OT Staff
Early 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.
Combine 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.
Guided nature walks of 3 hours at dawn reveal birds, butterflies, fresh pugmarks, forest flora; morning light enhances visibility of wildlife and calm forest atmosphere.
Accompanied 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.
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.
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.
Full-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.
Shore-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.
Periyar 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.
Look for gaur, wild pigs, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, sambar and sometimes sloth bear, leopard in buffer zones, or from boats and forest edges.