10 Amazing Wildlife Experiences To Have In Periyar National Park

Boat Safari on Periyar LakeEarly morning or late afternoon boat rides offer sightings of elephants bathing, sambar deer grazing, herds of gaur near shores; water-birds like kingfishers, darters, and occasional Indian otter.Bamboo Rafting + Forest TrekCombine a forest-hike with bamboo rafting along quieter lake edges; spot Nilgiri langur, giant squirrels, elephants close to water; guides assist and safety protocols followed.Walks / Green TrailsGuided nature walks of 3 hours at dawn reveal birds, butterflies, fresh pugmarks, forest flora; morning light enhances visibility of wildlife and calm forest atmosphere.Night Jungle PatrolAccompanied night trek alongside forest guards in designated eco-zones to request spotting of nocturnal species such as civets, owls, frogs in darkness; requires permits and careful preparation.Periyar Tiger Trail (Overnight Trek)Two-night guided trek through core forest areas, led by trained forest department personnel; experience wildlife in remote settings, though tigers are elusive and sightings not guaranteed.Jeep Safari in Gavi (Buffer Zone)Drive through Gavi’s forest roads in buffer zones; often see elephants, sambar deer, wild boar; birding opportunities as eco-tourists travel through lesser disturbed tracts.Border Hiking ExpeditionsFull-day hard hikes along Periyar’s border zones. Between 900 to 1,300 m altitudes; panoramic views over valleys; sightings include gaur, elephants, birds along watershed edges.Wildlife Watching from Shore TrailsShore-side short walks near the lake jetty; early morning trails reward with sightings of deer, elephants, birds and wild boars as animals come for water.Birdwatching & Avian SurveysPeriyar hosts over 260 bird species; endemic and migratory like Malabar grey hornbill, Nilgiri wood pigeon; dawn and dusk are best for observing birds in canopy and shores.Mammal SpottingLook for gaur, wild pigs, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, sambar and sometimes sloth bear, leopard in buffer zones, or from boats and forest edges.Winter Wings: Top 10 Indian Bird Sanctuaries To Visit This WinterRead More