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)
• Nature walk (3 hr small-group with tribal guide)
• Bamboo rafting (half/full day, limited slots)
• Border hiking (long-distance trek)
• Jungle patrol (overnight)
• Tiger Trail (2-day overnight, ₹1800/person)
• Tribal Heritage Trail (half-day)

Booking

Book via the official Forest Dept portal: periyartigerreserve.org. Boating slots also bookable via KTDC.