Thekkady in Kerela is an abode of almost all kinds of wildlife species and is also known as the largest sanctuary in India. It is where the Periyar Wildlife sanctuary of Kerela is located which is widely known as a major tourist destination.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkady is also famous as the largest Tiger reserve in India spreading over an area of 777 sq.km. It is an extremely beautiful destination covered with dense green forest along with the famous Periyar River flowing through it which makes the destination looks enchanting.
Apart from wildlife, Thekkady is also famous among tourists for boating and bamboo rafting. So let’s have a look into details how these activities turn can your Thekkady tour into a memorable trip.
Boating in Thekkady
Boating in the Periyar Lake of Thekkady is one of the best forest touring experiences in the gorgeous backdrop of the Western Ghats. The cruising tours are conducted from the morning till evening at various time slots.
This is an amazing tourist entertainment service offered by the Kerela Tourist Department offering a pleasant and soulful experience. Being situated at the heart of the wildlife sanctuary, Periyar Lake offers panoramic scenic beauty and also lets you enjoy the activities of various wildlife species while cruising through the water.
For example- You can spot the elephants moving around, taking a bath or drinking water from the lake, view the monkeys jumping amongst the trees, watch local and unique migratory birds chirping in the entire forest area and many other natural activities by the animals.
The cruising tour covers all the hot spots of the forest areas and hence chances of viewing animals like Gaur, Wild Elephants, Sambar, Hippopotamus, Bison are extremely high and if your luck favors you can watch other wildlife species too.
The tour generally continues for 2 hours duration and the travelers are accompanied with best facilities like proper seating arrangements and a life jacket for safety measures.
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Rule For Boating in Thekkady
There are certain rules the tourists need to follow before going for the boat ride.
- Must have their original ID card for the ticket verification process.
- Travelers must reach the destination 1 hour before the actual tour starts.
- All visitors should carry their boarding pass along with ticket if done manually and E-ticket printout or mail if booked online.
- Wearing life jackets is compulsory during the tour
- Visitors should not engage in activities like smoking, drinking, entering the forest areas without permission or disturb the wild animals.
- All visitors should maintain silence while cruising in the forest area.
Boating in Thekkady Tour Timings
The boating tour is conducted every day at 7.30 a.m., 9.30 a.m., 11.15 a.m., 1.45 a.m., and 3.30 p.m.
Ticket Charges
For 60 seater cruise
Rs.150 for normal booking at the destination
Rs.500 from online booking
For 120 seater cruise
Rs.225 for normal booking
Rs 249 for online booking
Extra Fees
Rs 100 for Still Camera, and Rs 250 for the video camera.
Also read 6 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Thekkady
Bamboo Rafting in Thekkady
Bamboo Rafting in Thekkady is another adventurous activity in the forest areas of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The activity is packed with hiking through the forest trails followed by bamboo rafting. Unlike the boating activity where 60 to 150 passengers cruise through the water together, here it takes only a few passengers maximum around 15 including the guard.
The tour starts in the morning at 8 a.m. with Hiking which involves a 4 km walk in the forest trails to the location of bamboo rafts. The 4km hiking gives you the sight of many wildlife species like Langur, bison, wild pigs. Elephants, and even tigers from a far distance.
The hiking is accompanied by the forest guides who take you through the safe routes. While you trek you can not only view the wildlife species but also feel the breathtaking scenic beauty of the forest in close proximity. After trekking completes the hikers are shifted to the bamboo rafts which not only provides you relaxation from the hiking sweats but also serves as a visual treat due to the extraordinary scenic beauty while sailing through the water.
The ride takes 10 tourists with four forest guides and 1 armed guide. The rafting continues through the dense forest areas which are the wildlife hotspots accompanied by the glamorous scenic beauty of the forest hills. Various wildlife species are covered in the entire tour like Nilgiri Langur, Wild Boars, Bison, Giant Squirrel, colorful migratory birds and many more along with spectacular views of Mullaperiyar dam.
The tour also includes snacks and packed lunch facilities. The tour continues for almost a full day from morning till evening and the rafting specifically continues for a duration of 3 hours. The bamboo rafting tour is kind of magical experience in the Periyar water body with spine thrilling adventure at every turn as the forest trees welcomes you with open arms into the world of wilderness.
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Rules for Bamboo Rafting in Thekkady
- Passengers should carry their tickets and original identification proof to avail the opportunity.
- Complete silence should be maintained while hiking and bamboo rafting and no illegal activities will be entertained during the trip like smoking and drinking.
- Children and kids under 12 years are not allowed to participate in this tour.
- The ticket booking will be confirmed only on 100% payment at the spot or through online portals.
Bamboo Rafting in Thekkady Timings
Every day from 8.00 a.m. in the morning to 5 p.m. in the evening.
Bamboo Rafting in Thekkady Ticket Price
Per person Rs.2000 for the complete trip including food, hiking, and rafting.
Entry Fee: – Rs.25 for Indians and Rs.300 for foreigners.
Also read 10 of the best unexplored places near Thekkady
Conclusion
The boating and bamboo rafting of Periyar Sanctuary is world famous and millions of local and international tourists visit this location only to avail these two wonderful opportunities. You can even opt for the jeep safari in the sanctuary area to explore the wildlife but the experience these you will be having in these two rides is not possible in a noisy jeep tour.
So come and explore the beautiful world of Periyar at Thekkady and have a memorable forest tour with the breathtaking boating and bamboo rafting.
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