Sabarimala
Just 75 kilometres from Sabarimala, the Periyar Tiger Reserve around Thekkady is one of Kerala's finest wildlife sanctuaries and one of India's most celebrated. A boat cruise on the Periyar Lake watches herds of wild elephants come to the water's edge to drink, while tiger, gaur, and sambar move through the surrounding forest. It is the perfect companion experience to the Sabarimala pilgrimage for nature lovers.
The morning boat departures at 7 AM see the most elephant activity. Book through KTDC or the Periyar Tiger Reserve office directly — private operators vary in quality.