Thekkady in Kerala is famous for Periyar National Park. Thekkady is well known for its wildlife sanctuary, spice plantations, and boating in the lake. Thekkady is one of the best places in India to do bamboo rafting and explore wild life activities . The concept of Bamboo rafting in Thekkady owes its existence to these simple rafts built and used by the tribals in the sanctuary and even now only tribals are permitted inside the Periyar wildlife sanctuary in Kerala.
What are Bamboo Rafts ?
Bamboo rafts are like fast t boats for traveling down rivers through manual oaring and is made with bamboos that float over river water. They can help tribals cross rivers easily and smoothly. Additionally, bamboo rafts can be used for catching fish to provide tribals with food.
Bamboo Rafting in Thekkady Periyar Kerala- Photo Tour
Full-day bamboo rafting and hiking adventure in Thekkady’s Periyar Tiger Reserve starts at 8 AM. The journey in real bamboo rafts made by tribals explores diverse habitats, leading to bamboo rafts at the boat landing. The three-hour rafting experience offers stunning views of forested hills reflecting in the lake, with chances to spot elephants, gaurs, and sambars if you are lucky. Accompanied by an armed guard and four guides, groups of up to 15 tourists at a time can enjoy tea, snacks, and a packed lunch during the excursion. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, this program provides a beautiful encounter with the natural wonders of the area. The team returns to the boat landing by approximately 5 pm.
Here is a Photo Tour of Bamboo Rafting in Thekkady Periyar Kerala shared by Bozidar Dragisic a guest from Croatia who visited Kerala whose testimonial about customised Kerala holiday package you can find here. You can find photos from his travels all across the world at his website – https://www.putovanjenavrh.com/
During their stay at Thekkady, visitors can try various activities like boat cruises on Periyar Lake, nature hikes, wildlife viewing, and exploring spice gardens. One must-try activity during your stay is bamboo rafting in Thekkady.
A Unique Journey: Bamboo Rafting in Thekkady
Bamboo rafting in Thekkady promises to be a unique and unforgettable experience. You can sail over the turquoise waters on a handcrafted bamboo boat. Craftsmen build the rafts by tying several bamboo logs together to form a floatable raft. These rafts are sturdy and are a beautiful way to explore the backwaters. Rafting point from which rafting starts after the 4 kilometer trek. Bamboo rafting is an amazing and fresh experience. The fact that we’re sitting at water level makes for a more intimate encounter with the water in the lake. In fact, the middle of the raft lies so low in the water, a puddle forms there and sometime the middle of the raft is below water with guests sitting on both side. More pictures from rafting below. During the raft ride, you can see hills covered by forests and spots. You can spot animals like elephants, gaur, and sambar deer near the shore.
ALSO SEE-Thekkady Boating-Online Booking, Timings, Cost, Fare for Foreigners and Indians (Updated)
Rafting through the lake promises to be a thrilling experience as you make your way through the Periyar forest. As you paddle along the lake, you will feel the cool, fresh water splashing on your face. Bamboo rafting in Thekkady can be attempted by anyone with basic fitness, ensuring almost anyone can enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The scenery during this trekking and rafting tour is really exhilirating and amorous, and the best point to enjoy this is enjoy it from than the languidly floating bamboo raft when you are floating in the water and rafts are partially submerged in the water, making for a tactile encounter with the lake.
Thekkady lake was created when the Mullaperiyar dam was built over a century ago and water was collected in the forest areas. The projecting arms of trees are silent reminders of the Mullaperiyar dam and is seen only in periyar lake.
ALSO SEE-Best Things to do in Thekkady
Trained experts will guide you during your trip and help you navigate the pristine waters of bamboo rafting in Thekkady. The dawn-to-mid-afternoon activity promises to create memories of a lifetime.
ALSO SEE-Best Time to Visit Thekkady
You will embark on a unique journey from the boat landing point and go on a 8 to 10-kilometer rafting adventure. After disembarking, you will hike through the dense sanctuary back to the starting point. Here are some of the photos from the hike after Bamboo Rafting in Thekkady Periyar Kerala. One of the guides showing us a bone. Lot of these guides are ex-poachers who have been rehabilitated as a part of eco-tourism programmes.
This is a combined trekking and rafting tour and trekking involves a four kilometer walk to the point of bamboo rafts boarding.Here are some snaps on the way.
During the hike in forests after Bamboo rafting in Thekkady, soak in the mesmerising view of lush green forests, majestic mountains, and extraordinary views. Each forest has distinct smells and sounds. Keep your ears open and hear the birds singing or monkeys chattering.
The trekking route through forest lands is frequented by animals and here are some animal Footprints on the way.
Try to smell the earthy-damp leaves, the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers, or the subtle scent of moss-covered rocks.Whether you share this unique journey with friends or family, you will definitely make memories that will last a lifetime at bamboo rafting in Thekkady.
You can spot were bison in the distance, langur and wild pigs on the way during the trek. Tigers hunt the bison and you can see the heads and bones of the bison on the way. A bison probably eaten by a tiger who is resting at a place not far away from the place we are trekking through
Periyar is a veritable paradise of elephants. Herds of playful wild elephants can be seen near the Periyar lake, their favorite haunt for frolicking in the water.
Trekking back through the lands and there are lot of animal photograph opportunities after rafting on the way.
Things to know about Bamboo Rafting in Peiyar Lake Thekkady
Bamboo rafting is a full day program from morning 8AM to 5PM
-
- Start point: Tribal Trackers office near Bamboo Grove
- End point: Tribal Trackers office near Bamboo Grove
- Time
- Slot 1: 7.30 AM to 12.30 PM.
- Slot 2 9 AM to 2 PM
- Capacity: 2 min: 6 Max
- Meals: Packed breakfast/lunch
- Children below 10 are not allowed.
- Report 15 minutes before the journey
- Park entry and bus charges are extra
- Wearing life jackets is mandatory.
- Charges are Rs. 2000 per person or Rs. 4000/- per trip.
Things to carry for the Bamboo Rafting Tour in Thekkady
-
-
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes,
- Change of clothes
- Valid ID card
- Torch or flashlight
- Personal Toiletries
- Towel, napkin, or hand towel
- Sunscreen/ lotion
- Musquito protection
- Hat/cap
-
Rules to Follow for Bamboo Rafting Tour in Thekkady
-
-
- Animal sighting is purely a matter of chance, you need to be patient.
- Do not leave trash.
- Remember the animals have the right of way in the forest.
- Do not provoke animals, and keep a safe distance.
- Appreciate the sights and sounds of the forest.
- Dress in colors that complement the surroundings.
- Do not disturb animals while taking photographs.
- Do not feed wild animals.
- Respect local customs
- Avoid talking loudly or hearing loud music.
- Don’t honk, drive under the posted speed limit, and do not startle the animals.
- If camping recycles your waste, bring back all non-biodegradable trash.
- Taking no plants or animals, including cuttings, seeds, or roots is prohibited.
- Smoking and lighting fires are prohibited. Accidental forest fires result in permanent damage.
- According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, carrying firearms or flammable materials is severely forbidden and is penalized by law.
- Obey instructions of guides and forest officials.
-
Concluding Thoughts
Bamboo Rafting followed by a pleasant 5 km jungle walk escorted by an armed forest guards is a moderate wild life experience. Following the walk, there’s a small rest area for a packed breakfast (vegetarian sandwich, fruits, and water). Our guest suggest carrying essential items in a small bag that can fit inside the provided breakfast backpack along with a a hat for the trek. The walk through the jungle is beautiful and you can definitely enjoy the sightings of birds and other small animals.
Bozidar toured with us on a 14 days tour and his New Year eve was on Meesapulimala in Munnar . You can checkout our 14 days tour packages to Kerala here
