Periyar WLS Tiger Reserve

Located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, Periyar is famous for its elephant herds and boat safaris on Periyar Lake, offering unique wildlife viewing...

Periyar WLS Tiger Reserve at a Glance

Location
Western Ghats & Deccan Plateau, India, South Asia
Coordinates
9.465538, 77.102760
IUCN Category
IV
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
October to March (cooler, dry months) for tiger safaris and wildlife.

Getting to Periyar WLS Tiger Reserve

Nearest airport: Unknown Airport, 6 km away.

Nearest international airport: Cochin International Airport (COK), 108 km away.

Weather & Climate in Periyar WLS Tiger Reserve

The warmest temperatures in Periyar WLS Tiger Reserve occur in April, averaging 22.0°C (up to 27.7°C). The coolest conditions are in September at 19.5°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in February with average rainfall of 15.9mm. Average humidity: 68.3%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 20.0°C (rainfall: 51.8mm)
  • February: 20.8°C (rainfall: 15.9mm)
  • March: 21.8°C (rainfall: 44.7mm)
  • April: 22.0°C (rainfall: 137.6mm)
  • May: 21.0°C (rainfall: 355.3mm)
  • June: 19.9°C (rainfall: 337.7mm)
  • July: 19.5°C (rainfall: 501.4mm)
  • August: 19.6°C (rainfall: 439.8mm)
  • September: 19.5°C (rainfall: 415.1mm)
  • October: 19.7°C (rainfall: 418.7mm)
  • November: 19.9°C (rainfall: 239.7mm)
  • December: 19.7°C (rainfall: 132.7mm)

Best Time to Visit Periyar WLS Tiger Reserve

The best months to visit Periyar WLS Tiger Reserve are February, March, January, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 19.96°C, rainfall 51.8mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 76.6%
  • February: Great, temperature 20.8°C, rainfall 15.9mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 68.3%
  • March: Great, temperature 21.82°C, rainfall 44.7mm, sunshine 11.8 hrs, humidity 69.6%
  • April: Good, temperature 21.97°C, rainfall 137.6mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 81%
  • May: Poor, temperature 20.99°C, rainfall 355.3mm, sunshine 7.9 hrs, humidity 92.8%
  • June: Poor, temperature 19.95°C, rainfall 337.7mm, sunshine 7.6 hrs, humidity 95.1%
  • July: Poor, temperature 19.5°C, rainfall 501.4mm, sunshine 6.6 hrs, humidity 95.5%
  • August: Poor, temperature 19.64°C, rainfall 439.8mm, sunshine 7.6 hrs, humidity 94.1%
  • September: Poor, temperature 19.48°C, rainfall 415.1mm, sunshine 7.5 hrs, humidity 95.2%
  • October: Poor, temperature 19.73°C, rainfall 418.7mm, sunshine 7.9 hrs, humidity 92.2%
  • November: Poor, temperature 19.87°C, rainfall 239.7mm, sunshine 7.8 hrs, humidity 88.8%
  • December: Good, temperature 19.74°C, rainfall 132.7mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 83.9%

Wildlife in Periyar WLS Tiger Reserve

Home to 79 recorded species including 26 waterbirds, 24 iconic birds, 19 birds of prey, 7 tropical birds, 2 big herbivores, 1 predators.

Recommended Packing List for Periyar WLS Tiger Reserve

Based on average temperature of 20.3°C, typical conditions, humidity 86%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 20°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Periyar WLS Tiger Reserve

50 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Western Ghats & Deccan Plateau

Visitor Tips - Periyar WLS Tiger Reserve

We love the unique perspective Periyar offers, especially the tranquil boat safari on the lake where you might spot elephants, gaur, and various birdlife coming to drink. The lush, evergreen forests provide an immersive experience that feels both wild and accessible. It's a sensational place to connect with nature, far beyond just tiger spotting.

Gate Times

The Periyar Tiger Reserve operates with varying timings depending on the activity. For the popular boat safaris on Periyar Lake, we recommend booking well in advance, especially during peak season. The first boat usually departs around 7:30 AM, with subsequent departures until late afternoon. Trekking activities like the Bamboo Rafting or Border Hiking have specific morning start times, often requiring pre-booking and permits from the Forest Department office in Thekkady. Always check the latest schedules upon arrival or through official channels, as these can change seasonally. Entry permits are mandatory for all visitors.

Tipping

Tipping is customary in India and a thoughtful gesture for good service. For a boat safari guide, we suggest INR 200-300 per boat, shared among your group. If you undertake a guided trek, a personal guide might receive INR 300-500 for a half-day excursion. For any lodge or camp staff who assist you, a pooled tip at the end of your stay or individual tips for exceptional service are appreciated. Always tip discreetly and in local currency.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for India

Travel advisory for India

Periyar WLS Tiger Reserve FAQs

How does the boat safari on Periyar Lake offer a unique wildlife viewing experience compared to traditional jeep safaris?

Periyar's boat safaris provide an unparalleled perspective, allowing you to observe wildlife coming to the lake's edge for water, especially large herds of elephants and gaur. This water-based approach minimizes disturbance to animals and offers serene, unobstructed views of the diverse ecosystem from a different vantage point.

When is the optimal time to visit Periyar WLS for the best chances of spotting its famous elephants and other wildlife?

The ideal time to visit Periyar is during the cooler, drier months from October to March. During this period, water levels in the lake recede, concentrating animals around the remaining water sources, making sightings of elephants, sambar, and gaur more frequent and predictable.

Beyond the renowned boat safaris, what other unique eco-tourism activities can visitors experience at Periyar Tiger Reserve?

Periyar offers a range of engaging activities like guided jungle treks, bamboo rafting, and nature walks with local tribal guides, providing deeper insights into the forest's biodiversity. These experiences allow for closer encounters with the flora and fauna, including various bird species and butterflies, within its evergreen forests.

What specific health and safety precautions should travelers take when visiting Periyar WLS, especially concerning its moderate malaria risk?

Due to the moderate malaria risk, it's advisable to consult your doctor about antimalarial medication and always use insect repellent, especially during dawn and dusk. Additionally, follow guide instructions during all activities to ensure safety around wildlife, and stay hydrated in the tropical climate.

What are the typical costs for entry and activities at Periyar WLS, and what's the best way to secure bookings for a smooth visit?

Entry fees for Periyar WLS are generally affordable, with separate charges for boat safaris, trekking, and other specialized activities. It's highly recommended to book boat safaris and popular guided treks in advance, especially during peak season, either online through official Kerala Tourism channels or via reputable local tour operators, to ensure availability.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.