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Cloaked in the rainforests of the Western Ghats, Kerala is one of India's richest wildlife destinations. At Periyar in Thekkady, herds of elephants gather at the lake shore, while the forests of Wayanad shelter deer, gaur and the occasional big cat. From boat safaris and guided jungle walks to birdwatching in the backwaters, Holiday Vibez builds wildlife tours that put you close to Kerala's wild heart. They fit seamlessly alongside the tea hills and spice plantations of the same highland belt.

Top things to see & do

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary — Kerala
Periyar Wildlife SanctuaryKerala's flagship reserve at Thekkady, famed for elephants gathering along its scenic lake.
Periyar lake boat safari — Kerala
Periyar lake boat safariA serene cruise across the reservoir, offering close views of elephants, deer and birdlife at the water's edge.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary — Kerala
Wayanad Wildlife SanctuaryMisty forests where jeep safaris seek out elephants, gaur, deer and, with luck, a leopard or tiger.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary — Kerala
Kumarakom Bird SanctuaryA backwater haven for migratory and resident birds — herons, egrets, darters and kingfishers.
Guided jungle walks — Kerala
Guided jungle walksRanger-led forest walks around Periyar that reveal the smaller wonders of the Western Ghats up close.
Spice-forest fringe — Kerala
Spice-forest fringeThe plantation edges around Thekkady, alive with birdsong, butterflies and abundant greenery.
Wild elephants at the forested shore of Periyar lake in the Western Ghats of Kerala

Suggested itinerary

Day 1
Into the forest hills

Arrive into Kochi (COK) and drive to Thekkady on the edge of Periyar. Settle in and enjoy an evening amid the spice-scented forest fringe.

Day 2
Periyar safari

A morning boat safari across Periyar lake in search of elephants and deer, followed by an optional guided jungle walk or spice-plantation trail in the afternoon.

Day 3
Wayanad or backwater birdlife

Depending on your route, transfer towards Wayanad for a jeep safari through its sanctuary, or head to Kumarakom for a tranquil bird-sanctuary morning.

Day 4
Forest to onward journey

A final nature walk or early birdwatching session, then transfer back towards Kochi, or continue to the tea hills or backwaters.

Indicative Kerala package prices (per person on twin-sharing; land package):

Trip DurationIndicative Price (per person)
Short trip · 2 Nights / 3 Daysfrom ₹11,999
3 Nights / 4 Daysfrom ₹13,499
4 Nights / 5 Daysfrom ₹19,999
5 Nights / 6 Daysfrom ₹26,999
6 Nights / 7 Daysfrom ₹34,999

Indicative starting prices from our current Kerala packages — your final quote depends on hotels/houseboat, season and flights. Share your dates for an exact, itemised quote.

Overview

Kerala's slice of the Western Ghats is a biodiversity hotspot, and its sanctuaries offer some of South India's most accessible wildlife experiences. Periyar's lakeside elephants, Wayanad's forest jeep safaris and Kumarakom's birdlife together make for a varied and rewarding wildlife tour.

Periyar & Thekkady

Periyar is the star attraction — a reserve built around a scenic lake where a gentle boat safari brings you close to elephants, sambar deer and abundant birdlife. Guided jungle walks add a slower, more intimate way to explore.

Wayanad's forests

To the north, Wayanad's misty sanctuary offers classic jeep safaris through teak and bamboo forest, home to elephants, gaur and deer, with leopards and tigers present though rarely seen.

  • Jeep safaris through mixed forest
  • Elephant and gaur sightings
  • Edakkal Caves and hill scenery nearby

Birdwatching & backwaters

For gentler wildlife, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary on Vembanad Lake teems with herons, egrets and, in winter, migratory visitors — a peaceful counterpoint to the forest safaris.

How to reach

Kochi International Airport (COK) is the main gateway — Thekkady is around a four-hour drive, while Wayanad is nearer to Kozhikode (CCJ). We arrange private transfers and, where needed, safari permits and bookings.

Best time to visit

September to March offers the most comfortable weather and good sightings, with the dry months towards the end of the season often best as animals gather near water. Safaris and boat rides depend on forest-department schedules and conditions.

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Keen to meet Kerala's wild side? Let Holiday Vibez plan your Periyar and Wayanad wildlife tour.

Free, no-obligation quote from a Holiday Vibez travel expert — great-value, transparent pricing.

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