Bamboo Rafting
Run by the reserve’s Periyar Tiger Trust as part of its community eco-tourism. Programme, the bamboo rafting package pairs a raft crossing with jungle walking. An overnight camp option, offering closer access to the forest than the standard boat cruise route. Bamboo Rafting is typically explored in about half day. The best time to visit is October to March. Nearby points of interest include Kodanad Elephant Training Centre, Kalady. Bhoothathankettu Dam and Reservoir. Other notable highlights include former poachers point out tiger footprints.
Bamboo Rafting at a Glance
Essential information about Bamboo Rafting.
Overview
Run by the reserve’s Periyar Tiger Trust as part of its community eco-tourism programme, the bamboo rafting package pairs a raft crossing with jungle walking and an overnight camp option, offering closer access to the forest than the standard boat cruise route. Bamboo Rafting is typically explored in about half day. The best time to visit is October to March. Nearby points of interest include Kodanad Elephant Training Centre, Kalady, and Bhoothathankettu Dam and Reservoir. Other notable highlights include former poachers point out tiger footprints, raft glides silently past submerged tree trunks, and watch otters fish near lake edge. It falls within Thekkady, Idukki district, and Kerala, India.
Highlights
- Former poachers point out tiger footprints
- Raft glides silently past submerged tree trunks
- Watch otters fish near lake edge
- Break for tea beside ancient cardamom plants
- Spot elephant herd drinking at far bank
- End trek at tribal viewpoint over ghats
Getting There
Things To Do
Nature Walk through Periyar Tiger Reserve
Before or after the raft ride, walk on designated forest trails inside the reserve, passing through dense tropical evergreen and moist deciduous forests. Your guide will point out animal tracks, medicinal plants, and the unique flora of the Western Ghats.
1.5 hours
Birdwatching at Periyar Lake's Edge
With over 260 bird species recorded, the lake margins are prime spots for spotting great hornbills, kingfishers, egrets, and the rare Nilgiri woodpigeon. Early morning is best; your raft guide will often pause for quiet observation.
1 hour (included in rafting)
Visit the Mangala Devi Temple Viewpoint (with prior permit)
On clear days, a short detour from the rafting trail leads to a viewpoint overlooking the temple ruins of Mangala Devi, a 12th-century stone shrine hidden in the hills. Permits are limited and arranged by the forest department; the view of the lake and cardamom valleys is breathtaking.
1 hour (additional trek)
Tribal Heritage Interaction at the Raft Launch Point
Before boarding, spend time with the local Mannan tribal community members who build and steer the rafts. They demonstrate how bamboo is seasoned, tied with coir rope, and made buoyant, and share stories of their traditional forest livelihood.
30 minutes
Guided Bamboo Rafting on Periyar Lake
Glide silently on a traditional bamboo raft across the still waters of Periyar Lake, watching for elephants, sambar deer, and rare birds along the forested shoreline. This is the core experience, led by a trained tribal guide who shares insights on the ecosystem.
3 hours (including safety briefing)
Sunset Photography at Thekkady Viewpoint (near the rafting base)
After your rafting session, walk to the elevated viewpoint near the boat landing at Thekkady, offering panoramic views of the lake against the Cardamom Hills. The golden hour light on the water and forest makes for memorable photographs without any extra trekking.
45 minutes
Travel Tips
Carry your own life jackets and insist on proper fitting
Standard jackets may be loose or worn out. Check that each person’s jacket is buckled snugly, and for seniors or non-swimmers, request an extra cushion or a boat escort alongside the raft for added safety.
Wear lightweight, quick-dry clothing and non-slip sandals
You will sit low on the raft and may get splashes, so avoid heavy cotton or sarees. Slip-on water shoes or sandals with a back strap are best, and keep a dry change of clothes in a waterproof bag for after the ride.
Arrange seating and boarding support in advance
The raft is flat and low, but stepping on and off can be tricky. Ask the operator for a firm handhold or a small stool, and have two group members board first to help others settle on the bamboo logs.
Book the morning slot to avoid heat and crowds
Start your bamboo rafting trip early, around 8 to 9 AM, when the backwaters are calm and the sun is gentle. This is easier on senior travellers and gives the group a quieter, more peaceful experience.
Keep the trip short and combine with a calm lunch stop
A 45-minute rafting ride is plenty for most groups; do not opt for the longer route unless everyone is comfortable. After the ride, choose a nearby riverside restaurant for a relaxed lunch, and carry water and light snacks to prevent fatigue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is very safe, as the water is shallow (usually 3 to 6 feet) and the raft moves slowly. All licensed operators provide well-maintained life jackets for every passenger, including children and seniors, and a trained guide is always on board. Do check that the jacket is snugly fastened before you sit down, and ask the guide about the emergency procedure just in case.
Yes, the ride itself is gentle and seated, with a guide poling the raft along calm backwaters, so you don't need to paddle. However, you must be able to step down into the raft from a low jetty and sit cross-legged or on a small wooden plank for about an hour. Inform the operator in advance if you have knee or balance issues, as they can arrange a stable boarding point and extra cushions.
A typical rafting session lasts 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the stretch of the backwaters you choose. The best time is early morning (7:30 to 9:30 am) when the water is calm and bird activity is high, or late afternoon (3:30 to 5:30 pm) to avoid the harsh midday sun. Avoid going right after heavy rain, as currents can be stronger.
Wear quick-dry clothing or light cotton, and avoid heavy denim or saris that can get heavy when wet. Carry a small waterproof pouch for your phone, camera, and medicines, plus sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle. Most operators provide life jackets, but you may want to bring a small towel and a change of clothes for after the ride.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Bamboo Rafting
Day 1
Arrive in Thekkady and settle into the serene surroundings of the spice-laden hills. Spend the afternoon on a relaxed boat cruise along Periyar Lake to spot wildlife and soak in the jungle vistas. In the evening, take a short nature walk near the lake’s edge before a quiet dinner.
- Afternoon boat cruise on Periyar Lake (2 hours, watch for elephants, bison, and birds)
- Guided nature walk along the lakeside trail (1 hour, learn about local flora and fauna)
- Evening visit to the Spice Market in Thekkady town (sample cardamom, pepper, and vanilla)
Day 2
Start early for the highlight of your trip—a guided bamboo-raft adventure across the calm waters of Periyar Lake, followed by a short trek through the dense evergreen forest. The rafting is slow-paced and safe, perfect for seniors, with a naturalist explaining the ecosystem. After lunch, enjoy a cultural performance and a leisurely drive back through the hills.
- Early morning bamboo rafting trip (2.5 hours, includes life jackets and paddling assistance)
- Guided forest trek through the buffer zone of Periyar Tiger Reserve (1.5 hours, moderate pace, with rest stops)
- Post-lunch visit to a local Kathakali or Kalaripayattu performance (1 hour, cultural show)
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