Walk on the Wild Side at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

At the heart of this town is the Periyar Wildlife Reserve. Home to 2000 elephants, about 40 species of birds and animals including tigers, bison, sambar, langurs, wild boars, even otters! Visiting the reserve is one of the recommended things to do in Thekkady, with tourists from across the world finding their way here throughout the year. And they have tonnes of activities, excursions and adventures for you to partake in.

Boating on the Periyar Lake is one of the main things to do in Thekkady, for it offers a great vantage point for wildlife spotting. Many of the creatures indeed hang about by the water, bathing, drinking or simply resting. You can watch them in their environment on a gentle and fun two-hour boat ride.

If you want an even more charming experience on the waters, the sanctuary also offers a bamboo rafting activity that takes you through some of the inner tracks of the forest. First, you hike into the jungle where you’ll get to see some exquisite species along the way. Only then do you begin the three-hour water-excursion atop these simplistic carriers.

With nature all around, it is little wonder that trekking is another of the popular Thekkady activities. The Sanctuary offers a few such planned opportunities, that each have an appeal of their own. You can sign up for border hiking — a long trail along some of the Park’s borders and edges with a conservationist spin. You’ll have two guides and a guard who will inform you about all the sights and sounds you see. Or you can go for an adrenaline-pumping jungle night patrol. It is a rare chance to explore one of the world’s densest, most thriving forests late at night. This is nightlife like you’ve never experienced before!

To take things more at your own pace, why not opt for some of the more relaxed nature walks that will still show you plenty of forest-living species. You can take a tribal guide along, to share with you the ins-and-outs of this intriguing eco-system. Another way to do that is go on one of the Tribal Heritage Walks, a trekking experience in one of the Reserve’s neighbouring tribal villages. They even have a museum that you can visit for an insight into a true indigenous, connected to nature culture.

Not every activity needs to be on foot. Give your feet a rest with the off-track jeep safaris across hidden forest pathways, past waterfalls, through exquisite plantations and quaint settlements.

One of the highlights of the Reserve’s programs is called “Follow the Tiger” where poachers from the past, who have now turned protectors, offer a guided tour of hidden trails of elephants and the elusive tigers. Just imagine the stories they have to tell!