An Unforgettable Trip To Periyar Tiger Reserve With Kids

Situated in the Cardamom and Pandalam Hills is the Periyar Tiger Reserve, one of the major places to visit in Thekkady. It’s divided into two divisions of which, Periyar East is the largest and headquartered at Thekkady. This is where all the fun with various programs happens, making it the perfect wildlife adventure getaway with your family.

The reserve is a thriving ecosystem that abounds with various species of flora and fauna and is sure to delight your kids. Tigers, wild pigs, lion-tailed macaques, bonnet macaques, sambars, gaurs, Malabar pied hornbills, mouse deer, doles or barking deer, Gee’s golden langurs, and the elusive Nilgiri Tahr may be spotted here. A dense carpet of tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests covers the Periyar Tiger Reserve, making it home to many plant species.

Safaris, boating on Periyar Lake, river rafting, trekking, and camping can be enjoyed with family at the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Additionally, one of the interesting things to do in Thekkady is paying a visit with your kids to the nearby Mangala Devi Temple to teach them a little about mythology.

Fact file

• Timings for boating on Periyar Lake

The Kerala Forest Department runs two boats daily, and five trips per day, with each trip lasting 90 minutes. The time slots are 7:30 AM– 9 AM, 9:30 AM– 11AM, 11:15 AM– 12:45 PM, 1:45 PM– 3:15 PM, and 3:30 PM– 5 PM.

• Cost of boating

The ticket cost for boating on Periyar Lake is INR 50 for children between the ages of 5 and 11. For everyone above the age of 11, the ticket costs INR 150. Do note that the counter opens 90 minutes before each boating trip.

• Best time to visit

September to April is the best time to visit Periyar Tiger Reserve; however, it is beautiful in the monsoons, too.

• How to reach

Kochi, at a distance of 140 km, is the city with the closest airport. Regular flights connect it to Mumbai, Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Chennai. The nearest railway station is at Kottayam, which is 117 km away from Periyar. By road, it is connected to Kochi, Alleppey, and Kumarakom.

Where to stay

Club Mahindra Thekkady resort is a gorgeous property to stay while visiting Periyar Tiger Reserve. Fitted with modern amenities and comforts, it provides the perfect, relaxed atmosphere for you and your kids in between wildlife-spotting jaunts. This kid-friendly resort is built in a traditional machan-style and is nestled in lush plantations brimming with coffee, teak, cardamom, pepper, and fruit trees, giving you an experience that combines nature and adventure! Apart from sightseeing in Thekkady, you may also indulge in the various indoor and outdoor activities at the resort. Read Club Mahindra reviews by our happy members highlighting their cheerful moments at Thekkady resort.

The Periyar Tiger Reserve is a must-visit for kids of all ages; so book your Club Mahindra holiday soon!

Join India's favorite resort chain - Club Mahindra & choose from over 60+ resorts for your next family vacation. Also, browse through these Club Mahindra resort reviews & know how our happy members are spending their family holidays at popular destinations of India with Club Mahindra.