Photo spot in Thekkady
Periyar Lake
Thekkady, Kerala
The scenic reservoir at the heart of the reserve, dotted with the skeletal trunks of a submerged forest — the stage for the famous boat safaris.
Best time
Early morning on the first boat, when mist sits on the water and animals are more likely at the shore; late afternoon for warm light on the dead tree trunks.
Best angle
Sit on the side of the boat facing the shore and take a low, wide photo with the dead tree trunks in front and the forested hills behind.
Entry fee
Boat fee
Opening hours
Boat safaris (day)
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Periyar Lake
Early morning on the first boat, when mist sits on the water and animals are more likely at the shore; late afternoon for warm light on the dead tree trunks. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Periyar Lake
Sit on the side of the boat facing the shore and take a low, wide photo with the dead tree trunks in front and the forested hills behind. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
On the boat
By the lakeside
Outfit guide
What to wear at Periyar Lake
For photos at Periyar Lake, khaki, white and forest green work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Thekkady.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Thekkady.
Eat nearby
Food near Periyar Lake
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for appam & stew nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
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Good to know
Local tips
Book the first boat of the day, which is usually best for mist and animals.
Book through the official Periyar Tiger Reserve website or counter rather than through third parties.
Arrive well before your slot, as there are ticket and security checks.
Wear the life jacket you are given and stay seated during the ride.
Bring a zoom lens or use your phone's zoom, as animals stay at a distance.
Keep quiet on the boat to give yourself the best chance of sightings.
Carry a rain layer from June to November, when showers can come quickly.
About Periyar Lake
Periyar Lake was formed in 1895, when the Mullaperiyar Dam was built across the Periyar River. The water flooded part of the forest, and the grey trunks of the drowned trees still stand in the lake today, often with cormorants and darters perched on top. The lake winds between forested hills at the heart of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
The best way to see it is on a Forest Department boat ride of about an hour and a half. From the boat you may see elephants, gaur, sambar deer and wild boar coming down to drink, along with many water birds. Sightings vary from day to day, but the calm water, mist and forest make the trip worthwhile on its own.
Questions
Periyar Lake — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Periyar Lake?
Early morning on the first boat, when mist sits on the water and animals are more likely at the shore; late afternoon for warm light on the dead tree trunks. Sit on the side of the boat facing the shore and take a low, wide photo with the dead tree trunks in front and the forested hills behind.
Is there an entry fee at Periyar Lake?
Entry to Periyar Lake is by boat fee.
What are the opening hours of Periyar Lake?
Periyar Lake is open boat safaris (day).
What should I wear at Periyar Lake?
Khaki, white and forest green photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Periyar Lake get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: early morning on the first boat, when mist sits on the water and animals are more likely at the shore; late afternoon for warm light on the dead tree trunks.
What food should I try near Periyar Lake?
Try appam & stew, available at nearby restaurants.
What is Periyar Lake famous for?
Periyar Lake is famous for its boat rides through the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the dead tree trunks of the drowned forest standing in the water, and the chance to see elephants and other animals at the shore.
How do I book the boat ride on Periyar Lake?
Boat rides are run by the Kerala Forest Department. Book through the official Periyar Tiger Reserve website where possible, as tickets are limited and the early slots sell out first.
Will I see animals on the Periyar boat ride?
Often, but not always. Elephants, gaur, sambar deer and water birds are the most common sightings. Tigers are very rarely seen, and no sighting is guaranteed.
How long is the Periyar Lake boat ride?
Each boat ride usually lasts about 1.5 hours. Allow extra time to reach the boat landing and pass the ticket checks.