Thekkady is an extremely popular tourist destination in Kerala. Thekkady, located in the Western Ghats, boasts an abundance of animals and lush greenery, and is a part of the larger Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. One of the most fun things to do in Thekkady is go on a boat ride on Periyar Lake. It’s peaceful, and you can see wild animals like elephants and birds. It’s a wonderful thing to do if you like nature.
The Periyar Lake: A Glimpse of Nature
The Mullaperiyar Dam created Periyar Lake, an artificial lake. It’s surrounded by a lot of trees and plants. The reflection of the trees and plants in the water creates a beautiful picture, enhancing the calm and peaceful nature of the lake.
The Boating Experience
Boating in Thekkady is like a dream. The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) operates the boats, allowing you to go boating at any time of day. The best times to go are early in the morning or late in the afternoon, because you’re more likely to see wild animals there.
As the boat slowly crosses the lake, you can enjoy the quiet and sounds of nature. The thick forests on both sides of the lake have many different animals, like elephants, deer, bison, and wild boars. If you’re lucky, you might even see a tiger or a leopard hiding in the trees!
The boat ride takes about 90 minutes, so people have enough time to enjoy the beautiful scenery and take pictures. The calm water, the cool wind, and seeing animals like elephants and deer come to the water to drink or play make this experience really special.
Wildlife Sightings
Seeing wild animals up close is one of the best things about boating in Thekkady. Elephants are the ones you’re most likely to see, and they’re often in groups near the water. Watching these big animals in their natural home is amazing.
Besides elephants, visitors might see deer, bison, and many different kinds of birds. The lake is home to many water birds, including cormorants, kingfishers, and herons. There are many different kinds of wild animals in the Periyar Sanctuary, and the boat ride is a safe and enjoyable way to see them.
Tips for an Enjoyable Boating Experience
Boating in Thekkady is safe. Everyone gets a life jacket, the boats are in good condition, and the workers know what to do in an emergency. Here are some tips to have a wonderful time:
- Book your tickets early because they can sell out.
- Go in the morning or afternoon for the best chance to see animals.
- Wear comfortable clothes because the lake can be quite cool.
- Bring binoculars to see the animals better.
Conclusion
Boating in Thekkady is more than just a fun ride on a lake. It’s a way to really experience nature and get a close look at wild animals in their homes. If you like animals, take pictures, or just want to relax in nature, Thekkady boating is something you should definitely do when you visit Kerala.
