Periyar Tiger Reserve

Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats is one of India's most atmospheric wildlife experiences — and one of the most accessible. Unlike the flat grasslands of Rajasthan or the floodplains of Assam, Periyar is a highland forest park centred on the Periyar Lake, an artificial reservoir created in 1895 by the British Raj's Mullaperiyar Dam.

The signature experience is the KTDC (Kerala Tourism Development Corporation) boat safari on the lake. These 2-hour morning cruises navigate through flooded dead trees and along forest edges, where herds of wild elephants regularly gather to drink, bathe, and socialise at the shoreline. Sightings of 20–40 elephants in a single outing are not unusual. Tigers are present but rarely seen from the boats; the reward here is elephants, gaur (Indian bison), sambar deer, and an extraordinary array of birds including the Malabar pied hornbill.

For those wanting a more immersive experience, Periyar offers a unique range of ecotourism options managed by the Kerala Forest Department and local tribal communities. The Bamboo Rafting programme sends small groups (maximum 10) on overnight bamboo rafts through the core zone — sleeping under the stars with elephants moving through the forest around you. The Tiger Trail is a 3-day jungle trek with tribal guides, staying in forest watchtowers.

Thekkady, the gateway town, has excellent accommodation ranging from simple guesthouses to the lovely Spice Village resort (CGH Earth). The drive from Kochi (190 km) takes 3.5 hours through the Ghats' famous spice and tea plantations — one of Kerala's most scenic road journeys.