Activities

Bird-Watching Tours
With the Periyar River Lodge situated in the midst of Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, bird watching is naturally one of the main focus of activities at the lodge. A trip through this sanctuary would certainly be a treat for any bird watcher with its over 270 species in the relatively small area of 25 sq kms.
The sanctuary, home most notably to the Malabar gray hornbill, does have other exotic birds like the Ceylon frogmouth, Malabar trogon, White-bellied treepie and Heart-spotted woodpecker.

One should see the rare Mottled Wood Owl, Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, Malayan Night Heron, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Rusty-tailed Flycatcher, Grey-headed Bulbul and the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon.
 To ensure our guests have a rewarding bird watching experience, we have partnered with the top of the line tour specialists in the bird watching field in the country.

Adventure Tours
The caretaker at the Lodge, who is also a tour guide, will accompany all guests on their adventure tours.

Half-day tour to the Old ‘Bhoothathankettu’Dam (evil spirits dam)

After breakfast, board the ‘Kettuvalam’ (houseboat) at Kuttampuzha and head for the new dam site at Bhoothathankettu (1 hour boat ride)
 En route on the Kettuvalam, enjoy the serene and tranquil Periyar and its surrounding forests. Sightings of birds are frequent with occasional sightings of wild animals (bison, deer, elephants and many more) on the banks if one gets lucky enough.
 On reaching the new dam site, a short trek of half an hour through the forests beside the Periyar to reach the mythological site of the old dam. Here you will find interesting rock formations in the river, which supposedly formed the mythological dam.
 Return by road to the Lodge for lunch.

Half-day tour to the Peendimedu waterfalls

After breakfast, begin your jeep safari to the Peendimedu waterfalls (a 15-km drive from the lodge).
The jeep route is through the old Munnar forest road, which was used for transporting tea and spices from the plantations in Munnar in yesteryears. This is a scenic route through thick foliage with the river running parallel to the road in many places.
 At Peendimedu waterfalls, one can take a dip in the river’s cool waters and have picnic lunch that will be provided from the Lodge.
 Return to the Lodge in the afternoon by jeep.
 
Full-day tour to the old Bhoothathankettu dam and Peendimedu waterfalls
A trip to the old Bhoothathankettu dam in the morning.
Lunch back at the Lodge.
Jeep safari to Peendimedu waterfalls in the afternoon.
Return to the Lodge late evening.
 
Bicycle Tours
Bicycle tour accompanied by our guide to the nearby plantations (rubber, cocoa, vanilla, pepper, etc.) to get an insight into the farming methods. If anyone is remotely interested in agriculture, this should be a real treat.
Boating & Rafting
A trained guide will accompany guests on all boating and rafting activities.It is compulsory to wear life-jackets provided by the lodge during all rafting and canoeing activities.
Bamboo Rafts
Take a ride on the bamboo rafts, specially constructed to provide comfort and balance to our guests who may be novices in rafting.A highly recommended fun activity.
Country Boats
Take a ride in a country boat on the Periyar. The country boat is used largely by village inhabitants for commuting in the waterways and their fishing expeditions..
Houseboat (' Kettuvallam' )
The “kettuvallam”, a traditional thatch-roofed houseboat, is designed with a private bedroom, attached restroom, and an aesthetically designed sit-out in front of the boat for an up-close view of the surrounding forests and the serene Periyar stretching ahead. Frequent sightings of birds are a real treat. Occasional sightings of wild animals (bisons, deers, elephants,. etc) on the banks are a pleasant treat, if one gets lucky enough. The kettuvallam is the ultimate form of luxury travel on Kerala waterways. The kettuvallam may not be available during July-October when the dam is opened.
Canoes
We also provide canoeing activities in the Periyar near the Lodge.
Other Activities 
Bicycle Tours
Bicycle tour, accompanied by our guide, to the nearby plantations (rubber, cocoa, vanilla, pepper, etc.) to get an insight into the farming methods. If anyone is remotely interested in agriculture, this should be a real treat.
 
Evening Campfire
A campfire, along with dinner outdoors, can be arranged upon request.
 
Fishing
Fishing with line rods on country boats or on the banks of the Periyar adjoining the Lodge.
 
Swimming
A tranquil swim in the Periyar just in front of the Lodge. With the river shallow (only about 4-5 feet deep) and the sandy riverbed, the river here is a great place to have a swim, especially since the Periyar river in these parts is still untainted and unpolluted before it flows to the towns and cities much further downstream.