Introduction

Bamboo rafting conjures up images of a Robinson Crusoe-like wild island dissected by streams and waterfalls, where the only mode of transport is makeshift bamboo rafts. An authentic way of traversing the jungles, we have grown up to associate this form of transportation with forest adventure courtesy the classic books and movies that have captured the imagination of generations. Climb onto a bamboo raft and set out to explore the Periyar wildness the way ancient tribes did. This unique wildlife experience begins at 0800 hours from the Boat Landing Point in Thekkady; a mosaic of habitats will be traversed before you get onto your rafts made of bamboo. The activity packs together a dawn to dusk range hiking and rafting program through some of the richest forest tracts of Periyar Tiger Reserve. This unique trip shows you the core areas of the jungle and also the non-tourism zones opening up wonderful opportunities of wildlife sighting.

At one point you will be faced with a brilliant panoramic view of the Periyar Lake and undulating surroundings. A maximum of ten tourists can be accommodated in one slot, accompanied by five guides and one armed guard. Begin with a two-hour long trek, an hour and a half long rafting up Periyar Lake, and follow it up with a hearty meal in the jungle. After the halt for lunch, you will return in the same manner to the starting point of the excursion at approx. 1700 hours. During this trail, you will drift through pristine wilderness, spot large mammals, birds and indigenous people fishing in the lake. The guide will even help you identify the flora and fauna along the way. Keep your binoculars handy, there will be ample scope of spotting herd of elephants, tigers, leopards, bison deer, wild boar, wild dogs and a diversity of birds. You could even catch sight of the elusive giant squirrel and the rare Nilgiri langur among other exotic species. Tea and snack breaks en-route will keep you suitably fortified during this jungle expedition.

The most adventurous part of bamboo rafting will be braving the leeches that come out in numbers especially in the month of November. As soon you take your seat on the raft, the raft and your feet disappear under water, and from a distance one would reckon that you are flitting on water. And in the process if you attract a leech or two, cover them with powdered tobacco and they will fall off. Leeches drop even if salted. For this measure, you will be provided with leech proof socks that cover up to the knees, with tobacco (snuff) powder sprinkled liberally on the shoes and leech socks. And if you still get some in your shoes, they would be lifeless and inactive! Suggested footwear: heavy trainers or walking boots.

Special Attributes

Bamboo rafting is an authentic way of experiencing the Periyar wilderness.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

You can take a bus to Kumily either from Kottayam (about 4 hours) or Ernakulam (approx. 6 hours). At the Kumily bus stop, there are ample minibuses to take you to the park. Local transport such as auto-rickshaw takes you to your hotel of stay in Thekkady.

Enjoyed by

Backpackers

Exposure

You will not be under the sun very much, because you will be floating on the Periyar Lake that meanders through a dense forest.

Avoidable Season

June, July, August

Facilities

You will be served packed lunch along the way. Besides, there will be tea and snack breaks en-route. The raft will have five guides and one armed guard.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

Every one hour it is advisable to sprinkle tobacco powder on your shoes and leech socks so that it remains effective.

Type of site

Rafting on Periyar Lake, Thekkady