📋 Official Information Boards — Periyar Tiger Reserve
The following photographs are taken directly at the Periyar Tiger Reserve entrance and ticket counter. They show the official rates, activities and rules as displayed on-site. Verify timings and rates locally before visiting — they may change seasonally.
Welcome board at Periyar Tiger Reserve listing all eco-tourism activities — Bamboo Grove, Bamboo Rafting, Boating, Border Hiking, Edapalayam Watch Tower, Gavi Safari, Green Walk, Interpretation Centre, Jungle Camp, Jungle Scout, Nature Walk, Periyar Tiger Trail (1 night / 2 nights), Pugmark Trail and Silent Wheel.
Complete rate card — all activitiesActivity rates — readable viewTicket counter rules — UPI/Card payments only
Note: Online reserved tickets must be collected at the Entrance Ticket Counter at least 60 minutes before boat timing. Carry ID proof (Aadhar / Voter ID / Passport). Online booking: periyartigerreserve.org or boating.ktdcbooking.com.
Periyar Tiger Reserve is the beating heart of Thekkady. Spread across more than 925 sq km of evergreen forest in the Western Ghats, it is one of India’s oldest and most carefully managed protected areas. Tigers, elephants, bison, sambar deer, lion-tailed macaques and over 320 bird species live here.
Quick facts
Established as a sanctuary: 1934
Declared a Tiger Reserve: 1978 (under Project Tiger)
Area: 925 sq km
Altitude range: 100 m to 2,019 m
Main entry: Periyar Reserve Gate, Thekkady (4 km from Kumily)
Things to do inside
Boating on Periyar Lake (90 min, signature activity)
Periyar is famous for its 26-square-km Periyar Lake, herds of wild elephants, jungle scout night treks, bamboo rafting and being one of India’s most accessible tiger reserves.
What are the entry fees for Periyar Tiger Reserve?
Park entry: Indian adult ₹45, Indian child ₹30, Foreign adult ₹500, Foreign child ₹180. Vehicle entry, boat tickets, camera fees and eco-tourism programmes are charged separately.
What is the best time to visit Periyar Tiger Reserve?
October to February — pleasant weather, good wildlife activity. Avoid heavy monsoon (June–August). Animals are most active early morning and late afternoon.
How many days are enough for Periyar Tiger Reserve?
Minimum 2 nights — one full day for boating + spice plantation + Kathakali, another for jeep safari or trekking. 3 nights ideal if you want Gavi.
Are there overnight stays inside Periyar?
Yes — Bamboo Grove cottages (with package ₹4,800; without ₹2,400), Jungle Camp (₹11,000 for 2 persons), Edappalayam Watch Tower and Jungle Inn (₹5,000/2 persons). Book in advance.
What activities are available inside Periyar?
Nature walk, green walk, jungle scout (night), bamboo rafting (full/half day), border hiking, Tiger Trail (1 or 2 night camping), pugmark trail, bamboo grove stay, watch tower stay, tribal dance and the famous lake boating.
