Periyar Tiger Reserve β Thekkady Tour Package
Explore Periyar Tiger Reserve, boating, elephant experiences and cultural shows, with an optional Gavi Eco-Tourism or Angamoozhy jungle jeep safari. The package is suitable for families, couples, friends and wildlife lovers.
Boating, Wildlife and Cultural Experiences
After breakfast, begin exploring Thekkady. The main attraction is boating at Periyar National Park, where visitors can enjoy the lake and surrounding forest scenery.
Periyar Boating Timings
Reach the boat landing ticket counter about 45 minutes before departure. Morning and evening slots are commonly preferred. Each boating session is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Optional Thekkady Experiences
Elephant Ride
Standard rides usually last around 15β20 minutes.
Elephant Bathing
An extended activity may take up to one hour.
Kalaripayattu
Traditional Kerala martial arts performance.
Kathakali
Classical dance and expressive storytelling.
After sightseeing and evening programmes, return to the pre-booked hotel in Thekkady for a comfortable overnight stay.
Choose Your Preferred Stay Category
Replace every hotel link with its Google Maps URL or internal hotel-details URL.
Gavi Eco-Tourism or Angamoozhy Jungle Jeep Safari
Gavi Eco-Tourism Full-Day Jungle Experience
Gavi in Pathanamthitta district is ideal for nature lovers, birdwatchers and travellers seeking a peaceful forest experience. It is approximately 28 km from Kumily and around 14 km southwest of Vandiperiyar.
Programme Highlights
- Guided hiking through Gavi forest
- Fibre boating at Gavi reservoir
- Cardamom plantation and curing house
- Kochupamba waterfall
- Sabarimala hill viewpoint
- Birdwatching and possible wildlife sightings
Elephants, bison, sambar deer, Malabar giant squirrels and several bird species may be seen depending on luck and forest conditions. Sightings cannot be guaranteed.
>Misty Heaven Triple Room
Guests may stay inside the Gavi Eco-Tourism area. Check-in is generally around 1:00 PM. Misty Heaven offers a scenic setting overlooking Gavi Lake and the surrounding forest.
Two adults with an additional bed option.
Relaxing boating after registration.
Cardamom plantation and curing house.
Panoramic hill and forest views.
Next Morning
Wake up early for an approximately 2.5-hour forest vehicle safari with opportunities to observe birds and wildlife in their natural surroundings.
Angamoozhy Full-Day Jungle Jeep Safari
The Angamoozhy programme is a long full-day jeep safari through dense forest areas linked with Gavi and Periyar Tiger Reserve. The safari generally starts from Thekkady in the early morning.
Forest Highlights
- Moozhiyar Dam
- Kakki Dam
- Anathode reservoir
- Pampa Dam region
- Forest drive through Angamoozhy and Gavi
- Birdwatching and possible wildlife sightings
Entry charges, camera fees, activity timing and forest access rules may change. Final availability depends on Forest Department rules and local operating conditions.
Things to Do in Thekkady & Periyar Tiger Reserve
Discover boating, elephant experiences, spice plantations, cultural shows, off-road jeep safaris, eco-tourism, trekking, camping and tribal experiences around Thekkady and Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Complete Thekkady Activity Guide
Thekkady is one of Keralaβs most exciting wildlife and adventure destinations. Visitors can enjoy Periyar boating, elephant activities, spice gardens, Kalaripayattu, Kathakali, Satram jeep safari, Gavi eco-tourism, Angamoozhy jungle safari, Tiger Trail camping, nature walks and forest-based community programmes.
Thekkady Boating at Periyar National Park
Boating is the main attraction in Thekkady. The boat journey across Periyar Lake offers views of the surrounding forest and the chance to observe animals and birds along the route.
Daily Boating Timings
Morning and evening slots are commonly preferred because animals may approach the water during cooler hours. Each boating session lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Visitors should report around 45 minutes before departure at the boat landing ticket counter. One person may purchase up to three tickets at a time, subject to current rules and availability.
Elephant Ride Experience
Enjoy a short but exciting elephant experience in Thekkady. Depending on the selected programme, visitors can take part in elephant riding, feeding, bathing, showering, timber dragging and photo or video sessions.
Replace with spice garden image
Thekkady Spice Garden
Explore a plantation featuring varieties of cardamom, pepper, coffee, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, mace, ginger, allspice, Ayurveda medicinal plants, fruits and natural honey.
Guided visits usually take around 30β60 minutes and provide an opportunity to see, smell and learn about organic spices and traditional Ayurveda products. Visitors may also purchase selected plantation products.
Traditional Kerala Performances in Thekkady
Kalaripayattu
Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest martial arts traditions and is often described as the mother of martial arts. The practice combines physical training, weapon techniques, balance, coordination, discipline and traditional healing knowledge.
The performance demonstrates offensive and defensive movements, weapon control, flexibility and the connection between mind and body. The show usually lasts around one hour and is conducted daily.
Kathakali
Kathakali is one of the oldest classical theatre forms of Kerala. Performances commonly portray stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and other traditional narratives through expressive movement, music, costume and detailed facial makeup.
The elaborate makeup helps identify characters: green is generally associated with noble heroes, red with fierce or evil personalities, black with forest dwellers, and yellowish tones with women and ascetics. The show usually lasts around one hour.
Satram Off-Road Jeep Safari
Satram is ideal for travellers looking for adventurous off-road routes in an open jeep. The safari lasts around three hours and travels through mountain roads, forest surroundings, misty viewpoints, tea plantations and parts of the Periyar river region.
Visitors can stop at viewpoints, enjoy fresh mountain air, take photographs and explore the rugged landscape. Possible wildlife sightings may include elephant, bison, sambar deer, Malabar giant squirrel, Nilgiri tahr, lion-tailed macaque and several bird species, depending on luck and conditions.
Replace with Gavi eco-tourism image
Gavi Eco-Tourism Jungle Jeep Safari
Gavi Eco-Tourism in Pathanamthitta district is ideal for nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers and travellers looking for a peaceful forest escape. Gavi is around 14 km southwest of Vandiperiyar and approximately 28 km from Kumily.
Vehicles entering through the check post around 6:00 AM are generally required to leave through Vallakkadavu before 6:00 PM, subject to current Forest Department rules. The programme can include breakfast, vegetarian lunch, guided hiking, fibre boating, cardamom plantation areas, Kochupamba waterfall and a viewpoint towards the Sabarimala hills.
Gavi is known for birdwatching and forest biodiversity. Possible sightings may include elephant, bison, sambar deer, Malabar giant squirrel, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri tahr and bird species such as hornbill, woodpecker and kingfisher. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Entry fees, camera charges, package rates and activity schedules may change. Always confirm current Forest Department pricing and availability before booking.
Replace with Angamoozhy jeep safari image
Angamoozhy Full-Day Jungle Jeep Safari
Angamoozhy offers a deep forest experience through Pathanamthitta district and routes connected with Gavi and Periyar Tiger Reserve. It is among the longest jeep safari programmes in the region, covering a full-day journey through forest, dam areas and wildlife habitats.
The safari usually starts from Thekkady around 5:00 AM in an open jeep. One jeep generally carries between one and six travellers. The programme can include breakfast, vegetarian lunch, evening tea and snacks.
Major Route Highlights
Elephant, bison, sambar deer, Nilgiri tahr, lion-tailed macaque, Malabar giant squirrel and numerous bird species may be encountered, depending on weather, season and wildlife movement.
Trekking, Camping & Community Experiences
These programmes are designed for travellers seeking a deeper connection with the forest, local guides and Periyarβs eco-development initiatives.
Periyar Tiger Trail
An adventurous camping and trekking programme led by experienced guides who know the forest intimately. Some guides are former poachers who became forest protectors and now support conservation.
Nature Walk
An interpretive trekking programme offering opportunities to observe birds, butterflies and wildlife across different habitats. Walks are generally conducted between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Bamboo Grove
An eco-lodge initiative supporting local communities. The bamboo huts are furnished with modern amenities and surrounded by bamboo thickets, bird sounds and small streams from the Periyar meadows.
Tribal Dance
Youth from the Mannan and Paliyan communities present traditional performances developed from documented folk dances and cultural practices from villages around the Park.
Jungle Scout β Bamboo Grove
A guided night patrol in the eco-development zone of Periyar Tiger Reserve, accompanied by armed guards. The programme combines night trekking, forest protection awareness and opportunities for macro photography.
This programme is best suited to younger or physically fit visitors who can walk quietly and responsibly through the forest at night.
Timings, prices, entry rules, forest access, group limits and activity availability can change based on Forest Department instructions, weather and operational conditions. Confirm all details before finalising the itinerary.
