Full-day bamboo rafting in Periyar

Bamboo rafting is run by the reserve's eco-development programme, which employs people from local communities, some of whom once poached in the forest, as guides and guards. A small group meets at the Thekkady boat landing at about 8 am and walks into the forest with two or three guards. The trek alternates with rafting across arms of the lake on simple rafts of lashed bamboo, paddled by the guards.

The pace is slow, and long spells on the water allow you to sit quietly and watch. Elephants often come down to drink and bathe in the afternoon, and gaur graze on the grassy banks. Otters, sambar, wild boar, Malabar giant squirrels, Nilgiri langurs and many birds, including hornbills and darters, are regular sightings. Tigers and leopards are present but rarely seen. Lunch is a simple packed meal eaten in the forest.

The day covers several kilometres of walking on uneven forest paths and returns around 5 pm. Group sizes and daily slots are limited, and the programme can be suspended in heavy rain or for operational reasons, so check current status before you travel. We book the places as soon as your dates are fixed. Wear long sleeves, trousers and closed shoes, and bring a hat and a small bag.