Periyar Lake
Periyar Lake
4
6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Periyar Lake
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
43 within 3 miles
Attractions
32 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- Pratham9 contributionsWaste of moneyWaste of money. You will be sitting in boat for 1 and half hour just waiting to see one wild animal. Also, don’t book from KTDC it’s bit costly. If possible book from government website which is not that expensive but you need to book prior as very few seats are available.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 8 December 2023
- jaya30New Delhi, India65 contributionsBeautiful lake, very well maintained. But crowds are killing.Managed by Forest Dept, it’s well maintained. But crowd management leaves much to be desired. Only with luck you spot wild animals. We saw at a distance, wild boar, deer and bisons. Not a single elephant. Suggest you go for the cruise, not for sightings.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 December 2023
- Katherine7 contributionsExperience depends on the season, seat, and other passengersThe lake is beautiful, but the boat ride really depends on luck. Going in December, the guide on the boat said right away we were unlikely to see many animals. He did mention going in the dry season was a better idea. In addition to the season, the experience depends on the seat you get (the boats are 8 abreast), and the other people on the tour. Stuck in the middle, surrouded by an extremely chatty and quite boisterous group meant seeing very little. Even when the guide asked multiple times for the group to be quiet, they continued. However, I could see that it could be really enjoyable if you snagged an outside seat and went with a good group. There is no bathroom on the boat; be sure to go beforehand. The process of getting there by bus was very easy and simple to navigate.Visited December 2023Travelled soloWritten 3 January 2024
- Sandy SAlbuquerque, New Mexico1,038 contributionsA fine way to see wildlifeEven the wait for our boat was fun, thanks for a little playground for monkeys set up near the dock. Little gray primates slid down transparent mesh chutes and swung from tree limbs. Once on the water, we spotted lots of herons, egrets, and Indian eagles and three wild bison grazing in a field.Visited January 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 15 February 2024
- Jay ShahAhmedabad, India2,372 contributionsBeautifulWe visited around 11:00 am. First buy a entry ticket at the parking area then wait for the forest bus to pick up and then the journey starts. Once you reach the forest you have to buy boating tickets for ride, if u don't want to ride then you can also visit surrounded areas of the lake by other ways like trekking or walking. We reached late and by the time there was no boat for the ride and the next ride was after one hour so it was not worth the ride. So we take pictures at the entry point of the lake and nearby surrounding areas.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 12 May 2024
- Venkat RamaswamyChennai (Madras), India16 contributionsPeriyar Lake is enjoyable place go and have fun !First of all you have buy ticket and then forest bus will pick you up for the destination Excellent great place to stay for a vacation and that was so good. Places all make this place an enjoyable one. We had a great fun.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 29 May 2024
- doaamurad24 contributionsI loooove the place 😍😍❤️❤️❤️❤️The lake is beautiful, very clean and large Surrounded by wonderful forests I saw some beautiful monkeys in the trees, elephants, and another animal whose name I don't know There are many birds that I think are rare. The disadvantage of the place is that while waiting for the boat there are a lot of monkeys that disturb the tourists, and I am afraid of monkeysVisited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.0
2,030 reviews
Excellent
698
Very good
693
Average
417
Poor
135
Terrible
87
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Preethi B
Chennai (Madras), India43 contributions
Oct 2019 • Family
This was the most disappointing part of our Thekkady tour. We were told there are only 5 boat rides per day- at 7.30,9.30,11.30 am,2.30 pm and 5.30 pm. And if we reach the lake by 6.30 am, we may get the 7.30 ride and some animals may be sighted. To reach the lake, private vehicles are not allowed; there are government buses from Thekkady every 5 min. When we reached the bus stand at 6am, some 300 people were waiting in queue before us. We took bus tickets, boarded the bus and reached Periyar lake. There was another big queue there. The ticket counter for boat ride opened at 7.30 am; 2 families (8 -10 people) were given tickets. Then it was announced that 7.30 ride was full and tickets for 9.30 ride will be given at 9.30 am. There were still around 200 people in the queue and nobody had any clue what was happening. There was no board there or no one knew the number of tickets available for each boat ride. We had a small kid, we decided it was not worth waiting in the queue. We didnt know if we would get a ticket at all.
It was a pathetic maintenance. Also, the waiting area was full of monkeys which would take away people's belongings without any fear. One monkey tried to pull my bag out of my hand; if I hadn't held it hard I would have lost my bag. Totally, this place is a waste of time. I had heard that there were good boat rides around 20 years back with good animal sightings. But now, it is not worth it. So, we returned after taking a few snaps to enjoy other places in Thekkady.
It was a pathetic maintenance. Also, the waiting area was full of monkeys which would take away people's belongings without any fear. One monkey tried to pull my bag out of my hand; if I hadn't held it hard I would have lost my bag. Totally, this place is a waste of time. I had heard that there were good boat rides around 20 years back with good animal sightings. But now, it is not worth it. So, we returned after taking a few snaps to enjoy other places in Thekkady.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheHimalayanGuy
Bengaluru, India33 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
The lake is AWesome and have great views all around. The access to the lake is through private bus run by the govt. and you have to take that to reach there. The bus ride is short ride of 20-30mins and is not bad. The boating Center is really crowded and there are people everywhere spoiling the charm of this place. I would recommend going here on a weekday and avoid public holidays. Boating in itself is very uncool and uncomfortable specially when there are loads of unruly and loud people. This is just a tick box stuff if you’re in Thekkady.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve M
Auckland, New Zealand838 contributions
Jan 2020
The boat ride was pleasant enough although we were fortunate to be sitting on the side of the boat so at least we had a good view of the lake. Those sitting in the centre of the boat would not get the same view.
What little wildlife there was to be seen could only be viewed at a considerable distance away.
The bus trip down to the boat and the embarkation could best be described as chaotic with very little guidance or signage to assist.
We got much more value from the walk in the reserve than the boat trip.
What little wildlife there was to be seen could only be viewed at a considerable distance away.
The bus trip down to the boat and the embarkation could best be described as chaotic with very little guidance or signage to assist.
We got much more value from the walk in the reserve than the boat trip.
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Subhashis
Bangalore, Karnataka, India31 contributions
Dec 2019
We visited Elephant junction with family with one kid (4 years). It was a very nice experience. One can have elephant ride, can take bath with elephant and have some paid show with elephant. We opted only for the elephant ride. They took us inside jungle for 5-10 mins walk. Experience was good. Kid enjoyed a lot. Place is maintained well..
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane G
Canberra, Australia69 contributions
Feb 2020
A group of 20 of us took the boat ride for the afternoon on the lake. We were required to put on very bulky life jackets and I could hardly move or see over the top of the life jacket.
I was sitting in from the rail and could see nothing and you are not allowed to move about so sat for an hour and a half in total discomfort.
The guides on board the boat said nothing and called out nothing so the trip was a total failure even though otters were seen. My advice is to not even consider this boat ride and take a jeep out to the park.
Our group was spending three weeks visiting the south of India and this was the only activity I thought was a disaster on the trip. Had the guides called the animals it may have been better but they were disinterested and could not be bothered. We were one of many boats on the lake that day and I worked out at 5 PM at least 500 people disembarked from five boats and then we needed to bus back to the town so that took a long time as well. Forget this trip!!!
I was sitting in from the rail and could see nothing and you are not allowed to move about so sat for an hour and a half in total discomfort.
The guides on board the boat said nothing and called out nothing so the trip was a total failure even though otters were seen. My advice is to not even consider this boat ride and take a jeep out to the park.
Our group was spending three weeks visiting the south of India and this was the only activity I thought was a disaster on the trip. Had the guides called the animals it may have been better but they were disinterested and could not be bothered. We were one of many boats on the lake that day and I worked out at 5 PM at least 500 people disembarked from five boats and then we needed to bus back to the town so that took a long time as well. Forget this trip!!!
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
arunerd
Erode, India15 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We went on Jan 18 2020 for boat ride. We had booked 3.30 pm ride online at ktdc-boating.com. The ride was pleasant and serene. We were lucky enough to see few deer, bison and an elephant.
Online tickets costs 500 rupees whereas onsite booking is 255 rupees. KTDC should be seriously consider reducing this. We booked online as we were visiting on a long holiday weekend. So no guarantee for onsite tickets.
Toilets at boat landing point were not clean. Accommodation inside the tiger reserve at periyar house and aranya nivas also available. Lack Lack palace resort is a luxury bungalow located in an island within lake.
But for poor booking facilites and lack of proper maintenance at boat landing place, boat ride for 90 minutes was a pleasant experience.
Online tickets costs 500 rupees whereas onsite booking is 255 rupees. KTDC should be seriously consider reducing this. We booked online as we were visiting on a long holiday weekend. So no guarantee for onsite tickets.
Toilets at boat landing point were not clean. Accommodation inside the tiger reserve at periyar house and aranya nivas also available. Lack Lack palace resort is a luxury bungalow located in an island within lake.
But for poor booking facilites and lack of proper maintenance at boat landing place, boat ride for 90 minutes was a pleasant experience.
Written 24 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Harshshah1212
Godhra, India446 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
There is 1 hour ride in Periyar lake through which we can see the animals on lakeside.
Nothing to do in boat.
Animals, if seen, are also very distant.
Binoculars are available on rent but of no use.
One should definitely avoid this place in Thekkady.
Nothing to do in boat.
Animals, if seen, are also very distant.
Binoculars are available on rent but of no use.
One should definitely avoid this place in Thekkady.
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
john m
Keswick, UK141 contributions
Feb 2020
We took a walk in the early morning that involved crossing an inlet on a dodgy raft (not for everyone - I was a bit intrepid!). A small group of 6 was led round the lakeside path by a very knowledable local guide who seemed to know everything! and even took fantastic photos for you using your camera. Lots of bird life and small mammals and Elephants. Chance of a tiger is very remote though.
Later in the afternoon we took a boat trip and saw lots of animals, but you needed to sit on the outside to beefit from this as crew insisted you remain seated waring very uncomfortable and ineffective life jackets. The walk was better.
Later in the afternoon we took a boat trip and saw lots of animals, but you needed to sit on the outside to beefit from this as crew insisted you remain seated waring very uncomfortable and ineffective life jackets. The walk was better.
Written 13 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
morrisvibes
Bridgwater, UK27 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
The boat tour on Lake Periyar is to be avoided. This is not a gentle trip into the wilderness reserve of Periya Tiger Reserve - instead you are crammed onto a boat with up to 100 other sightseers and your view is more likely to be that of a life jacket worn by the person in front or besides you. Very few animal sightings on the ‘tour’, which finishes with a stampede to get a seat on one of the transit buses. A deeply disappointing experience and not recommended. Instead go on a jungle guided walk - virtually the same cost but a far better experience.
Written 30 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OldPaperino
Italy944 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
A long preparation, between purchasing the ticket, queuing for the bus, queuing once you arrive because you have to wait for the boats for the tour on the artificial lake. Good thing the seats are assigned. We stayed at the time closest to sunset which should be the most favorable for seeing the animals in the reserve, since they come to water at that time. We saw some elephants (from a distance so as not to scare them) and many buffaloes, deer etc. If you have never been to a park in Africa it is worth it, otherwise so-so.
Bring a sweatshirt because in the evening it cools down a lot and despite the hot day you risk catching a cold like what happened to me.
Bring a sweatshirt because in the evening it cools down a lot and despite the hot day you risk catching a cold like what happened to me.
Written 13 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1) What is the difference between nature walk and green walk?
2) Can we do it in the same day?
3) How do book for the tribal dance from 6pm to 7pm?
Written 5 July 2024
What is the difference between the Nature and the Green walk?
Why does it ask if I want to pay for a shuttle? If I am being brought to the reserve by a driver, do I need to still take the shuttle?
Why does it reject all credit cards and debit cards? Is there actually a way to pay for this?
Written 17 January 2024
We are 3 people & we have booked Light vehicle in Periyar lake boating, is that okay?
Written 5 July 2024
I perceive it might be around 45 minutes. We don't note the exact timing when we got into or got out of the boat
Written 25 April 2022
Can we pre book boating tickets for 35 to 40 people through online ?how many days before can we book?
Written 8 February 2019
I was in a group of 30 people in a tour group but the tour company booked it. The boats were full and it was busy
Written 10 February 2019
How far does one need to walk from parking to view point at Kalvari mount?
Written 13 September 2018
Which are the topmost sites to visit in thekkady for a two day trip?
Written 13 September 2018
In Thekkady, you’ll find two days too little. But, you can go for Periyar Lake, Tiger Reserve, Spice Garden Tour, Kathakali Show, Kalaripattu Show, Safari for Elephant sighting, and the local food which is a very vast selection. There are State Tourism guide kiosks to help you make a better selection.
Written 13 September 2018
Am planning to travel to thekkady this weekend...
I ll b travelling from Trivandrum to Thekkady.
I would like to know the present road condition,after the floods and tourist spots condition after the same.
Should i postpone my trip?
Written 12 September 2018
I booked the tickets through periyar foundation online. They amount has been deducted and unique identification number is generated... But they are not issue the tickets... I can give UID no. And get the ticketa from the counter... Is this UID will be fine?
Written 19 January 2018
Actually you have to go with your ticket to the BUS stand and then they will drive you to the forest in their own buses. Where you have to buy the tickets for the Boating
Written 29 January 2018
…
Showing results 1-10 of 42
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing