Trip Finder
Plan your trip to Periyar National Park
Estimated sighting chances, the zones to book, month-by-month closures and indicative costs for what you want to see here.
* Estimated chance per safari, based on reported animal density and sighting reports — not an official Forest Department figure. Prices are indicative ranges.
About this location
Centered on the scenic Periyar lake, this tiger reserve is best known for elephant herds wading into the water — one of India's most iconic wildlife photography scenes. Dawn boat safaris offer unique elevated angles, and the surrounding forest is rich in lion-tailed macaques and hornbills.
Species You Can Photograph in Periyar National Park
Best season guide
Peak photography conditions typically align with Jan–Dec. Add buffer days for weather and park closures.
JanExcellent
FebExcellent
MarExcellent
AprExcellent
MayGood
JunOff-season
JulOff-season
AugOff-season
SepOff-season
OctGood
NovExcellent
DecExcellent
Safari Zones
Boat Safari
| Zone | Entry gate |
|---|---|
| Periyar Lake (Boat Safari) | Thekkady Boat Landing |
Guided Trek
| Zone | Entry gate |
|---|---|
| Thekkady Guided Trails (Nature Walk, Bamboo Rafting, Border Hiking) | Thekkady (Periyar Tiger Reserve Eco-tourism Centre) |
How to Reach
- Nearest airport
- Madurai Airport (~140 km)
- Nearest railway station
- Kottayam (~115 km)
By Air
Madurai Airport is the nearest airport, about 140 km away, with Kochi (~190 km) as an alternative. Continue by taxi or pre-booked cab.
By Rail
Kottayam is the nearest railway station, about 115 km away, with Madurai (~140 km) as an alternative. Taxis and autos cover the last stretch.
By Road
Thekkady/Kumily is the base: about 115 km from Kottayam, 140 km from Madurai and 190 km from Kochi. Boat safaris on Periyar Lake leave from the Thekkady boat landing; bamboo rafting, border hiking and nature walks are booked at the eco-tourism centre.
Expert Wildlife Creators in Periyar National Park
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Available trips
No listed trips here yet
No trips are currently targeting Periyar National Park. Browse every active trip, or message a local creator directly to ask about planning one.
Recent Wildlife Sightings
Seen wildlife here? Be the first to report it
No field reports have been logged for Periyar National Park yet. If you're a wildlife creator, log what you've seen here — or browse sightings from other destinations.
Photography tips for Periyar National Park
Reach the gate before opening light; many species move along edges of forest, meadows, or water at dawn. Use a long lens with a bean bag or gimbal head on shared vehicles, and keep spare batteries warm in cold destinations like high Himalaya.
Respect buffer zones and guide instructions — ethical positioning keeps stress off animals and often yields cleaner frames. Review your images in the field to adjust exposure for harsh midday sun versus misty mornings typical of Kerala.
More in Kerala
- Anamudi Shola National Park
- Ashtamudi Wetland
- Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Choolannur Peafowl Sanctuary
- Eravikulam National Park
- Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
- Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
- Mathikettan Shola National Park
- Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Pambadum Shola National Park
- Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
- Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
- Rajiv Gandhi (Peeppara) Wildlife Sanctuary
- Sasthamkotta Lake
- Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
- Silent Valley National Park
- Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
- Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary
- Vembanad Lake
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
- Western Ghats
- Western Ghats birding belt
Species guides