Periyar on a cruise

The Periyar cruise is one of the most popular, easily packaged but jostling experiences to see the animals at the edge of the lake. The fact that you get to sit in a large ferry and roam the Periyar Lake is enticing, but one needs to be prepared for the wait and rush on this trip. You are likely to see elephants at the edge of the lake and bird life within. The most intriguing scene is the sight of dry branches jutting out of the placid water. The forest department and KTDC operate the double-decker boats and the ticket counters are together in the main building above the boat jetty. In high season, get to the ticket office 1½ hours before each trip to ensure that you get a seat, as more than 300 people are slotted to sit on the same round. The entry process involves proper security check before boarding. Due to this, the 1.5 hours boat ride can stretch to over a 2.5 hours. The early morning and last departure is the best time for wildlife spotting. As the rest of the state, October to March is the best period to visit the forest.