. Those rafting through are greeted by an all-encompassing vista of the scintillating hills that grace the region. With certain animals maintaining close proximity to the banks of the river, tourists can discover nature at its best along this ride. Imagine experiencing a baby elephant playfully running around its mother in full circles. Such pictures are not easy to come by. With the splendid variety of birds that throng the river area, this river breeds various fauna. Truly a photographer’s paradise, this river offers tremendous pictures for nature enthusiasts.

Tourists can also indulge in some adventurous thrills by taking up a program that helps them traverse through the Periyar Tiger Reserve. This program involves intriguing camping and trekking prospects. The program is orchestrated by a group of trained poachers and caretakers of the reserve. They act as guides along the trek and provide tourists with incredible information and compelling stories about the forests. Tourists come across native wildlife such as elephants, giant squirrels, Nilgiri langurs, and tigers. The trekking journey includes advancing past beautiful valleys and hills. Tourists are treated to delicious local meals when they camp amidst nature’s glory. This trail surely provides tourists with memories to cherish for a long time.

Cardamom Hills have wonderfully nurtured the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary over the years. One of the most eye-catching areas of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, these hills are adorned by lavish cardamom plantations. Trekking through this forest trail involves wandering past gorgeous valleys, wildlife reserves, spice plantations, and aromatic tea plantations. Tourists can trek, cycle, or ride their bikes through this terrain to spend some time amidst nature’s welcoming arms. Those who dare to trespass this terrain are blessed with scenic countryside, murky hills, refreshing mountain atmosphere, and exotic flora and fauna. These traits add to the aura of Cardamom Hills and confirm its status as an adventurer’s haven.

Pullumedu is a stunning hill station located within the neighborhood of Periyar River. The term Pullumedu stands for “green meadows”. It is only befitting that this hill station is smeared by nature’s blanket of greenery throughout its terrain. Situated about 26 km away from Periyar, this region proudly nurtures some exotic species of plants. Within the confines of Pullumedu, this rare eco-system is quietly being preserved. In January, the Sabarimala faithful throng this hill station to catch a glimpse of the sacred Makarajyothi. In addition, Pullumedu also offers a remarkable view of the Sabarimala temple from its apex point. This renders holistic importance to Pullumedu.

Falling on the route that leads to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Suruli Waterfalls present tourists with an apt site to unwind from their usual routine work. The impenetrable forests that encircle these waterfalls only add to its phenomenal aura. Indigenous fauna that adorn this route greet trekkers and adventurers along the way. Nestled amid diverse flora and fauna, Suruli Waterfalls present families and friends alike with a perfect picnic site. Emerging from the Megamalai Hills, these waterfalls plummet to the base from an incredible elevation of 150 m. The fact that these falls flow gracefully throughout the year only adds to their tourism prospects. Suruli Waterfalls welcome tourists at all times amidst their majestic flowing waters.