Periyar is open throughout the year, is best visited between December and May as the water level in the lake recedes, leaving lovely green slopes where animals come down to graze or drink.

We have had remarkable experiences of boat rides at dusk, when scores of elephants, bison and deer stood on the banks of the lake as if in a grand parade. The months immediately preceding theSouth West monsoon (March to May) are the best, but also the most crowded due to the holiday season. The monsoon time of July to September is avoidable as the continuous rains can make sight seeing cumbersome.

To do justice to Thekkady you need to stay for at

least 3 days, if not longer. This will enable you to take 3 to 4 boat rides thus increasing your game spotting chances and also give you time for other activities like trekking or visiting a spice garden. Even if you are pressed for time, going all the way and spending less time would be a shame.